OCTOBER 23–24
ACD 2025
A MONUMENTAL MEETING
WASHINGTON DC
Annual
Meeting and Convocation!
Robert A. Faiella, DMD, MMSc, MBA
e look forward to welcoming you to the American College of Dentists’ 2025 Annual Meeting and Convocation in Washington, D.C. Our nation’s capital provides the perfect historic backdrop to celebrate the mission and accomplishments of the College over the past year.
It has been a decade since we last gathered in Washington, and while much has changed, one thing remains constant: the deep satisfaction of working together in service to our mission. That mission continues to inspire all Fellows to uphold the values of ethics, excellence, professionalism, and leadership for the greater good of the profession and society.
This year’s meeting promises to be more dynamic and engaging than ever. From Regency dinners to tours of D.C.’s iconic sites, there will be memorable opportunities to connect with colleagues and friends.
We will proudly welcome a record number of new Fellows into the College, celebrating their achievements and commitment to our shared ideals.
In addition, Fellows will have the opportunity to explore exciting initiatives, including the launch of the online Sweet Spot Leadership Training Program, the Fellows Forum on the development of Global Leadership Standards, and opportunities to participate in Giving Tuesday and the year-end ACD Giving Campaign.
Join us in Washington, D.C. for inspiration, fellowship, and the opportunity to build upon the College’s enduring legacy. You will not want to miss ACD 2025!
Michael A. Graham, Executive Director
PLAY VIDEO
Dates to Remember
September 1, 2025
Last Day for Candidates to Register for ACD 2025
September 10, 2025
Last Day for Current Fellows to Register for ACD 2025
September 15, 2025
Last Day to Cancel and Receive a Refund for ACD 2025
October 1, 2025
Deadline for Submissions to the ACD News for the Fall Issue
October 23-24, 2025
ACD 2025 Annual Meeting and Convocation
December 2, 2025 Giving Tuesday
In this Issue
ACD 2025: A Monumental Meeting
President’s Forum
Video Message from Mike Graham
Dates to Remember
ACD Foundation Update
Why the Foundation?
Regent Report: Reaching Beyond the ACD
25th Annual Impressions Day
Editor’s Corner
News of Fellows and Sections
ASDE Update
Bulletin Board
Board of Regents Election
The election petition window for 2025 has closed and the following are now elected to their positions.
Peter Guevara President Elect Federal Services
Kevin Haney Regent for Regency 6 Oklahoma
Ned Nix Vice President Northern California
LaJuan Hall Regent for Regency 7 Northern California
In 2026, Regents for Regencies 1 and 3 will be up for election. Drs. Julie Connolly (Regency 1) and Robert Plage (Regency 3) will complete their terms as Regents at that time.
Section Chairs from each Regency will serve as the nominating committees for their respective Regencies.
Also to be elected are the Treasurer, Vice President, and President Elect of the Board of Regents.
Information will be sent to the Section leaders and Fellows right after the annual meeting, with nominations due to the ACD Executive Director in the spring.
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
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
ACD 2025 PRELIMINARY PROGRAM
JW MARRIOTT HOTEL
Pennsylvania Ave., Washington, D.C.
The JW Marriott is nearly sold out! Don’t see the combination of nights that you need? Please contact the ACD Office at office@acd.org or 301-977-3223.
THURSDAY | OCTOBER 23
8:30 – 11:30 a.m.
Tour Washington
$85 per person
Immerse yourself in the history and beauty of Washington, D.C. Tours include transportation and professional tour guides. Space is limited to 30 people on each tour.
TOUR 1
Welcome to Washington
Limited walking; executive minibus
Participants will have the opportunity to get out and see:
• White House
• US Capitol Building
• Lincoln Memorial
• Jefferson Memorial
• WWII Memorial
• Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial
• Vietnam Veteran’s Memorial
• Korean War Veteran’s Memorial
Additionally, you will see from the comfort of the vehicle:
• Pennsylvania Ave. (America’s “Main Street”)
• Washington Monument
• National Archives
• Smithsonian Museums
• US Navy Memorial
• Canadian Embassy
• FBI Building
• Kennedy Center
• The Watergate, and much more!
