Lifetime Achievement: Dr. Jill Shelton Wagers, DMD, FAGD

While Dr. Jill Shelton Wagers has an extraordinary list of accomplishments, that is not the primary reason I chose her as the recipient of the 2026 ISDA Lifetime Achievement Award. I chose her because of who she is and the impact she has had on the people around her.

Dentistry can be challenging. Leadership can be even more challenging. All of us need mentors we can turn to for honest advice, thoughtful guidance, or simply encouragement to keep going when things become difficult. Jill has been that person for many, including me.

There are leadership challenges unique to women. Jill has recognized and lived through those challenges and has always been willing to listen, offer perspective, and help me find a path forward. She provided wisdom when I needed advice, encouragement when I needed confidence, and support when I needed a friend.

Her mentorship has shaped the careers of countless others who have had the privilege of learning from her example. She leads with grace, integrity, humility, and kindness. She has shown us that strong leadership is about lifting others up and helping them succeed.

Not only is she a mentor and friend,  but Jill's record of service to dentistry is also truly extraordinary.

Dr. Jill Shelton Wagers, DMD, FAGD, has dedicated more than three decades to advancing oral health, serving patients, mentoring colleagues, and strengthening organized dentistry. A graduate of the University of Puget Sound and Oregon Health Sciences University School of Dentistry, she completed a General Practice Residency before beginning her career in private practice. From 1995 to 2025, she owned and operated a successful family dental practice in Boise, where she built a reputation for excellence in patient care, professionalism, and service.

Throughout her distinguished career, Dr. Shelton Wagers has held numerous leadership positions within organized dentistry. She served as President of the Southwest Dental Society, Trustee for the Southwest District, Vice President and President-Elect of the Idaho State Dental Association, and ultimately became the first female President of the Idaho State Dental Association. Her leadership continued nationally through service as an ADA Delegate, a member of the ADA Council on Communications, Vice Chair of the ADA 11th District Caucus, and, currently, Chair of the ADA 11th District Caucus.

Her commitment to service extends far beyond organized dentistry. She has volunteered with Special Olympics, Miles of Smiles, international dental mission programs, community outreach initiatives, legislative advocacy efforts, and numerous organizations dedicated to improving the health and well-being of others. She is a Fellow of both the Academy of General Dentistry and the Pierre Fauchard Academy, a member of the International College of Dentists, and a respected leader whose contributions have strengthened our profession at the local, state, and national levels. She purchased and donated a wheelchair lift to help other clinics improve access to care. This lift has now been at three different clinics and is currently helping patients in the Idaho State University Dental Hygiene Clinic.

For her extraordinary contributions to dentistry, her unwavering commitment to service, her historic leadership as the first female President of the Idaho State Dental Association, and the lasting impact she has had on generations of dentists through her mentorship and friendship, it is my honor to present the Lifetime Achievement Award to Dr. Jill Shelton Wagers.

Jill, Idaho dentistry is stronger because of you, and all of us are better because you chose to lead.

This year, the President's Award has unofficially been renamed the "Non-Wussbag Award."

The term was coined during one of our many leadership meetings that went late into the night over the past several years. During a particularly challenging period for the Idaho State Dental Association, we decided that, regardless of the obstacles in our way, we would strive not to be "wussbags." Over time, the phrase became part of our leadership vocabulary, eventually evolving into the even more sophisticated term "wussbagary."

The title may have started as a joke, but the sentiment behind it was real.

The three individuals receiving this year's  "Non-Wussbag Award “entered ISDA leadership during one of the most dynamic and challenging periods in our association's recent history. During our first three to four years on the Executive Committee, we worked through significant organizational change, including a different acting Executive Director each year. While many outstanding leaders before us helped tremendously during this time, and many outstanding leaders will follow us  (and for the record, they are not wussbags either—Dr. Kailey Housley attended a Zoom meeting just hours after giving birth), these three leaders were present for every difficult chapter of my work with the Executive Committee.

They showed up when things were hard. Leadership is easy when things are going well. Character is revealed when things are not.

They attended interviews on the way to funerals and attended meetings after devastating family events. They delivered difficult news face-to-face to people they genuinely cared about. They engaged in uncomfortable conversations, made difficult decisions, and carried responsibilities that were often unseen. Through it all, they remained committed to the organization, supported one another, and somehow managed to keep their sense of humor intact.

For their unwavering commitment, resilience, courage, and refusal to engage in wussbagary, it is my honor to recognize the recipients of this year's President's Award:

Dr. Tim Penberthy
Dr. Whitney Bator 
Dr. Spencer Lloyd

Thank you for standing beside me through every challenge, every difficult conversation, and every hard decision. The Idaho State Dental Association is stronger because of your leadership, friendship, and dedication.

