Welcome
Greetings
Program
Faculty Forum
Thursday, July 16, 2026 | 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
CC-Room B10
MORNING SESSION
Dr. Paula L. Coates, DDS, MPH, Chair, Dr. Jeanne C. Sinkford Planning Committee
Dr. Wallace Bellamy
102nd President, National Dental Association
Dr. Jeff Johnson
VCU School of Dentistry, Interim Dean
Dr. Cherea Farmer-Dixon
ADEA Chair of Board of Directors
ADEA Presentation
Colgate Presentation
Dr. Karen West, ADEA President and CEO –
Dr. Sherin Tooks, ADEA Senior Chief for Knowledge, Engagement and Development
Dr. Precious Ettah, ADEA Director of Faculty Engagement and Research Analytics –
Matilde Hernández, DDS, MS, MBA, MPH
Professional Engagement & Scientific Affairs
Sr. Director Enterprise Oral Care
Introduction of Keynote Speaker
Keynote Speaker, Dr. Terrell Strayhorn
KeynoteSpeaker
Dr. Terrell Strayhorn Keynote
Speaker
Terrell Strayhorn is an academic at heart. Professor, center director, and principal investigator, Terrell has an unapologetic commitment to conducting, marshaling, and translating scientific research for the purposes of advancing equity, removing systemic injustices, and improving the material conditions of our most vulnerable populations in society. He is President/CEO of Do Good Work Consulting Group, leading an awesome team, working with hundreds of colleges, universities, districts, and agencies in “moving the needle” on diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging outcomes for staff and students.
Terrell loves to write. He has published 12 books and over 200+ book chapters, journal articles and other scholarly publications. He believes strongly in connecting research findings to addressing broader social problems and putting research to practice, thus, he frequently writes Op-Eds, letters to editors, and blogs. He’s a contributing writer for Entrepreneur, AllBusiness, Thrive Global, and Psychology Today.
Just as much as writing, Terrell loves sharing ideas with others. He has given hundreds of invited keynotes and lectures at 2000+ universities, schools, companies, churches, and conferences across the globe. What drives this passion is the ability to connect his research and talents to address some of the world’s greatest problems, especially in education.
On a more personal note, Terrell is an accomplished musician, vegan, and runner.
Speakers
Wallace J. Bellamy, DMD, FACD, FICD, FPFA, CDC
102nd NDA President
Dr. Bellamy was born in Queens, New York. As the child of a career Air Force Professional, he has lived all over the world, including New York, Texas, Europe, and California.
He graduated from Boston University School of Dentistry in 1989 and has been in private practice since 1993. Dr. Bellamy feels that dentistry is an important part of a person’s overall health. Not only does it help improve esthetics and smiles but it can also improve people’s lives.
Dr. Bellamy loves his patients. The personal interaction and relationships he has made over the years have been phenomenal.
In serving the community and his profession, Dr. Bellamy has taken leadership roles in many dental associations over the years. Some of his most important work has been as President of the Sacramento District Dental Society, California Dental Association (CDA) Leadership Development Committee – Vice Chairman, and member of the Sacramento District Dental Society Ethics Committee and Sacramento District Dental Society Continuing Education Committee.
In his spare time, Dr. Bellamy enjoys traveling, riding horses, skiing, and most importantly of all, spending time with his 3 daughters.
Cherae M. Farmer-Dixon, DDS, MSPH, FACD, FICD Meharry
Medical College
Dr. Cherae M. Farmer-Dixon has a long-standing commitment to dental education, leadership, and community service. She serves as Dean of the School of Dentistry at Meharry Medical College and recently was appointed Interim Executive Vice President and Provost. A retired Lieutenant Colonel in the United States Army Reserve, she proudly served her country for 21 years.
A nationally recognized leader in dental education, Dr. Farmer-Dixon currently serves as Chair of the Board of Directors of the American Dental Education Association (ADEA), becoming the first African American woman to hold this prestigious position.
Dr. Farmer-Dixon earned her Bachelor of Science degree from Mississippi Valley State University and both her Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) and Master of Science in Public Health (MSPH) degrees from Meharry Medical College. She also holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Tennessee State University.
