Current Award Recipients

Joyce Hurst

Since joining the College of Dentistry in November 2013, Joyce Hurst has served with distinction as the Student Services Associate, becoming the warm and welcoming face of admissions for countless prospective students. Prior to her time at the College of Dentistry, Joyce worked for many years in the Geology Department at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, bringing with her a wealth of university knowledge and a deep commitment to student success. 
 
Joyce’s impact on the College of Dentistry has extended far beyond the duties outlined in her position. Her friendly presence and personalized attention have left a lasting impression on applicants; many of whom cite her warm demeanor and supportive guidance as a key reason they chose to pursue their dental education at UNMC. Through hundreds of campus tours and advising sessions, Joyce has served as a trusted advisor, a source of calm reassurance, and a genuine ambassador for our college. 
 
Her influence has touched every corner of the college—students, staff, faculty, and alumni alike. Whether helping a nervous applicant navigate the admissions process or offering a word of encouragement to a dental hygiene student preparing for boards, Joyce has exemplified compassion, professionalism, and an unwavering dedication to the College’s mission and values.  
 
Joyce retired from the College of Dentistry in July 2025. Her legacy of kindness, excellence, and service remains woven into the fabric of the College of Dentistry community. 

Gregory W. Bennett, DMD

Greg Bennett, DMD, is the chair of the College of Dentistry’s Department of Adult Restorative Dentistry. 

Dr. Bennett is recognized for his thoughtful leadership, a strong commitment to faculty and student development and a clear vision for advancing clinical education and innovation. 

An associate professor, Dr. Bennett joined the college in 2016 as a part-time clinical instructor while maintaining a private practice in Lincoln. 
His teaching career followed a distinguished tenure as a dental corps officer in the U.S. Navy, where he also completed a general practice residency at Naval Hospital Camp Pendleton. 

In 2019, Dr. Bennett transitioned to a full-time faculty role to lead the college’s digital dentistry initiative, spearheading the integration of cutting-edge technologies — including 3D printing — into both the curriculum and clinical care. 

A graduate of the Oregon Health and Science University School of Dentistry, he has become a recognized leader in dental innovation, particularly in the use of 3D printing technologies in restorative dentistry. 

Dr. Bennett is a PhD candidate in UNMC’s Clinical and Translational Research Mentored Scholars Program, where his research focuses on the development of antimicrobial formulations for 3D printed dentures. 

He also has played a vital role in community outreach, helping to organize the college’s VETSmile program, which has provided comprehensive dental care to more than 300 veterans in need. 

UNMC College of Dentistry Dean Gerry Kugel, DMD, PhD, has announced the appointment of Greg Bennett, DMD, as chair of the college’s Department of Adult Restorative Dentistry. 

Erin Haley Hitz, RDH, BSDH, MS, FADHA, MAADH

Dental Hygiene class of 1995

Erin resides in Lincoln, Nebraska, and currently serves as the Immediate Past President of the American Dental Hygienists’ Association (ADHA) and Chair of the ADHA Foundation. Proudly served as ADHA’s 2024–2025 President, leading with vision, collaboration, and commitment to advancing the dental hygiene profession. 

Erin earned her Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene from the University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Dentistry in 1995 and subsequently received a Master of Science in Health Promotion and Human Resource Management from Nebraska Methodist College in 2002. Dedicated to lifelong learning, pursuing certifications in both myofunctional therapy and lifestyle medicine through the Wellcoaches School of Coaching. 

Professionally, Erin currently practices at Morning Glory Dental, LLC, and co-leads Pearly White Prevention, LLC. Consulting and coaching dental hygiene teams nationwide, empowering departments to thrive through leadership development, operational excellence, and person-centered care. Erin serves as a Key Opinion Leader for Solventum, providing valuable insights and influence in shaping the future of dental care technologies and practices. 

With 30 years of engagement in the ADHA, holding numerous leadership roles, including President of the Nebraska Dental Hygienists’ Association (NDHA). Honored with multiple accolades, including Dental Hygienist of the Year at both the component and state levels, as well as the 2023 WaterPik Patient Impact and Rise Above Clinician Recognition (PIRA) award. 

A recognized thought leader, Erin has contributed commentary and articles to publications such as Dimensions of Dental Hygiene, RDH Magazine, RDH Graduate, Inside Dental Hygiene, Today’s RDH, and the ADHA Hygienist Hub. She is a frequent presenter at national conferences, dental schools, and continuing education events, including webinars and live sessions for ADHA, Dental Learning Seminars, and dental hygiene associations across the country. Her speaking engagements include appearances at New York University, City Tech in Brooklyn, the University of South Dakota, UNMC College of Dentistry, and Hastings Community College. 

Erin has also shared her insights through podcasts such as The Official ADHA Podcast, The Dental Handoff, The Aligned Hygienist, A Tale of Two Hygienists, Your Dental Top 5, Straight Up with Steph, and Beyond Breathing with Lancette. 

Erin is an active member of the Alpha Xi Delta Lincoln Alumni Association and serves on the Rho Chapter Corporation Board at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln. Her passion for dental hygiene, leadership, and advocacy continues to shape the future of the profession and inspire those around her. 

Lisa J. Moravec, RDH, MSDH, FADHA

Dental Hygiene class of 2002

Lisa Moravec is an Associate Professor and Site Coordinator for the University of Nebraska Medical Center's College of Dentistry West Division Dental Hygiene Program in Gering, Nebraska. Lisa holds a Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene from the University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC) College of Dentistry (2002), a Master of Science in Dental Hygiene from Idaho State University (2011), and a Certificate in Leadership and Organizational Behavior from A.T. Still University (2024). 
 
Lisa is married to Michael Moravec, a fellow alumnus of UNMC, and they are the proud parents of four sons. She is deeply committed to advancing the dental hygiene profession and feels honored to collaborate with the exceptional and dedicated faculty at the College of Dentistry to instruct numerous classes of talented alumni. With over 20 years of experience in dental hygiene education, she teaches didactic, laboratory, and clinical courses. Her dedication to education and community service is reflected in her active involvement in various committees at the College of Dentistry, UNMC, and the American Dental Education Association. 
 
Lisa’s leadership in the dental hygiene profession is exemplified by her tenure as President of the American Dental Hygienists' Association (ADHA) from 2020 to 2021 and as Chair of the ADHA Institute for Oral Health from 2021 to 2022. Leading during the pandemic, when dental hygiene was among the most vulnerable professions, was a significant challenge, and she is proud to have served. Over her career, she dedicated eight years to serving as a Board member and officer at the national level. Additionally, she had the honor of serving as President of the Nebraska Dental Hygienists’ Association and as a Delegate, among other state positions. Her impactful contributions have been recognized through several accolades, including being named 'Dental Hygienist of the Year' by her component and the Nebraska Dental Hygienists’ Association, her induction into the Sigma Phi Alpha Dental Hygiene Honor Society, and the prestigious 2021 Nebraska Dental Hygienists' Association Lifetime Achievement Award. Furthermore, she has garnered numerous faculty recognition awards from her students and was honored with the Professional Achievement Award from Idaho State University in 2023. 
 
Lisa is a Fellow of the American Dental Hygienists' Association and has presented at both national and international conferences, including the prestigious International Symposium on Dental Hygiene (ISDH) in Dublin, Ireland. Her professional interests encompass interprofessional education, medical-dental integration, ergonomics, leadership, mentoring, and her ongoing commitment to advancing the field through innovative education.