Dr. Anthony Markiewicz wins Mundelein Gold Star award

Each year, the Economic Development Commission of Mundelein recognizes individuals who have displayed a commitment to excellent service and support of the local community.

Dr. Anthony Markiewicz was the recipient of this year's Mundelein Gold Star Recognition Award.

After serving three years as a Dental Officer in the United States Navy, Dr. Markiewicz opened his general dental practice in Mundelein in 1988. Over the past 34 years, Dr. Markiewicz has provided quality and empathetic dental treatment for thousands of patients in Mundelein and the surrounding area.

In pursuit of providing his community with exceptional dental care, Dr. Markiewicz has accrued more than 1,000 hours of continuing education and is an active member in 10 professional organizations.

In 2005, Dr. Markiewicz was awarded the prestigious Fellowship in the Academy of General Dentistry. Fewer than 6% of dentists have earned this AGD Fellowship.

Dr. Markiewicz prides himself on keeping his community, patients, and team safe. During the COVID pandemic, he oversaw the complete remodel of his dental office, which included adding closed operatories, installing negative pressure ventilation, and incorporating HEPA air filtration.

Over his career, Dr. Markiewicz has consistently volunteered his time and expertise to improving his local community. He served stints on the Carmel Catholic board as head of development, the UIC College of Dentistry Alumni board, and the St. Mary's of the Annunciation Parish council.

He regularly volunteered at the HealthReach Dental Clinic in Mundelein, which provided dental work for underserved populations in the area, as well as at Lake County PADS and various youth basketball programs.

In an effort to extend the reach of his service outside of the dental office, Dr. Markiewicz started the Spreading Smiles Initiative, which awards $1,000 each quarter to a worthy local charity or organization that is nominated by a member of the community. Past winners include The Lake County Haven, The Special Gifts Theater, and other local organizations.

Dr. Markiewicz and his team at Markiewicz Dental also participate in the Lake County Adopt-a-Highway program, which is a public service program for environmentally-conscious citizen's groups to make a personal contribution to a cleaner environment by volunteering to pick up litter along Lake County's highway system.

Due to his lifetime commitment to improving the Mundelein community both inside and outside of the dental office, Dr. Markiewicz was awarded this year's Gold Star award.

• To submit Your news, go to dailyherald.com/share.