TOUR 2
Walking Tour of Arlington National Cemetery
Our tour will begin at the Visitor Center, and will include Arlington House (aka the Custis-Lee Mansion), the Kennedy grave sites, and the Changing of the Guard Ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at 10:00 a.m.
1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
ASDE Ethics Course
$275, 3 CEU
Presenters:
Catherine Frankl Sarkis, JD, MBA
Carlos Smith, DDS, MDiv, FACD
Pamela Zarkowski, JD, MPH, FACD
In today’s world, the concept of truth is increasingly challenged. While many view truth-telling as a core personal value, they must also navigate a landscape filled with disinformation and mistrust. Even those whose professions depend on truth—such as practitioners, educators, and researchers— are sometimes accused of being untruthful.
This course explores veracity as a foundational ethical principle in dentistry. Truthfulness influences relationships with patients, colleagues, students, staff, family, and friends. Through interactive discussions and case-based analysis, participants will examine the meaning and importance of veracity in both professional and personal contexts, with a focus on the responsibilities of healthcare professionals.
Course Objectives:
• Understand the impact of veracity in professional and personal contexts.
• Identify ethical dilemmas and challenges related to truth-telling in dental practice
• Apply the principle of veracity in everyday interactions with patients, colleagues, and others.
• Develop effective strategies for maintaining truthfulness in difficult conversations.
4:30 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Regency Breakout Sessions
This year’s Breakout will review the organizational structure of the ACD and the value of your involvement at the local level. Specific information will cover succession planning for Section leadership, how the Board of Regents is structured and how it operates and sharing ideas for involvement with SPEA and dental schools. An update on the progress of the strategic plan will also be provided.
7:00 p.m.
Regency Dinners
$100
Fellows and their guests are invited to join their Regent at one of DC’s iconic Clyde’s restaurants. The evening includes a three-course meal and two drink tickets for beer or wine (cash bar after). Unwind and enjoy Fellowship with friends in a more casual atmosphere.
ACD 2025 PRELIMINARY PROGRAM
FRIDAY | OCTOBER 24
7:30 a.m.
Coffee and Continental Breakfast
Included in Induction Fee for Candidates
$25 for Fellows/$45 for Guests
8:00 – 9:00 a.m.
Annual Business Meeting of the College
The Howard University ROTC Color Guard will open the ACD annual meeting. ACD Officers will update the Fellowship regarding the state of the College and Foundation. An orientation video for new Fellows will wrap up this session.
9:00 – 11:00 a.m.
Fellows Forum 2 CEU
Standards in Leadership in Oral Healthcare: The Need for Action
Standards are statements of what is expected of individuals and organizations. Individual and collective compliance with standards is critical to standing and status and, very importantly, trust—trust in individuals and organizations.
President Robert Faiella and the Board of Regents created a task force to work toward the creation of a set of Standards for Leadership. Please join the task force as they review their work for the Fellowship.
Task Force Members:
Robert Faiella, DMD, MSc
Teresa Dolan, DDS, MPH
Sreenivas Koka, DDS, MS, PhD, MBA
Karl Haden, PhD
Sir Nairn Wilson, BDS, MSc, CBE FRCS FRCSI
11:30 a.m. – 12:45 p.m.
Convocation Lunch
$85
The Model Section Recognitions and the Section Newsletter Award will be given at 12:15 p.m.
2:00 p.m.
Procession Lineup in the Capitol Ballroom
Candidates and their Sponsors will line up in the ballroom and prepare for procession into the Grand Ballroom.
2:30 p.m.
Convocation of Fellows and Induction Ceremony
The Convocation honors the history of the College while welcoming a dynamic future. There is no charge for guests to attend this event, and it is livestreamed for family and friends who are unable to join in person. We ask that guests attending be seated by 2:20 p.m.
The Convocation will be followed immediately by a Toast to the Fellowship. This event features champagne toast and passed hors d’oeuvres. Georgetown Jazz will lead the festivities. It is free for Fellows through a generous gift from Dr. Samuel L. Harris.
Guest attendance is $75.
7:00 – 10:00 p.m.
