Dr. Jonny Brennan’s personal “why statement” is to tinker in noble and intuitive stillness so that we all maximize wellness and feel connecting love. As the Associate Dean of Innovation and Strategy at the Arizona School of Dentistry & Oral Health (ASDOH) he strives to complete that life mission.  

In this capacity, he provides ongoing analysis, implementation and evaluation of dental informatics utilized in clinical systems as well as new initiatives to incorporate the latest educational technology in the classroom and clinic.  

He has been part of the course design and didactic instruction in Oral Medicine and the Practice Management & Professional Development courses.  He also leads the strategic direction for Digital Dentistry initiatives across the various restorative and surgical disciplines at ASDOH. Dr. Brennan is currently expanding into new platforms of technology in the realms of virtual reality, artificial intelligence and web 3 blockchain, particularly around their implementation in the dental and medical education arena.  

Dr. Brennan co-founded Brennan Dental in Chandler, Arizona where he continues to practice general dentistry.  He also works as a part-time consultant and subject matter expert in the dental technology and education space.  

Jonny graduated Summa Cum Laude from Arizona State University in 2004. He then earned his Medical Degree from the University of Toledo College of Medicine. Jonny continued his studies at A.T. Still University earning a Master of Public Health from the School of Health Management and a Doctor of Dental Medicine from ASDOH. Dr. Brennan and his wife live in Queen Creek with their two daughters and one son.

Dr. Ammaar Abidi is an Associate Professor of Pharmacology and the Associate Dean of Research at Lincoln Memorial University College of Dental Medicine. He is the first graduate of the dual D.D.S./Ph.D. program at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center, where he trained in both dentistry and biomedical sciences.

Dr. Abidi’s career is dedicated to integrating the pharmacology of the endocannabinoid system (ECS) with clinical dentistry to develop therapies for oral inflammation and improve public oral health. His research centers on discovering pro-resolution, anti-inflammatory agents as adjuncts to periodontitis and other oral inflammatory diseases.

Early in his career, he investigated molecular signaling pathways in glioblastoma multiforme, synthesizing cannabinoid compounds such as KM-233 that demonstrated potent anti-cancer effects. He also developed pharmacologic screening tools for cannabinoid compounds, including optimization of receptor-based cell models that identified agonist, antagonist, and inverse agonist activities. His work extended to endogenous cannabinoids such as 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG) and anandamide (AEA), highlighting their roles in regulating cell proliferation, immune modulation, and inflammatory resolution.

Building on this expertise, Dr. Abidi has examined the therapeutic impact of non-psychoactive phytocannabinoids such as cannabidiol (CBD) and selective CB2 receptor ligands like SMM-189. His studies demonstrated that these compounds reduce cytokines, chemokines, and vascular markers in periodontal fibroblasts, restore tissue homeostasis, and enhance wound healing. These findings provide strong support for targeting CB2R and cannabinoid-based therapies as viable strategies for oral inflammatory disease management.

Beyond cannabinoid pharmacology, Dr. Abidi’s research explores salivary diagnostics, oral microbiome dynamics, and translational approaches to regulate inflammation, pain, and systemic health. His long-term vision is to bridge basic science and clinical care to accelerate the development and repurposing of drugs that improve both oral and systemic health outcomes.

Dr. Manish Bhagania is an oral and maxillofacial surgeon and educator whose work bridges clinical care, public health, and academic leadership. He currently serves as Chair of the Section on Addiction Education of the American Dental Education Association (ADEA) and is Clinical Associate Professor in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at Boston University Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine.

His teaching and scholarship emphasize preparing future dental professionals to manage substance use and its implications in dental practice, particularly through simulation-based medical emergency training and curriculum innovation. Dr. Bhagania has published on topics related to access to care, perioperative management, and addiction education, and he has contributed to national and international dialogues on advancing dental education.
He has presented at recent ADEA Annual Meetings, including short talks in 2024 and 2025, and has an accepted proposal for the 2026 ADEA Annual Session in Montreal. His public presentations have included Management of Pain in Dentistry and Medical Emergencies in Dental Settings.