A native of Indianola, Mississippi, Dr. Farmer-Dixon is committed to improving health outcomes in underserved communities and advancing health equity for vulnerable populations through her service with Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, The Links, Incorporated, civic organizations, and ministries of The Temple Church. She is also passionate about mentoring young women and serves as a volunteer leader for Cadette and Senior Girl Scout troops.
Karen P. West, D.M.D., M.P.H. ADEA
President and CEO
Dr. Karen Pierce West is a nationally respected leader in oral health education and whose career reflects a sustained commitment to academic excellence, leadership, and service. As the first woman to serve as President and CEO of the American Dental Education Association (ADEA), she brings decades of experience shaping academic institutions and advancing the oral health education community. Prior to joining ADEA, Dr. West served as Dean of the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, School of Dental Medicine, where she led initiatives focused on innovation, faculty development, and student success. Her academic career includes faculty and administrative leadership roles at the University of Kentucky College of Dentistry, as well as early service in the Department of Community Dentistry at the Medical College of Georgia, where she later advanced to Director. She began her career as a private practitioner in Kentucky.
Dr. West received her Doctor of Dental Medicine degree from the University of Louisville School of Dentistry and a Master of Public Health in Health Administration from the University of South Carolina School of Public Health. She is the past Chair of the Commission on Dental Accreditation and has served as a consultant to international accrediting bodies. In 2023, Dr. West was recognized as a Social Impact Woman to Watch Finalist and a Corporate and Social Responsibility & Diversity Awards Finalist. Prior to assuming the presidency of ADEA, she served the Association as Chair of the ADEA Council of Faculties and the ADEA Council of Deans.
At ADEA, Dr. West has been instrumental in advancing initiatives that strengthen interdisciplinary education, promote access and leadership development, and enhance workforce readiness across oral health education. She has established strategic task forces to help future-proof oral health education and support the Association’s long-term organizational sustainability. Dr. West has also represented ADEA internationally, contributing to the launch of the African Education Dental Association and expanding global partnerships with leading organizations.
Sherin Tooks, Ed.D., M.S. ADEA Sr. Chief, Learning Access and Development
Dr. Sherin Tooks has been a driving force in shaping the quality of dental education programs both nationally and internationally. Prior to joining ADEA, Dr. Tooks spent 23 years at the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA), and the last 13 years serving as CODA’s Senior Director. At CODA, Dr. Tooks provided strategic direction and comprehensive operational oversight, managed a significant budget, led strategic initiatives, and ensured regulatory compliance with the U.S. Department of Education, including multiple successful USDE rerecognition petitions. Dr. Tooks’ career at CODA showcased a trajectory of increasing leadership across various accreditation areas. Her expertise spanned strategic planning and policy development, board support, and the management of numerous committees, including a key role in the growth of international accreditation. Dr. Tooks has spoken on accreditation topics both nationally and internationally. Dr. Tooks also brings prior experience in allied dental education at the collegiate level. Since joining ADEA in September 2025, Dr. Tooks has focused on enhancing ADEA’s leadership and professional development programs, among other initiatives. Sherin holds a Doctorate in Education and a Master of Science in Dental Hygiene Education.
Precious Ettah, D.D.S., M.M.Sc.
ADEA Director, Faculty Engagement and Research
Dr. Precious Ettah is the Director of Faculty Engagement and Research Analytics at ADEA, where she leads initiatives that advance faculty engagement, professional development and evidenceinformed strategies to strengthen academic oral health education. Her work includes designing workshops, training programs and collaborative initiatives that build institutional capacity, support workforce development and foster effective learning environments across the oral health professions.
Dr. Ettah’s background spans clinical dentistry, dental public health and program administration. Her experience includes clinical practice, community-based oral health programs and public health initiatives focused on improving access to care and addressing population-level health disparities. Her professional interests include leveraging data analytics, public health frameworks and cross-sector collaboration to inform academic programming, research and strategic initiatives in oral health education.
Dr. Ettah earned her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from Howard University College of Dentistry. She completed a general practice residency at Saint Elizabeths Hospital in Washington, DC, and a dental public health residency at Harvard School of Dental Medicine, where she also earned a Master of Medical Sciences in dental education.
