Dr. Abou-Arraj is a 2003 graduate of the Université Saint Joseph School of Dentistry, Lebanon. Holder of two Periodontology Certificates (Lebanese University and University of Alabama at Birmingham-UAB) and a MS degree (UAB), Dr. Abou-Arraj is a Professor and Interim Associate Dean for Academic Affairs at UAB. He is a Diplomate and Examiner of the American Board of Periodontology and the recipient of several teaching and service awards. He maintains an active practice of periodontology and implant surgery.

Dr. Yonca Korkmaz Ceyhan is an Associate Professor in the Department of Restorative Dentistry and Prosthodontics. She teaches Dental anatomy, Operative dentistry, Biomaterials and Esthetics. Dr. Ceyhan is also Course director of Dental Anatomy. 

She is principal investigator/collaborator/mentor in several research projects in the field of Dental materials. She has published more than 40 peer-reviewed papers, and she received the Kuraray Young Investigator Award in 2004. Dr. Ceyhan continues to be active in peer-reviewed publications, both as an author and a reviewer. Dr. Ceyhan lectures nationally and internationally on various topics associated with restorative materials and teaching in operative dentistry. She also serves in UTSD senate as a vice chair and is a member of UTHealth Interfaculty Council. Dr. Ceyhan is currently doing both the ADEA Leadership Institute and the UTHealth Health Educators Fellowship Program. 

Leticia Chaves de Souza is an associate professor of the Department of Endodontics and the director of predoctoral Endodontics. She earned her dental degree and certificate in Endodontics from the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. She also obtained a certificate in Endodontics from the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston. She has a Master’s degree in Endodontics and a PhD degree in Materials Science. 

Her research focuses on the physical-chemical, mechanical and biological properties of endodontic materials and instruments, as well as on understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying apical periodontitis. She has published almost 40 peer-reviewed manuscripts in Endodontics and one book chapter in endodontic filling materials.

Dr. Milda Chmieliauskaite is an Assistant Professor at the University of Washington School of Dentistry and the Graduate Program Director of the Oral Medicine MSD/residency program.She obtained her Doctor of Dental Medicine (D.M.D.) and Master of Public Health (M.P.H.) degrees, and Oral Medicine residency training from the University of Pennsylvania. Dr. Chmieliauskaite currently teaches predoctoral and postdoctoral students on topics within research, oral medicine, and orofacial pain. Her scholarly work focuses on orofacial pain and Burning Mouth Disorder, along with oral cancer, and public health topics.

She is a Diplomate of the American Board of Oral Medicine and an active member of the American Academy of Oral Medicine chairing a committee and serving as a board member.

Dr. Lindsey Hamil is Assistant Dean of Student Success and Associate Professor at the Medical University of South Carolina’s James B. Edwards College of Dental Medicine. She has a Ph.D. in Educational Administration and an M.S. in Communications. In addition to her administrative roles, Dr. Hamil directs courses for the predoctoral and postdoctoral programs at MUSC. 

Dr. Hamil has published several articles in The Journal of Dental Education focused on predoctoral dental and interprofessional education. She has served on the ADEA Council of Faculties since 2019 and received MUSC’s Earl B. Higgins Leadership in Diversity award in 2021. Dr. Hamil is an advocate for case-based learning and writing. In 2013, she was named as a Fellow of the Southeast Case Research Association (SECRA).

Dr. Karo Parsegian is an Associate Professor and Predoctoral Periodontics Program Director in the Department of Surgical Dentistry at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus. He received his DMD degree at the First Tashkent Medical Institute (Tashkent, Uzbekistan), completed Ph.D. in Biomedical Science, Master of Dental Science, and Certificate in Periodontology at the University of Connecticut Health (Farmington, CT), Health Educators Fellowship Program and Certificate in Clinical Research at the McGovern Medical School (Houston, TX), and Certificate in Quality and Safety from the University of Colorado (Aurora, CO). 

Dr. Parsegian is an active member of the American Academy of Periodontology (AAP), a Diplomate of the American Board of Periodontology, a CDCA-WREB-CITA site examiner, and an AADOCR Ambassador. He is a peer reviewer and a member of the editorial board for several journals, including the Journal of Dental Education. Dr. Parsegian received the American Dental Education Association Colgate Junior Faculty Award, the AAP Award for Outstanding Teaching and Mentoring, the Dean’s Excellent in Teaching Award, the AAP Award in Leadership, Engagement, Action, and Development, and other recognitions. He has an extensive track of conference presentations, peer-reviewed publications, and book chapters on periodontics, educational technology, dental pulp, and kidney diseases.

Dr. Kecia Leary is the Associate Dean for Clinics at the University of Iowa College of Dentistry and Clinical Professor in Pediatric Dentistry.  She is a 2004 graduate of the University of Iowa College of Dentistry. In 2007 she obtained a Certificate in Pediatric Dentistry and a Master's in Dental Public Health. She then obtained her Diplomate status from both the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry and the American Board of Dental Public Health. Before her academic position she was the Pediatric Dental Director in a Federally Qualified Health Center.  

Dr. Adriana Semprum-Clavier is a Clinical Associate Professor at the University of Illinois Chicago in the Department of Restorative Dentistry at the College of Dentistry. Her expertise lies in the early management and treatment of dental caries, and she instructs various technique courses in operative, restorative, and digital dentistry. Her research at the College focuses on the remineralization and demineralization of hard tissues in a high-risk population for dental caries.

In addition to her teaching responsibilities, Dr. Semprum-Clavier serves as the Director of the Advanced Standing DMD Program, where she oversees curriculum development, design, implementation, and evaluation of student outcomes, among other duties. 

