James E. Galati, DDS, took office on June 11, 2022, as the 142nd president of the New York State Dental Association (NYSDA).
Dr. Galati is in private practice in Clifton Park. He previously worked part time at an Article 28 facility in Albany, providing oral care for underserved communities. Dr Galati is a graduate of the University of Maryland and Georgetown University School of Dentistry, graduating second in his class. He completed a general practice residency program at Albany Medical Center.
“It is a great honor to serve this organization and my fellow members,” said Dr. Galati. “I continue to be inspired by the dedication and commitment our members have shown throughout unprecedented times to keep patients safe and offices open, and I am optimistic that, together, we will continue moving our profession forward.”
Dr. Galati has held leadership positions at the local, state and national levels of organized dentistry, including serving as a delegate and alternate delegate to the American Dental Association (ADA) House of Delegates for many years and a caucus chair for the 2nd District.
He is a fellow in the American College of Dentists, the International College of Dentists and the Pierre Fauchard Academy.
“My focus as NYSDA president will be on ensuring that every dentist is represented, acknowledged and understood when creating policies or programs. I plan also when pursuing future initiatives to make sure our members receive the support they need to be successful in their careers and that they are kept informed as we navigate institutional changes at both the national and state level.”
In addition to Dr. Galati, new and returning NYSDA officers and trustees were installed during proceedings of the House of Delegates.
Dr. Anthony M. Cuomo, president-elect, is an oral and maxillofacial surgeon. He is in practice with his son, Christopher, at Northeast Implant & Oral Surgery in Carmel and Danbury, CT. Dr. Cuomo is a graduate of Fordham University and New York University College of Dentistry.
He did his postdoctoral training in oral and maxillofacial surgery at Lincoln Hospital in South Bronx.
Dr. Prabha Krishnan, vice president, is in private practice in Forest Hills, NY. In addition to working full time in her private practice, focusing on periodontics and implant surgery, Dr. Krishnan is an attending and chief of periodontics at Flushing Hospital Medical Center.
She also serves as a member of the Indian Dental Association Board of Trustees. Dr. Krishnan received her Doctorate of Dental Surgery from New York University College of Dentistry in 1991. She continued her postdoctoral training in periodontics at New York University College of Dentistry, which she completed in 1993.
Dr. Frank Barnashuk, secretary-treasurer, is clinical assistant professor in the Department of Restorative Dentistry at the University at Buffalo School of Dental Medicine. A general dentist, he was in private practice in Western New York for 27 years before moving into academia.
Dr. Barnashuk is a graduate of Canisius College and the UB School of Dental Medicine. He completed his general practice residency at Buffalo General Hospital.
ABOUT THE NEW YORK STATE DENTAL ASSOCIATION
The New York State Dental Association, founded in 1868, is one of the largest state constituents of the American Dental Association and represents more than 60 percent of dentists practicing in New York State.
Founded in 1859, the American Dental Association is the oldest and largest national dental society in the world and serves as the leading source of oral health-related information for dentists and their patients.