Dr. Jeff Johnson
Interim Dean, VCU College of Dentistry
VCU School of Dentistry has named Jeff Johnson, D.M.D., M.P.H., as associate dean for clinical education, effective January 1, 2025 Johnson first joined VCU School of Dentistry in July 2023 as chair of the Department of Pediatric Dentistry. Before joining VCU, he served as chair of the Department of Pediatrics and director of the Advanced Education Program in Pediatric Dentistry at LSU Health-New Orleans School of Dentistry.
“Dr. Johnson brings an exceptional commitment to fostering excellence in clinical training and a deep commitment to student success to the role of associate dean for clinical education,” said Lyndon Cooper, D.D.S., Ph.D., dean of VCU School of Dentistry. “Dr. Johnson has been an exceptional leader for the Department of Pediatric Dentistry and I am confident that his leadership will further strengthen our commitment to academic and clinical excellence and add valuable expertise to our leadership team.” “I am very grateful that Dr. Cooper and the selection committee had faith in me and my potential to trust me with such a pivotal role in the school,” said Johnson. “This was a great opportunity to have a larger impact on what we do here at the School of Dentistry and how we do it. My hope is that working collaboratively with all of the stakeholders, we can do some really exciting things.
As associate dean for clinical education, Johnson will provide strategic leadership and oversight for the clinical education program within the School of Dentistry, ensuring the highest standards of clinical education and training for dental students, promoting excellence in clinical practice and fostering a studentcentered, patient-facing learning environment.
He will work collaboratively with school leadership as well as faculty and staff, to promote continuous improvement in clinical education. Johnson said he is excited about the impact he can have in this role, both on students, and staff, faculty and patients. “ Patient care and learner experience are like train tracks. As long as they’re both running parallel, then the train works wonderfully. I think that this position really allows me to look at those two groups especially well and make sure that we’re taking care of our students and learners and that we’re taking care of our patients,” said Johnson. “ We have an amazingly talented group of faculty and staff. And the thought of working every day with those groups of people to ensure that we take care of our learners and our patients is just an amazing opportunity and one that I am very grateful to have been given.”
While he has a wealth of academic experience, Johnson also brings acumen from the private sector having served as president and CEO of Danville Pediatric Dentistry in Danville, KY, from 2006-2020. Prior to that, Johnson held several roles at the University of Kentucky College of Dentistry, including director of the Advanced Education Program in Pediatric Dentistry and director of resident research, and he taught a number of courses for pre-and post-doctoral students.
Johnson is a UK graduate, where he received his Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry (2001), Certificate in Pediatric Dentistry (2003) and Master of Public Health (2005). Johnson is succeeding Rick Archer, D.D.S., M.S., who is retiring from his role of senior associate dean for clinical affairs, effective December 31, 2024.
Archer’s retirement comes after more than 30 years at VCU. He served in several roles including adjunct professor, predoctoral endodontics director, interim chair of the Department of Endodontics and most recently senior associate dean for clinical affairs. Under Archer’s leadership, VCU School of Dentistry’s clinical training is recognized as one of the best in the country with a 95% clinical board exams pass rate and a 90% match rate for students who apply to advanced education and residency programs. Archer will remain with the School of Dentistry to assist in this leadership transition, continuing his teaching role, and serving with others in the planning of the new School of Dentistry Building.
“ We would be remiss if we didn’t acknowledge Dr. Archer’s success in this role. His focus on clinical excellence is really why we have built a national reputation from a clinical dentistry standpoint. I think he really has built a foundation of success that will help me find success in this role,” said Johnson. “I think he serves as a role model to many people here at the school. And my hope is that while we may look at things differently and take things in different directions, we stand firmly on the foundation of success that he helped build.”
Welcome
Invocation
Program
Dr. Jeanne C. Sinkford
AWARDS LUNCHEON
Thursday, July 16, 2026 | 12:15 PM - 1:45 PM
CC-Room B15 AB
AWARDS PROGRAM
Dr. Paula L. Coates, DDS, MPH
Chair, Dr. Jeanne C. Sinkford Planning Committee
Dr. Janet Southerland Committee Member, Dr. Jeanne C. Sinkford Planning Committee Lunch is Served
Colgate Presentation
NDAF Presentation
Dr. Matilde Hernandez
Dr. Albert Granger, Vice President, NDAF
Announcement of Torch Award Recipient Waheed Awotoye, DDS, PhD.
