Congratulations to the newly inducted Fellows of the American College of Dentists (ACD) from the Metro DC Section, Regency 2: Cheryle BaptisteHill (general practitioner- Washington DC ), LaToya Barham (Chair & Postdoctoral Program Director Pediatric Dentistry Howard University), Craig Butler (Director, Fixed Prosthodontics Howard University), Jessica Dillon (general practitioner Washington DC), Kristi Erickson (CAPT US Navy & Assistant Professor in the Postgraduate Dental College at the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences- USUHS), James Jenkins (pediatric dentist Columbia, MD), Halima Karim (Director & Clinical Instructor, Division of General Practice – UMD Shady Grove), (Catherine Dietrich Pulse (general practitioner Washington DC, Dean’s Faculty UMD), Brittany Turner (Oral and Maxillofacial Radiologist & Commander US Navy), and Juanita Rhodes (general practitioner Washington DC) Fellowship in the ACD is one of the highest honors in the dental profession, recognizing individuals who have exemplified excellence, leadership, ethics, and service to the profession and community We look forward to welcoming new Fellows for dinner and camaraderie at Chef Geoff’s restaurant!
SPOTLIGHT
The mission of the American College of Dentists is to advance to excellence, ethics, professionalism, and leadership in oral healthcare.
The objectives of the American College of Dentists are to elevate the standards of dentistry, to encourage graduate study, and to grant Fellowship to those who have done meritorious work.”
Julie A. Connolly – Regency 1
Nancy Y. Larson – Regency 5
ACD LEADERSHIP
President: Terry L. Norris
Immediate Past President: Robert A. Faiella
President-Elect: Peter H. Guevara
Vice President: Ned L. Nix
Treasurer: Joseph P. Crowley
Executive Director: Michael Graham
Robert G. Plage – Regency 3
Kevin Haney – Regency 6
Robin Henderson – Regency 8
Toni Roucka – At Large Regent
Brenda Thomson – Regency 4
LaJuan Hall – Regency 7
Joshua Bussard – Regent Intern
Krista Jones – At Large Regent
Pamela A. Alston – At Large Regent
Pamela Zarkowski – Board Liaison to the American Society for Dental Ethics (ASDE)
Kjeld Nelson – Board Liaison to the Student Professionalism and Ethics Association in Dentistry (SPEA)
METRO DC SECTION CHAIR
It has been a little over16 years ago when I received my acceptance letter into the American College of Dentistry. I was honored but never fully appreciated what a great honor it was until I became involved within the college and fully understood its mission and objectives to advance excellence, ethics, professionalism and leadership. As Metro DC Chairman I had an opportunity to meet and work with outstanding members of the dental profession. I enjoyed serving and I cannot stress the importance of becoming involved. The changing landscape of dental practice delivery and uncensored influences of social media are now constant challenges to the moral and ethical boundaries of oral health care. I encourage you to share the honor and sponsor other worthy candidates for fellowship.It is so important to recognize integrity, leadership and service within our profession.
Incoming chairman, Dr. Reginal Salter is the current Director of Admissions and Student Programs at Howard Dental School. He is in a unique position to help the college support the SPEA program and have a positive influence on their students early in their dental education. With his unlimited energy, enthusiasm and admiration by students and colleagues alike, he is sure to be a tremendous success.Please join him in his efforts as the new Metro DC Chairman.
In Fellowship,
Nancy C. Tilkin, DDS Chair, Metro DC Section
Dr. Nancy Tilkin
DC Metro Chair’s Activties
Nancy C Tilkin
METRO DC SECTION INCOMING CHAIR
DearFellows,
ItiswithgreatenthusiasmanddeepgratitudethatIgreetyouas thenewlyappointedChairoftheMetroDCSectionofthe AmericanCollegeofDentists.Imustadmit Ineveranticipated becomingaFellow,muchlessholdingthisposition.YetI wholeheartedlyembraceeveryopportunitytoservetheprofession weloveandtoadvancetheCollege’smissiontofosterexcellence, ethics,professionalism,andleadershipindentistry.Iproudlyhailfrom thegreatstateofGeorgiaandamagraduateofXavierUniversity ofLouisiana.MyjourneyindentistrybeganatHowardUniversityCollegeof Dentistry,wherethefoundationofserviceandexcellencewasinstilledinme.As astudent,Iwasinspired andadmittedlyabitintimidated bythededication toACDandICDshownbyDrs.GeorgeThomas,EmileWebster,andAlanSinger. Whocouldpossiblymeasureuptosuchgiants?AfterearningmyDDS,Ientered theU.S.NavyDentalCorps,servingwithhonorfromLieutenanttoLieutenant Commander.Followingmymilitaryservice,IpracticedinWaldorf,Maryland, whereIgainedadeepappreciationforpatientcare,ethics,andcommunity service.Itwasmymentor,Dr.LeoE.Rouse myhero,professor,andfraternity brother who invited me back to Howard to teach Practice Management, recognizingmyMBA.Hisleadershipandexamplehaveguidednearlyevery professional accomplishment I have achieved, reminding me that true leadershipismeasurednotbyposition,butbyimpact.
