OWEGO, NY (607NewsNow) – New York State is recognizing a health professional in the Southern Tier.

On November 24, Dr. Eric Sarnicola of Tioga County Public Health was presented with the 2025 Senator Patricia McGee Award, which recognizes individuals who make significant contributions to health in rural populations.

Sarnicola was nominated for his work over two decades as the primary dentist in the county’s mobile dental health unit, Tioga Smiles. Nominees are historically chosen for their efforts that go above and beyond normal expectations in advancing public health.

“Tioga County has limited dental services and is designated by the HRSA (U.S. Health Resources and Services Administration) as a Health Professional Shortage Area (HPSA) for dental care,” said Tioga County Public Health Director Heather Vroman. “We can address access to dental services through our mobile dental unit, which Dr. Sarnicola is a key part of making the program effective.”

In addition to his work with Tioga Smiles, Sarnicola provides dental care at both the Tioga County and Broome County correctional facilities.