NDA Faculty Awards Recognition
Research Award
Teaching Award
Emerging Leader Award
Closing Remarks
Dr. Marvellous Akinlotan
Dr. LaQuia Walker Vinson
Dr. Daniel Young
Dr. Wallace Bellamy 102nd President, National Dental Association
Dr. Paula L. Coates, DDS, MPH
Chair, Dr. Jeanne C. Sinkford Planning Committee
Honoree
FACULTY RESEARCH AWARD
Dr. Marvellous Akinlotan
Texas A&M University of College of Dentistry
Dr. Marvellous Akinlotan is a Clinical Assistant Professor at the Texas A&M University College of Dentistry and a nationally recognized scholar in dental public health, health services research, and special care dentistry. Board certified by the American Board of Dental Public Health, Dr. Akinlotan’s work focuses on advancing oral health equity, improving access to care for underserved populations, and strengthening the healthcare workforce. Originally trained as a dentist in Nigeria, she earned both her Master of Public Health and PhD in Health Services Research from Texas A&M University School of Public Health. Her research has been widely published in leading journals and has influenced national discussions on emergency dental care, rural health disparities, Medicaid policy, and preventive oral health services. Dr. Akinlotan has secured and contributed to millions of dollars in federally funded research and workforce development initiatives and is deeply committed to mentorship, education, and community-based care. Through her scholarship, teaching, and clinical leadership, she continues to advance innovative solutions that improve health outcomes and expand equitable access to oral healthcare.
Honoree
Dr. LaQuia Walker Vinson Indiana University School of Dentistry FACULTY TEACHING AWARD
Dr. LaQuia Walker Vinson is a Professor at the Indiana University School of Dentistry, Department of Pediatric Dentistry, and the Program Director for the Postgraduate residency program in Pediatric Dentistry. She is also a member of the Craniofacial Anomalies Team at Riley Hospital for Children, where she has been providing pediatric dental care for over 20 years. LaQuia graduated from Xavier University of Louisiana with a Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry, earned her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), and completed her certificate in pediatric dentistry from the University of Illinois, Chicago. She holds a Master’s in Public Health in Public Health Informatics, a certificate in Online Teaching from Indiana University East, and a certificate in Intercultural Competence from Indiana University. Board certified in her specialty since 2009, Dr. Vinson’s research interests focus on health services research in pediatric dental care, innovation of clinical techniques, cleft lip and palate care, and the use of simulation in clinical training. She has served in leadership roles in the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, the American Dental Education Association, the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry, CODA, and the American Cleft Palate Association. An award-winning educator, LaQuia has received an Indiana University Trustees Teaching Award, Indiana Dental Association Outstanding Faculty Member of the Year, and Outstanding Teacher of the Year. She is a 2021 alumna of the Indiana University Indianapolis Next Gen 2.0 Program.
Honoree
EMERGING LEADER AWARD
Dr. Daniel Young My Kids Dentist & Orthodontist
Dr. Daniel L. Young is a pediatric dentist, educator, and national leader dedicated to advancing oral healthcare for children and underserved communities. A graduate of the Howard University College of Dentistry, where he earned both his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree and Certificate in Pediatric Dentistry, Dr. Young is committed to delivering compassionate, evidence-based care to pediatric patients and individuals with special healthcare needs. Dr. Young is the owner of My Kids Dentist and Orthodontist in Missouri and serves as an Adjunct Professor in Pediatric Dentistry at A.T. Still University – Missouri School of Dentistry & Oral Health, where he mentors and trains future dental professionals. In addition to his clinical and academic work, Dr. Young serves as Assistant Secretary of the National Dental Association, supporting the organization’s governance, communications, and strategic initiatives. He is also an author and advocate whose scholarship and community outreach efforts focus on improving access to care, advancing dental education, and promoting health equity.
Speakers
Wallace J. Bellamy, DMD, FACD, FICD, FPFA, CDC
102nd NDA President
Dr. Bellamy was born in Queens, New York. As the child of a career Air Force Professional, he has lived all over the world, including New York, Texas, Europe, and California. He graduated from Boston University School of Dentistry in 1989 and has been in private practice since 1993. Dr. Bellamy feels that dentistry is an important part of a person’s overall health. Not only does it help improve esthetics and smiles but it can also improve people’s lives. Dr. Bellamy loves his patients. The personal interaction and relationships he has made over the years have been phenomenal. In serving the community and his profession, Dr. Bellamy has taken leadership roles in many dental associations over the years. Some of his most important work has been as President of the Sacramento District Dental Society, California Dental Association (CDA) Leadership Development Committee – Vice Chairman, and member of the Sacramento District Dental Society Ethics Committee and Sacramento District Dental Society Continuing Education Committee.
