Dr. Barry Howell (pictured left) presented the award to Dr. Larry Osborne (pictured right) at the 2025 ISDS Annual Session, which was held in Peoria, Illinois

As part of the ISDS Government Affairs team, Dr. Larry Osborne has always been “on call” when needed – whether rearranging his schedule to come to Springfield and testify on legislation or meeting one-on-one with legislators to explain how a bill could impact dentistry.

“He’s been involved with countless phone calls and meetings with legislators and staff on very complex issues that need to be broken down to understandable and convincing language,” says Dr. Barry Howell, President of DENT IL-PAC’s Board of Directors.

That dedication to advocacy is why Larry was named the 2025 recipient of the Loren J. Feldner Distinguished Advocate Award, which honors individuals who champion the profession through political engagement. The award is named after Dr. Loren Feldner, whose passion for dentistry and deep knowledge of the political process left a lasting mark on the field.

“It was quite a surprise when I got the call. I was speechless – and for me, that’s kind of rare,” Larry says with a laugh. “This award was pretty special. I’ve been blessed to receive quite a few honors, but this was way beyond. It’s been a joy: the fellowship I’ve had and friends I’ve made during my 43 years in practice.”

A Decatur native, Larry graduated from Southern Illinois University School of Dental Medicine in 1982. Soon after opening his general dentistry practice in Decatur, he became involved in organized dentistry. As a young delegate to the ISDS House of Delegates in the early 2000s, he learned from legislative leaders like Bob Unger, Wally Lamakie, Chauncey Cross, and Frank Maggio.

“These senior legislative champions thought ‘this kid could be a real advocate for ISDS if he could just lose that south side of Decatur twang!’” Barry jokes.  “Well, the twang is still with us, and we’re the ones who have benefited and continue to benefit from his service.”

Larry’s service within ISDS has indeed been “legendary,” as Barry says. He worked through the ranks of the Decatur District Dental Society, served on numerous committees, and represented his district in the ISDS House of Delegates. After being elected as an officer, he went on to chair the ISDS Board in 2010 – all while staying deeply engaged in legislative advocacy. For the past 12 years, he has served as the Chair of the ISDS Governmental Affairs Committee.

“Those early days provided lifelong learning in just a few short years,” Larry says. “It was quite eye opening – I’d never been in the political arena at all before that – but I had good friends and leaders who believed in me.”

Larry’s influence has extended well beyond ISDS.

He chaired the ADA Council on Governmental Affairs in 2004, and today serves as an ADA Grassroots Legislative Team Leader. He is also a member of the International Association of Orthodontics Tier 1, a founding member of the Midwestern Society of Orthodontics for General Practice Study Club, and active in the American Academy of Dental Practice Administration.

“From a leadership perspective, Oz can walk into a room, and 30 minutes later, be everyone’s best friend,” Barry says. “He’s easy to talk to – sometimes it’s a challenge to get in a word edgewise while he takes a breath – and is clear and concise on the issues without overwhelming the conversation with the science.”

Devoted to his community, Larry has also served on the Macon County Board of Health, chaired the March of Dimes Walk America and the Decatur Celebration Smile Contest. On the home front, he and his wife, Nancy, are proud of their children: Samuel, Director of Golf at Millikin University, and Mackenzie, an entertainer travel manager. In his free time, Larry is a scratch golfer who loves traveling to play new courses, scuba diving, skiing, and watching St. Louis Cardinals baseball with friends.

This recognition carries even more meaning because of Larry’s close friendship with Dr. Feldner. Larry recalls attending his first ADA AD-PAC Board meeting in Denver, where Loren praised his courage to speak out.

“Our theme that year was ‘dentistry speaking with one voice;’ it was very powerful message that still resonates today. After I spoke on some issues that day, Loren pulled me aside later and said ‘Ozzie, I couldn’t be prouder of you for standing up – not bad for your first meeting’,” Larry recalls.

For Larry, the words engraved on his new award make him emotional as he considers Loren’s impact on dentistry and the true meaning of his work: There are those in every generation that, in all they do and the manner in which they do it, inspires those around them.

“Nobody is like Loren. Working with him was one of my most enjoyable memories in organized dentistry,” Larry shares. “There weren’t many times we didn’t challenge each other; he made me a lot better at what I’m doing, and I miss him so much.”