Architects of Change Never Shaken, Never Stirred
The National Dental Association promotes oral health equity among people of color by harnessing the collective power of its members, advocating for the needs of and mentoring dental students of color, and raising the profile of the profession in our communities.
Agenda OPENING PLENARY
Thursday, July 16, 2026 | 5:30 PM _______________
Welcome & Opening Remarks Dr. Victor Amarteifio & Dr. Darryl Allen Convention Co-Chairs
Land Acknowledgement Christina Davis Posting of Colors Richmond Color Guard Musical Presentation “Lift Every Voice & Sing” Performed by 1739 Vocal Team Special Remarks Odie Donald II, Chief Administrative Officer – City of Richmond Dr. Sonya Webb, President – Old Dominion Dental Society (VA) Introduction of Leaders and Special Guests Dr. Reginald Salter Dr. Reginald O. Salter Chairman, NDA Board of Trustees
Convening of the 113th Annual Session Dr. Wallace Bellamy 102nd President
Agenda OPENING PLENARY
Thursday, July 16, 2026 | 5:30 PM _______________
Greetings from NDA Family Organizations Auxiliary to the National Dental Association – Mrs. Marsha Hassell Student National Dental Association – Dr. Brhan Eskinder National Dental Hygienists’ Association – Ms. JaNae Kimbell National Dental Assistants Association – Ms. Angela Bowens National Dental Association Foundation – Dr. John Maupin, Jr. NDA Special Recognition Dr. Matilde Hernandez, Colgate-Palmolive Awards Presentations Life Membership Awards Chairman’s Awards Convention Co-Chairs Awards Chairman’s Access Award - Dr. Steven Chan Closing Remarks Dr. Wallace Bellamy
2026 LIFE MEMBER INDUCTEES _______________
The National Dental Association’s Life Membership is one of the organization’s highest distinctions, recognizing members whose decades of dedicated service, leadership, and commitment have strengthened the NDA and the profession of dentistry. Reserved for members who have demonstrated at least 30 years of active membership and have reached the age of 65, Life Membership reflects a lifetime of advancing the NDA’s mission and improving the oral health of the communities we serve. To qualify, applicants must be active members in good standing with both the National Dental Association and their component society, submit a completed application, provide two letters of recommendation, a curriculum vitae or résumé, and a personal reflection answering the question, “What does the NDA mean to you?” Life Membership ensures that these distinguished leaders remain a valued part of the National Dental Association for the remainder of their lives while honoring their extraordinary legacy of service. The 2026 Life Membership Class represents an exceptional group of current and former NDA officers, presidents, trustees, committee leaders, and champions of organized dentistry whose collective contributions have helped shape the Association and inspire future generations.
Congratulations to our 2026Life Members
Life Members Dr. Loren Alves 2026 NDA LIFE MEMBER INDUCTEE
Dr. Cheryle Baptiste Hill 2026 NDA LIFE MEMBER INDUCTEE
Dr. Wallace Bellamy 2026 NDA LIFE MEMBER INDUCTEE
Dr. Ronald Blanchette 2026 NDA LIFE MEMBER INDUCTEE
Dr. Cheryl Lee-Butler 2026 NDA LIFE MEMBER INDUCTEE
Dr. Dorita Newsome-Dobbins 2026 NDA LIFE MEMBER INDUCTEE
Dr. Franklyn Scott 2026 NDA LIFE MEMBER INDUCTEE
2026 Chairman’s Awardees _______________
.
