[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 102 (Thursday, July 11, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1262]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     HONORING THOMAS J. BALSHI, DDS

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. JON D. FOX

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 11, 1996

  Mr. FOX of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, for almost a quarter of a 
century, Thomas J. Balshi, A Fellow of The American College of 
Prosthodontists, has impacted the health of thousands of individuals 
worldwide by contributions to research, education, and the clinical 
practice of prosthetic dentistry.
  He trained others from Bosnia-Herzegovina to bring healing and 
restoration to that war-torn population. He has championed the benefits 
of prosthetic care throughout the country of India, in Uruguay and 
Colombia, and has spoken before The Royal Society of Medicine in 
London.
  Dr. Balshi is a pioneer in the field of implant prosthetics. His work 
has renewed the health and self-confidence of his patients. Dr. Balshi 
commits himself clinically and personally to the careful renewal of 
every patient's smile, whether the patient be indigent or celebrity. 
Through his years of professional practice, he has earned the 
reputation of being a dental court of last resort. By engineering 
innovative solutions, he has specialized in saving diagnosed hopeless 
dental cases.
  Dr. Balshi is a recent recipient of the prestigious George Washington 
Medal of Honor from the National Freedoms Foundation at Valley Forge, 
PA. He was honored for his contributions to dental science through 
education. The Freedoms Foundation honors Americans whose lives 
reinforce and exhibit the patriotic values of our country's Founding 
Fathers.
  A former captain in the United States Army (1972-1974), Dr. Balshi 
was Chief, Department of Fixed Prosthetics, Mills Army Dental Clinic, 
Fort Dix, NJ. He received the Army Commendation Medal for Extraordinary 
Service.
  He became a Fellow of The American College of Prosthodontists in 
1976, following graduation from Temple University School of Dentistry 
in 1972. He is a 1968 graduate of Villanova University.
  He served as editor of the International College of Prosthodontists 
Newsletter for its inaugural 10 years. In this role, he actively 
participated in establishing worldwide communication among 
practitioners of his specialty.
  Dr. Thomas J. Balshi is commended for his masterful way of blending 
heart, art, and science to serve those in need.

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