She earned her D.D.S. degree from Universidad Central de Venezuela in Caracas in 1996, followed by her U.S. DDS from the University of Detroit Mercy. Dr. Semprum-Clavier completed post-graduate training in Advanced Restorative Dentistry at the University of Michigan in 2001 and holds a Master’s in Clinical and Translational Sciences from the University of Illinois Chicago.

Furthermore, Dr. Semprum-Clavier is the Faculty Advisor for the Hispanic Dental Association Student Chapter.

Dr. Dan Burch is a Clinical Associate Professor, Director of Special Care Dentistry Fellowship, and the Associate Department Head in the Department of Pediatric Dentistry. Since 2015, he has taught didactic and clinical courses in Pediatric and Special Care Dentistry. He has published several articles and presented at several local and national conferences. He is a member of numerous professional organizations. He currently serves on the Board of Directors for Special Care Dentistry Association and is Vice President of the Academy of Dentistry for People with Disabilities. He is a board-certified Diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry. He has consulted for several organizations including the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, Health Resources and Services Administration, the Special Care Dentistry Association, and several dental schools. He serves as an attending staff at the Children's Medical Center- Dallas and Texas Scottish Rite Hospital. He currently holds medical staff privileges at Baylor University Medical Center, HHM Health, and Los Barrios Community Clinic. He has served as an expert consultant for more than a dozen academic and federal institutions in the areas of primary care dentistry, pediatric dentistry, faculty development programs, and community-based programmatic implementation/evaluation. This has allowed him to foster duplicate efforts in other communities and academics centers across America. He previously served as Chief Dental Officer in private practice, managing roughly $58 million annually. His research interests focus on reducing oral health disparities, health service research, oral health policy, and educational training in the area of special health care needs management. These interests have led to $17 million in successfully funded institutional grants and expanded external clinical services for TAMSOD. Dr. Burch received his DDS from UTHSC-Memphis, Residency Certificate in Pediatric Dentistry from Howard University, and Fellowship Certificate in Special Care Dentistry from Texas A&M School of Dentistry.

Dr. Roopsi Kaur is a globally recognized educator, clinician, and leader in dental education, with a career that spans continents and disciplines. After earning her dental degree in India and completing an advanced internship, she pursued a master’s degree and certificate in operative dentistry from the prestigious University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Since 2012, Dr. Kaur has been a cornerstone of East Carolina University’s School of Dental Medicine, serving as Assistant Dean for Engagement and Clinical Associate Professor of Operative Dentistry. Through her leadership in administration, teaching, research, and patient care, she continues to shape the future of dental education.

Dr. Kaur chairs several committees at ECU and holds positions on national boards, including National CAMBRA, National CODE, and the North Carolina Dental Society's DEBI Taskforce. Her exceptional contributions have earned her numerous accolades, including the ECU Health Sciences Author Recognition Award, Colgate Oral B Scholar, and the ADEA Minority Dental Faculty Development Grant. She is also the recipient of the inaugural ADEA Leadership Institute Award and a Fellow of the ADEA Leadership Institute, Class of 2024-2025. Her research focuses on caries risk management and innovative teaching and mentoring methodologies.

Dr. Salwa Mekled is an Associate Professor and Clinic Director at Kornberg School of Dental Medicine, Temple University. In this capacity, she provides restorative dentistry to dental students, and coaches them to become more familiar with CAD/CAM technologies. Dr. Mekled received her dental degree from the University of Louisville School of Dentistry. Dr. Mekled had one year of general practice residency, and one year of orofacial pain residency at the University of Kentucky School of Dentistry. Dr. Mekled is member of American Dental Educator Association, and a fellow of American College of Dentists.

Dr. Kumar C. Shah is a Professor of Clinical Dentistry and a Board-Certified Prosthodontist & Maxillofacial Prosthodontist in the Section of Prosthodontics at the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA). He received his dental degree from The National University of Singapore and earned his Master of Science degree and a certificate in Prosthodontics at The Ohio State University. He completed Maxillofacial Prosthetics fellowship training at UCLA thereafter. He also completed a Certificate Training Program in Translational Science through the UCLA Clinical and Translational Science Institute. He recently completed his Masters of Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Illinois. Dr. Shah is Director of the Graduate Prosthodontics Residency Program at UCLA, Advanced Prosthodontics and Implantology Preceptorship Programs for international dentists as well as Previous Director of the Faculty Group Dental practice at UCLA. He is a Diplomate of the American Board of Prosthodontics, a Fellow of the Academy of Prosthodontics, Fellow of the American College of Prosthodontists and Fellow of the International Team for Implantology (ITI). He has been on Board of Directors for several non-profit organizations within Dentistry. In addition to being a co-editor of this textbook in Dental Implant therapy released in 2015 and 2022 and is a member of the Editorial Review Board of the Journal of Prosthetic Dentistry and has been an ad hoc reviewer in multiple peer-reviewed journals in Dentistry. Dr. Shah currently practices in the UCLA Faculty Group Dental Practice. He practices all areas of restorative and esthetic dentistry (fixed and removable prosthodontics), including full mouth rehabilitation/reconstruction with a special emphasis on implant prosthodontics.

Dr. Sarah Lowman is the Associate Dean for Admissions, Recruitment, & Engagement at the University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Dentistry. She earned a DDS and MPH from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and completed the Dental Public Health Residency Program at the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services. Dr. Lowman joined the UNMC faculty in 2020. She directs three courses, including an introduction to geriatrics for dental and dental hygiene students. She serves as the Principal Investigator for multiple projects that aim to strengthen the dental workforce and increase access to care for underserved populations. Prior to joining the UNMC faculty, she held an adjunct appointment at the UNC Adams School of Dentistry and managed research teams in the Duke Department of Medicine and the UNC Center for Aging and Health. Dr. Lowman earned a BA in art history from Vassar College.  

