UIC College of Dentistry hosts ADA, ISDS and CDS leaders to inspire advocacy for dental policy reform
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On February 17, the University of Illinois Chicago College of Dentistry 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.
During the presentation, Elevating Dentistry: A New Vision for Oral Health in Primary Care, ADA President and UIC alum Dr. Brett Kessler, ’95, 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 were Dr. Richard Rosato, OMFS ’98, president-elect and Elizabeth (Besty) Shapiro, ’88, interim executive director; from ISDS were Dr. Douglas Chang, vice president, and Eric Larson, executive director; from the CDS were Dr. Denise Hale Sorpassa, ’88, president, Dr. Philip Schefke, ’87, president-elect, Dr. Renee Pappas, ’88, treasurer, and Heather Nash, chief executive officer.
The day’s events featured a lunch and learn with students, a meeting with 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 College of Dentistry continues to advance its commitment to advancing oral health through transformative education, research, clinical care and advocacy within a diverse and inclusive environment.