An Evening to Remember
Observatory at Americas Square
Business/Cocktail Attire
$275.00 | WAITLISTED
Please join the ACD Board of Regents for a celebratory dinner overlooking our Nation’s Capital. This event takes place at the Observatory at America’s Square and features live music, an open bar with specialty cocktails created just for us, a delicious 3-course meal, and an unmatched view of iconic DC.
Seating is limited for this special experience.
FROM THE STAFF
ACD office staff members are all lifelong or longtime residents of the DC Metro area. Here are a few ideas from them on how to make your time in DC as memorable as possible. Please also see the DC guide created by staff.
Although tours of the White House have been suspended, you can book a free tour of the US Capitol at https://www.visitthecapitol.gov/visit/ book-a-tour. The tours are led by docents trained in the history and artwork of the Capitol. Many members of Congress will allow you to book a tour of the Capitol through their websites. You can also request a gallery pass if you wish to see Congress in action. Google your member of Congress and select “Services” on their individual website.
Get tickets to visit the Washington Monument for the last tour of the day. In late October, sunset will be starting, and the view is even better than usual. www.nps.gov/wamo/planyourvisit/fees.htm
Go for a walk or run along “Embassy Row.” The Philips Collection, Society of the Cincinnati/Anderson House, Spanish Steps, and Woodrow Wilson House are all nearby, as well. Some embassies open to the public or host events anyone can attend. washington.org/visit-dc/international-embassies-in-washington-dc#access
WHERE WE LIKE TO EAT
Amys (near the National Cathedral)
La Piquette (across from 2 Amys near the National Cathedral)
Le Diplomate (Logan Circle)
Joe’s (Layfayette Square)
La Chaumiere (Georgetown)
– Reagan International Airport is the most convenient and closest. Metro lines are right at the airport and getting into the city is very quick and convenient. DCA has some wonderful architectural elements.
If using Metro, take the Yellow/Blue Line Track 1 from DCA the Metro Center stop. Metro Center is the stop closest to the J.W. Marriott. The Yellow line is quicker but can be more crowded. The Blue line is better if you have more luggage and time.
BWI – Baltimore Washington International often has the least expensive flights but is the furthest from DC (one-hour+ taxi ride into DC).
IAD – Dulles International airport has the Silver Metro line to the Metro Center stop. From Dulles it is about an hour into DC by metro rail. Washington Flyer taxi cabs exclusively service Dulles Airport and taxi stands are located outside the main terminal.
DCA
GETTING TO DC AND THE JW MARRIOTT
2
Building Momentum: A Season of Growth and Connection
Teresa A. Dolan, DDS, MPH President, American College of Dentists Foundation
Dear Fellow Dentists and Foundation Supporters,
What an incredible season it’s been for the American College of Dentists Foundation! As I write this update, I’m filled with excitement about the energy and engagement we’re seeing from our dental community. From inspiring leadership conversations in San Antonio to groundbreaking educational webinars, the ACDF is truly making waves in advancing our profession’s future.
Spring Leadership Conference: Where Wisdom Meets Action
This past spring, San Antonio played host to our Leadership Conference, which focused specifically on Sections and Section Leaders. The conference proved to be a perfect blend of practical guidance and inspirational storytelling. One of the highlights was a compelling session on “The Power of Giving to the Foundation” – a reminder of how our collective generosity creates ripple effects throughout the dental community.
I had the privilege of moderating a panel discussion titled “Leadership, Stewardship, and Making a Difference” featuring two remarkable leaders: past-president Dr. Steve Chan and Board member Dr. Krista Jones. Their conversation was nothing short of inspiring. Dr. Chan shared insights from his 35-year career journey, from his pediatric dentistry calling to his diverse interests in everything from trap shooting to musical theatre. Dr.
Jones brought her unique perspective shaped by 39 years of practice, her passion for ethics education, and her adventures chasing solar eclipses across the globe with her husband Craig!
Together, they explored crucial questions about what it means to step into leadership, the role of mentorship in opening access to opportunities, and how philanthropy and leadership intertwine. Their discussion reinforced a fundamental truth: when our communities thrive, our practices thrive. The audience was captivated by their authenticity and wisdom.
