Kanar, who earned master's degree in pediatric dentistry in 1971 from the University of Michigan, joined the School of Dentistry faculty as an instructor in 1963, nine years after earning his dental degree.

In presenting the award, the Council noted, "he has devoted his career to developing teaching methods to help dental professionals realize the best practices for care provided to this population. Throughout his career, Dr. Kanar has been an advocate for people with disabilities, teaching young professionals how to communicate and treat their needs, and fought for better overall care in medical and dental settings."

At the School of Dentistry, Kanar was a major participant in the department's predoctoral, graduate, and postgraduate teaching and clinic activities and served as a consultant to the General Practice Residency program at U-M Hospital. He was actively involved in numerous committees associated with the Institute for the Study of Mental Retardation and Related Disabilities and was associate director and director for special education while an attending staff member at Mott Children's Hospital.

Kanar has served as consultant to many agencies including the Michigan Academy of Dentistry for the Handicapped, Plymouth State Home and Training School, and both the Michigan Department of Mental Health and the Department of Public Health.

"Henry's long career here was marked by a commitment to service for special patients as well as strong leadership in the teaching such topics to dental students, dental hygiene students, and graduate students," said Dr. Robert Feigal, director of pediatric dentistry.

The Council for Disability Concerns presents the award annually in October during Investing in Ability Week, a series of programs and activities designed to increase awareness and understanding of people with disabilities and disability-related issues.

The University of Michigan School of Dentistry is one of the nation's leading dental schools engaged in oral health care education, research, patient care, and community service. General dental care clinics and specialty clinics providing advanced treatment enable the School to offer dental services and programs to patients throughout Michigan. Classroom and clinic instruction prepare future dentists, dental specialists, and dental hygienists for practice in private offices, hospitals, academia, and public agencies. Research seeks to discover and apply new knowledge that can help patients worldwide.