Bulletin of Dental Education Article

In February, the University of Illinois Chicago College of Dentistry (UIC COD) hosted leadership from the American Dental Association (ADA), Illinois State Dental Society (ISDS) and Chicago Dental Society (CDS) to engage with students and encourage advocacy for policy changes that recognize dental care as an essential service. 

Pictured (From left to right): Drs. Douglas Chang, Renee Pappas, Philip Schefke, Richard Rosato, Betsy Shapiro, Susan Rowan, Heather Nash, Brett Kessler and Eric Larson. Photo credit: University of Illinois Chicago College of Dentistry.

During the presentation, Elevating Dentistry: A New Vision for Oral Health in Primary Care, ADA President and UIC COD alum Brett Kessler, D.D.S., challenged students with a thought-provoking question: “What if we changed the system to reward the dental team for preventing disease and keeping people healthy?” He emphasized by adding, “We must reinvent the model of dentistry.”

Distinguished attendees included from the ADA, President-elect Richard Rosato, D.M.D., and Interim Executive Director Elizabeth (Betsy) Shapiro, D.D.S., J.D.; from ISDS Vice President Douglas Chang, D.D.S., and Executive Director Eric Larson, M.B.A., CPA; from the CDS President Denise Hale Sorpassa, D.D.S., President-elect Philip Schefke, D.D.S., Treasurer Renee Pappas, D.D.S., and Chief Executive Officer Heather Nash, CMP, CAE.

The day’s events featured a lunch and learn with students, a meeting with UIC COD Dental Student Council officers, college leadership and department heads, followed by a closing reception with faculty and staff.

By fostering dialogue between dental leaders and future practitioners, the UIC COD continues to advance its commitment to advancing oral health through transformative education, research, clinical care and advocacy within a diverse and inclusive environment.

Courtesy of University of Illinois Chicago College of Dentistry