From Perseverance to Purpose: ADEA’s Undaunted Trailblazers II Book Spotlights the Stories of Men of Color Breaking Barriers and Inspiring the Future of Oral Health
July 16, 2026— Washington, DC— The American Dental Education Association (ADEA) is pleased to announce the release of Undaunted Trailblazers II: Contemporary Men of Color Shaping Oral Health (Undaunted Trailblazers II), a powerful collection of biographical stories highlighting 33 men of color whose tenacity and contributions have helped shape oral health during the late 20th and early 21st centuries.
Written by Keith Mays, D.D.S., Ph.D., M.S., Dean Emeritus, University of Minnesota School of Dentistry; Todd Ester, D.D.S., M.A., Associate Dean for Well-Being and People and Clinical Associate Professor, University of Michigan School of Dentistry; and Leo E. Rouse D.D.S., FACD, D.H.L. (Hon.), Dean Emeritus, Howard University College of Dentistry, Undaunted Trailblazers II captures the personal and professional journeys of leaders who overcame challenges, broke barriers and became mentors, educators and changemakers. Through stories shaped by resilience, determination, family support and community, the book celebrates the impact of men of color in oral health while encouraging others to envision their own pathways into the profession.
“By writing this book, we wanted young men of color to see themselves reflected in the journeys of those who came before them,” said co-author Dr. Mays. “Representation has the power to inspire. Our hope is that these stories remind youth from underserved communities that they belong, their dreams are achievable and their contributions are essential to our nation’s health.”
Undaunted Trailblazers II serves as a companion piece to Undaunted Trailblazers: Minority Women Leaders for Oral Health, written by Drs. Sheila Price, Jeanne C. Sinkford and Marilyn Woolfolk, continuing a legacy of recognizing leaders whose stories provide a record of what can be accomplished through steadfastness, mentorship and a commitment to serving others.
Undaunted Trailblazers II is a powerful recognition of what can be accomplished through dedication, purpose and vision,” said Karen P. West, D.M.D., M.P.H., ADEA President and CEO. “By highlighting the journeys of these extraordinary men, we honor their achievements, while inspiring emerging health professionals to recognize their own potential to make a lasting impact.”
The authors will officially launch promotional activities for Undaunted Trailblazers II with a book discussion during the National Dental Association Convention on July 18, 2026, 10:00–11:00 a.m. at the Greater Richmond Convention Center in Richmond, VA.
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About the Book:
Undaunted Trailblazers II: Contemporary Men of Color Shaping Oral Health is published by UTBII Foundation and is available for purchase at Amazon and Target
About the Authors:
Keith A. Mays, D.D.S., M.S., Ph.D., is Dean Emeritus of the University of Minnesota School of Dentistry and a nationally recognized leader in dental education and prosthodontics. During his tenure, he strengthened the school’s national reputation in education, research, clinical care and community engagement while becoming its first African American dean. Dr. Mays has held numerous national leadership roles, including ADEA Chair of the Board and Vice Chair of the Commission on Dental Accreditation. Throughout his career, he has been deeply committed to mentoring future oral health professionals and advancing excellence, leadership and equity in dental education.
Todd V. Ester, D.D.S., M.A., is Associate Dean for Well-Being and People and Clinical Associate Professor at the University of Michigan School of Dentistry (U-M SOD). A Michigan Board-certified endodontist, Dr. Ester is the ADEA Immediate Past Chair of the Board of Directors and an accomplished advocate for well-being, diversity and leadership in dental education. He earned his Bachelor of Science, cum laude, from Morehouse College and his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree and certificate in Endodontics from the U-M SOD. He has a Master of Arts in Health Education from the University of the Pacific. In recognition of his leadership and commitment to advancing excellence and equity in dental education, he received the Harold R. Johnson Diversity Award in 2023.
Leo E. Rouse, D.D.S., FACD, D.H.L. (Hon.), is Dean Emeritus of the Howard University College of Dentistry and a nationally recognized leader in dental education. The first African American to serve as ADEA president, Dr. Rouse also has been recognized for his distinguished leadership with the American Dental Association’s Distinguished Service Award, an ADEA Presidential Citation and the National Dental Association Legend Award. A retired U.S. Army Colonel and former commander of the U.S. Army Dental Command, he has dedicated his career to advancing excellence, mentorship and leadership in dental education.
About ADEA: The American Dental Education Association (ADEA) is The Voice of Dental Education®. Our mission is to lead and support the health professions community in preparing future-ready oral health professionals. Our membership encompasses 89 U.S. and Canadian dental schools, more than 800 allied and advanced dental education programs, more than 65 corporations and approximately 15,000 individual members. As such, ADEA represents an estimated 65,000 faculty, staff, students, administrators, residents, and fellows throughout oral health education. Our activities encompass a wide range of research, advocacy, faculty development, meetings, and communications, including the esteemed Journal of Dental Education®, as well as the dental school application services ADEA AADSAS®, ADEA PASS®, ADEA DHCAS® and ADEA CAAPID®. For more information, visit adea.org.