Hanann Tomeh is a Clinical Associate Professor and supervises oral healthcare in one of the four main comprehensive care units at ASDOH. As a comprehensive care unit director she mentors one quarter of the D2 - D4 students. She also serves as the Faculty Development Director improving faculty growth opportunities at ASDOH including a more robust CE program. She completed EBD training through the ADA and has been involved in EBD seminars around the country and is lead instructor of the Evidence-based Dentistry module at ASDOH and has been improving the student learning experience since 2017. She is passionate about EBD and using evidence to inform good clinical decisions for patients and has completed four years of service in the ADEA EBD SIG/Section in March 2023 from Secretary to Chair (served twice as chair). Her research interests include student motivation in learning, student perception of faculty and its effect on learning and clinical outcomes, and patient education. She now serves as Chair-elect of the Educational Research and Curriculum Development Section. She was previously highly involved in pre-clinical simulation instruction and curriculum at ASDOH. She was awarded a university scholarship at AT Still to pursue an MPH which she obtained in 2020. She has enjoyed tremendous growth and personal exchange with vibrant ADEA Leadership Fellows from around the country.

Kim Lucas Benton received her D.D.S. from Meharry Medical College, School of Dentistry, and her M.P.H. from Capella University.  She is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Diagnostic Sciences and currently serves as the Director of the Pacific Health Care Collaborative and Sacramento Programs at the University of the Pacific, Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry.

Dr Benton’s Capstone while in graduate school focused on Diabetes and the Oral Health Connection.
Professionally, Dr Benton presented this information virtually with the San Mateo County Dental Society in August 2021 and in-person in San Francisco at the California Dental Association meeting in September 2021.  Locally, Dr Benton gave talks at Pacific Dugoni Lunch n Learns, the Coalition of Black Excellence (CBE) addressing Wellness and Oral Health, The San Francisco Chapter of Links, Inc., Black Women Investors LLC and Hope Is on The Horizon Health Fair.
Dr Benton is passionate about “spreading the word” to know your numbers and get screened or tested for Type 2 Diabetes. She encourages others to share this message. Type 2 Diabetes is completely preventable and, in some cases, reversible.

Dr. Julie A. Gray is the Associate Dean of External Affairs, Associate Professor in Restorative Dentistry and Course Director for the Expanded Function Auxiliary Course in Restorative Function at Meharry Medical College School of Dentistry.  She earned her D.D.S. from Meharry Medical College, School of Dentistry and a Master of Art in Education at the University of Pacific Gladys E. Benerd School of Education.

A graduate of the ADEA/AAL Institute for Teaching and Learning, the ADEA Emerging Leaders Program, and the American Dental Association’s Institute for Diversity in Leadership, Dr. Gray is the immediate past Chair of the ADEA Minority Affairs Diversity and Inclusion Committee. She is the current Secretary of the ADEA practice management committee.  She is the current Chair of the Honors and Awards Committee and Administrative Marshall for the College.  She is a member of the American Dental Association, National Dental Association, Tennessee Dental Association, Pan-Tennessee Dental Association and maintains a private practice in Nashville, Tennessee.

Dr. Gray is a fellow in the American College of Dentists and International College of Dentists, recipient of the Distinguished Exemplary Teacher Award, the St. Jude Dr. Hildreth Service Award and the Meharry Alumnus of the Year Award. Her passion is service to the profession and others. She continues to serve in numerous professional and social organizations and has proven dedication to the community and the greater Nashville area and a long-standing commitment to inspiring others to reach their passion.

Dr. Elías Morón is a dedicated dental public health specialist and educator widely recognized for his commitment to advancing oral health equity and improving access to care in underserved communities. As an Associate Professor and Director of the Master of Science program at Nova Southeastern University’s College of Dental Medicine, Dr. Morón’s extensive academic journey reflects his dedication to clinical excellence, public health leadership, and health policy innovation.

Dr. Morón earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) from Universidad Metropolitana in Colombia and specialized in Health Services Management at Universidad del Norte. His pursuit of excellence brought him to the United States, where he completed a Master of Public Health (MPH) and a Master of Science in Health Law (MHL) with distinction from Nova Southeastern University. He further specialized in Dental Public Health at NYU Langone and completed advanced clinical research training at Harvard University’s T.H. Chan School of Public Health.
A prolific academic contributor, Dr. Morón has published widely in peer-reviewed journals and delivered impactful presentations at national and international conferences. His research focuses on reducing oral health disparities, enhancing access to care for underserved populations, and addressing systemic challenges in hospital-based dental care. His work informs public health policies and fosters more equitable practices in dentistry.
Dr. Morón’s contributions to the profession have earned him numerous accolades, honoring his leadership, service, and dedication to advancing the field. He serves in prominent roles, including on the Board of Directors for the Diverse Dental Society, the Board of Trustees for the Hispanic Dental Association, the Board of the American Association of Hospital Dentistry, and the American Dental Association’s Strategic Forecasting Committee’s Direct to Dentist Action Group, influencing dental health policy and professional development at the national level.
Through his unwavering commitment to improving oral health equity, mentoring the next generation of dental professionals, and leading transformative initiatives in public health dentistry, Dr. Morón continues to be a driving force in advancing the profession and improving the lives of those in need.

Dr. Shankargouda Patil is a distinguished academician and researcher with expertise in oral pathology and medical biotechnology. He earned his B.D.S. degree from PMNM Dental College, Bagalkot, India, and completed his M.D.S. in Oral Pathology from Sree Balaji Dental College, Chennai, India. He pursued his Ph.D. in Medical Biotechnology at the University of Siena, Italy, focusing on cutting-edge advancements in healthcare and biomedical sciences.

