Candidate Statement for Chair-elect of the ADEA Board of Directors

Nader A. Nadershahi, D.D.S., M.B.A., Ed.D.
Dean
University of the Pacific, Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry

It is an honor to be nominated for the position of Chair-elect of the American Dental Education Association Board of Directors for 2021- 22. ADEA has been an important part of my life and development as an educator and by accepting this nomination, I look forward to continuing to give back to an organization that has given us so much.

I have been privileged to be part of education for over 25 years, teaching in didactic, simulation and clinical environments, as well as serving with colleagues and friends in multiple leadership roles, including my current position as Dean of the University of the Pacific, Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry. I have also been privileged to serve ADEA through my roles in our House of Delegates and the Council of Faculties, Council of Sections and Council of Deans, where I am currently completing a term as Chair.

I have also worked closely over the years with members and leaders of the Council of Students, Residents and Fellows; the Council of Advanced Education Programs; the Council of Allied Dental Program Directors; and our Corporate Council partners. In all of my experience with the organization, including the ADEA Commission on Change and Innovation in Dental Education 2.0 steering committee, serving as mentor in the first class of ADCFP fellows, or as mentor in the ADEA Leadership Institute, I have been impressed by the dedication and quality of our members, volunteers and the ADEA team in Washington, DC.

This has been a challenging year for each of us and our loved ones throughout our allied, dental and advanced education/residency programs. The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted our students, residents, fellows, faculty, staff, graduates and communities. However, in crisis one finds danger and many opportunities. I have been impressed by all that we have done together to face the danger and challenges posed by a pandemic and growing outrage with social inequities. I am excited about the opportunities to work with our talented Board of Directors, ADEA leadership and all of you to chart a path for the bright future of ADEA, oral health education and our members.

As an ADEA principal officer, I look forward to working together to successfully emerge from this pandemic, achieve the goals of our strategic framework and shape the “next normal” for dental education.

There will be many areas of discussion and focus for ADEA to lead, including:

•  Well-being, social justice and equity;
• Collaboration in local, national and international communities;
• Financing of oral health education and cost of education;
• Advocacy; and
• Educator and leadership development.

You have many stories of innovation, creativity and inspiration that will help us build stronger learning communities. This is the opportunity to build on our legacy. I look forward to sharing your ideas and suggestions. Together, we will build on our shared vision for ADEA to grow a well-prepared and diverse oral health workforce that is improving the health of individuals and communities. Together we will shape the “next normal” for oral health and oral health education for another 100 years of success in ADEA’s story.

I thank you in advance for your support and look forward to the opportunity to bring my knowledge, skills and experiences in working across organizations in oral health care to serve the needs of ADEA and our members.

Video Statement: Nader A. Nadershahi, D.D.S., M.B.A., Ed.D.