In his spare time, Dr. Bellamy enjoys traveling, riding horses, skiing, and most importantly of all, spending time with his 3 daughters.
Matilde Hernández
González DDS, MS, MBA,
FICD
Dr. Matilde Hernandez Gonzalez is a dental professional and corporate leader in oral health. She currently serves as the Global Director of Professional Engagement and Scientific Affairs at Enterprise Oral Care of the Colgate Palmolive Company. In this role, she drives globally scalable strategies for professional engagement, innovation, and scientific affairs, encompassing professional and education, and equity strategies. Dr. Hernandez’s educational background is Doctor of Dental Surgery and Specialty in Periodontology from Central University of Venezuela, Oral Implantology from the National Dental Association, Master in Business Administration from Preston University, and Currently pursuing a Master in Public Health with a focus on Health Equity at Boston University. Her career at Colgate Palmolive spans over a decade, during which she has held various leadership positions, including Scientific Affairs Manager for North America, Senior Community Outreach and Professional Relations Manager and Global Director of Clinical Research Innovation Dr. Hernandez’s expertise is further recognized through multiple awards, including the Shils Entrepreneurial Fund Innovators Award in 2017. Active in National and International professional organizations, Dr. Hernandez serves as a board member for the Shils Entrepreneurial Fund, and PAOH.org. Her contributions to the field include numerous publications, presentations, and editorial contributions to respected dental journals.
Albert L. Granger, DDS
Vice President
Dr. Albert L. Granger is a distinguished leader in the field of Endodontics, celebrated for his clinical expertise, academic contributions, and commitment to community service. As the founding partner of Premier Endodontics of Long Island, Dr. Granger has earned recognition as one of New York’s Top Dentists. He also serves as the Director of Endodontics at NYC Health + Hospitals/Harlem, where he oversees advanced dental care and training. Previously, he held an academic appointment as an Assistant Professor at Columbia University College of Dental Medicine.
A proud alumnus of Howard University College of Dentistry (Class of 1987), Dr. Granger pursued advanced Endodontic training at Columbia University, earning his specialty certification in 1993. He expanded his clinical expertise in 2007 by completing the Implant MaxiCourse at the Medical College of Georgia.
Dr. Granger is a Fellow of the American College of Dentists, the Academy of General Dentistry, and the Pierre Fauchard Academy, reflecting his commitment to professional excellence and lifelong learning. He is an active member of several prestigious organizations, including the National Dental Association, American Dental Association, New York State Dental Association, Nassau County Dental Society, and the American Association of Endodontists.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Dr. Granger has demonstrated an unwavering dedication to community service and leadership. He served as a City Councilman for Glen Cove, NY, from 1994 to 2005, where he championed initiatives to improve his community. Currently, he contributes his expertise as a Trustee on the Boards of Elizabethtown College and the Northwell Health System. His professional leadership includes serving as President of the Nassau County Dental Society in 2012.
Dr. Granger’s career is marked by a steadfast commitment to excellence in dentistry, mentorship, and community engagement. His contributions exemplify the highest standards of professionalism and care, making him a respected leader and role model in the dental profession.