Breaking New Ground: Our First Educational Webinar
On August 7th, we reached another milestone by hosting our very first educational webinar in partnership with Corient Investment Counselors. The topic – Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs) and Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) – might sound technical, but the response was overwhelmingly positive!
Participants learned practical strategies for creating charitable giving plans that align with their investment and retirement goals, discovered tax-efficient giving opportunities, and gained insights into income and estate tax savings. This webinar represents our commitment to providing valuable resources that help our Fellows make informed decisions about their philanthropic journeys.
Looking Ahead: Two Can’t-Miss Events
Mark your calendars – we have two exciting events on the horizon that you won’t want to miss!
OCTOBER 23
Exclusive Foundation Donor Lunch
We’re thrilled to host an invitation-only Foundation Donor Lunch during the ACD Annual Meeting and Convocation. Picture this: an intimate gathering at the historic Stephen Decatur House, just steps from the White House off Lafayette Square. This exclusive event will bring together our most dedicated supporters for an afternoon of connection, recognition, and forward-looking conversation about the Foundation’s impact.
DECEMBER 2
Annual Giving Campaign Launch
Get ready for Giving Tuesday! We’re launching our annual giving campaign with renewed energy and ambitious goals. This campaign represents more than fundraising – it’s about building a community of dental leaders committed to advancing ethics, leadership, and professional excellence.
2025 Fundraising Update: Ahead of the Curve!
I’m delighted to report that our 2025 fundraising efforts are off to a fantastic start. As of July 1st, we’ve received over $85,000 in donations from approximately 540 generous supporters –putting us ahead of last year’s giving pace! Our target range for 2025 is $204,000 to $215,000, and with momentum like this, I’m confident we’ll not only meet but exceed our goals.
These numbers represent more than dollars and cents – they represent a community of dental professionals who understand that investing in leadership development today creates a stronger profession tomorrow. Every contribution, whether large or small, contributes to scholarships, educational programs, and initiatives that strengthen the ethical foundation of dentistry.
The Ripple Effect of Your Support
As I reflect on these recent achievements, I’m struck by the ripple effect of your support. The leadership conversations in San Antonio will influence how dental professionals approach their careers for years to come. The educational webinar equipped participants with knowledge they’ll use to make impactful giving decisions. The upcoming donor lunch will forge connections that strengthen our professional community.
Your investment in the ACDF creates leaders who advance professional organizations, mentor the next generation, and serve their communities with distinction. You’re not just supporting a foundation – you’re investing in the future of dentistry.
Join Us on the Journey
Whether you’re a longtime supporter or considering your first gift to the ACDF, there’s never been a better time to get involved. Our spring conference showed us the power of bringing dental leaders together. Our webinar demonstrated our commitment to providing valuable resources. Our upcoming events promise to create lasting connections and meaningful impact.
The dental profession has always been built on a foundation of service, ethics, and excellence. Through your support of the ACDF, you’re ensuring that the American College of Dentists and the dental profession remains strong for generations to come.
Thank you for being part of this incredible journey. Together, we’re not just building a foundation – we’re building the future of dentistry.
With gratitude and excitement,
Dr. Terri Dolan President, American College of Dentists Foundation
CWhy the Foundation?
Krista Jones, DDS Regent At Large
ontributing to the American College of Dentists Foundation is an essential commitment for me, as it aligns with my belief in advancing the dental profession while focusing on the four core values of excellence, ethics, professionalism and leadership. The Foundation plays a crucial role in supporting ACD initiatives that enhance education, research, and leadership within dentistry. By contributing, I actively support various programs that foster the professional development of dentists.
Early in my Fellowship career, I was approached to help make the ACD our profession’s leader in ethics, as it has always been known as the conscience of dentistry, by donating to establish dentalethics.org and the development of ethics videos to be used as interactive educational tools. That started my yearly giving, and I was able to see the impact of our ethics educational program, as states started requiring ethics education in their CE requirements. At the end of that 5-year period, before you know it, I had become a Circle
Club member merely by investing in my profession in a difference-making organization like ACD that was impacting dentistry not only locally, but nationally and globally. This was something I wanted to be a part of.
ACD is now focusing on another of our core values, Leadership, with the Sweet Spot Leadership Certification Program, a hybrid training for early to midcareer Fellows to increase their leadership capacity.
