Sharing Blessings

Brian Amison, ’97 DDS, Recognized with OSUAA Service Award

Dr. Brian Amison knew he wanted to be a dentist when he was just 6 years old. During  a dental appointment in his hometown of Loraine, Ohio, he watched his dentist skillfully turn a crying child into one who left happy and smiling. He knew then that he wanted to be able to do the same. Unwavering in his career choice, Dr. Amison chose Ohio State to earn his dental degree and subsequently settled in northeast Ohio. He has since built successful dental practices in Canton and Wooster, Ohio, and has forged strong ties to the communities he serves. Believing in his obligation to turn his own blessings into blessings for others, he has for years provided free dental services to adults in his community whose families would otherwise be unable to afford dental care. He also mentors at-risk males and provides care to the homeless through community-based organizations.

“Being able to make a difference in people’s lives... that means a lot to me.” 

The Ohio State University Alumni Association (OSUAA) recently recognized Dr. Amison’s service to his community by awarding him with the 2020 Robert M. Duncan Alumni Award. The award is presented annually to alumni “who have distinguished themselves in service to humanity and who have best exemplified the university’s motto, ‘Education for Citizenship.’” Dr. Amison said he was surprised and humbled when he learned about the recognition. “Just being thought of for the award was amazing, but to be honored by a great university like Ohio State makes it that much better,” he said.

When talking to Dr. Amison, his positivity is striking. It seems as natural to him as the huge smile he wears when he talks about his passion for serving the community—a passion he learned from his parents. “My parents are my number one heroes,” he said. “My mom is a teacher, so I watched her being an educator and helping people. My dad loved to give back as well, so it was natural for me to want to do the same.”

Reflecting on his recognition, the married father of two feels his greatest achievement is having a positive impact on people’s lives—especially on the lives of his patients. “The dentist chair isn’t the place where most people want to be. But being able to ease their fears—that means a lot to me.”