The American College of Dentists-Metro DC Section honors the life and legacy of Dr. Jeanne C. Sinkford, Fellow, leader, and icon in dental education. A pioneer in every sense, Dr. Sinkford became the first woman to serve as dean of a U.S. dental school at Howard University College of Dentistry. Her lifelong commitment to excellence, ethics, and equity in dentistry embodied the very mission of the College. Her visionary leadership and mentorship opened doors for countless professionals and will continue to inspire Fellows for generations to come.
Call for Participation: Join the Metro D.C. Section Board
The Metro DC Section of the American College of Dentists invites Fellows to nsider serving on the Section Board.This is a wonderful opportunity to contribute to the mission of the College by fostering ethics, leadership, and professionalism within our local dental community. Board service offers meaningful engagement with colleagues and the chance to help shape programs that advance the values we share as Fellows We welcome your interest and encourage you to reach out to learn more about how you can get involved.
To learn more or to submit articles for the Spring edition Email: acddcmetro@gmail.com
Dr NancyTilkin,Chair Dr.AlanSinger,Treasurer Dr.ReginaldSalter,Chair-Elect
Joint
Support ACD Foundation Giving Tuesday December 2, 2025
Jeane Sinkford,
METRO DC SECTION
Fellowship in the American College of Dentists embodies the values of ethics, professionalism, leadership, and service
Your commitment to endorsing new Fellows helps sustain the College’s proud tradition of recognizing and mentoring leaders who strengthen the future of our profession.
DearSponsors,
Nominate A Colleague for Fellowship! Due Feb 1st
10 Years Milestone Congratulations
Dr. Harold David Allick
Dr. Ali Fassihi
Dr. Adam Frieder
Dr. Donna Grant-Mills
Dr. Stacia Krantz
Dr. Keith Progebin
Dr. Victor Siegel
Dr. Michael J. Willi
15 Years Milestone
Dr. Robert Argentieri
Dr. Charles Chen
Dr. Andrew Cobb
Dr. Andrea D. Jackson
Dr. Kevin Oakes
Dr. David Shneider
Dr. Chester Stein
Dr. Karen West
20 Years Milestone
Dr. Michael Blicher
Dr. Arnold Feldman
dr. Laurence Fields
Dr. Joseph Herbst
Dr. Adam Schneider
35 Years Milestone
Dr. Edward Ptekavich
Robert Brady
40 Years Milestone
Dr. M. Hicks
Dr. Bernard McDermott
45 Years Milestone
Dr. Robert Mecklenburg
A C DD C M e t r o N e w s l e t t e r A C DD C M e t r o N e w s l e t t e r
NEW FELLOWS
Dr.CatherineDietrichPulse
Dr.JamesJenkins
Dr.HalimaKarim
Dr.JessicaDillon
Dr.KristiErickson
Dr.JuanitaRhodes
Dr.CheryleBaptiste-Hill
Dr.LaToyaBarham
Dr.CraigButler
METRO DC SECTION ROSTER
Aslim Abdullah
David Allick
Ralph Alman
Morris Antonelli
Robert Argentieri
John Bailey
Cheryle Baptiste-Hill
LaToya Barham
Ladan Basiri Pour
Ioana Bettios
Laura Bishop
Carol Blake
Michael Blicher
Samuel Blum
Robert Brady
Sheila Brear
Ronald Brown
Jill Bruno
Craig Butler
David Cantor
Jean Carlson
Stephanie Cartier
Elbert Chang
Charles Chen
Andrew Cobb
Lois Cohen
Morris Cohen
Paul Cohen
Stephen Corbin
William Cotton
Jennifer Cully
Sally Cram
Margaret Cullotta-Norton
Gael Delany
Charles Dietrich
Jessica Dillon
Henry DiLorenzo
Robert Donahue
Steven Feldman
Laurence Fields
Dena Fischer
Kathleen Frankle
Adam Frieder
Stephen Friedman
Cheryle Fryer
Robert Gallegos
Robert Gamble
Eugene Giannini
Richard Guliani
Sanford Glazer
Patrick Grogan
Donna Grant-Mills
Scott Grtz
Steven Guttenberg
Ellis Hall
Joseph Herbst
Lamar Hicks
Patrica Higgins
Rowland Holsinger
Debony Hughes
Andrea Jackson
Ronald Jackson
Johanna A. M. Huijssoon
James Jenkins
Stacia M. Krantz
Robert Jones
Robert Kawamura