Dr. Bhagania is leading this three-part ADEA webinar series and is currently working with JADA on supplementary article series exploring cannabis use and dentistry — with the goal of equipping dental educators and clinicians with evidence-based strategies for patient care, ethical decision-making, and educational policy development.
He is deeply committed to service, interdisciplinary collaboration, and supporting the profession in addressing the intersection of oral health, addiction, and public health.

Dr. Mary Tavares is a Professor of Health Policy and Health Services Research and the Residency Director for the Dental Public Health Graduate Program at Boston University Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine. She is also a Senior Clinical Investigator at The ADA-Forsyth Institute and a Corresponding Member of the Faculty at Harvard School of Dental Medicine.

A graduate of Tufts University School of Dental Medicine, she received an MPH from the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health and a Certificate in Dental Public Health from Boston University.

She is a Diplomate of the American Board of Dental Public Health and currently, the Secretary-Treasurer of the Board.

Dr. Tavares' research has focused on the connection between systemic and oral health, with a particular focus on obesity and diabetes.

Dr. Antanious White is an educator, researcher and ADEA Senior Director of Student Engagement and Success with over a decade of experience advancing equity and inclusion in education and professional organizations. As a scholar, his work explores the intersectionality of race, gender and place-based identities, examining their impact on educational outcomes and health disparities while highlighting pathways of resilience.

Committed to advancing DEI, Dr. White has led innovative initiatives aimed at dismantling systemic barriers and promoting social justice in education. His teaching philosophy emphasizes racial equity, critical thinking and collaboration, fostering an inclusive classroom environment where students are encouraged to engage deeply with complex social issues.

Dr. White continues at ADEA to lead transformative efforts that advance diversity and inclusion in higher education. With a collaborative and solutions-driven approach, he is dedicated to uplifting marginalized communities and inspiring systemic change through education, research and DEI leadership.

Hubert K. Chan, D.D.S. is a Professor and Executive Associate Dean at the College of Dental Medicine, Western University of Health Sciences, providing strategic leadership in technology integration, operational efficiency, and academic innovation. A strong advocate for advancing oral health education, he previously served as Assistant Dean for Clinical Education and Clinical Managing Partner, overseeing clinical group practice operations. He earned his D.D.S. from the Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry of USC, where he also taught restorative dentistry and served as a Group Practice Director. Recognized for excellence in teaching and service, Dr. Chan’s interests focus on curriculum development and innovative technologies. An ADEA Leadership Institute alumnus, he actively supports leadership development and has held key roles within ADEA, including chairing the ADEA Section on Clinic Administration and the ADEA Annual Session Program Committee. He currently serves on the ADEA Task Force on Envisioning the Future of Oral Health and Education.

As a frontier leader and dental artificial intelligence expert, Dr. Mina Ghorbanifarajzadeh, worksat Overjet, one of the top 5 software companies reported by Dental Products Report. As serving Senior Clinical Manager for Overjet she helps shape the industry standards for what we can expect of Artificial Intelligence today and where we can expect it to go in the future.

With a background in technology, health care, and world-class service, Dr. Ghorbanifarajzadeh’s passions align with the mission that technology will bring to dentistry. She is energized by the growing technologies that will not only improve patient dental care but overall healthcare as well. Dr. Ghorbanifarajzadeh is a graduate of the University of Florida College of Dentistry and was the recipient of the Oral Maxillofacial Radiology Award. Also, she currently serves as a Wellness Ambassador for the ADA.

