Local dentist receives DSC Crumley Award for science achievement

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (April 8, 2015) - Daytona State College alumnus Dr. Barry Cates has been awarded the institution’s prestigious 2015 Margaret Crumley Award for Distinguished Achievement in Science.

“Dr. Cates truly represents the qualities we seek in our Crumley Award recipients. He not only has dedicated his life to science, but also to humanity itself through his deep commitment to serving others,” said Dr. Tom Swain, chair of a committee of DSC science faculty who selected Cates for the annual award.

First presented in 2001, the Crumley Award honors outstanding alumni who achieved an associate degree from the College of Science at Daytona State, have used their scientific knowledge to improve their community and have distinguished themselves while working in their field. Mrs. Crumley established the award to honor her son, John, and husband, Thomas.

Dr. Cates was starting his junior year at Warner-Christian Academy when he transferred to Spruce Creek High School to avoid doing a required science project. Little did he know, he was required to do the project at Spruce Creek as well, and even more surprising to him, his research on sclerology landed him second place in a statewide competition. He was awarded a scholarship for his work, which paid his tuition and books at DSC and helped him begin his academic journey to dentistry.

“At DSC, my interest in science blossomed under the guidance of my professors,” he noted. “They were excellent.”

Dr. Cates earned his associate of arts degree (pre-dentistry) with honors from Daytona State in 1984, then transferred to the University of South Florida, Tampa, to earn a bachelor’s degree in chemistry. He earned his Doctor of Medical Dentistry from the University of Florida in 1990 and, in 1991, completed his residency (Advanced Education in General Dentistry) at University Hospital in Jacksonville.

He was a sole practitioner for nearly 20 years, mentoring DSC dental assisting students in clinical training in his Daytona Beach office, until 2009, when he sold his practice and joined the practice of Dr. John Sloane in South Daytona, where he is an associate and sole treating dentist.

But perhaps even more noteworthy is Dr. Cates’ record of community service. He has provided dental care to residents of nursing homes throughout Central Florida for reduced fees and has volunteered with the Volusia County March of Dimes. Dr. Cates also participates in the annual Give Kid’s A Smile Day sponsored by the Volusia/Flagler Dental Society. The event provides free dental services to economically disadvantaged children. Daytona State dental hygiene and dental assisting students also participate in the yearly event.

Dr. Cates also belongs to a motorcycle club that enjoys doing service work for the community. Club members organize charity functions and provide donated items to various program such as the Daytona Beach Homeless Coalition, Salvation Army and Project Warm at the Vince Carter Sanctuary in Bunnell.

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