Daniel J. Thomas, DDS, MS, President of Periodontal Specialists of Kansas and Missouri, is Among 100 Honored by NECO with Ellis Island Medal of Honor

New York, NY (PRWEB) May 31, 2007 -- Daniel J. Thomas, President of Periodontal Specialists, in the States of Kansas and Missouri, is among 100 people that were honored by NECO (National Ethnic Coalition of Organizations) for his exceptional contributions during the Ellis Island Medals of Honor ceremony, on Saturday, May 12, 2007. NECO, founded in 1986, pays tribute to the ancestry groups that comprise American's unique cultural mosaic. NECO awards the "Ellis Island Medal of Honor" to outstanding individuals who lead a lifestyle dedicated to community service, exhibit interests for the preservation of cultural groups and to those who share and contribute through personal and professional achievements toward the overall benefit of society. The Ellis Island ceremony starts with an elegant and festive Welcome Cocktail Reception where all medalists meet one another. Following the ceremony, the Gala Dinner is held in the beautifully restored Great Hall on Ellis Island, capped by a stunning display of fireworks, which are presented by Grucci.

Each year, the Ellis Island Medals of Honor ceremony celebrates the immigrant experience on Ellis Island, through which millions of immigrants passed on their way to a new life in America. Both the United States Senate and House of Representatives have officially passed resolutions recognizing the Ellis Island Medals of Honor, which ranks among this country's most prestigious awards. The Ellis Island Medal of Honor recipients are listed in the Congressional Record, honoring those who have made enduring contributions to our nation and to the world.

2007 Ellis Island Medal of Honor recipient, Daniel J. Thomas was born in Bangalore, India, where he attended the Government Dental College. In 1984 he left the security and familiarity of his home country and immigrated to the United States. In 1985 he attended the University Of Missouri Kansas City School Of Dentistry. Along with his DDS (Doctor of Dental Surgery), Thomas also earned Certificates in Periodontics, Implant Dentistry and Conscious Sedation. He earned a Master's of Science degree in Oral Biology. Dr. Thomas made significant achievements beyond the mandatory educational requirements of the specialty and was certified by the American Board of Periodontology as a Diplomat.

Daniel J. Thomas is currently President and CEO of Periodontal Specialists, a periodontal group practice which employs several board certified dental specialists, registered dental hygienists, surgical assistants, scaling assistants and several support personnel who provide non surgical and surgical care to thousands of patients in Kansas and Missouri. He also serves as CEO of a large pediatric dental specialty group practice serving patients in both Kansas and Missouri. Dr. Thomas has proven his commitment not only to the field of dentistry but also to philanthropy and aiding the less fortunate. For several years, he has been involved in pro-bono social work, treating homeless, handicapped and mentally challenged individuals.

Dr. Thomas has devoted his medical expertise to teaching at the UMKC School of Dentistry as an Associate professor in the Department of Periodontics. His erudite articles have been published in esteemed periodontal journals both in the United States and abroad. His knowledge is sought after by several leading dental associations and professional clubs such as the American Academy of Periodontology where he has been invited to give presentations. Dr. Thomas has served as a Representative to the American Student Dental Association, as Delegate of the Missouri Student Dental Association and finally as an expert witness in Periodontics in Kansas. He was also elected to Omicron Delta Kappa National Leadership Honor Society.

Dr. Thomas has served as President of the Heart of America Dental Society and is currently the President of the Heartland Dental Society. He is also on the Dental Advisory Committee for Blue Cross and Blue Shield. As the founder and Vice President of the Indian American Republican Council, he provides a platform for Indian Americans to work with the Republican Party and participate actively at local, state and Federal levels nationwide in the formulation of policies that are of importance to the community and to the country.

Because of his many achievements and his ability to touch individuals, Dr. Thomas has been honored at this year's ceremony at the historic Ellis Island in New York City. He has now joined the honored ranks of past recipients such as former American presidents--Bill Clinton, George Bush, Ronald Reagan, Jimmy Carter, and Gerald Ford as well as other famed individuals such as Frank Sinatra, Donald Trump, Lee Iacocca, and Barbara Walters, whose success has been an inspiration for him in his adopted homeland.

Additional recipients of 2007 Ellis Island Medals of Honor include: Her Excellency Sheikha Haya Rashed Al Khalifa, President of the 61st Session of the United Nations General Assembly; Rev. John I. Jenkins, C.S.C., President of the University of Notre Dame, U.S. Congressman Tom Lantos, Chairman of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs and Founder and Co Chairman of the Congressional Human Rights Caucus; Leslie Crocker Snyder, former New York State Supreme Court Judge; and Guillermo Linares, Commissioner of the Mayor's Office of Immigrant Affairs.

###