Dr. Reginald Salter grew up rural Georgia where dental care was not an option other than pain due to family finances. As a student who enjoyed science, he became curious about what a dentist does. After visiting the town’s lone dentist to complete a class project on careers, he decided in sixth grade that dentistry was the profession he would pursue. He is currently an Associate Professor in the Department of Comprehensive Dentistry at Howard University in Washington D.C. He also serves as Director for Admissions and Student Activities. He received a B.S. in Biology from Xavier University of Louisiana, Doctorate in Dental Surgery from Howard University, and completed a residency in the U.S. Navy. He later received an MBA with a concentration in Healthcare Administration from the University of Phoenix. He began his dental practice in Waldorf, MD and later opened a second practice in Washington DC. Inspired by the number of students he mentored in his offices, he began teaching part time. After finding his true passion in dental education, Dr. Salter retired from full time private practice and defended his dissertation on learning styles and accommodations for dental students diagnosed with a learning disability to receive a Ph.D. in higher education leadership from Northcentral University. He is committed to serving underserved populations and increasing diversity in the medical field. He leads a group of dentists, hygienists, and students annually on dental mission trips to Jamaica and with Remote Area Medical no less than three times a year. He is planning a mission in Trinidad for 2026 with students from Howard University.

He is a 2025 graduate of the ADEA Leadership Institute. He is a recipient of numerous awards including being named Professor to the Year by the students at Howard University during multiple years. He received the minority faculty recognition award of excellence in research from the National Dental Association, and the American Dental Educators Association award for outstanding junior faculty research. He is currently Treasurer of the DC/MD/VA chapter of the Xavier University of LA Alumni Association, Chairman of the Board of Trustees for the National Dental Association, President-Elect for Omicron Kappa Upsilon Dental Honor Society Pi Pi Chapter, Fellow and Editor for the DC chapter of the International College of Dentists, Fellow of the American College of Dentists, and is a Life Member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.

Dr. Elizabeth “Liz” Andrews is a native of Southern California. She obtained her B.A. in Biology from California State University, Northridge, followed by her Doctor of Dental Surgery (D.D.S.) degree from the University of the Pacific, Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry. She owned and operated a general dentistry private practice for 10 years in Merced, CA, and completed her specialty training and master’s degree in Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Adams School of Dentistry. During her time in private practice, Dr. Andrews was the first female dentist in Merced, leading Merced County as the Health Department Liaison helping to improve oral health for the community. She also served as the first female President of the Yosemite Dental Society and subsequently, was appointed as a Trustee to the California Dental Association. 

In 2008, Dr. Andrews joined Western University of Health Sciences College of Dental Medicine (WU CDM) during its infancy as a new dental school.  She served as the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs and was integral in developing the Office of Academic Affairs, managing staff and faculty while providing oversight of the burgeoning curriculum to ensure student and programmatic success. Early on, Dr. Andrews helped establish the American Association of Women Dentists (AAWD) chapter at CDM, fostering service activities aimed at helping women in need. The AAWD chapter established a girl scout troop in Pomona and provided over $40,000 of dental care to women from the Crossroads Program. 

Nationally, Dr. Andrews served as the Chair for the American Dental Education Association (ADEA) Women in Leadership Section and was instrumental in establishing a leadership development program at no cost to all ADEA members.  

Dr. Andrews has been teaching Oral & Maxillofacial Pathology in her faculty role since 2009, and her research interests include HPV-associated oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma and the impact of interprofessional collaborative care. After serving 11 years as the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs for WU CDM, Dr. Andrews was appointed to serve as its Dean—setting the bar again as the first female Dean of a California dental school.

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. Rosa Chaviano Moran, DMD, is the Associate Dean for Admissions at Rutgers School of Dental Medicine (RSDM). She is an Associate Professor in the Departments of Periodontics and Community Health and also holds faculty appointments at the Rutgers School of Graduate Studies and the New Jersey Medical School. A dedicated leader and educator, Dr. Chaviano Moran plays multiple roles on campus—as an administrator, clinician, recruiter, mentor, and faculty member—contributing significantly to the academic and professional development of students and colleagues alike.

Dr. Chaviano Moran is a nationally recognized advocate for equity and excellence in dental education. She has been honored by the American Dental Education Association (ADEA) and by Rutgers University’s “Leaders in Faculty Diversity Committee” for her leadership in individualized assessment for dental school admissions, mentorship, advocacy, and student empowerment. She is a Past President of the Hispanic Dental Association (HDA) and a Fellow of both the American College of Dentists and the International College of Dentists—recognitions that reflect her enduring commitment to ethics, service, and professional advancement in dentistry

Prof. Oluranti daCosta is a specialist in the field of Orthodontics. She is a lecturer with the College of Medicine, University of Lagos, and an Honorary consultant with the Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Nigeria. She graduated from the College of Medicine, University of Lagos in 1983 with a Bachelor of Dental Surgery and went on to specialize in Orthodontics at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital Lagos, Nigeria, being one of the first three to be trained in the specialty in Nigeria. She has actively practiced Orthodontics for over 30 years and is responsible for training and mentoring hundreds of undergraduates as well as numerous postgraduate students, many of whom are now academics themselves. 

