The ADA has elected Raymond Gist, D.D.S., its first-ever African-American president elect, the organization announced this week. In a ceremony held in Honolulu, where the organization is holding its annual meeting, it also planned to install Ronald L. Tankersley, D.D.S., as president. Dr. Gist will succeed Dr. Tankersley one year from now.
"Thank you for putting your trust in me," said Dr. Gist, according to an ADA news release. "You have made history."
A general dentist from Grand Blanc, Mich., Dr. Gist is a 1966 graduate of the University of Michigan School of Dentistry and a 35-year member of the ADA. A past president of the Michigan Dental Association, Dr. Gist represented the ADA's Ninth District (Michigan and Wisconsin) as a member of the Board of Trustees.
He has also served as a delegate to the FDI World Dental Congress, as chair of the ADA Board's Diversity Committee, and as a member of the ADA Political Action Committee's Board of Directors.
The House of Delegates also elected A.J. Smith, D.D.S., of Salt Lake City as the association's second vice president.
Dr. Smith is a past chair of the ADA Council on Dental Practice, a 19-year delegate or alternate to the ADA House, and a past president of the Utah Dental Association.
