Dr. H. Cyrus Oates is a graduate of Howard University College of Dentistry, and has been practicing in the Rockford Area for over 40 years. His professional organizations include the American Dental Association, Academy of General Dentistry, National Dental Association,Winnebago County Dental Society and Academy for Sports Dentistry. He currently serves on Milestone Board of Directors for developmentally disabled adults, Winnebago County Dental Society's peer review committee and RAMM (Rockford Association for Minority Management) as chair of Community Relations Committee which has distributed over $650,000 in scholarships to African American High School Seniors. Dr. Oates has served on various boards such as Booker Washington Center, Rockford Community Foundation of Northern Illinois, Commissioner of Chicago Rockford International Airport, and First of America Bank (now PNC Bank). In June 2008 he received the lifetime achievement award from Black Health Care Community Action Team and in May 2014 he received the Dr. Scott Erickson Award for his dedication in serving dental health to his community.