Dr. Patil is a Professor at the College of Dental Medicine, Roseman University of Health Sciences, Utah, where he actively contributes to teaching, research, and institutional leadership. He is a Fellow of the Royal College of Pathology (London, UK), the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons (Glasgow), the International College of Dentists, and the Pierre Fauchard Academy.
He holds key leadership roles, including Vice President of the Utah Section of the American Association of Dental, Oral, and Craniofacial Research (AADOCR) and Vice President of the Faculty Senate at Roseman University. Dr. Patil is a full member of Sigma Xi, the Scientific Research Honor Society, and has been recognized in Who’s Who in American Education.
Dr. Patil is a part of the prestigious Global Burden of Disease (GBD) network, contributing to impactful studies that inform global health policies. His research is regularly featured in top-tier journals, including The Lancet, reflecting his dedication to advancing global health and dental science.
A prolific scholar, Dr. Patil has authored over 300 peer-reviewed scientific manuscripts, three textbook chapters, and achieved an H-index of 51, with more than 15,000 citations. He serves as the Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Contemporary Dental Practice.
Dr. Patil’s interdisciplinary expertise, global collaborations, and commitment to innovation make him a trailblazer in dental education, research, and healthcare.

Dara Rogers, D.M.D., is the Assistant Dean for Clinical Affairs. She is an Associate Professor in the Department of Comprehensive Care. She is the chair of a TUSDM standing committee, Patient Care Quality Assurance (PCQA). Her past roles have been Director of Student Clinical Integration, the course director of, "Introduction to Clinical Protocols", and a group practice coordinator for Group Clarendon and Group Back Bay.

Dr. Rogers received her D.M.D. at Tufts University, School of Dental Medicine in 1990. Her first teaching role was as an operative instructor. She co-directed the Gold Foil Preparatory Workshop for the NERB exam with Dr. William Macdonald. She then left for several years to raise her three daughters and continue her private practice. Dr. Rogers opened the doors to her own practice shortly after graduation and still maintains that practice with her husband, in Swampscott, Massachusetts. She was born and raised in Philadelphia, PA. Dr. Rogers first came to Massachusetts to swim for the university’s team and attend the University of Massachusetts at Amherst. She graduated from UMass with a B.S in Zoology. She is happy to have shared Alma Maters her with so many of her fellow students and colleagues.

Donald Garrett is a Professional Registered Parliamentarian based in the Washington, DC Metropolitan Area. Mr. Garrett combines his experience with analysis and member engagement with an expert command of meeting rules to provide accurate and timely advice to organizations of all sizes through his company, Last Minute Meetings. His personal touch puts clients at ease as they navigate through prickly meetings and confusing motions. His clients have ranged from local churches and homeowner associations to statewide unions and international nonprofits.

Mr. Garrett has been a member of the National Association of Parliamentarians for over a decade, earning the Professional Registered Parliamentarian credential in 2013. He currently serves as the President of the Virginia State Association of Parliamentarians.

Outside of his parliamentary consulting, Mr. Garrett enjoys volunteering with community organizations and sampling exotic and new cuisines. He received a Master of Public Administration from George Mason University.

Donald Garrett is a Professional Registered Parliamentarian based in the Washington, DC Metropolitan Area. Mr. Garrett combines his experience with analysis and member engagement with an expert command of meeting rules to provide accurate and timely advice to organizations of all sizes through his company, Last Minute Meetings. His personal touch puts clients at ease as they navigate through prickly meetings and confusing motions. His clients have ranged from local churches and homeowner associations to statewide unions and international nonprofits.

Mr. Garrett has been a member of the National Association of Parliamentarians for over a decade, earning the Professional Registered Parliamentarian credential in 2013. He currently serves as the President of the Virginia State Association of Parliamentarians.

Outside of his parliamentary consulting, Mr. Garrett enjoys volunteering with community organizations and sampling exotic and new cuisines. He received a Master of Public Administration from George Mason University.

Dr. Amyot, Ed.D. has served in a variety of positions during her 30+ years of teaching at the University of Missouri-Kansas City (UMKC), School of Dentistry.  Administrative positions have included Associate Dean of Instructional Technology and Faculty Development, Interim Vice Provost of Online Education, Director of the Division of Dental Hygiene, and Director of Graduate and Degree Completion Studies. Dr. Amyot currently serves as Professor Emeriti.  She has taught at all levels of the curriculum; doctoral, predoctoral, graduate and undergraduate.  Dr. Amyot has received numerous distinguished teaching awards from the School of Dentistry and is a recipient of the university wide Elmer Pierson Outstanding Teaching Award.  In 2020, she was the recipient of the American Dental Education Association ADEA/GIES Award for Innovation – Dental Educator.  She served as co-chair for the 2024 ADEA International Women’s Leadership Conference.  Her research interests include portfolio assessment of student competency, community-based service-learning, access to care and distance and online education. Her service to the university and profession has been extensive.  She had the distinction of being a contributing author for the National Institutes of Health Oral Health in America: Advances and Challenges 2021 report.  Dr. Amyot is the co-editor of the recently released 6th edition of Darby and Walsh Dental Hygiene Theory and Practice.

Dr. Brady is an Associate Professor at the A.T. Still Arizona School of Dentistry and Oral Health in Mesa, Arizona where she currently serves as the Senior Director for Community Based Education

Her career in the oral health profession includes experience in residencies, public health,  general practice and dental education. Dr. Brady is an Enid Neidle scholar and serves as the councilor of the ADEA WIL section and the ADEA DIAC committee.

