CT Dental Association Taps State Senator For Legislative Achievement Award

by Staff Report CTNewsJunkie

SOUTH WINDSOR — The Connecticut State Dental Association has presented state Sen. Saud Anwar, D-South Windsor,  with its  2026 Salvadore Squatrito Legislative Achievement Award.

The award is presented to an individual or organization whose legislative activities have had a significant impact in the best interests of the public or CSDA, according to the association.

Anwar is a physician specializing in pulmonary and critical care medicine and currently serves as chair of internal medicine at Manchester Memorial and Rockville General Hospitals, with training from Yale University and a Master’s in Public Health. Before being elected in 2019, he served on the South Windsor Town Council and two terms as mayor. At the Capitol, Anwar is Deputy President Pro Tempore of the Senate, Senate chair of the Public Health Committee and vice-chair of the Insurance and Real Estate Committee.

In addition, he has participated in national, and international humanitarian and peace initiatives, including disaster relief missions in Haiti and Pakistan, and has held advisory and leadership roles with organizations including the FBI, Department of Homeland Security, and state and international commissions.

The award was presented on May 13 at the CSDA Annual Meeting by Dr. N. Summer Lerch, CSDA President. The award is named in memory of Dr. Sal Squatrito, an advocate from Connecticut for the dental profession at the state and national levels.

“Senator Anwar is dedicated to public health and the best interests of his constituents and the people of Connecticut, and it is a privilege to recognize his commitment and leadership,” Lerch said. “He has earned the trust of his constituents and his patients, and the appreciation of CSDA for his unwavering efforts.”

Kathlene Gerrity, CSDA executive director said Anwar reflected the highest standards of public service and was dedicated to preserving quality oral healthcare in the state, as evidenced by his dedication to proactively protecting fluoridated water.

“The CDC named community water fluoridation one of the 10 greatest public health achievements in the 20th century,” Gerrity said. “Relying on science and his passion to bring quality care to all, he truly epitomizes integrity in legislative leadership.”

The Connecticut State Dental Association is a statewide, professional membership organization representing Connecticut licensed dentists, committed to protecting the health and well-being of people of all ages, with a statewide membership of more than 2,200 licensed dentists in Connecticut.