Ms. Barbara Seldon Mrs. Diane Scott
Dr. Bryant Jones
Mr. Tim Kitch
Dr. Matilde Hernandez
Ms. Barbara Seldon
Dr. Nate Fletcher
(Posthumously)
Dr. Steven Chan
Dr. John Maupin
Congratulations to our Awardees
Awardee Biographies
Mrs. Diane Scott
Chairman’s Commendation for Service Diane Lane Scott, BS, RDH, is a respected dental hygienist, healthcare professional, and longtime leader within the National Dental Hygienists’ Association (NDHA). She served as National President of the NDHA from 2001 to 2003 and has contributed to the organization in numerous leadership roles, including President-Elect, Trustee, Membership Chair, Financial Secretary, Newsletter Co-Editor, Historian, and liaison to the National Dental Association Board of Trustees. A native of Michigan, Ms. Scott earned her Dental Hygiene degree from Lansing Community College in 1981 and a Bachelor’s degree in Dental Hygiene from the University of Detroit Mercy in 1989, where she also served as part-time clinical faculty. Her professional career spans clinical practice, quality assurance, and dental insurance administration. Since 1999, Ms. Scott has served with United Concordia Dental, where she currently works as a Senior Dental Network Service Professional Relations Representative supporting multiple southeastern states and the U.S. Virgin Islands. She is also a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and serves as a Deaconess in her church.
Dr. Bryant Jones
Chairman’s Commendation for Service Diane Lane Scott, BS, RDH, is a respected dental hygienist, healthcare professional, and longtime leader within the National Dental Hygienists’ Association (NDHA). She served as National President of the NDHA from 2001 to 2003 and has contributed to the organization in numerous leadership roles, including President-Elect, Trustee, Membership Chair, Financial Secretary, Newsletter Co-Editor, Historian, and liaison to the National Dental Association Board of Trustees. A native of Michigan, Ms. Scott earned her Dental Hygiene degree from Lansing Community College in 1981 and a Bachelor’s degree in Dental Hygiene from the University of Detroit Mercy in 1989, where she also served as part-time clinical faculty. Her professional career spans clinical practice, quality assurance, and dental insurance administration. Since 1999, Ms. Scott has served with United Concordia Dental, where she currently works as a Senior Dental Network Service Professional Relations Representative supporting multiple southeastern states and the U.S. Virgin Islands. She is also a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and serves as a Deaconess in her church.
Dr. Matilde Hernandez
Chairman’s Commendation for Strategic Partnership Dr. Matilde Hernandez Gonzalez is a dental professional and corporate leader in oral health. She currently serves as the Global Sr. 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 education and equity strategies. Dr. Hernandez’s educational background includes a Doctor of Dental Surgery and Specialty in Periodontology from Central University of Venezuela, Oral Implantology from the National Dental Association, a Master in Business Administration from Preston University, and she is 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. She serves as a board member for the Shils Entrepreneurial Fund and PAOH.org, and her contributions include numerous publications, presentations, and editorial contributions to respected dental journals.
Dr. John Maupin Chairman’s Commendation
Dr. John E. Maupin, Jr. is a retired healthcare executive and nationally respected leader with more than 40 years of experience in dentistry, public health, health professions education, and corporate governance. He currently serves as President of the National Dental Association Foundation and is a Past President of the National Dental Association. Dr. Maupin is best known for serving as President and CEO of both Morehouse School of Medicine and Meharry Medical College, where he became the first alumnus and second dentist to lead the institution. He was later named President Emeritus of Meharry in recognition of his transformational leadership. A graduate of Meharry Medical College School of Dentistry, Dr. Maupin also earned an MBA from Loyola University Maryland and served in the U.S. Army Dental Corps. Throughout his distinguished career, he has held leadership roles in numerous national organizations and has testified before Congress on minority health, workforce policy, and health disparities. Dr. Maupin has also served on national advisory councils at the NIH and CDC and on the boards of major healthcare and financial organizations. His many honors include the NDA’s inaugural Trail Blazer Award and multiple honorary degrees.
