Richard W. Valachovic, D.M.D., M.P.H., Receives ADEA Distinguished Service Award

WASHINGTON , DC-Richard W. Valachovic, D.M.D., M.P.H., received the American Dental Education Association's (ADEA) Distinguished Service Award on February 28, 2010, during the 2010 ADEA Annual Session & Exhibition in Washington, DC. Given by the ADEA Board of Directors, this award recognizes significant contributions to education, research, and ADEA.

During his 13-year tenure as ADEA Executive Director, Dr. Valachovic has spearheaded the transformation of ADEA into an association that embraces the full range of academic dental institutions, including dental schools, allied dental education programs, and advanced dental education programs. Under his leadership, the Association has been completely redefined, from its core values, strategic directions, policy statements, and member services, to the membership itself.

"A visionary, an advocate, and a leader of dental education, Dr. Richard W. Valachovic is a richly deserving recipient of the ADEA Distinguished Service Award," said ADEA President Ronald J. Hunt, D.D.S. "It was a pleasure to recognize Dr. Valachovic for his continued contributions to dental education and higher education and his achievements as ADEA Executive Director."

Key aspects of Dr. Valachovic's work were noted during presentation of the award, such as his encouragement of academic dentistry to come together and have an impact on Capitol Hill and at the White House and his championing of the ADEA Commission on Change and Innovation in Dental Education, which will help ensure academic dental institutions educate dental professionals who are best prepared for the undiscovered future of the 21st century.

The results of his mantra of "the relentless pursuit of strategic alliances" were also described. Today the Association has numerous alliances and fruitful collaborations with organizations from higher education, government, health professions education, health care practice communities, scientific research, and the philanthropic worlds.

Dr. Valachovic received a B.S. degree from St. Lawrence University, the D.M.D. degree from the University of Connecticut, and the M.P.H. and M.Sc. (Health Policy and Management) degrees from Harvard University. He completed postdoctoral programs in pediatric dentistry and dental public health. He is also a board certified oral and maxillofacial radiologist and a Past President of the American Academy of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology. Prior to joining the Association, Dr. Valachovic's career was as a full-time educator and funded researcher at the University of Connecticut and Harvard University.

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About the American Dental Education Association

The American Dental Education Association (ADEA) is the voice of dental education. Its members include all U.S. and Canadian dental schools and many allied and postdoctoral dental education programs, corporations, faculty, and students. The mission of ADEA is to lead individuals and institutions of the dental education community to address contemporary issues influencing education, research, and the delivery of oral health care for the health of the public. ADEA's activities encompass a wide range of research, advocacy, faculty development, meetings, and communications like the esteemed Journal of Dental Education, as well as the dental school admissions services AADSAS and PASS.