Orono dentist Dr. Gary Farren has been recognized with the “Above and Beyond” award from the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve, a program of the United States Department of Defense.

Farren, who lives in Hampden and has practiced in Orono for more than 25 years, was honored for his support of the Maine Air National Guard’s 101st Medical Group, headquartered in Bangor. Farren reads dental X-rays taken by dental technicians on drill weekends. The dental clinic has no dental officer qualified to read X-rays, so Farren’s participation has been key to keeping members of the 101st dentally qualified to deploy.

In addition, Farren is the civilian employer of MSgt. June Toole, a registered dental hygienist. Toole said in a prepared statement that Farren has consistently supported her military obligations, including any time she has needed to be away from the Orono practice.

The “Above and Beyond” award is given by state and territory ESGR committees. In Maine, the ESGR committee is headquartered in Augusta.