Dr. Tim Penberthy: If there is one thing you can say about Dr. Tim Penberthy, it is that he is absolutely not a wussbag.

Tim has been one of the leaders standing shoulder to shoulder with us through some of the most challenging years in recent ISDA history. Throughout leadership transitions, difficult decisions, and more than a few moments when the easy path would have been to look the other way, Tim showed up. He brought perspective, calm, wisdom, and a steady hand when we needed it most.

One of the things I admire most about Tim is that he never sought the spotlight. He has a laid-back personality that puts people at ease, but behind that easygoing demeanor is someone who knows when to step forward, make a decision, and do what is best for the organization. During moments that required courage, honesty, and leadership, Tim was always there. In true non-wussbag fashion, he never ran from the difficult conversations or the difficult work.

Tim's service to organized dentistry is extensive. He served as ISDA President from 2024–2025 and continues to serve as Immediate Past President. Prior to that, he served as President-Elect and Vice President, helping guide the association through a period of significant change and growth. At the national level, he represented Idaho as an ADA Delegate from 2019 to 2024 after previously serving as an Alternate Delegate. He has also served as an ISDA Trustee and as President of the Idaho Panhandle Dental Society. In every role, Tim has brought thoughtful leadership, sound judgment, and a focus on finding solutions rather than assigning blame.

Outside of organized dentistry, Tim has built an outstanding career as an endodontist. Since 1995, he has practiced at Northwest Endodontics, earning the respect of colleagues and patients alike through his commitment to clinical excellence and patient-centered care. Together with his wife, Kelly, he has built not only a successful practice but a family legacy in dentistry that continues through the next generation.

Tim has also generously shared his knowledge through lectures across the Northwest and has donated countless hours providing care to patients in need. His commitment to service reflects the very best qualities of our profession and demonstrates that leadership is not about titles or being the loudest one in the room—it is about showing up and helping others.

While this award may carry the unofficial title of "Non-Wussbag Award," the qualities it recognizes are very real: courage, resilience, dedication, loyalty, and a willingness to do hard things when they need to be done. Tim embodies all of those qualities.

For his leadership, friendship, service to organized dentistry, and his complete refusal to engage in wussbagary, it is my honor to recognize Dr. Tim Penberthy as a recipient of this year's President's Award.

Dr. Whitney Bator: If there is one thing I can say with certainty about Dr. Whitney Bator, it is that she is not a wussbag.

Over the past several years, Whitney has been one of the leaders standing right in the middle of the challenges, helping guide ISDA through a period of significant change and transition. When difficult decisions needed to be made, Whitney showed up. When hard conversations needed to happen, Whitney showed up. When there were financial questions to answer, organizational challenges to work through, or difficult issues to navigate, Whitney was there with thoughtful insight, common sense, and a commitment to doing what was right for the association.

One of Whitney's greatest strengths is her ability to balance kindness with accountability. She genuinely cares about people, but she also understands that leadership sometimes requires making difficult decisions and addressing uncomfortable realities. Throughout our time serving together, she consistently brought perspective, professionalism, and a willingness to do the work—even when the work was not easy. In true non-wussbag fashion, she never shied away from the responsibilities that came with leadership.

Whitney currently serves as ISDA Treasurer and Secretary, working closely with our accountant and leadership team to ensure transparency, accountability, and sound financial stewardship. Prior to joining the Executive Committee, she served as Trustee and Past President of the Southwest Idaho Dental Society, where she demonstrated the same dedication to organized dentistry that continues to define her leadership today.

Outside of organized dentistry, Whitney has built an outstanding career as a general dentist. She currently practices at Tree City Family Dental in Boise, where she provides comprehensive patient-centered care and has pursued extensive advanced education, including completing her Biomimetic Restorative Dentistry Mastership. Her commitment to excellence began early, as she graduated in the top 10% of her dental school class at the University of Washington and earned membership in the prestigious Omicron Kappa Upsilon Dental Honor Society.

Whitney's commitment to service extends far beyond dentistry. She has volunteered her time treating underserved populations, served as faculty helping train future dentists, participated in numerous community outreach projects, and continually gives back to her community through schools, churches, and volunteer organizations. Whether she is serving patients, mentoring students, teaching children, or helping lead organized dentistry, she approaches every role with energy, compassion, and dedication.

While the title of this award may be rooted in an inside joke, the qualities it represents are not. This award recognizes people who show up when things are difficult, tackle challenges head-on, support their colleagues, and refuse to engage in wussbaggery.

Whitney embodies those qualities every day.