Lisa Cain, Ph.D. is the Associate Vice President for Faculty Affairs and Development for the  University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth Houston), the Associate Dean for Professional Development and Faculty Affairs, Professor in the Department of Diagnostic and Biomedical Sciences at the University of Texas Health Sciences Center at Houston School of Dentistry (UTSD), and Adjunct Professor in the Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy at the McGovern Medical School. She currently teaches in the Head and Neck Anatomy Course at UTSD, has been involved in educational program development and is the recipient of a UTSD Dental Faculty Loan Repayment Grant from the Health Resources Services Administration. She is one of the co-directors of UTHealth Houston’s Health Education Fellowship Program. Prior to joining UTHealth Houston, she was Associate Professor in the Department of Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Associate Member of the Institute for the Medical Humanities, director of the Medical School Enrichment Programs, and Assistant Dean for Faculty Affairs and Professional Development in the School of Medicine at the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston (UTMB). She is a graduate of the UTMB Scholars in Education Program. She was a member of the UTMB Academy of Master Teachers (AMT) and served as chair of the AMT’s Mentoring and Consultation Team. She was course director for the Graduate School’s Cell Biology Course and the Gross Anatomy and Radiology Course.

She received the Pre-Clinical Woman in Medicine Award due to her involvement in medical education. In 2015, she was a recipient of the University of Texas System’s Regents Outstanding Teaching Award and received the title of a University of Texas Distinguished Teaching Professor. In 2016, she received the Dr. Martin Luther King Service award for her commitment to assisting and providing medical pipeline and research programs for educationally and financially disadvantaged students. This resulted in the City Council of Galveston, Texas proclaiming January 13, 2016, as Dr. Lisa Cain Day. As a neuroscientist specializing in cholinergic neuron development and the protection of spinal cord neurons following injury, she utilized her research background and directed the UTMB Medical Student Summer Research Program and three other NIH-funded research programs. As director of the UTMB’s Medical School Enrichment Programs, she implemented research and academic programs for high school, undergraduate, and medical students and maintained contractual partnerships with six Texas Universities and community entities. In 2020, she received the honor of being designated as the University of Mississippi Medical Center Graduate Studies in the Health Sciences Distinguished Alumnus. In 2022, she received from the University of Mississippi Medical Center, the Pillars Lifetime Achievement Awards. The award honors individuals who have made meaningful contributions that promote a climate of inclusion.

Dr. Cain has a vast array of experience in faculty governance, faculty affairs/faculty development. This is evident by her past roles as chair of the UTMB Faculty Senate, chair of the UTMB Faculty Development Council, co-chair of the Health Affairs Committee of the UT System’s Faculty Advisory Council and Assistant Dean of Faculty Affairs and Professional Development at UTMB. Her leadership experience has extended to regional, national, and international levels. In 2022-2024 she held an elected position as  chair of the American Association of Medical Colleges Group on Faculty Affairs (GFA). In this position, she represented approximately eight hundred faculty affairs leaders across the United States including Canada. In 2017, she founded and organized the regional Texas Consortium for Faculty Success which consists of thirteen Texas health science. She has been active in the  American Dental Education Association. She is chair-elect of the American Dental Education Association’s (ADEA) Women in Leadership Section and was co-chair of the 2024 ADEA International Women in Leadership Conference.  In 2024  she  was a recipient of the Chair of the  Board of  ADEA Citation Award. She is a certified executive leadership coach and is an artist who has incorporated her art into educational arenas.

Dr. López-Fuentes, D.M.D., M.P.H., FACD, FICD; is a tenured Professor, at the Community Dentistry Section of the University of Puerto Rico School of Dental Medicine (UPRSDM). She is currently the 2024-2025 Immediate Past-Chair of the ADEA Board of Directors, 2023-2024 Chair of the ADEA Board of Directors.Dr. López-Fuentes served as Dean of the UPRSDM from 2014-2018. At the UPRSDM, she serves as President of the Infection Control and Quality Assurance Standing Committees. She earned a certificate in dental infection prevention and control fromOSAP and the DALE Foundation. She is a member of the ADEA Collaborative on Dental Education Climate Assessment (CDECA), and UPRSDM’s ADEA Women Liaison Officer since 2006. She is Site Visitor for the ADA Commission on DentalAccreditation (CODA), and Ex-officio member/Consultant to the Board of Trustees of the Hispanic Dental Association (HDA). Dr. López serves as faculty advisor to the HDA and the American Association of Women Dentists Student Chapters.

Dr. López-Fuentes served as Co-Chair of ADEA’s Diversity and Inclusion Advisory Committee from 2014-2021, ADEA’s Annual Session Program Committee (2018-2021),Immediate Past Chair of ADEA’s Women in Leadership Section, and Councilor to the Council of Sections representing the Women in Leadership Section. From 2018 to 2019,represented the HDA in the American Dental Association Presidents’ Summit for Diversity and Inclusion. She served as faculty advisor to the Hedwig van Ameringen Executive Leadership in Academic Medicine (ELAM), fellowship from 2018-2022.

Dr. López-Fuentes has served as faculty representative to the Academic Senate at the UPR Medical Sciences Campus, to ADEA’s Council of Faculties, UPRSDM Curriculum
Director, Community Dentistry Section Chief and UPRSDM Associate Dean. At the university level, she represented the Medical Sciences Campus (MSC), Academic Senate at the President’s Board and was appointed Executive Secretary to the UPR President’s Board. She directed the first dental assistant program at the University of Granada, Spain; resulting from a collaboration between the University of Puerto Rico and the University of Granada, Spain. Dr. López-Fuentes is an alumnus of several leadership programs: ADEA’s Summer Program for Emerging Academic Leaders, ELAM and the Bell Leadership Institute.