Tristram Krueger
Roger Kuwabara
William Lady
Louis LaVeechia
HenryYC Lee
Lillian Leon
Christopher Liang
April Lincher-Pacheco
James Lipton
Stan Milobsky
Joseph B. Milzman
Julian Moiseiwitsch
Edward Mopsik
Mahmoud Nasr
Kevin Oakes
Susan Pearson
Richard Perez
David Pitmann
Charles Doring
John Drumm
Kristi Erickson
Roy Eskow
Arnie Feld
Ali Fassihi
Arnold Feldman
James Feldman
Preston Littleton
Clarence Lindquist
Christos Loukaitis
Bernard McDermott
Ronald Mancini
Renee McCoy-Collins
Robert Mecklenburg
Kim Menhinicik
Edward Plekavich
William Powell
Keith Progebin
Marsha Pyle
Thomas Rams
Robert Ray
Joseph Salcetti
Joyce Reece
Brian Robinson
Reginald Salter
Adam Schneider
David Schneider
Victor Siegel
Alan Singer
Stanley Shulman
Samantha Siranli
Cecile Skinner
Jezelle Sonnier
Chester Stein
Michael Stern
Dennis Stiles
Stanley Stoller
Peter Tan
Peter Tan, Jr
Anupama Rao Tate
George Thomas
Wesley Thomas
Robert Tigani
Nancy Tilkin
Robert Tilkin
Chris Tsintolas
Karen West
Michael Will
Richard Williams
Thomas Williams
Willie Winfree
Dexter Woods
A C DD C M e t r o N e w s l e t t e r A C DD C M e t r o N e w s l e t t e r
Student Professionalism & Ethics Association (SPEA) Howard University College of Dentistry
After a brief hiatus, the Howard University College of Dentistry’s ChapteroftheStudentProfessionalismandEthicsAssociation(SPEA) has been proudly reactivated renewing the College of Dentistry’s long-standing commitment to advancing excellence, ethics, professionalism,andleadershipindentaleducation.Therevivalofthe chapter was championed by Dr Leo E Rouse, Past President of the American College of Dentists and former Dean of Howard University College of Dentistry, and Dr. Nancy Tilkin- Immediate Past Chair of Section 2, who together recognized the importance of reestablishing this vital link between the nation’s oldest dental college and the nation’soldesthonoraryorganizationfordentists
The Howard University chapter will serve as a hub for dialogue, mentorship,andrecognitionofethicaldistinctionindentistry.Through activities such as professional development seminars, community service initiatives, and the ongoing Ethics sessions, the chapter will provide students and faculty opportunities to explore real-world ethical challenges while honoring the timeless values that define the profession. Thechapter’sFacultyAdvisorsareACDFellows-Dr.Donna Grant-MillsandDr ReginaldSalter D3studentsKerraKelly,AtlantaGa and Keaira Williams, Charleston SC, served as delegates during the annual SPEA convention in Washington DC. Ms. Kelly was elected as RegentfortheSEregency. SheisthefirstHUstudenttoserveonthe nationalboard
From the SPEA website: “The Student Professionalism and Ethics Association in Dentistry is a national, student-driven association that was established to promote and support students’ lifelongcommitmenttoethicalbehaviorinordertobenefitthepatientstheyserveandtofurther thedentalprofession
TheobjectivesoftheAssociationaretoactasasupportsystemforstudentsinstrengthening their personal and professional ethics values and collaborate with leadership of the dental professiontoeffectivelyadvocateforourmembers
Forthepast10-years,theAmericanCollegeofDentists(ACD)andStudentProfessionalismand EthicsAssociation(SPEA) supportoneanotheratthelocallevelthroughencouragingeachother’s chaptercontinuityandstrength,participationineachother'sfunctions,communicationbetween chapters, and SPEA's recognition of ACD Fellow excellence. At the national level, ACD and SPEA supporteachotherthroughleadershipliaisons,participationineachother’smediapresence,and SPEArepresentationinnationalACDmeetings”.
