Penn Dental Medicine’s Morton Amsterdam Dean, Mark S. Wolff, has been recognized by the Shils Entrepreneurial Fund, Inc. as one of this year’s recipients of its Innovation Awards. These annual awards recognize individuals, organizations, and programs that have made a significant impact on the oral health community and public health overall. This year’s awards were presented at a ceremony held October 19 at Penn Dental Medicine, which also marked the Shils Fund’s 20th anniversary.

“For 20 years, the Shils Foundation has identified, and helped elevate, individuals who are making a difference in oral health,” said Steve Kess, president of Shils Fund and vice president of global professional relations at Henry Schein. “Together, we will continue to recognize, develop, and connect oral health care’s most innovative minds with the right leadership.”

Dean Wolff, one of four recipients this year, received the Cohen-Volpe Award, which honors D. Walter Cohen and Anthony Volpe, and is given to those who have made innovative strides in the health care space. In particular, the award recognized Dean Wolff’s innovative approach to re-establishing the generational relationship between Hebrew University and University o Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine, and for outstanding leadership on behalf of individuals and communities in need.

“It is an honor to receive this award and celebrate our ties with Hebrew University through it,” said Dean Wolff.

The Shils Entrepreneurial Fund was founded in 2022, honoring the pioneering vision of Edward B. Shils, who had strong ties with Penn and the dental industry. Dr. Shils earned six degrees at Penn and was the founder of the Wharton Entrepreneurial Center. He served on Penn Dental Medicine’s Board of Advisors from 2002 until his death in 2004, and for more than 50 years, he shared his entrepreneurial vision and passion for education with the dental industry as executive director of two trade associations—the Dental Manufacturers of America (now the Dental Trade Alliance) and the Dental Dealers of America.