As Dean of the UPRSDM, she was instrumental in amending the local dental law, implementing the electronic health record, the approval of the Periodontics Graduate
program and the first Dean of the UPRSDM to be elected to ADEA’s Council of Deans Administrative Board. She is the Recipient of the 2018 Chair of the ADEA Board of
Directors Citation for significant contributions to dental education.

Dr. Nathalia Garcia is a Periodontist, Professor, Assistant Dean for Career Development, Chair of the Applied Dental Medicine Department, and Section Head of Periodontics at Southern Illinois University School of Dental Medicine. Dr. Garcia is also an Adjunct Faculty member at Saint Louis University.

With a deep commitment to dental education, Dr. Garcia is actively involved in both pre-doctoral and postdoctoral teaching. Her academic pursuits include a diploma in University Teaching and Education, reflecting her dedication to advancing innovative teaching methodologies and curriculum initiatives in the field of periodontics.

As the department chair, Dr. Garcia plays a pivotal role in faculty professional development, mentorship, and fostering external collaborations for research endeavors. She has contributed significantly to clinical and educational research, participating in various projects funded by private industry and the National Institutes of Health (NIH) including the Human Microbiome Project, and was the SIU PI of the multi-center study supported by the NIH-NIDCR entitled Biomarkers of periodontal disease progression. These research efforts have culminated in numerous publications.

Dr. Garcia's contributions to the dental community have earned her prestigious accolades, including membership in the OKU Dental Honor Society, fellowship in the International College of Dentists, and recognition as a fellow of the American Dental Association-ADEA Leadership Institute. In 2017, she was honored as the ADEA Enid Neidle Scholar. Acknowledged for her outstanding contributions to inclusion, equity, and diversity, Dr. Garcia was named a SIUE Phenomenal Woman in 2020. Subsequently, in 2022, she received the American Academy of Periodontology Award for Excellence in Teaching and Mentoring in Periodontics at Saint Louis University. Notably, Dr. Garcia was a runner-up for the one-time piece ADEA President Centennial Award for Oral Health Education.

Beyond her academic and research roles, Dr. Garcia actively serves the dental community. She is a test constructor for the Integrated National Board Dental Examination for the American Dental Association and contributes to the American Academy of Periodontology's Educational Committee. Dr. Garcia holds leadership roles as the chair-elect of the ADEA Women in Leadership Section, the SIU-ADEA Woman Liaison Officer, and a representative to the ADEA Council of Faculties. She also co-chairs the American Dental Education Association - ADEA Diversity and Inclusion Advisory Committee and is a member of the ADEA Collaborative on Dental Education Climate Assessment group. She was recently invited to be part of the ADEA Task Force on Envisioning and Transforming the Future of Oral Health and Education. Dr. Garcia's commitment to diversity is further evidenced by her certification as a Diversity Facilitrainer (CDFT) by NCCJ Saint Louis.

Dr. Mary MacDougall is a Professor at the Faculty of Dentistry, University of British Columbia in Vancouver, Canada having serviced as the first female and non-clinician Dean from  2017-2023. She earned her Ph.D. in Craniofacial Biology at the University of Southern California (USC), School of Dentistry and her B.A. in Biochemistry at the University of California at San Diego, Revelle College.  In 1986, she joined the faculty at USC School of Dentistry as a Research Assistant Professor at the Center for Craniofacial Molecular Biology.  In 1993, she was appointed an Associate Professor at the Dental School faculty at University of Texas Health Science Center San Antonio (UTHSCSA), in 1998 she was promoted to Professor with tenure, and in 1999 became the Dental School’s first Associate Dean for Research. In 2005, she was awarded the Presidents Council Chair in Dental Research. In 2005, she joined the faculty of the UAB School of Dentistry where she held the James R. Rosen Chair in Dental Research. In 2012, she became the founding director of the UAB’s university-wide Global Center for Craniofacial Oral and Dental Disorders (GC-CODED).  She was the founding director of the School of Dentistry’s NIDCR supported “Dental Academic Research Training” (DART) program and also served as the founding Faculty Advisor for the UAB PreDental Society. She has served as President of both the American Association of Dental Research (2005-2006) and the International Association of Dental Research (2013). Dr. MacDougall has received the IADR Distinguished Scientist Pulp Biology Research Award (2001) and Mineralized Tissue Research Award (2005).  She has received the AADR National Student Research Group Mentor of the Year Award (2003), the AADR Distinguished Mentorship Award (2011), the Burton C. Borgelt/SCADA Faculty Advisor Award from the Student Clinician of the American Dental Association (2012), and the IADR Distinguished Women Faculty Mentor (2017). She is a fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science Fellow and the AADR. Dr. MacDougall’s research centers on the molecular mechanisms associated with tooth formation, dental tissue-specific cytodifferentiation, extracellular matrix formation, tooth stem cells and tissue regeneration as well as related human genetic dental diseases. She has published nearly 200 peer-review articles, 16 book/book chapters and over 425 abstracts with an H-index of 50 (Google Scholars), 44 (Scopus) and 40 (web of Science) and nearly 10,000 citations (Google Scholar). Her total career U.S. funding is over  22.5 million dollars. Her research has been featured in several publications including Reader’s Digest and Men’s Health as well as several TV programs including Discovery Health Channel’s “The Painless Dentist”.  