Prof. daCosta has attended and presented at numerous national and international conferences and workshops on her specialty to improve her knowledge and skill acquisition. She is a member of numerous dental and orthodontic associations both nationally and internationally. She is a Past President of the Nigerian Association of Orthodontists. She is also a member of the Smile Train African Medical Advisory Committee. 

Prof. daCosta has authored and co-authored numerous publications in peer-reviewed journals. She has held several positions of responsibility at faculty-, college- and university-level. A member and Chairman of various committees, a past Departmental Coordinator, Acting Head of Department and is the Immediate Past Dean, Faculty of Dental Sciences.   

Prof. Oluranti daCosta is happily married to Dr. V. A. daCosta, who is also a dentist, and is the mother to three wonderful children.

Blánaid Daly is Professor of Special Care Dentistry and Dean of Dental Affairs /Head of School at the School of Dental Science, Trinity College Dublin (TCD).

Blánaid graduated in Dentistry from TCD. She worked in the Irish Community and Hospital Dental Services and then moved to the UK to pursue higher training and joined the Dental School at King’s College London (KCL). While at King’s, she combined her academic interest in Dental Public Health (DPH) with the clinical specialty of Special Care Dentistry (SCD). She was course director for a Master’s programme in D.P.H. and the M.Sc. in Community Dental Practice. Her Ph.D. explored the oral health needs of homeless people and was informed by her work setting up and providing direct dental care services to homeless people in three London boroughs. Blánaid has always had a great interest in oral health promotion and was a co-founder of the Oral Health Promotion Research Group in 1992 with Richard Watt (UCL) and was President in 1999/2000.

Blánaid returned to TCD in 2016 as Professor of Special Care Dentistry and Head of the Department of Public & Child Dental Health.  Her overarching research and advocacy interests have remained the reduction of oral health inequalities, and widening access to dental care particularly amongst vulnerable groups and people living with disability. In 2019, she was a contributing author to the Lancet series on oral health that highlighted the global public health importance of oral diseases and the need for a radically different policy agenda to tackle this major public health problem. In 2020 she was appointed to the Lancet Commission on Global Oral Health Inequalities and was joint winner of the Aubrey Sheiham award for distinguished research in Dental Public Health from the International Association of Dental Research (IADR). As Dean of Dental Affairs since 2022, Blánaid is keen to ensure dental curricula are inclusive and equip graduates with the skills and competence to meet the oral health needs of the Irish population including those who are vulnerable and marginalised.  She is also a strong advocate for retention, participation and inclusion of women in academic dentistry and in STEM research. 

Dr. Ji Woon Park is Chair and Professor of theDepartment of Oral Medicine and Oral Diagnosis at Seoul National UniversitySchool of Dentistry, and faculty at Seoul National University Dental Hospital.She earned her D.D.S., M.S.D., and Ph.D. from Seoul National University, whereshe also completed her residency and fellowship in oral medicine, focusing onorofacial pain and temporomandibular disorders (TMD).

Dr. Park is board-certified in Oral Medicine by theKorean Ministry of Health, a Diplomate of the American Board of Orofacial Pain,and a Diplomate of the American Board of Dental Sleep Medicine. She currentlyserves as Director of Academic Affairs for the Korean Academy of Orofacial Painand Oral Medicine, Director of Educational Affairs for the Korean Academy ofDental Sleep Medicine, and Council Member of the Asian Academy of OrofacialPain and Temporomandibular Disorders.