This mission resonates with my personal commitment to making a difference in the lives of others and advancing my profession at the same time.
I was raised to believe that to whom much is given, much is required. I have been so incredibly blessed in my profession that I found an area for my professional passion in investing in ACDF initiatives. There just might be one initiative that resonates with you, just waiting for your investment. Every little bit helps, and all amounts are accepted with extreme gratitude. Won’t you join me?
READY TO MAKE YOUR IMPACT?
Visit acd.org today or contact our office at (301) 977-3223 to discuss your giving options.
Together, we’re building a stronger future for dentistry!
Buy a Brick, Build 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.
Representing the College at the Society of American Indian Dentists Annual Conference
Pamela Alston At Large Regent
“It
was a very special tribute to Dr. Blue Spruce. Wonderful to have the Hohokam members sing in their native language. It was a ceremony well received and respected by everyone regardless of their heritage.”
– Arizona Section Chair, David Hancock
At the 2025 Society of American Indian Dentists Annual Conference, President Bob Faiella, Arizona Section Chair David Hancock, and I represented the ACD. Dr. Hancock presented an Ethics course and we all attended various events held during the two-day conference. Since I am a SAID Affiliate Member and I attend the Conference annually, I was able to introduce President Faiella to the Fellows and others with whom I am acquainted. What stood out about President Faiella is that he has a knack for affirming others; taking time to listen to them and make them feel glad that they are ACD Fellows. It is notable that besides the NDA and HDA Presidents and the ADEA President & CEO, I believe the only other President that attended was our very own.
This was the first time that the ACD sent its President and was a Conference sponsor. The SAID assigned the ACD’s sponsorship to the Blessing Ceremony for the late Fellow Dr. George Blue Spruce. Dr. Hancock wrote to me, “It was a very special tribute to Dr. Blue Spruce. Wonderful to have the Hohokam members sing in their native language. It was a ceremony well received and respected by everyone regardless of their heritage.” The Blessing Ceremony is a sacred ceremonial practice that holds deep spiritual and cultural significance for American Indian tribes. Dr. Blue Spruce was a deeply spiritual man whose American Indian identity and cultural preservation were important. He was also the First American Indian person to graduate from dental school, which he did in 1956. I cannot think of a better way for the ACD to have supported the SAID Conference this year.
LASTING IMPRESSIONS – OVER 25 YEARS OF SNDA IMPRESSIONS DAY PROGRAMS
25th Annual Impressions Day
FEBRUARY 17, 2024
Regina LW Messer, PhD; Dione Aikionbare, DMD; Kaningston Gloster, DMD; Stephanie Perry, MS
Recruiting students to dental schools has always required innovative and creative strategies, especially as application numbers remain steady while matriculation rates rise. This challenge is even more pronounced when it comes to attracting students from backgrounds underrepresented in healthcare. Over twenty-five years ago, a visionary student at the then Medical College of Georgia School of Dentistry recognized this need and acted. Dr. Kimberly Edwards Beal founded the Impressions Day Program at the then Medical College of Georgia now the Dental College of Georgia. The program was held to allow participants to hear guest lectures and ask questions about the dental profession. In 1999, while serving as the national SNDA president, Dr. Beal made her mark as a leader who would soon influence all chapters of SNDA by taking the program nationwide. The Impressions Program had an impact from the beginning. This groundbreaking Student National Dental Association event, nationally known as “Impressions,” has since been implemented at all forty-seven SNDA chapters. What began as a student vision has grown into a national movement of mentorship and opportunity.
Beginning in 2019, the world experienced the impact of COVID. Although there were many unforeseen changes due to the pandemic, the SNDA chapter of DCG was dedicated to adapting and hosting a virtual
Impressions Day Program for prospective students. More than 176 pre-dental students who participated in the virtual Impressions Day Program were mailed supplies for lab activities such as waxing, operative, alginate, suturing, and scaling exercises. Additionally, the virtual event provided speakers, mock interviews, panels, and admissions presentations to participants. This creative pivot demonstrated the importance the students in the SNDA see in the program. In 2024, the DCG SNDA chapter celebrated the 25th Annual Impressions Day with 200 participants. Registration filled within 30 hours—a milestone that was surpassed the following year when 223 students registered in just seven minutes. Now the obstacle is how to offer the Impressions Program to the long list of interested prospective students who make up the waitlist. This challenge honors the legacy of the rich history of the program. Although this program started with humble resources, the expansion of the Impressions Day Program continues to reach students across the country.