Prof. Ebtissam Al-Madi is a transformational leader and change catalyst in the health field in Saudi Arabia for the past 25 years, initiating many key changes in the education & health industry. She established the College of Dentistry in Princess Noura University (PNU) and served as the Founding Dean, breaking ground as the first female dean for a dental school in Saudi Arabia in 2012. During her 3 terms she developed an innovative program for Dental Education in the country. She also founded the Saudi Dental Education Society, the first in the Kingdom and the region to cater to the needs of the scientific education community in dentistry and served as Founding President for 4 years. Prof Al-Madi was then promoted to Vice President of Quality & Accreditation in PNU, leading the University to attain their first Institutional accreditation and initiating their 2030 strategic Plan. She was awarded for distinction in leadership from the 1^st Women’s Higher Education Symposium. Internationally, Prof Al-Madi was recognized and inducted as a Fellow of the American College of Dentists in 2018, as one of the few international fellows for her servitude and achievements for the dental community.

Prof. AlMadi is currently a Professor and Consultant in Endodontics in the college of Dentistry, King Saud University (KSU), the first and leading dental school in the Arab Gulf region, established in 1975. She has a Master’s degree and clinical certification in Endodontics, as well as several postgraduate Certificates in Clinical Research, Biomedical Informatics and Medical Education from Cardiff, UK and Oregon Health & Science University, USA. Prof Al-Madi has more than 60 research publications and has presented at many national and international conferences.

In her continuous endeavors in servitude of health and health professions in the Kingdom, Prof Al-Madi has founded the Saudi Arabian Wellness Association (SAWA), to serve the 2030 vision of establishing a greater quality of life for all and raise the standards of the wellness industry in the country. She currently serves as the Founding President of the association.

Sara Bendoraitis is the Senior Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusive Learning at the American Dental Education Association (ADEA). In this role, Sara champions the importance of a diverse and inclusive environment and leads the creation of strategies to foster a strong sense of belonging and create a welcoming, safe, equitable, and inclusive culture in academic dentistry. 

Sara was formerly with OPTICA, where she was Director of Membership Program Development. From 2011 to 2018, she was Director of Programming, Outreach and Advocacy at American University’s Center for Diversity and Inclusion. She began her work at American University as Director of their Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Ally Resource Center in 2007 till 2011. Sara has an M.S. in Education Administration from Texas A&M University and a BA in Women’s Studies and Political Science from the University of Rhode Island. 

Sara has presented at national conferences on student identity support and advocacy, gender-neutral housing best practices, academic and student affairs collaboration, assessing Safe Zone programs, leadership, unconscious bias and women’s and gender centers. Sara also been a consultant for various federal government agencies, national and international non-profits, higher education institutions, and the United States Naval Academy. 

She has served as a board member the NASPA Center for Scholarship, Research, and Professional Development for Women, a NASPA Regional Representative, the Education, Advocacy, and Outreach Chair and Co-Chair for the Consortium of Higher Education Lesbian Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Ally Resource Professionals, and a member of the Council on the Advancement of Standards (CAS) in Higher Education Board of Directors. In her spare time, Sara can be found spending time with her family as well as running the HY-Swap, which is a non-profit organization dedicated to sharing and circulating items in good condition within the community, providing savings for local families and reducing waste.

Dr. Cristin Haase is the President of nonprofit The Society of American Indian Dentists. Dr. Haase graduated, in 2017, with a Doctor of Dental Medicine degree and master’s degree in Public Health degree from A.T. Still University Arizona School of Dental & Oral Health. She is currently training as a Pediatric Dental Specialist.

Dr. Haase grew up in the great plains of rural North Dakota and is of Lakota heritage (Cheyenne River Sioux). In 2015, he was recognized as a “Dreamstarter” by the Running Strong for American Indian Youth Organization (founded by Billy Mills) as a dental student, and received the additional honor of being named “Dreamstarter GOLD” in 2020 for organizing The AI/AN Pre-dental Admissions Workshop (PAW) program at A.T. Still University.

Dr. Haase spends her free time hiking, snowboarding and streaming all Taylor Swift’s albums.

Dr. Frances Kim is the Student Programs Manager for Society of American Indian Dentists (SAID). She received her D.D.S. from the University of Maryland School of Dentistry. After a one-year General Practice Residency at the Brigham and Women’s Hospital, she received her master’s degree in Public Health with a concentration in Family and Community Health and Doctorate in Public Health in Epidemiology from the Harvard School of Public Health. Dr. Kim completed a dental public health residency at Harvard School of Dental Medicine.

As a dental public health consultant, she has been involved in various activities in both the private and public sector, has been appointed as adjunct faculty in several schools—providing instruction in public health as well as mentoring for dental public health residents and predoctoral students—and has been involved in epidemiologic research and analysis. Dr. Kim is a Past President of the American Association of Public Health Dentistry and a Diplomate of the American Board of Dental Public Health.

Dr. Teague Rutherford is the first enrolled Aaniiih and Nakoda tribal member from Fort Belknap Indian Reservation to become a dentist, having graduated in May 2024 from A.T. Still University Arizona School of Dentistry & Oral Health. Dr. Rutherford grew up on his reservation in Northcentral Montana where he faced traumatic experiences in the dental chair at Indian Health Service. These experiences, followed by pain-free dental experiences at a private-practice clinic, are what pushed him to pursue a career in dentistry. Using his skills, along with a master’s degree in Public Health attained at the University of Montana, Dr. Rutherford is focused on developing better oral health care for Indigenous people across the nation.

Currently, Dr. Rutherford is participating in a General Practice Residency in Fresno, Calif., to help gain more clinical and administrative experience in dentistry. His overall goals are to return home and practice dentistry within his reservation and help other Alaskan Native/American Indian students accomplish their dreams in holistic health care. 