A prolific researcher, Dr. Park has authored morethan 70 peer-reviewed publications in leading journals, including ScientificReports, Journal of Oral Rehabilitation, Clinical OralInvestigations, and J Oral Facial Pain and Headache. Her researchexplores the biological, psychological, and behavioral dimensions of TMD,craniofacial pain, and sleep-related disorders. She is also a sought-afterspeaker at global meetings such as IADR, World Sleep, and the InternationalHeadache Society, where she shares insights on integrating multidisciplinaryapproaches to improve diagnosis and treatment outcomes.

Dr. Saksena earned her B.D.Sc. from the University of Melbourne, Australia, a Certificate in Prosthodontics and an M.M.Sc. in Oral Biology from Harvard University, and her DMD from Tufts University. She is the Associate Dean for Education and Campus Culture at the University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC) College of Dentistry. She has been an associate dean at UNMC since 2018. Dr. Saksena has been in administration for over ten years with experience in academic affairs, student affairs, admissions, clinical affairs, and faculty development. Her research interests include education and campus culture. Dr. Saksena also has an appointment at UNMC’s Graduate College, serves on several committees at the university level, and coordinates and leads interprofessional education activities for UNMC’s Lincoln campus. She has chaired the ADEA Section on Educational Research, Development and Curriculum, and the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning, and has served on several committees at the national level. In 2024, she was a recipient of the ADEA Chair of the Board Citation Award and has presented nationally and internationally.

With more than 40 years of experience in higher education and student financial aid, Paul Garrard is one of the most well-known and in-demand educational debt management experts in the nation, especially in the health professions communities. He has extensive experience in both the non-profit and for-profit sectors of higher education. He holds a Bachelor of Arts from Samford University and an M.B.A. from the University of Georgia. Mr. Garrard works out of his home in Shepherdstown, WV.

He has worked as a consultant with ADEA for more than 10 years, providing updates on borrowing and repayment.

Dr. Antanious White is an educator, researcher and ADEA Senior Director of Student Engagement and Success with over a decade of experience advancing equity and inclusion in education and professional organizations. As a scholar, his work explores the intersectionality of race, gender and place-based identities, examining their impact on educational outcomes and health disparities while highlighting pathways of resilience.

Committed to advancing DEI, Dr. White has led innovative initiatives aimed at dismantling systemic barriers and promoting social justice in education. His teaching philosophy emphasizes racial equity, critical thinking and collaboration, fostering an inclusive classroom environment where students are encouraged to engage deeply with complex social issues.

Dr. White continues at ADEA to lead transformative efforts that advance diversity and inclusion in higher education. With a collaborative and solutions-driven approach, he is dedicated to uplifting marginalized communities and inspiring systemic change through education, research and DEI leadership.

Dr. Michael Harner has been with the University of Illinois for over 23 years. He joined the University of Illinois College of Dentistry’s (UIC COD) leadership team as the Associate Dean of Finance and Business Administration in 2015.

Dr. Harner holds a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, a master’s degree of Business Administration, a master’s degree of Art and a doctorate in Education. Dr. Harner’s role at UIC COD is responsible for overseeing state appropriations, tuition and fees, administrative operations, gifts and endowments and grants and community contracts. In his spare time, Dr. Harner enjoys spending time with his family and training for triathlons.

Jamie Hirshey serves Kansas City University (KCU) as Vice President of Human Resources and Joplin Campus Administration. She joined KCU, in January 2016, as its inaugural hire on the Joplin campus, where she played a crucial role in leading recruitment efforts that established the foundational faculty and staff team necessary for the campus to successfully launch.

Prior to her tenure at KCU, Ms. Hirshey spent 12 years in human resources leadership at Freeman Health System in Joplin, MO. Her extensive experience in health care administration has been instrumental in shaping her leadership at KCU.

Throughout her career, Ms. Hirshey has progressively assumed broader responsibilities, including recruitment and retention strategies, benefits administration, fostering institutional culture and inclusivity, enhancing employee engagement and recognition programs as well as overseeing comprehensive orientation, onboarding, professional development and performance management initiatives.

In her current role, she not only leads the university's human resources function, but also supports finance and operations at the Joplin campus, contributing to the overall strategic direction and operational excellence of KCU.