HUCD SPEA members attend ACD Spring Meeting
2024-2025 SPEA Board- HUCD
SPEA members meet Congresswoman Robin Kelly D-IL during NDA Hill Day
SPEA Delegate for National Conference with HU Faculty
Dr.Ramirezwelcomesanewpatient,Mr.Ellis,whorecentlyrelocated.Mr.Ellis explains that his former dentist recommended several fillings, but he hesitated to proceed. After reviewing X-rays, Dr. Ramirez finds that only one tooth shows minimal demineralization something that could be managed with fluoride and monitoring ratherthanimmediaterestoration.
Dr. Ramirez faces a defining ethical moment. She could proceed with treatment and increase production—or she could tell the truth Dr Ramirez chooses honesty, explaining thefindingsclearlyandrecommendingpreventivecare.Mr.Ellis leavesrelievedandgrateful,confidenthehasfoundadentisthecantrust
Discussion:
This scenario illustrates veracity the obligation to tell the truth and foster honest communication in all professional interactions Veracity extends beyond avoiding deception; it requires clarity, completeness, and sincerity. In clinical care, it means presenting diagnoses accurately, explaining treatment options fairly, and ensuring patientsunderstandtheirchoices.
When we uphold truthfulness, we reinforce the foundation of trust upon which our profession rests. The American College of Dentists (ACD) emphasizes this principle in its mission:toadvanceexcellence,ethics,professionalism,andleadershipindentistry.Each act of honesty affirms our commitment to serve with integrity, putting the patient’s welfareaboveallelse.
As leaders in dentistry, how can Fellows of the American College of Dentists model and promote truth-telling as a cornerstone of professionalism in an environment increasinglydrivenbymetrics,productivity,andpatientexpectations?
TheAmericanCollegeofDentists,MetroDCSectionincollaboration withtheDCchapteroftheInternationalCollegeofDentistsproudly sponsored the Howard University College of Dentistry White Coat Ceremony, a cherished tradition welcoming dental students into theprofession
FellowAlanSingerpresentedeachstudentwithacopyoftheEthics HandbookforDentistry,underscoringtheACD’smissiontopromote integrity,professionalism,andethicalpracticefromtheverystartof a dentist’s career. Fellow Dennis Stiles delivered an inspiring keynote address, encouraging students to lead with purpose and upholdthehigheststandardsofservice.
FellowAndreaD.Jackson,DeanoftheCollegeofDentistry,warmly welcomed the ACD Fellows and expressed appreciation for the College’s enduring support of Howard’s students and values. The event reflected the shared commitment of Howard University and theAmericanCollegeofDentiststodevelopingethicalleaderswho willadvancethefutureoforalhealthcare.
Dr. Carlos Smith- President oftheAmericanSocietyfor DentalEthics,presentedon the topic: The Ethics of CourageousLeadershp
Howard student, Taylor Spruill D4, received the StudentLeadershipAward
Metro DC Section of ACD Sponsors White Coat Ceremony
Pictured: Fellows Dr. Alan Singer, Dr. Dennis Stiles (guest speaker), Dean Andrea D. Jackson, and Dr. Donna Grant Mills attentive of student speaker
ACD CONFERENCE 2025: WASHINGTON ,DC
DuringtheannualACDconference,pastandcurrentleaders gathered for the Past Presidents’ Dinner at President Lincoln’s Cottage in Washington, DC This historic 19th-century home, locatedonthegroundsoftheArmedForcesRetirementHome, served as President Lincoln’s summer retreat during the Civil War Here,Lincolncraftedpivotalspeeches,includingdraftsof the Emancipation Proclamation and letters that shaped the nation’scourse.
The setting provided a meaningful backdrop for ACD Fellows to reflect on leadership, ethics, and service the very valuestheCollegepromotes.JustasLincolnledwithcourage, vision, and moral conviction, the ACD honors dentists who guidetheirprofessionwithintegrityandacommitmenttothe greater good. The evening celebrated both the College’s leadership legacy and the enduring inspiration of one of America’s most iconic leaders We were very proud to welcomeoutcolleaguestoourbeautifulcity! Ifyouliveinor visit the DC metro area, visit the Lincoln Cottagewwwlincolncottageorg
Inscription on wall- “If my name ever goes into history, it will be for this act, and soul is in it”. Abraham Lincoln
At-Large Regent Dr. Pamela Alston addresses guests.
Immediate Past President Dr. Faiella and Past President Steve Chan greet Regents and Fellows at Lincoln’s Cottage during ACD Conference weekend.
Pictured: President Lincoln’s cottage, President Lincoln’s refurbished desk with replica of a letter he drafted.