Dr. Russ Bergman is the Vice Chair of the Department of Dentistry and GPR Program Director at Newark Beth Israel Medical Center. In this role he is responsible for the clinical, educational, and financial performance of the Department of Dentistry. Dr. Bergman has spent his career building strong relationships with Attending Dentists and Residents to create well-respected, highly regarded educational and clinical programs, currently at Newark Beth in New Jersey and previously at Lehigh Valley Health Network in Pennsylvania. Dr. Bergman practiced General Dentistry in Essex County NJ for over 20 years. Dr. Bergman is a graduate of Muhlenberg College, the University of Pennsylvania’s School of Dental Medicine, and the Dental Residency Program at Newark Beth Israel. Dr. Bergman is on the Board of Directors of ADEA, representing the Council of Advanced Education Programs. Among other career awards and distinctions, he was inducted to the American College of Dentists.  

Mr. Donato serves as Chair on the ADEA Council of Students, Residents, and Fellows for the 2024-25 academic year. He is a first-generation Filipino American and a community college transfer student. After completing his prerequisites, he transferred to the University of California, Berkeley where he obtained a bachelor’s degree in Molecular & Cellular Biology. Through his predental journey, he became involved in ADEA through his Educational Student Pathways Internship. ADEA has helped to foster his interest in academic dentistry and to meet like-minded colleagues who aim to prepare future generations of health care professionals.

Elyse received her bachelor’s degree in chemistry and her doctoral degree in Dental Medicine from the University of Connecticut. Upon dental school graduation, Elyse was awarded the American College of Dentists Outstanding Student Leader Award, the American Academy of Oral Medicine Award, and the American Prosthodontic Society Award. Following dental school graduation, Elyse completed a General Practice Residency at Massachusetts General Hospital. She is now a first-year Prosthodontics resident at the University of Rochester Eastman Institute for Oral Health.

Speaker agrees that neither they nor members of their immediate family have any financial relationships with commercial entities that may be relevant to their presentation. 

Dr. Harrison is an Associate Professor in the Department of Comprehensive Dentistry at the University of Louisville School of Dentistry. He currently serves as the Group Manager (Team Leader) in the comprehensive care clinic where he co-manages forty dental students  

Dr. Harrison earned his Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) degree from the University of Louisville School of Dentistry in 2004. Following dental school, he completed a one-year AEGD residency at the University of Cincinnati Hospital. He spent 10 years in private dental practice before returning to academics.
In 2015, Dr. Harrison joined the faculty at the University of Louisville School of Dentistry. He is responsible for the practice management curriculum at his school, where he uses Dental Simulation.  The students get to run a virtual dental practice to help them understand the relationship between management decisions and practice outcomes.  He serves as a faculty advisor for the local chapters of the American Student Dental Association and American Dental Education Association student group.  
Dr. Harrison has published research on factors affecting dental students’ career plans, helped develop personal financial planning online competency modules and recently edited a book entitled “Business Basics for Dentist”. He is actively involved with ADEA, having chaired the Section on Practice Management, and currently serving as chair to the council of sections. Dr. Harrison has received multiple teaching awards and recognition for his service and leadership contributions to the advancement of dental education.

Yolanda Jones serves as the Director of Advanced Dental Education Application Service and the Staff Liaison to the ADEA Council of Advanced Education Programs, bringing 28 years of dedicated service to ADEA. In her role, she oversees the strategic development and operations of ADEA PASS (Postdoctoral Application Support Service). Yolanda leads the ADEA PASS Advisory Group and works closely with application services staff to drive continuous innovative, ensuring and improved and streamlined application process for all stakeholders. 

Speaker agrees that neither they nor members of their immediate family have any financial relationships with commercial entities that may be relevant to their presentation.

Manavi Nagai obtained her DMD from Boston University School of Dental Medicine in 2022 and is currently doing her training in prosthodontics at Harvard School of Dental Medicine. She was born and raised in Massachusetts.

Dr. Paurazas is a Clinical Professor and Program Director of Graduate Endodontics at the University of Detroit Mercy School of Dentistry.  Responsibilities include advising of graduate student research and graduate Endodontic admissions. Her interests focus on evidenced-based endodontics.  Dr. Paurazas holds a Masters degree Endodontics and a D.D.S. degree from the University of Detroit Mercy and a Masters degrees in Health Services Administration from the University of Michigan School of Public Health. She is a Board Certified endodontist.  Dr. Paurazas has served on multiple committees of the American Association of Endodontists, including the Research and Scientific Affairs committee and the Educational Affairs Committee. Dr. Paurazas is actively involved in the American Dental Education Association and serves on the Council of Advanced Education Programs, and is past president of the ADEA Section on Endodontics. Dr. Paurazas maintains a private endodontic practice in New Baltimore, Michigan.

Dr. Wingrove is currently an endodontics resident at Boston University School of Dental Medicine. Originally from Toronto, Canada, Dr. Wingrove moved to the United States in 2013 to attend Boston University’s predoctoral program. After graduation, he completed a General Practice Residency at Montefiore Medical Center in New York City. Following his residency, he worked as a restorative dentist in private practices across central Massachusetts, downtown Boston, and the MetroWest area.

Dr. Wingrove is passionate about teaching both at the dental school and mentored young dentists through local and national dental associations. He currently serves on the American Association of Endodontists’ Public & Professional Relations Committee. He is also the past chair of the Massachusetts Dental Society Membership Committee and a guest member of the Board of Trustees. Presently, he co-chairs the Yankee Program Committee. For his leadership and contributions, Dr. Wingrove received the prestigious “Top 10 Under 10” Award, recognizing dentists who have been in the profession for less than 10 years and have made a significant impact on the field, their community, and organized dentistry. Dr. Wingrove is a fellow of the International College of Dentists, the American College of Dentists, and the Academy of General Dentistry.