Not only has the DCG SNDA grown from 11 members in 1999 to over 58 paid members (15% of the student body), but the local chapter’s impact has also grown. Twenty-five years later, the Impressions Program is a staple for recruitment at the DCG, and the organization hosts many other events. The vision for Impressions Day has grown into an immersive
EThe Official Journal of the American College of Dentists
Editor’s Corner
Toni Roucka, DDS, RN, MA
xciting developments are underway for the Journal of the American College of Dentists (JACD).
We are most excited about our journal indexing initiative. As of mid-July 2025, the ACD has entered a one-year agreement with ADA Commons, hosted by Elsevier’s Digital Commons. This partnership will expand the journal’s visibility, searchability, and archive accessibility, with a custom repository and enhanced discoverability features in Google Scholar. The board will evaluate the effectiveness of this platform at the end of the inaugural year. This initiative will elevate the journal’s status as an open-access, online journal and encourage author submissions. There is potential to use this platform for archiving all digital communications of the College in the future. You can learn more about Elsevier’s Digital Commons and ADA Commons at https://www.elsevier.com/products/digital-commons or https://commons.ada.org/.
The text-to-audio feature introduced in the spring issue of the journal has met with some challenges. This is a feature that we are committed to implementing for all journal articles in the future. The “Text-to-Talk” feature is designed to improve journal accessibility by giving readers the option to listen to content instead of reading it
if they so desire. Stay tuned for more audio content in future issues as we work through vendor selection.
On the opposite end of the spectrum, we are exploring methods to make hard-copy versions of the journal available to those who like to hold the journal in their hands to read it. We have surveyed the fellows on their interest in this initiative going forward (the survey was in the July Fellowship Update email). Please respond to that survey if you haven’t already done so.
Our most recent issue, which featured proceedings from the 2024 Ethics Summit on interprofessionalism in healthcare, has received overwhelmingly positive feedback. The emphasis on collaboration across disciplines and dentistry’s ethical responsibility as a healthcare partner resonated deeply with readers and reinforced the value of the College’s leadership in this area.
Looking ahead, the Fall 2025 issue will explore some urgent topics such as misinformation and disinformation on social media, community water fluoridation, provider wellness, and human trafficking awareness, among other topics. We will also highlight the Ozar-Hasegawa Ethics Essay award winners for 2025 in that issue.
Submissions to JACD and feedback from Fellows are always welcome. Please send correspondence to editor@acd.org. See you in the next issue!
experience for students interested in dental school, designed to give them a taste of the environment they will enjoy and the skills they will develop while in dental school. From the wet lab to mock interviews to facility tours, prospective dental students get a hands-on, realistic peek at life “under the crown.”
From humble beginnings, the SNDA Impressions Program has become a cornerstone of outreach and mentorship, inspiring generations of future dentists and expanding access to the profession. Its legacy continues to grow—one impression at a time.
Dr. Messer is Associate Dean and Professor at the Dental College of Georgia at Augusta University and an Honorary Fellow of the ACD. Her students conducted a full research project on the effectiveness of the Impressions Day program and summarized it for the News.
News of Fellows and Sections
Our Fellows Embody Our Highest Ideals
–John Feeney, New Jersey
“It is true that some things can impede our actions. Yet they cannot obstruct our intentions or attitudes. The adaptable mind can convert any obstacle to its action into a means of achieving. What stands in the way becomes the way.”
– Marcus Aurelius
As ACD Fellows, we realize the world is constantly testing us, and especially those more vulnerable than us. Resistance, difficulties, challenges, and adversity are all part of daily life. We must not forget that what challenges us makes us who we are, just as much as the things that go well. We may not always be able to determine the circumstances, but our mission and commitment to ethics and leadership give deeper meaning to accepting and overcoming challenges and helping others do the same. We are stronger when we step up to challenges together.