Welcome
Program
Dr. Jeanne C. Sinkford
Research Forum
Thursday, July 16, 2026 | 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
CC-Room B10
EVENING SESSION
Dr. Paula L. Coates, DDS, MPH, Chair, Dr. Jeanne C. Sinkford Planning Committee
Introduction of Research Presentation
Meharry-Howard Research Presentation
Howard-Research Presentation
Introduction of Research Presentation
Keynote Speaker
Closing Remarks and Final Announcements
David E. Miller, DDS Department of Dental Public Health Meharry Medical College School of Dentistry
Brian Laurance, DDS, PhD Professor, Howard University, College of Dentistry
Waheed O. Awotoye, DDS, PhD, MS Craniofacial Orthodontics Fellow at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles
Carlos Stringer Smith, DDS, MDiv, FACD, FICD
Dr. Carlos Stringer Smith Keynote Speaker
Dr. Carlos Stringer Smith is a nationally recognized dentist-ethicist and thought leader whose work at the intersection of oral health justice, ethics, and organizational culture is shaping the future of equitable care delivery. He is the Associate Dean for Ethics and Community and Engagement at VCU School of Dentistry. Most recently, Dr. Smith was promoted to full professor with tenure, effective July 2026 and is the first Black full professor with tenure in the history of VCU School of Dentistry. After nearly a decade in community dentistry and private practice, he joined VCU in 2015 as an Assistant Professor in the Department of General Practice and Director of Ethics Curriculum; where he served in a variety of roles, including Group Practice Leader, Course Director and faculty in both clinical and preclinical courses. He currently serves as President of the American Society for Dental Ethics and is also a member of the board of directors of the Academy for Professionalism in Health Care. A prolific scholar authoring more than 45 peer-reviewed and scholarly publications and delivering over 80 invited keynote or peer-reviewed presentations, his leadership in the ADEA Climate Study has advanced new frameworks for understanding institutional culture. His work on trauma-informed care, anti-racism, and reimagined professionalism position him as a leading voice in ethicscentered health professions education. As PI of a $1.2 million HRSA Faculty Loan Repayment Program, he has strengthened faculty recruitment and retention. A recipient of many honors, chief among them the 2023 inaugural ADEA Dr. Jeanne C. Sinkford Faculty Leadership Award and most recently induction into Omicron Kappa Upsilon in 2026. A stalwart NDA member since his days as dental student, Smith served as National President of the Student National Dental Association from 2006-2007. With degrees from Hampton University, the University of Michigan School of Dentistry, and Duke Divinity School, he speaks and publishes extensively on professionalism and dental ethics, issues across the oral health workforce such as provider wellbeing and burnout, healthcare system challenges, and optimal learning environments across the health professions.
Dr. Brian Laurance Professor, Howard University, College of Densitry
Dr Laurence graduated from Howard University College of Dentistry in 1994 and completed his PhD in Epidemiology in 2008. Over the years he has worked to build a local, regional and national network of dentists to support adolescent oral health research. In addition, he has examined clinical outcomes associated with sickle cell disease and oral health, studied the associations between oral and systemic health, and between oral health and depression. Finally he has organized, collected and analyzed data for case-control studies, performed statistical analyses utilizing large publicly available datasets and mentored and published extensively with junior faculty and dental students on research methodology and evidencebased approaches to reviewing the dental literature.
Dr. Waheed O. Awotoye Craniofacial Orthodontics Fellow at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles
Waheed O. Awotoye, DDS, PhD, MS Waheed O. Awotoye, DDS, PhD, MS, is a craniofacial orthodontist in advanced specialty training and a craniofacial scientist with a focused interest in the genomics and epigenomics of craniofacial development and disease. He is currently a Craniofacial Orthodontics Fellow at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles and completed his PhD in Oral Sciences (Craniofacial Genetics) as well as specialty training in Orthodontics at the University of Iowa. He also holds graduate certifications in biostatistics, genetics and genomics, and college teaching. He earned his DDS degree from the University of Lagos, where he graduated with multiple academic distinctions and awards for academic and clinical excellence. Dr. Awotoye is a recipient of the National Dental Association Foundation (NDAF) and ColgatePalmolive Company Trailblazers in Oral Health Research (TORCH) Fellowship Award (2025/2026), which supports his research in craniofacial genomics and translational oral health science. This fellowship reflects his commitment to advancing innovative research that improves understanding of craniofacial anomalies and addresses disparities in oral health outcomes. His research focuses on the molecular and developmental mechanisms underlying craniofacial anomalies, particularly orofacial clefts and related dentofacial disorders. He applies next-generation sequencing, epigenomic profiling, and multi-omics approaches to identify pathogenic risk variants contributing to craniofacial dysmorphology. A key emphasis of his work is improving global representation in genomic research by studying underrepresented populations, particularly African cohorts. His research has been conducted in highly mentored and collaborative environments with leaders in craniofacial genetics and developmental biology. He has authored and co-authored peer-reviewed publications in high-impact journals and presented at national and international conferences, receiving recognition for scientific excellence. Dr. Awotoye’s long-term goal is to develop an independent clinicianscientist career integrating craniofacial biology with orthodontic practice. He is committed to translating genomic discoveries into precision orthodontic diagnostics and personalized care while advancing mentorship, education, and equity in craniofacial research.
