Craig Amundson, DDS, who dedicated more than 40 years to HealthPartners, has received the National Association of Dental Plans (NADP) 2025 Gabryl Award, the dental benefits industry’s highest honor. The award recognizes long-term, exceptional volunteer service that advances the dental benefits industry.

Dr. Amundson has served in multiple volunteer and leadership roles with NADP for over 30 years. Since 2009, Dr. Amundson has represented the dental benefits industry at the Dental Quality Alliance (DQA). He currently serves as chair of the DQA Measure Development and Maintenance Committee, which is responsible for the development, testing and maintenance of all DQA oral health care quality measures. 

While at HealthPartners, Dr. Amundson served in various executive leadership positions within the HealthPartners Dental team. His roles included Dental Director, Senior Vice President, and Chief Operating Officer of the Dental Division.  He was known for his versatility.  Dr. Amundson departed HealthPartners in 2024, concluding a tenure marked by broad contributions to the organization. 

“This award is a reflection of Dr. Amundson’s strong advocacy in expanding dental quality measures for prevention and disease management,” said Todd Thierer, DDS, MPH, associate dental director for HealthPartners dental group. “His visionary leadership and commitment to advancing oral health standards are leading to better outcomes for patients and clinicians.”

The NADP board of directors evaluates volunteer experience and contributions to the dental industry when selecting a Gabryl Award recipient. This is the second consecutive year that a HealthPartners dental leader has received this prestigious honor, following Dr. Mark Jurkovich’s recognition in 2024. 

HealthPartners dental clinics have been recognized as a leader in innovative dentistry, offering a range of services from basic preventive dentistry to highly specialized care. With more than 20 dental clinic locations and over 70 dentists and specialists in the Twin Cities, the practice provides patients with access to comprehensive dental care.