ROCKFORD, IL — A renowned Rockford dentist who has spent years bringing dental care to children from low-income families was chosen from a field of exceptional nominees and finalists as winner of the 2025 Excalibur award.

Dr. Cyrus Oates, 72, has worked tirelessly for two decades to provide regular dental care for Rockford children who otherwise would not have gotten their teeth cared for in partnership with Rockford Public Schools. Now Oates is working to establish a permanent facility to serve those students who need additional care for cavities, extractions or advanced dental issues.

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