26 February 2026

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The Chicago Dental Society Recognizes Dr. Spencer Bloom and Dr. Robert Edwab at the Midwinter Meeting

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During the 2026 Midwinter Meeting Keynote Session, the Chicago Dental Society (CDS) honored Dr. Spencer Bloom, DDS, and Dr. Robert Edwab, DDS, MBA, for their extraordinary contributions to the field of dentistry. Dr. Bloom was presented with the Chicago Dental Society Foundation Vision Award, and Dr. Edwab received the Gordon J. Christensen Lecturer Recognition Award.

These awards recognize each honoree’s outstanding dedication to scientific advancement, philanthropic service, volunteerism and their ongoing 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 is presented to individuals whose commitment to volunteering, enhancing access to dental care and fostering dental education in underserved communities demonstrates the highest levels of integrity, honesty and public trust in the profession. 

For over 40 years, Dr. Bloom served as a leader and advocate for organized dentistry at every level, including on the board of the CDS Northwest Side Branch where he’s held positions as the secretary, Treasurer, Vice-President and Branch President. He has served on several CDS committees, including membership and scientific programming, and has held leadership roles as the Director of the Dent IL PAC and as a delegate for the American Dental Association (ADA), Academy of General Dentistry (AGD), Illinois Academy of General Dentistry (ILAGD) and Illinois State Dental Society (ISDS). His advocacy efforts have been instrumental in championing resolutions, such as lobbying to preserve the ADA Library and protecting patients from insurance denials. 

Dr. Bloom generously volunteers his time and expertise through ISDS Mission of Mercy events, Dental Lifeline, Dental Access Days and the CDS Foundation Free Dental Clinic in Wheaton. He is also recognized for his philanthropy through his artistic contributions, which have raised thousands of dollars for Academy of General Dentistry Foundation (AGDF), Illinois State Dental Society Foundation (ISDSF) and the CDS Foundation. 

Dr. Bloom’s dedication to the dental profession spans over four decades. A graduate of the University of Illinois School of Dentistry, he has completed extensive continuing education in dentures, overdentures, root canal therapy, periodontics, TMJ, adult orthodontics and cosmetic dentistry. He believes in continually advancing his knowledge and embracing new technology to deliver the highest quality of care to his patients. Dr. Bloom opened his dental practice in Chicago in 1983.

The Gordon J. Christensen Lecturer Recognition Award, named in honor of Dr. Christensen, is presented to those who have made outstanding contributions to dentistry and the Midwinter Meeting.

 Dr. Robert Edwab is a professor in the Jack Welch Management Institute’s MBA program through Strayer University and a recognized leader in clinical surgery, global education and executive management. A Board Certified Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon with more than four decades of experience, Dr. Edwab has served on the faculties of New York Medical College and the New York University College of Dentistry. 

He is a highly regarded lecturer who presents hands on oral surgery workshops for general practitioners at major dental conferences around the world. His workshops focus on the procedures general dentists routinely encounter, and he is known for his humor, enthusiasm and ability to simplify surgical concepts. 

For the past 25 years, Dr. Edwab has served as a renowned clinical speaker at the Chicago Dental Society Midwinter Meeting. He is also widely recognized for his transformative leadership of the Greater New York Dental Meeting. As its former Owner and Executive Director, he grew the event into one of the largest healthcare and dental meetings in the United States, fostering international partnerships to strengthen the global dental community.

About the Chicago Dental Society 

Trust a Chicago Dental Society (CDS) dentist with more than just your smile. Talk with them and you'll see their work is an investment in not just your oral health, but your overall health. They are current on the dental trends and technology through extensive CDS continuing education programs, including the Midwinter Meeting. Ranking among Chicago’s top 20 conventions, the CDS Midwinter Meeting – one of North America’s largest exhibits of dental products and professional dentistry – typically welcomes nearly 25,000 dental professionals each year and generates more than $32 million for the local economy (according to Choose Chicago). The largest local component of the American Dental Association, the non-profit Chicago Dental Society represents dentists across the Chicago region.

 About the Chicago Dental Society Foundation 

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 that help get people the dental care they need. CDS members donate funds and time to the Foundation, and those resources are used to improve the public’s access to dental care programs and education. Specifically, the CDS Foundation provides: dental health care to low income residents at the CDS Foundation Clinic; grants to local non-profit organizations that provide access to care, and to the leading dentistry schools at universities in Illinois; programs to increase oral health literacy and access to care in our communities; opportunities for industries to support oral health; and accepts donations that honor or memorialize a loved one as enduring tributes that help further the mission of providing access to care. 

Source: www.cds.org