Kool Smiles' Chief Technical Architect Selected as Laureate by the Computerworld Honors Program

ATLANTA, May 12 /PRNewswire/ -- Kool Smiles' Chief Technical Architect, Mark Blomquist, has been recognized as a Laureate by the Computerworld Honors Program. This year's Honorees will be commemorated during the 22nd Annual Laureates Medal Ceremony & Gala Awards Evening in Washington, D.C.  For over two decades, Computerworld Honors has acknowledged those individuals and organizations that have used information technology to benefit society.

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Kool Smiles, founded in 2002, provides comprehensive, high-quality general dental care to underserved children and adults. The project recognized is Kool Smiles' deployment of Electronic Health Records (EHRs) across over 2,500 Wyse© thin clients across the country.  The project is the technology backbone that has allowed Kool Smiles to expand access to patient populations that may have otherwise gone un-served by existing oral health providers.

The Computerworld Honors Program unites Chairmen and CEOs of the world's foremost information technology companies to recognize the most outstanding user achievements in technology each year. The technology achievements honored by this program recognize those visionary applications of information technology that promotes positive social and economic progress.  Information about the Laureates is preserved and protected in national archives, and in over 350 universities, museums, and research institutions throughout the world.

"When technology can help us provide a real, tangible positive impact on the lives of thousands of people, you know it has done its job," stated Mark Blomquist, Kool Smiles' Chief Technical Architect.  "This recognition serves to further define Kool Smiles as achieving our mission of expanding high quality dental care to children and adults in underserved communities."

"We are pleased to recognize Mark Blomquist for his commitment to innovation and employing technology for the benefit of Kool Smiles patients," said Adam Brush, VP Eastern US Sales at Wyse Technology. "We are also honored that Wyse thin clients has been such a valuable tool for Kool Smiles."

About Computerworld

Computerworld is the leading source of technology news and information for IT influencers worldwide. Computerworld's award-winning Web site (www.computerworld.com), weekly publication, focused conference series and custom research, form the hub of the world's largest (40+ edition) global IT media network. In the past six years alone, Computerworld has won more than 100 awards, including Folio Magazine's 2006 Gold EDDIE Award for the best technology/computing magazine, the 2004 and 2006 Magazine of the Year Award, and 2006 Best Overall Web Publication from the American Society of Business Publication Editors (ASBPE). In addition, in 2007 Computerworld's then editor in chief, Don Tennant, received the prestigious Timothy White Award from American Business Media. Computerworld leads the industry with an online audience of over 2 million unique, monthly visitors and a print audience of 1,222,000 readers each week (IntelliQuest CIMS Spring 2007).

About International Data Group (IDG)

International Data Group (IDG) is the world's leading technology media, events, and research company. IDG's online network includes more than 450 Web sites spanning business technology, consumer technology, digital entertainment, and video games worldwide. IDG publishes more than 300 magazines and newspapers in 85 countries including CIO, CSO, Computerworld, GamePro, InfoWorld, Macworld, Network World, and PC World. IDG's lead-generation service, IDG Connect, matches technology companies with an audience of engaged, high quality IT professionals, influencers, and decision makers. IDG is a leading producer of more than 750 technology-related events including Macworld Conference & Expo, LinuxWorld Conference & Expo, Entertainment for All Expo (E for All), DEMO, and IDC Directions. IDC, a subsidiary of IDG, is the premier global provider of market intelligence, advisory services, and events. Over 900 IDC analysts in more than 90 countries provide global, regional, and local expertise on technology and industry opportunities and trends. Additional information about IDG, a privately held company, is available at idg.com.

About Kool Smiles

Founded in 2002, Kool Smiles is a network of local dental offices dedicated to expanding access to quality dental care for children and families in underserved communities. Kool Smiles provides preventative care, diagnostic imaging and a full range of restorative care supported with electronic health records.  Kool Smiles offices, many of which are newly constructed, are designed to facilitate communications between our patients and doctors in a relaxed atmosphere. In addition to accepting most insurance plans, Kool Smiles is proud to offer services to families covered by Medicaid and State Children's Health Insurance Programs (SCHIP). Kool Smiles also provides oral health education programs through partnerships with community schools and organizations. To find a local Kool Smiles dentist, please visit www.koolsmilespc.com.

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SOURCE Kool Smiles