ACD
American College of Dentists NEWS
SPECIAL FOUNDATION ISSUE
DECEMBER 2, 2025
“Your support of the American College of Dentists Foundation will directly help the College strengthen its efforts to keep our profession strong, vibrant, relevant, effective, and ethical—not resting on our reputation or past accomplishments but working tirelessly to improve the profession and its impact.”
– Stephen A. Ralls, ACD Past President and Former Executive Director
In this Issue
Giving Tuesday
ACDF President’s Message
Why I Give
JACD joins ADA Commons
ACDF PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
Robert A. Faiella
Since 1972, the ACD Foundation has invested in the future of dentistry. Through fundraising, stewardship, and thoughtful spending, the Foundation has created a portfolio of programs that are evolving to meet contemporary needs. Notably, the Foundation is making possible advanced leadership training, including a certification in Human Centered Leadership. Our online ethics courses are being refreshed on a new learning management system, and the JACD is now indexed on ADA Commons to reach a wider audience. Perhaps most importantly, our investment in the Student Professionalism and Ethics Association is ensuring that young professionals carry our mission forward for generations to come. Won’t you please join us?
CONTACT
ACD News is published by: American College of Dentists 103 North Adams Street, Rockville, MD 20850 301-977-3223 | office@acd.org | acd.org
Michael A. Graham, Executive Director
Learning Management and Resource System Launching in January
SHIFT and Sweet Spot Leader Programs
SPEA: The Future of the Profession
Local Initiatives Powering our Grassroots
Suzan Pitman, Program Director
Matthew Sheriff, Communications Director
Tylor Davis, Social Media Coordinator
Send address changes to: ACD News 103 North Adams Street, Rockville, MD 20850 or e-mail office@acd.org
Bob Faiella and Terri Dolan
Why I Give
ACD Leaders
“It’s not about me…it’s a way of giving back that ensures the future of dentistry remains sound, ethical, and vibrant.”
–Terry Norris, ACD President
“I like to quote Winston Churchill, ‘You make a living by what you get, you make a life by what you give.’”
–Krista
Jones, Past At Large Regent
“It honors the legacy of those who came before us and it helps strengthen our community.”
–LaJuan Hall, Regent, Regency 7
“I care deeply about our profession, and I want to make sure it has a strong foundation and a strong future.”
–Terri Dolan, Past President
“Many of us, myself included, feel called to give back to the profession that gave us so much. Support for our mission—to advance excellence, ethics, professionalism, and leadership in dentistry—means more learning opportunities for those still newer in their careers, increasing support for dental students through SPEA, and advancing our understanding of what it means to be an ethical oral healthcare professional.”
–Robert Lamb, Past President
“ Why contribute to the American College of Dentists? My reason is “professionalism”. As dentistry moves into a future few of us imagined, I fear a loss of the ideals and responsibilities that makes us a respected healthcare profession. We cannot lose that pride of ownership or forego those responsibilities. The “business” of dentistry cannot be allowed to subvert our implied contract to keep patient care our ultimate duty. The American College of Dentists promotes professionalism and ethics to those beginning their dental careers better than any other group. I contribute so that the profession I joined continues into the future.”
–Daniel Klemmedson, Fellow and Past President of the ADA
Why I Give
originally published in 2022
Happy Anniversary American College of Dentists Foundation! The ACD Foundation is celebrating 50 years of existence and as we celebrate our founding, I am reflecting on the concept of philanthropy and what motivates us to give.
The American College of Dentist Foundation is it 501(c)(3) nonprofit charitable organization. As our foundation continues to grow for the next 50 years, I am reminded of the value that the foundation provides for its members. The ACD Foundation was created to support educational, literary, and scientific initiatives that advance oral health and the dental profession; it supports educational and programmatic efforts that promote professionalism and ethics like scholarships for advanced studies in ethics, educational materials for dental students, and continuing education courses.
When we talk about giving, we must also define why we are giving; we give because of philanthropy and our commitment and passion for the ACD. Philanthropy can be defined as a critical part of our democratic society. It is different than charity, which focuses on eliminating social problems. It supports projects and endeavors from which we all can benefit.
Philanthropy can be defined as a critical part of our democratic society. It is different than charity, which focuses on eliminating social problems. It supports projects and endeavors from which we all can benefit.
