Recognized for his commitment to excellence in dental education, local dentist Dr. Eric Ecker, DMD, received a prestigious Fellowship Award from the Academy of General Dentistry at the academy’s convocation ceremony in Las Vegas, Nevada.

He was one of 290 dentists nationwide to receive the award, which is “presented to dentists who are looking to provide the highest quality of dental care while remaining current in their profession. In order to receive the award, Ecker completed 500 hours of continuing dental education, passed a compressive written exam and fulfilled three years of continuing membership with the academy,” according to a news release provided by the academy. Ecker already has more than 1,000 hours of continuing education.

Ecker, a 2012 graduate of the University of Pittsburgh School of Dentistry, practices dentistry at Ecker Family Dental, 1685 Four Mile Drive in Loyalsock Township. By receiving the Fellowship Award, he has “joined an elite group of more than 18,000 members of the dental community who understand that great smiles and good oral health for their patients are the result of going above and beyond basic requirements,” the release said.

“We are proud to honor Dr. Ecker for his commitment and dedication to provide his patients with advanced and exceptional oral health care,” Hans Guter, president of the Academy of General Dentistry, said.

“Dr. Ecker is exceeding industry requirements and paving a path of success, distinguishing himself professionally amongst his peers and exemplifying his allegiance to the dental community,” Guter added.

Besides being a member of the Academy of General Dentistry, Ecker belongs to the American Dental Association, the Pennsylvania Dental Association, the Pennsylvania Academy of General Dentistry and the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine and the Lycoming-Clinton Dental Society.