Dr. Feeney is a retired oral and maxillofacial surgeon who regularly contributes an opening essay to the News of Sections and Fellows, highlighting philosophy and history and putting the Fellows’ unique contributions to the professional and society in a broader perspective.
Kenneth Bentley and Borsuk, Bentley, Martin
Kenneth Bentley was honored for his 50 years of ACD Fellowship by the Quebec Section.
At the NDA meeting, Fellow Leslie Grant (Maryland) was awarded their highest honor, the Legacy Award, which recognizes individuals whose lifelong commitment and extraordinary contributions have left a lasting impact on the dental profession, oral health equity, and the NDA.
President Elect Terry Norris visited the Florida Section meeting where he congratulated Immediate Past Chair, Paul Miller, on attaining Model Section status for the first time in the Section’s history.
Regent for Regency 5, Nancy Larson, recently attended the Upper Midwest Section meeting. This collegial gathering includes PFA and ICD. George Kinney is the Chair of ACD Upper Midwest Section.
President Bob Faiella and Executive Director Mike Graham attended the National Dental Association meeting, along with At Large Regent Pamela Alston and American Society for Dental Ethics President Carlos Smith.
President Faiella also visited the Academy of General Dentistry conference in Montreal and enjoyed visiting with other Fellows attending that meeting, including Mark Donald (Mississippi), Maxine Feinberg (New Jersey), Rick Huot (Florida), and Stephanie Urillo (New England).
SPOTLIGHT ON ASDE LEADERSHIP
The American Society of Dental Ethics (ASDE) is pleased to spotlight two outstanding officers whose work exemplifies the highest standards of dental ethics and professionalism.
Carlos Stringer Smith, DDS, MDiv, FACD ASDE President (2024–2026)
Dr. Carlos Smith is no stranger to the American College of Dentists. A Fellow since 2018, he currently serves as Associate Dean for Ethics and Community Engagement and Associate Professor in the Department of Dental Public Health and Policy at Virginia Commonwealth University School of Dentistry. His diverse career spans clinical dentistry in rural health centers, corporate practice, private practice, military readiness, and academic roles.
An ordained clergy member with training in clinical pastoral education, Dr. Smith brings a deep commitment to humanistic care. He serves on the board of the Academy for Professionalism in Health Care and is the only dentist on the CVS Health National Health Equity Advisory Board. This fall, he will be inducted into the International College of Dentists.
Dr. Smith continues to practice in the VCU Dental Faculty Practice and has held key educational roles as group practice leader, course director, and student organization advisor. A prolific speaker and scholar, he has authored more than 30 peer-reviewed publications and currently leads a $1.2 million federally funded faculty loan repayment grant. His recent work in the Journal of Dental Education explores ethics, justice, and structural accountability in oral health.
Catherine Frankl Sarkis, JD, MBA ASDE President-Elect
Professor Catherine Sarkis brings a powerful blend of legal, ethical, and academic expertise to her role as President-Elect of ASDE. A Clinical Professor at Boston University Goldman School of Dental Medicine and Instructor at Harvard School of Dental Medicine, she teaches bioethics, health law, compliance, and risk management.
She is a trusted mentor to students, residents, and junior faculty, and supports dental schools in meeting accreditation standards for ethics and professionalism. Professor Sarkis also provides continuing education to dental professionals and offers ethical remediation for licensees requiring intervention.
A key contributor to the ACD Ethics Handbook, she is a a member of the ADEA Professional, Ethical, and Legal Issues Section, and serves on the editorial board of the Journal of the American College of Dentists . She also holds memberships in the Massachusetts Bar, the Academy for Professionalism in Health Care, and the American Society of Law, Medicine & Ethics. She will be inducted as an Honorary Fellow in the College at the Fall ACD Annual Session.
The American Society for Dental Ethics is a Section of the College. Fellows may include a membership in ASDE with their annual dues by selecting it as their second Section. ASDE works with the ACD on its ethics educational materials and CE sessions.
Order for pick-up at the annual meeting or for shipment in time for the holidays. ACD is delighted to partner with Cutter and Buck on this project.
Order online at https://acd.memberclicks.net/2025quarterzip.