Ms. Hirshey earned her bachelor's degree from Missouri Southern State University and holds a master's degree in health care administration from Bellevue University. Her academic achievements complement her practical experience, enabling her to effectively navigate the complexities of higher education administration and health care management.

Dr. Marnie Oakley serves as the Dean at the University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine (Pitt SMD). After graduating from Pitt SMD, in 1992, she served an active-duty, four-year tour as a Dental Officer in the United States Navy. Dr. Oakley was responsible for the development and implementation of Pitt SMD’s Comprehensive Care Program. She also served as the Site Visit Coordinator during the successful 2010 American Dental Association (ADA) Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) site visit.

Dr. Oakley served as Chair of the American Dental Education Association (ADEA) Annual Session Planning Committee for two consecutive years, for which she received a Presidential Citation. As a graduate fellow of the ADEA’s Leadership Institute, she served in officer positions in several ADEA committees and groups. She is also a Senior Consultant for Academy of Advancing Leadership (AAL)—where she offers one-on-one consulting services and seminars on various leadership topics to academicians across the country. Dr. Oakley works extensively in various areas of leadership development that include creating a positive culture, leading difficult conversations, resolving conflict and managing change. As a proud alumna of the Berkeley Institute of Executive Coaching, she leverages her certification and experience to help executives discover and reveal the best versions of themselves.

Dr. Oakley maintains membership in numerous professional organizations, including the ADA, the Pennsylvania Dental Association, the Dental Society of Western Pennsylvania and Omicron Kappa Upsilon.

Dr. Oakley was awarded the 2024 Impact Award and was recognized as a 2024 Trailblazer in Health Care by City & State Pennsylvania.

Dr. Sophia Saeed is Associate Dean of Clinic Operations and Quality of Care at the University of New England College of Dental Medicine.  Previously, she served on faculty at the University of California, San Francisco; University of Nevada, Las Vegas; UTHealth Science Center School of Dentistry; and the UConn School of Dental Medicine.  She is a fellow of the American College of Dentists and International College of Dentists, a member of the Omicron Kappa Upsilon Dental Society, and serves as a site visitor for the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) and examiner for the American Board of Dental Examiners (ADEX).  Her major commitments with ADEA include serving as the Chair Elect of the Section on Clinic Administration and a member of the Task Force for Envisioning the Future of Oral Health Education (TF-ETFOHE). 

Dr. Suzie Bergman is President-elect of the American Association of Women Dentists. She is an Adjunct Associate Professor at Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences School of Dental Medicine. Dr. Bergman is a Fellow of the TMJ Foundation, a global consortium and online fellowship program for Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, where she serves as Selection Chair, Advisor and Honorary Program Faculty. She is a Visiting Research Scholar at Oregon Health Science University in the Department of Neurological Surgery as a Co-investigator in research surrounding the differential diagnosis of trigeminal neuralgia and temporomandibular disorders. Dr. Bergman serves as a subject matter expert and consultant for Academic Health Associates, an Execudent Company. She is the U.S. Director of Dental Education for Immersify Education, an EdTech platform delivering education to dental and nursing schools through immersive experiences and augmented reality. She is a thought leader in the interprofessional education space with a focus on medical, dental and behavioral health integration and Dr. Bergman speaks internationally on this topic.

Dr. Bergman received her D.D.S. degree from West Virginia University School of Dentistry and holds advanced certificates in Orthodontics and Orofacial Pain.

Precious Ettah, D.D.S., M.M.Sc., joined ADEA in October 2024 as the new Director of Faculty Engagement and Research Analytics within the Office of Access, Success and Impact (ASI). Dr. Ettah brings a strong background in oral health care, public health, data analysis, and program management. In this role, she works closely with ADI leadership to design and manage workshops, training sessions, and activities that promote cross-cultural awareness, cultural sensitivity,  and inclusive excellence across the ADEA community. Additionally, Dr. Ettah oversees the data analytics function of ASI, producing critical datasets that inform strategies for DEIB operational and business initiatives.

