Dental Lifeline Network is pleased to recognize the accomplishments of Dr. Francis (Frank) G. Martello, the 2021 recipient of the Louisiana Dental Association (LDA) Humanitarian Award.
The LDA’s Humanitarian Award recognizes dentists who have distinguished themselves through outstanding dental service activities in the United States or abroad. Dr. Martello was selected because he embraces common moral decencies such as altruism, integrity, freedom, justice, honesty, truthfulness, responsibility, and compassion, he respects and embraces human diversity, and he works to improve the lives of those in need through selfless, courageous, creative, and compassionate acts.
Dr. Martello’s altruism shines through his community involvement and his commitment to sharing his craft. As a longtime DLN volunteer, founding DLN • Louisiana board member and past DLN • LA board president, Dr. Martello has donated more than $200,400 in treatment since the program’s inception in 1987 to help individuals with disabilities, who are elderly, or who are considered medically fragile who otherwise could not afford it.
Dr. Martello has also been a member of the LDA, the American Dental Association (ADA), and the New Orleans Dental Association (NODA) for 43 years. He served as the president of NODA in 1993 and the secretary in 1987-1988. He has a private practice in uptown New Orleans and is a clinical associate professor at the LSU School of Dentistry.
“Dr. Martello is truly deserving of this prestigious award,” said Fred Leviton, CEO of Dental Lifeline Network. “We are grateful for his continued commitment to donating dental services to vulnerable individuals, for his devotion to the dental profession, and his dedication to his community.”
Louisiana is one of the many states where DLN supports vulnerable patients in need — entirely possible thanks to its network of volunteer dentists and the Louisiana Dental Association.
Dr. Martello is one of 388 volunteer dentists and 80 volunteer laboratories that have contributed more than $11.6 million in donated dental treatment to more than 5,400 patients in need in Louisiana.
For more information on becoming a volunteer go to: willyouseeone.org.
