GALVESTON COUNTY, Texas – Galveston County residents who utilize dental services at Coastal Health & Wellness (CHW) are under the care of one of the best dentists in Texas, according to the Texas Academy of General Dentistry (TAGD). The organization recently named CHW Dental Director Dr. Beverly Foster one of 17 finalists for Texas Dentist of the Year. Hundreds of dentists are considered for the award, regarded as the most prestigious honor a Texas dentist can earn.
“It was a great honor to be nominated for such an award,” Dr. Foster said. “The Texas Academy of General Dentistry made the nominees feel truly special by giving us the red carpet treatment at the awards ceremony.”
Dr. Foster, a native of Hitchcock, Texas who has served as CHW dental director for more than 11 years, was presented a finalist plaque during TAGD’s annual Lone Star Dental Conference in Austin in September.
“We are very blessed to have Dr. Foster serving the residents of Galveston County,” said Dr. Milton Howard, chairman of the CHW Governing Board. “She’s been a tremendous dental director and continues to gain knowledge that will make the clinic even more successful as we move into the future.”
Among Dr. Foster’s other honors this year are the Texas Dental Association Service Recognition Award President District 9 and the Ninth District Dental Society President Award 2014-2015. Dr. Foster has also been recognized by the Galveston County Health District for her service and commitment to those in need throughout the community and for her work in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina and Ike.
Dr. Foster graduated from Georgetown University School of Dentistry in 1990 with her Doctorate of Dental Surgery then went on to earn her Community Health Center Executive Fellowship from the University of Kansas Medical Center in 2014. Dr. Foster has also served as secretary/treasurer, and past president of the Ninth District Dental Society.
About the Texas Academy of General Dentistry
The Texas Academy of General Dentistry is the second largest dental organization in Texas. Its nearly 2,700 members are dedicated to continuing dental education and providing quality dental care in general practice. It is the only association that exclusively represents the needs and interests of general dentists who are the primary care provider for patients of all ages and are responsible for the diagnosis, treatment, management, and overall coordination of services related to patients’ oral health needs. For more information about the TAGD, visit www.TAGD.org.
About Costal Health & Wellness
Coastal Health & Wellness (CHW) is a Community Health Center (CHC) that provides primary care, counseling, and dental services for Galveston County residents through federal and county funding along with patient fees. Under federal guidelines, an 11 member policy-making board, comprised of a consumer majority, sets policies for the clinics. CHW operations are executed by the Galveston County Health District which also oversees EMS and other traditional public health services. Having a CHC in Galveston County leverages county dollars funding indigent primary healthcare. Learn more about CHW at www.coastalhw.org.
About the Galveston County Health District
The Galveston County Health District (GCHD) is a distinct governmental entity and is unique as it oversees two major operations under two separate and distinct policy-making boards: (1) the United Board of Health appointed by Galveston County and cities to set policy for health department services and (2) the Coastal Health & Wellness Governing Board, on which the majority of members are consumers who set policy for the FQHC operations in accordance with federal requirements. Additionally, the district oversees services under three distinct tax ID's: Galveston County Health District, which funds services related to public health, animal control, financial screening for the Galveston County indigent healthcare program, and air and water monitoring services. Coastal Health & Wellness, which provides medical, dental and mental health counseling services to Galveston County residents, and Galveston Area Ambulance Authority which provides emergency and non-emergency ambulance services to contracted agencies within Galveston County. Learn more about GCHD at www.GCHD.org.
Media Contact: Scott Packard, Public Information Officer
(409) 938-2211 (o) / (409) 392-0007 (c) / spackard@gchd.org