Dr.
David E. Miller Department of Dental Public Health
Meharry Medical College School of Dentistry
Dr. David Miller careers have been in the private, governmental, and legislative sectors with a goal to improve the quality life for all.
Dr. Miller has practiced clinical general dentistry for over 35 years mostly in underserved communities. He has owned 2 dental practices, created a school based dental program, and has provided dental services in Federally Qualified Health Centers over his clinical career. Miller served as Division Chief of Oral Health for the State of Illinois Department of Public Health. As Chief, Miller planned, developed, and evaluated oral health local, state and federal programs that impact Illinois.
Dr. Miller served 10 years as a State Representative in the Illinois House of Representatives. His legislative accomplishments include addressing educational funding inequalities, payday loan reform, economic development, and diversifying procurement of professional services in government. Dr. Miller spearheaded the law requiring dental examinations in Illinois.
Miller currently serves as Chair for the Department of Dental Public Health and Director of External Affairs for Meharry Medical College School of Dentistry.
He has served on the Board of Delta Dental Insurance of Illinois and currently a Trustee on the Illinois Teachers’ Retirement System Board as Chairman of the Investment Committee.
Dr. Miller has received numerous honors including being a Distinguished Alumni of the University of Illinois College of Dentistry. Raised in Evanston, Illinois Dr. Miller earned a BS in Biomedical Engineering from Boston University and his Doctoral of Dental Surgery from University of Illinois College of Dentistry. Miller is married to the Honorable Cook County Commissioner Donna Miller, and they have 2 sons, Daniel and Donovan.
Thank You
2026 Dr. Jeanne C. Sinkford Planning Committee
Dr. Paula Coates - Chair
Dr. Fadie Coleman
Dr. Dan Burch
Dr. Sterling Roberts
Dr. Janet Southerland
Dr. George Taylor
Dr. Alexys Ferguson
Dr. Walethia Wasson
2026 EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE & STAFF
Dr. Wallace Bellamy — President
Dr. Dorita Newsome-Dobbins — President-Elect
Dr. Reginald Salter — Board Chair
Dr. Lenise Yarber — Vice President
Dr. Edward Chappelle, Jr. — Treasurer
Dr. Dante Brown — Assistant Treasurer
Dr. Bryant Jones — Secretary
Dr. Daniel Young — Assistant Secretary
Dr. Joshua Tyson — Speaker of the House
Dr. John Nelson — Vice Speaker of the House
Dr. Cheryle Baptiste Hill — Immediate Past President
Marcus Ware, J.D. — Executive Director
Ms. Tonya Horsley — National Events Director
Ms. Karla Dozier — Communications Manager
Dr. Paula Coates
Chair, Dr. Jeanne C. Sinkford Faculty and Research Planning Committee
Assistant Professor, Department of Pediatric Dentistry Director, Quality Improvement and Assessment, Department of Pediatric Dentistry
VCU School of Dentistry
Diplomate, American Board of Pediatric Dentistry Fellow, American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry
WE THANK YOU
Thank You from the Chair
Dr. Jeanne C. Sinkford Planning Committee
On behalf of Dr. Jeanne C. Sinkford Planning Committee, we extend our deepest gratitude to each of you for joining us for this important gathering. Your presence, participation, and commitment to advancing equity, scholarship, and collaboration have made this event truly meaningful.
We are especially thankful to our presenters, panelists, and keynote speaker who generously shared their expertise, insights, and lived experiences. Your contributions not only sparked critical dialogue but also inspired action and reflection throughout our academic community.
To our planning partners, volunteers, and staff, thank you for your tireless efforts behind the scenes. Your attention to detail, creativity, and dedication ensured a seamless and enriching experience for all.
Most importantly, thank you to each attendee for your engagement, thoughtful questions, and shared vision of creating inclusive spaces in research and academia. It is through collective effort that we move the needle forward, and your commitment is what fuels this important work.