For her leadership, service, dedication to organized dentistry, and her steadfast refusal to be a wussbag, it is my honor to recognize Dr. Whitney Bator as a recipient of this year's President's Award.

Dr. Spencer Lloyd: If there is one thing I have learned about Dr. Spencer Lloyd, it is that he is definitely not a wussbag.

Over the past several years, Spencer has been one of the steady hands helping guide ISDA through some of its most challenging and dynamic times. When difficult decisions needed to be made, Spencer was there. When uncomfortable conversations had to happen, Spencer was there. When the path forward was unclear, he consistently brought thoughtful insight, sound judgment, and situational awareness to help us navigate the challenges ahead.

While many people see the final decisions, few see the countless hours of discussion, planning, problem-solving, and occasional acts of anti-wussbaggery that happen behind the scenes. Spencer has been a constant presence throughout it all. His professionalism, collaborative approach, and ability to keep moving forward—even when the work is difficult—have strengthened both our organization and the people serving within it.

His accomplishments extend far beyond his recent leadership service. Since 1999, Dr. Lloyd has owned and operated a successful dental practice in Caldwell, providing personalized, patient-centered care while continually advancing his clinical skills. His commitment to lifelong learning is demonstrated through more than 2,000 hours of continuing education, earning Mastership in the Academy of General Dentistry, and receiving multiple Lifetime Leadership and Service Recognition awards.

Dr. Lloyd has also devoted significant time to serving the profession. He served on the Idaho State Board of Dentistry from 2016–2021, including as Board Chairman, and continues to support dentistry as a sedation evaluator and examiner for ADEX. Within ISDA, he has served on numerous committees and on the Board of Trustees as Vice President and President-Elect, and will soon assume the role of ISDA President.

His dedication to service extends beyond organized dentistry. Through mission work, community clinics, civic organizations, and volunteer service, Spencer has consistently invested his time and talents in improving the lives of others.

As Spencer prepares to take the reins as ISDA President, I cannot think of a better person to help lead our association into its next chapter. He has been a trusted colleague, a thoughtful leader, and, perhaps most importantly, a fellow traveler through some truly memorable moments of organized dentistry.

For his leadership, service, resilience, and his steadfast refusal to engage in wussbaggery, it is my honor to recognize Dr. Spencer Lloyd as a recipient of this year's President's Award.

Component President of the Year: Dr. Megan Speirs: One of the most rewarding parts of serving in organized dentistry is watching future leaders emerge. Dr. Megan Speirs is one of those leaders.

When I think about Megan, the first word that comes to mind is initiative. She has an incredible ability to see an opportunity, step forward, and get involved. Whether that means advocating for the profession, leading within her component, serving at the state and national level, or finding new ways to engage members, she consistently raises her hand to help.

As President of the Upper Snake River Valley Dental Society, Megan has made a tremendous impact on her component. She took on the often-overlooked task of updating membership records and contact information, strengthening communication throughout the organization. She personally reached out to members, even sending handwritten invitations, helping increase engagement and participation. These efforts may seem small on the surface, but they reflect the type of thoughtful leadership that builds strong organizations and lasting relationships.

Megan's contributions extend far beyond her component. She has been a consistent presence at ISDA Board meetings, bringing valuable insight, thoughtful perspectives, and a willingness to contribute to important discussions. She currently serves as Idaho's Alternate Delegate to the American Dental Association and has stepped into a leadership role as Co-Chair of IDPAC alongside Dr. Heather Russell, helping strengthen the future of advocacy for Idaho dentistry.

What makes Megan's accomplishments even more impressive is that leadership has been a consistent theme throughout her career. During dental school at the University of Utah, she served as both ASDA President and Class President. She helped establish the first official maternity leave policy at her dental school, creating meaningful change that will benefit students for years to come. Her commitment to service and helping others was recognized early through humanitarian awards and continues to define her approach to leadership today.

Professionally, Megan has quickly built an impressive career in Idaho Falls, providing comprehensive care, including hospital-based dentistry, implant placement, endodontics, advanced restorative care, and the use of emerging technologies. She combines clinical excellence with genuine compassion, creating a positive impact on both her patients and her community.

Perhaps what I appreciate most about Megan is her enthusiasm. She brings energy, optimism, and a genuine desire to make things better wherever she serves. She is not content to simply participate; she actively works to improve the organizations and communities around her. Those qualities make her not only an outstanding leader today, but someone whose future in organized dentistry is incredibly bright.

For her leadership, initiative, service, and dedication to organized dentistry, it is my honor to recognize Dr. Megan Speirs as the 2026 Idaho State Dental Association Component President of the Year.