Dr. Ettah has a wealth of professional experience in the dental field, including clinical practice as a general dentist and work in public and community health centers. She recently completed her dental public health residency at the Harvard School of Dental Medicine, focusing on epidemiology, social determinants of health, program administration, and health policy. She previously completed her general practice residency at Saint Elizabeth’s Hospital in Washington, DC. Dr. Ettah holds a B.S. in Biomedical Sciences from the University of South Alabama and a D.D.S. degree from Howard University College of Dentistry. Additionally, Dr. Ettah earned her Master of Medical Science in Dental Education and a Certificate in Dental Public Health from Harvard School of Dental Medicine.

Dr. Hiroe Ohyama is an Associate Professor and the Predoctoral Director of Operative Dentistry at the Harvard School of Dental Medicine (HSDM). Dr. Ohyama earned her D.D.S. degree from Tohoku University, School of Dentistry in Japan. After graduation, she completed clinical and research training at HSDM, where she obtained both a certificate in general dentistry and an M.Sc. degree. She then returned to Japan to pursue a Ph.D. in oral biology from Tokyo University, Faculty of Medicine.

Dr. Ohyama joined the faculty of Restorative Dentistry and Biomaterials Sciences at HSDM in 2000, where she discovered a passion for teaching alongside her research endeavors. Her passion led her to pursue a D.M.D. at HSDM. This enhanced her ability to educate future dental professionals with a deeper understanding of the dental curriculum in the U.S., further advancing her career as a dental educator.

Dr. Ohyama is a dedicated educator and an accomplished clinician-scientist, serving as a role model in both domains. Dr. Ohyama has made substantial contributions to student-centered scholarly activities, with over 60 publications in peer-reviewed journals. She has received numerous awards for her excellence in research, teaching and patient care, including the HSDM Distinguished Faculty Award, the HSDM Outstanding Faculty Award and the Excellence in Cosmetic Dentistry Award. Dr. Ohyama is nationally recognized as an excellent educator and received the ADEA/Colgate-Palmolive Co. Excellent Teaching Award, the ADEA Project Pool Grants and the Omicron Kappa Upsilon Stephen H. Leeper Teaching Award.

Dr. Margaret Scarlett is a dentist, futurist and health outcomes leader. Dr. Scarlett transitioned to private practice and consulting after 23 years as a dental officer in the US Public Health Service, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and US Army. Her last assignment was to the Office of the Assistant Secretary of Health and Human Services in the Department of Health and Human Services, addressing the use of big data for health. 

A member of the American Dental Association Standards Committee on Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Dentistry, Dr. Scarlett was a leading contributor to the December 2022 ADA Whitepaper, “Overview of Artificial and Augmented Intelligence Uses in Dentistry.”  She continues to evaluate the scientific and ethical uses of AI, lecturing around the globe.  

Her career focus has been on health and overall health outcomes through health data to reduce the impact of chronic and infectious diseases. 

Jonathan Fansmith directs ACE’s efforts to engage federal policymakers on issues that impact colleges and universities and coordinates the government relations response of approximately 60 higher education associations in Washington, DC. His work involves representation before Congress, administrative agencies, and the federal courts. Fansmith’s writing has appeared in publications ranging from The Washington Post to The Journal of College and University Law, and he is a frequent speaker for association, academic, and corporate audiences.

Dr. York is a dentist by training and a public health practitioner by passion. Her professional roles include serving as the Assistant Dean of Extramural Clinics, the Hunterdon Endowed Chair for Dental Public Health and a Professor at Rutgers School of Dental Medicine.

Dr. York is a registered consultant with Management Solutions Consulting Group, Inc., a firm that works with the Health Resources and Services Administration’s HIV/AIDS Bureau Ryan White Program. Her scholarly focus is expanding access to oral health care for marginalized and vulnerable populations in community-based settings. As the Principal Investigator (PI) or the co-PI, she has led and contributed to numerous clinical practice initiatives focusing on enhancing access to care and expanding workforce capacity for underserved populations. Under her direction, the program has adopted trauma-informed dental care practices that serve as a nationally recognized model program of oral care for people with HIV.

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.