2016 Bill Fleeman Gentleman of Distinction Award

This year, we are honoring R. Pierce Osborne, II, D.D.S. with the 2016 Bill Fleeman Gentleman of Distinction Award. Dr. Osborne has practiced with Arkansas Periodontal and Implant Associates since 2001 in Fayetteville and Rogers. A native of Fayetteville, he was awarded a degree in Classical Studies from the University of Arkansas. He received his dental degree from the University of Tennessee Health Sciences Center (UTHSC) in Memphis, where he continued his education and gained a certificate in Periodontal and Implant therapy.

Dr. Osborne has helped Hope Cancer Resources when a patient needed treatment quickly prior to radiation therapy. The radiation used to treat cancer must sometimes be given in high doses to kill cancer cells. As a result, normal tissues are also affected. In the jawbone, the glands that produce saliva and the blood vessels that aid healing are often damaged by radiation. The result may be a very dry mouth and a jawbone that cannot heal itself. Without the normal cleansing effect of saliva, teeth decay very quickly and dramatically, even in people with good oral hygiene. Should tooth removal become necessary, the jawbone may not be able to heal resulting in osteoradionecrosis, which can be painful and cause the loss of large segments of the jawbone.

Dr. Osborne and his wife Melonie have two children, Hays and Eliza. Dr. Osborne loves and enjoys serving Northwest Arkansas. He is currently the Haas Hall Academy School Board President. He has served on boards of The New School, Habitat for Humanity, Hope Cancer Resources (and its predecessor, Northwest Arkansas Radiation Therapy Institute), and The Washington County Historical Society. He regularly participates in continuing education courses, and recently served as president of the Northwest Arkansas Dental Society.  

We are privileged to present the 2016 Bill Fleeman Gentleman of Distinction Award to Dr. Osborne.