Bulletin of Dental Education Article

Members of the ADEA House of Delegates will vote for the Chair-elect of the ADEA Board of Directors at the 2026 ADEA Annual Session & Exhibition. The ADEA Board of Directors has accepted the recommendation of the ADEA Nominating Committee and slated Herminio L. Perez, D.M.D., M.B.A., Ed.D., as the candidate for the 2026-27 Chair-elect of the ADEA Board of Directors. 

Herminio L. Perez, D.M.D., M.B.A., Ed.D.

Assistant Dean for Campus Life
Rutgers School of Dental Medicine

It is an honor and privilege to submit my nomination for the position of 2026-27 Chair-elect of the ADEA Board of Directors.

As a dentist with an M.B.A. in health care and an Ed.D. in leadership and innovation, I bring multidisciplinary perspective to dental education—one that integrates curricular and clinical insight, strategic thinking and transformative leadership, allowing me to approach challenges with a holistic perspective. My career and leadership style have been characterized by fostering inclusiveness, innovation and cultivating environments where learners and educators thrive—principles that align closely with ADEA’s 2024–2027 Strategic Goals.

Inspired by Dr. William J. Gies’ vision of dental educators as scholars who advance the profession through knowledge and character, I have shaped my career to embody these ideals. With over 20 years of experience in both hospital administration and academic settings, I have taught and mentored students, developed innovative programs and fostered inclusive, collaborative environments. My work spans program development, organizational leadership and the advancement of diversity, equity and student success.

I view the role of Chair-elect as a platform to amplify members’ voices, advance ADEA’s mission and drive our shared goals. The Chair-elect must listen with intention, lead collaboratively and guide the organization with integrity and vision. I am committed to ensuring that ADEA remains a space where members feel empowered, supported and inspired to shape the future of oral health education—just as this community has uplifted me.

Since 2013, I have engaged with ADEA through service on numerous sections and committees, including the ADEA Section on Student Affairs and Financial Aid; ADEA Section on PRIDE, Promoting Respect for Identity Dignity and Expression; the Faculty Diversity Toolkit Development Work Group; the Centennial Celebration Planning Committee; and the ADEA Men of Color in the Health Professions Summit.

Recently, I have held leadership roles as Annual Session Program Committee Chair for the 2024 ADEA Annual Session & Exhibition, Chair of the ADEA Leadership Institute Alumni Association and Co-chair of the ADEA Advisory Committee on Access and Strategic Change (formerly the Diversity and Inclusion Advisory Committee). These roles have expanded my understanding of members’ needs and deepened my insight into the strategic priorities that shape our organization.

Looking ahead, I aim to broaden ADEA’s reach by fostering partnerships that address local challenges in dental education. By engaging in meaningful collaboration with educators and institutions worldwide, we can position dental education as a vital source of knowledge and innovation. Through dialogue and shared learning, we will continue to strengthen our academic communities and advance oral health education and equity.

I would be honored to serve ADEA members in advancing their aspirations, strengthening our strategic priorities and upholding the values that make our community strong. Together, we can shape a future that reflects the best of who we are and elevates what we can achieve for our members and the communities we serve. As a dental educator, I bring to this role a deep respect for our mission and a commitment to collaborative leadership, honoring both ADEA’s tradition and its spirit of transformation.

Thank you sincerely for considering my nomination and for the opportunity to contribute to ADEA’s legacy of leadership and impact.