Today, the American Dental Association (ADA) announced that Raymond A. Cohlmia, DDS, has resigned from his position as the association’s executive director, effective immediately. Dr. Cohlmia has served in the role since November 2021.
During his four years as executive director, Dr. Cohlmia oversaw the development of a transformative business plan, the integration of the Forsyth Institute—the world leader in oral health research—to form the ADA Forsyth Institute, and the expansion of collaborative relationships with dental academia and the dental industry.
“I am very proud of my tenure as ADA executive director, and my love for the dental profession is unwavering,” Dr. Cohlmia said. “The ADA and the profession are synonymous and should never be separated. We have laid an incredible foundation to propel the ADA forward into the future. ADA members are committed to our professional values and to improving the lives of the people we serve every day. I am grateful for the incredible opportunity to have served and been part of the transformational change at the ADA. I’ve never been more excited about the future of the American Dental Association.”
“For more than 160 years, the ADA has promoted the art and science of dentistry, leading the way in innovations to improve oral health,” said Brett Kessler, DDS, ADA president. “Each executive director in our history, including Dr. Cohlmia, has been instrumental to our success. The ADA board of trustees greatly appreciates Dr. Cohlmia’s contributions to the association during his 30-plus-year career, including the past four years as executive director, and wishes him well.”
The Board has named Elizabeth Shapiro, DDS, JD, as interim ADA executive director, and she will immediately assume leadership of ADA operations while the board conducts a search for a successor.
Dr. Shapiro earned her DDS from the University of Illinois College of Dentistry and her JD from Northern Illinois University’s College of Law. She holds the designation of certified association executive from the American Society of Association Executives and is a Fellow of both the American College of Dentists and the International College of Dentists.
According to Dr. Kessler, “The ADA, guided by its vision and mission, is committed to forging the future of dentistry as the leading advocate for oral health.”
About the ADA
The not-for-profit ADA is the nation’s largest dental association, representing 159,000 dentist members. As the premier source of oral health information, the ADA has advocated for the public’s health and promoted the art and science of dentistry since 1859. The ADA’s state-of-the-art research facilities develop and test dental products and materials that have advanced the practice of dentistry and enhanced the patient experience. The ADA Seal of Acceptance has long been a valued and respected guide to consumer dental products. The Journal of the American Dental Association (JADA), published monthly, is the ADA’s flagship publication and the most widely read scientific journal in dentistry.
For more information about the ADA, visit ADA.org.
For information on oral health, including prevention, care, and treatment of dental disease, visit the ADA’s consumer website MouthHealthy.org.
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