During the 2026 Midwinter Meeting Keynote Session, the Chicago Dental Society (CDS) recognized Spencer Bloom, DDS, and Robert Edwab, DDS, MBA, for their contributions to the profession. Dr. Bloom received the Chicago Dental Society Foundation Vision Award, while Dr. Edwab was presented with the Gordon J. Christensen Lecturer Recognition Award at the Midwinter Meeting.
The awards recognize each honoree’s dedication to scientific advancement, philanthropic service, volunteerism and commitment to improving oral health and patient care.
“We are so excited and proud to recognize Dr. Spencer Bloom and Dr. Robert Edwab for their exceptional contributions to dentistry,” said Dr. Philip Schefke, 2026 CDS president. “Their accomplishments as dental professionals are admirable, but even more so, is their commitment to advocating for underserved communities and dedication to advancing the profession. These awards are a testament to the impact they've made on their peers, patients and the future of dentistry.”
The CDS Foundation Vision Award honors individuals whose work in volunteering, enhancing access to care and fostering dental education in underserved communities reflects integrity, honesty and public trust in the profession.
For more than 40 years, Dr. Bloom has been active in organized dentistry at multiple levels. His leadership roles have included serving on the board of the CDS Northwest Side Branch as secretary, treasurer, vice-president and branch president. He has also contributed to CDS committees including membership and scientific programming, and has served as director of the Dent-IL PAC and as a delegate for the American Dental Association, Academy of General Dentistry, Illinois Academy of General Dentistry and Illinois State Dental Society.
His advocacy efforts have included championing resolutions such as lobbying to preserve the ADA Library and working to protect patients from insurance denials.
Dr. Bloom has also volunteered through ISDS Mission of Mercy events, Dental Lifeline, Dental Access Days and the CDS Foundation Free Dental Clinic in Wheaton. In addition, his artistic contributions have raised thousands of dollars for the Academy of General Dentistry Foundation, Illinois State Dental Society Foundation and the CDS Foundation.
A graduate of the University of Illinois School of Dentistry, Dr. Bloom has pursued extensive continuing education in dentures, overdentures, root canal therapy, periodontics, TMJ, adult orthodontics and cosmetic dentistry. He opened his practice in Chicago in 1983 and has emphasized ongoing education and the integration of new technology to support patient care.
The Gordon J. Christensen Lecturer Recognition Award, named in honor of Dr. Christensen, recognizes individuals who have made outstanding contributions to dentistry and to the Midwinter Meeting.
Dr. Edwab is a professor in the Jack Welch Management Institute’s MBA program through Strayer University and is a board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeon with more than four decades of experience. He has served on the faculties of New York Medical College and the New York University College of Dentistry.
A frequent presenter of hands-on oral surgery workshops for general practitioners at major dental conferences worldwide, Dr. Edwab focuses on procedures commonly encountered in general practice. He is known for his humor, enthusiasm and ability to simplify surgical concepts.
For 25 years, he has served as a clinical speaker at the CDS Midwinter Meeting. He is also recognized for his leadership of the Greater New York Dental Meeting, where, as former owner and executive director, he grew the event into one of the largest healthcare and dental meetings in the United States and fostered international partnerships within the global dental community.
CDS is the largest local component of the American Dental Association and represents dentists across the Chicago region. Through extensive continuing education programming, including the Midwinter Meeting, the Society supports clinicians in staying current with trends and technology. Ranking among Chicago’s top 20 conventions, the Midwinter Meeting is one of North America’s largest exhibits of dental products and professional dentistry, typically welcoming nearly 25,000 dental professionals each year and generating more than $32 million for the local economy, according to Choose Chicago.
Guided by a belief that all families should have access to quality oral healthcare, the CDS Foundation has awarded more than $1 million to local dental clinics and programs supporting access to care, with CDS members contributing both funds and volunteer time to advance those efforts.
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