Leo E. Rouse, DDS Past President of the ACD and ACDF
JACD JOINS ADA COMMONS: ACCESS PAST ARTICLES AND AUTHOR INSIGHT
ADA Commons is a new information resource from the American Dental Association that highlights dental literature and resources. Featuring membership publications from across the ADA tripartite and archival materials from the ADA collections, ADA Commons is a searchable, open-access database solely focused on dentistry and oral health.
The Journal of the American College of Dentists is now included in ADA Commons,
giving members of the American College of Dentists the ability to search for past JACD articles, authors, and specific content relevant to your needs. Within the larger database, ADA Commons also gives you access to the latest journals, magazines, and newsletters of all participating ADA associations and professional dental organizations. Content also includes archives of peer-reviewed articles, clinical research, legal and HR-related news, editorials and much more.
Alisun DeKock, MLIS
Digital Archivist & Publishing Librarian
New Learning Management and Resource System Launching in January
ACD Staff
The resources and courses at dentalethics.org are a long-term program of the ACD Foundation. With 40 hours of ethics courses, video resources, and print resources for download, it is a rich repository for the profession.
Beginning in January, this cherished resource will begin moving to an updated learning management
system (LMS). Courses will contain multimedia and interactive features. For our Fellows, courses taken will be reflected in your Fellowship profile. NonFellows will have limited, short-term accounts for taking courses and receiving their CE verifications, continuing the tradition of open-access learning for the profession.
Leading the Way: SHIFT and Sweet Spot Leader Programs
ACD Staff
In 2025, the ACD held two SHIFT (Shaping the Future) programs for Section leaders and those who aspire to leadership. SHIFT workshops are small group “think tanks” where talks on leadership are given with time for discussion, questioning, team building, and networking built into the weekend. Sessions begin with a mixer and ice breaker on Friday evenings and run through Sunday afternoon. They are provided through a partnership with CDD (Career Design in Dentistry), a non-profit that makes the sessions highly affordable for the ACDF. Participants are asked only to pay for their travel
“SHIFT offered more than just a leadership workshop; it was a wonderful human experience where individuals eagerly embraced one another, creating an atmosphere of genuine openness and sincerity. The authentic connection made every session impactful and inspiring. I left not only with enhanced leadership skills but also with a newfound appreciation for the power of human connection in fostering meaningful change.”
–Susana M. Salazar Marocho, DDS, MS, PhD
and lodging, with the Foundation covering tuition and meals.
In 2026, SHIFT sessions will be held in Vancouver and Rockville (ACD HQ). Please contact the office at office@acd.org if you are interested in attending.
The Sweet Spot Leader program began in September with 25 Fellows participating in this hybrid experience. The program consists of online asynchronous modules, small group live online coaching, and a culminating in-person experience. Ultimately, the course ends with a certificate in Human Centered Leadership.
Student Professionalism and Ethics Association: The Future of the Profession
ACD Staff
The ACD and SPEA have a long history of collaboration in the interest of continuing the highest standards in ethics, professionalism, and leadership in the profession. The ACD provides funding, mentoring, and a seat on the Board of Regents for SPEA. The perspectives of committed dental students and new professionals have
Local Initiatives
Powering our Grassroots
ACD Staff
Sections have an opportunity twice a year to apply for program grants. The most recent grant has helped Ontario Section start a podcast, The Pillars Pod, and many local grants offset the costs of programs at dental schools. For more information and to get connected to a mentor Section to help with your grant idea, contact the ACD office at office@acd.org.
positively influenced ACD leadership in its pursuit of leadership opportunities and responding to evolving needs of the profession.
At the local level, many ACD Sections support SPEA Chapters at the dental schools in their area, leading to a strong local network for both organizations.
Josh Bussard is a past National Chair of SPEA who then went on to serve as Regent Intern.
Buy a Brick, Leave a Legacy
The ACD/ACD Foundation Office, located in Rockville, Maryland, prominently features a brick walkway that ties into the 18th century brick sidewalks of the Montgomery Avenue Historic District.
Bricks purchased for our walkway exclusively benefit the Foundation and provide tangible reminders of the commitment of our Fellows to the highest ideals in oral healthcare.
Bricks may be purchased in honor of someone special or in memory of a loved one or treasured colleague.
For more information, please contact us at office@acd. org or to purchase a brick, please click the link below.
