[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 103 (Friday, July 12, 1996)]
[Senate]
[Page S7835]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS

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                    TRIBUTE TO DR. THOMAS J. BALSHI

 Mr. SANTORUM. Mr. President, I rise today to pay tribute to a 
constituent and fellow Pennsylvanian, Dr. Thomas J. Balshi. For almost 
a quarter of a century, Thomas J. Balshi, a fellow of the American 
College of Prosthodontists, has enhanced the health of thousands of 
individuals worldwide by contributions to research, education, and the 
clinical practice of prosthetic dentistry.
  Dr. Balshi is a pioneer in the field of implant prosthodontics and 
operates a state-of-the-art dental clinic in Fort Washington, PA. Dr. 
Balshi and his staff of 23 have touched the lives of many, replacing 
countless lost, damaged, or diseased teeth with secure, permanent 
prosthetic smiles. Dr. Balshi specializes in saving dental cases 
diagnosed as hopeless and has renewed dental health, nutritional 
health, and self-confidence for many.
  Dr. Balshi is a recent recipient of the prestigious George Washington 
Medal of Honor from the National Freedoms Foundation at Valley Forge, 
PA. This award was bestowed to honor Dr. Balshi's 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.
  In his youth, Thomas Balshi was an Eagle Scout. He later graduated 
from the Villanova University in 1968, and, following graduation from 
Temple University School of Dentistry in 1972, became a fellow of the 
American College of Prosthodontists [FACP] in 1976.
  A former captain in the U.S. Army, Dr. Balshi was chief, Department 
of Fixed Prosthetics, Mills Army Dental Clinic, Fort Dix, NJ. He 
received the Army Commendation Medal for Extraordinary Service.
  Today, he is a clinician, teacher, mentor, researcher, public 
educator, and devotee of health care. He welcomes students from around 
the world to his clinic, teaching them not only his clinical skills, 
but also his business skills as well. He is committed to making the 
public aware of quality dental care.
  Dr. Balshi has trained a specialist from Bosnia-Herzogovina to bring 
healing and restoration to the war-torn population where United States 
military service personnel are now keeping the peace. He has championed 
the benefits of prosthetic care throughout India, Uruguay, and 
Colombia, and has spoken before the Royal Society of Medicine in 
London.
  Serving as editor of the International College of Prosthodontists 
Newsletter for its inaugural 10 years, Dr. Balshi actively participated 
in establishing worldwide communication among practitioners of his 
specialty. He recently published a cookbook for dental patients 
entitled ``From Soup to Nuts.'' The book offers soft and nutritious 
gourmet recipes for healing patients, as well as keys to returning to 
dental fitness and the recipes that accompany that opportunity.
  Dr. Balshi continues a very giving and philanthropic presence in the 
community awarding scholarships as the chair of educational foundations 
as well as giving countless time and dental care resources to charity.
  Mr. President, I wanted to share Dr. Balshi's background and 
experiences with my Senate colleagues today. I hope you will all join 
me in honoring and recognizing his presence and contributions.

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