The ADA introduced its 2010-2011 president during its 151st Annual Session in Orlando, FL, according to the organization. Raymond Gist, D.D.S., a Flint, MI, general dentist, is the first African-American president of the 157,000-dentist-member organization.
"Becoming the first African-American president of the ADA is very rewarding for me because it has allowed me to demonstrate that the opportunity is here for every dentist that aspires to make a significant contribution to this fine profession," Dr. Gist said. "It also highlights the accomplishments of the African-American dentists that preceded me and created this pathway for me to follow. While too many of my fellow professionals endured the hardships of being denied membership for far too many years, I represent the welcoming change in both attitude and spirit."
Before he was chosen president-elect by the 2009 House of Delegates in Honolulu, Dr. Gist had completed a four-year term on the ADA Board of Trustees as the trustee from the 9th District, which represents Wisconsin and Michigan. He had also served as a delegate and on the Reference Committee on Dental Benefits, Practice and Health, as well as chair of the Diversity Committee. In addition to being past president of the Michigan Dental Association and the Genesee District Dental Society, he is also a past president of the Mid-State Dental Study Group, of which he is a founder.
During his one-year term as ADA president, Dr. Gist plans to focus on membership outreach and advocacy efforts that will have special appeal to young dentists.
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