Lieutenant Jane Han, DMD
The American Association of Women Dentists (AAWD) awarded Lt. Jane Han (U.S. Navy), DMD, with the 2018 Federal Services Award on October 6, 2018, during the 97th AAWD Annual Conference. The Federal Services Award recognizes the achievements made by an AAWD member dentist in the Federal Services arena. The award is presented to a woman dentist who exhibits role model qualities that positively reflect the image of women dentists and commitment to the profession.
Dr. Jane Han grew up in Jacksonville, Florida, where she attended the University of North Florida. She gained a deep appreciation for the opportunities given to her and wanted to give back to our country, so she joined the U.S. Navy through the Health Professions Scholarship Program. Dr. Han earned her Doctor of Dental Medicine degree from the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine. Upon graduation, she commissioned as a lieutenant and worked as a general dentist at Marine Corp Recruit Depot Parris Island in Beaufort, South Carolina. Dr. Han currently serves aboard the USS New York, homeported in Mayport, Florida. She has taken a special interest in tobacco cessation among the sailors and marines.
In her nomination, Dr. Han was praised for being a “role model for all sailors to aspire to become. Along with providing the best dental care to her crew, she always volunteers for extra duties to foster teamwork and inclusiveness.” In addition to providing dental care, Dr. Han has demonstrated her commitment to dentistry by mentoring U.S. Navy corpsmen and Marines, who plan to apply to dental school in the future.
As the only female department head, Dr. Han is a role model for other women in the Navy, as she encourages and inspires them to higher leadership positions.
For more information about the American Association of Women Dentists or about the Federal Services Award, contact the AAWD national office at 800-920-2293 or send an email to awards@aawd.org.