ACD NEWS MARCH 2026
vol. 55 | no.1
American College of Dentists
PRESIDENT’S FORUM
Here’s to an Active 2026 Terry L. Norris, President
Your Fellowship in the College and your generous contributions make all this possible. As I said in the convocation address, “Fellowship is not a means to an end, but a new beginning.”
N
ot too long ago someone asked me what the ACD is doing. Anyone that understands my innocent sarcasm would understand my rhetorical reply of; What is not happening at the ACD? 2025 was a busy year and 2026 will be even busier. Your Fellowship in the College and your generous contributions make all this possible. As I said in the convocation address, “Fellowship is not a means to an end, but a new beginning.” Why is Fellowship important? It is more than a stamp of approval; it moves you into
an area of influence. Dentistry is ranked in the top ten professions for trustworthiness, and your work as the ACD goes a long way to make this happen. Most dentists will look and respond to our actions more than they will listen to our words. This is human nature throughout most of life. Your influence impacts more people than you can imagine. Fellowship is important.
So, what is going on at the ACD? A challenging reply would be as much as you are engaged. Engagement amounts to involvement in Section meetings, recognizing exceptional dentists, nominating young dentists, and giving a generous amount to the Foundation. The Foundation is the fuel that provides the programs, and the ACD is the vehicle that delivers them.
Your Fellowship for life is critical for a strong ACD. I look forward to seeing the “well-seasoned” dentists at my Section meetings; one day I will be one of them. Stay involved.
Here is to an active 2026, and I look forward to seeing you at your Section meeting and at ACD 2026 in Santa Barbara!
FROM THE FOUNDATION Robert A. Faiella ACDF President
The funding for our growing leadership programs, the refresh of our ethics offerings, and the investment in dentistry’s future through SPEA and an ACD presence in our dental schools is essential.
I
n 2025, the ACD Foundation raised over $250,000, and we’re off to a great start this year. The funding for our growing leadership programs, the refresh of our ethics offerings, and the investment in dentistry’s future through SPEA and an ACD presence in our dental schools is essential. More importantly, our Fellows’ enthusiastic engagement
in everything we are offering is driving our success. All the money in the world will not make a difference where commitment, dedication, and mission are lacking. Thank you for showing up for the College and working together to elevate the lives of our colleagues, students, and communities! ACD News | March 2026 | 1