Awardee Biographies Continued... Mrs. Barbara Selden Chairman’s Commendation
Ms. Barbara Selden is a distinguished dental hygienist, educator, and longtime advocate for the advancement of oral health and professional equity in dental hygiene. A dedicated leader in the profession for more than five decades, she earned her Graduate Degree in Dental Hygiene in 1968, Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene in 1970, and Master of Science degree in 1972 from the University of Detroit. She later pursued doctoral studies at Wayne State University as a PhD candidate. Ms. Selden has been an active member of the National Dental Hygienists’ Association (NDHA) since 1970 and has served the organization in numerous leadership capacities, including Secretary, House of Delegates Representative, and leadership roles related to bylaws, policies, and procedures. She has also contributed her expertise as a member of the National Dental Association Legislative Committee. A passionate champion for the profession, Ms. Selden often shares that dental hygiene has been her calling since childhood. Her lifelong commitment to advocacy, education, and organized dentistry continues to inspire generations of oral health professionals.
Dr. Nate Fletcher Chairman’s Commendation
Dr. Nate Fletcher, DDS, is a respected dentist, leader, and advocate for oral health equity who has dedicated his career to advancing the mission of the National Dental Association and improving access to quality dental care in underserved communities. A Past President of the National Dental Association and former member of the NDA Board of Trustees, Dr. Fletcher has played a significant role in strengthening organized dentistry, mentoring emerging leaders, and championing initiatives that support diversity within the oral health profession. Throughout his distinguished career, Dr. Fletcher has served in clinical, executive, and public policy leadership roles, including as Interim Executive Director of the NDA and Dental Director for AmeriHealth Caritas District of Columbia. He has testified before legislative and federal bodies on issues related to oral health disparities, workforce diversity, and public health advocacy. Dr. Fletcher is also a longtime servant and leader within Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., where he has held numerous leadership roles at the local and foundation levels. His lifelong commitment to service, mentorship, faith, and community engagement continues to inspire leaders across the nation.
Tim Kitch (Posthumously) - Accepted by Amy Kitch Chairman’s Commendation for Strategic Partnership
Tim Kitch was a respected healthcare executive, entrepreneur, and longtime supporter of the National Dental Association whose career was dedicated to expanding access to care through innovation, partnership, and community engagement. As former Chief Executive Officer of ADI Mobile Health, Mr. Kitch helped lead efforts to deliver mobile healthcare solutions and improve access to dental and medical services for underserved communities across the country. Throughout his distinguished career, Mr. Kitch was recognized for building strategic partnerships that strengthened public health initiatives and supported organizations committed to advancing health equity. His collaboration with the NDA contributed to impactful programs and outreach efforts focused on improving oral health outcomes and expanding care to vulnerable populations. Mr. Kitch will be remembered for his generosity, visionary leadership, and unwavering commitment to service. His longstanding support of the NDA and belief in equitable healthcare access leave a lasting legacy that continues to inspire those working to improve the health and well-being of communities nationwide.
Dr. Steven Chan
Chairman’s Commendation for Access & Inclusion Dr. Steve Chan, DDS, FACD, is a nationally respected pediatric dentist, healthcare leader, and advocate for ethics, access, and inclusion in dentistry. A thirdgeneration Californian raised in Los Angeles, he earned his undergraduate degree from UCLA and his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from Georgetown University before completing pediatric dental specialty training at Martin Luther King Hospital in Los Angeles. Dr. Chan has built a distinguished career in clinical care, organized dentistry, and public service. He is a Past President of the California Dental Association, founder of the California Dental Association Foundation, and Past President of the American College of Dentists — becoming only the third person of color to hold that role in the organization’s 100-year history. In 2025, he served as President of the Dental Board of California and was subsequently reappointed by the Governor. Beyond dentistry, Dr. Chan has served in leadership roles supporting healthcare systems, higher education, and civic oversight in California. Known for his humor, mentorship, and servant leadership, he often says that as a pediatric dentist, he has “thousands” of children.
Thank You 2026 EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
Dr. Wallace Bellamy — President Dr. Dorita Newsome-Dobbins — President-Elect Dr. Reginald Salter — Board Chair Dr. Lenise N. Yarber — Vice President Dr. Edward H. Chappelle, Jr. — Treasurer Dr. Dante Brown — Assistant Treasurer Dr. Bryant Jones — Secretary Dr. Daniel Young — Assistant Secretary Dr. Joshua B. 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
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