Past ADA President Gregory Chadwick, D.D.S., installed as FDI president
Leader elected to address global oral health needs
Sydney — The FDI World Dental Federation’s General Assembly installed Gregory Chadwick, D.D.S., as FDI president at the FDI 2023 World Dental Congress in Sydney in September.
Dr. Chadwick was president-elect for the prior two years, having been elected in 2021. The president’s term is two years. He served as ADA president from 2001-02 and a trustee from 1996-2000.
Dr. Chadwick served for six years as speaker of the FDI General Assembly and is the most recent American president after Kathryn Kell, D.D.S., who served as FDI president from 2017-19.
In his remarks at his installation, Dr. Chadwick said he was honored and humbled.
“Today, I find myself back ... in front of the General Assembly, eager to assume this new role and responsibility that come with it,” he told the crowd. “I am energized by our mission and the opportunity that we all have to play a role in improving oral health and making this planet a healthier place for all of us and future generations.”
He acknowledged his family and the ADA.
“I want to thank my wife Knox and our family for their support over the years,” Dr. Chadwick said. “I also thank my member association, the ADA, for their support in this endeavour. I also [thank] each of you for your trust, confidence and support. This responsibility is not one I take lightly, and I am genuinely excited to embark on this journey.”
Dr. Chadwick, a native of North Carolina, is dean of the East Carolina University’s School of Dental Medicine.
According to his ECU biography, Dr. Chadwick received a B.S. in business administration from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. After graduating from the UNC School of Dentistry, he practiced general dentistry in Community Health Centers in Prospect Hill and Moncure, North Carolina, before entering a residency in endodontics. He earned an M.S. in endodontics from the UNC School of Dentistry and subsequently practiced endodontics in his hometown of Charlotte for almost 30 years.
ADA President George R. Shepley, D.D.S., hailed Dr. Chadwick’s election.
“For decades, Dr. Chadwick has been an inspiring leader in dentistry, both in the United States and globally,” he said. “As a practitioner, educator, and former ADA president, Dr. Chadwick fundamentally understands the importance of our profession from every angle. I believe that his prudent leadership will help elevate oral health on the world stage and drive the FDI’s mission. The ADA congratulates him on his FDI presidency. “
Much like the ADA House of Delegates, the FDI General Assembly is the supreme legislative and governing body of FDI that meets once a year to approve the budget, hold elections, set FDI policies and the strategic plan, missions and aims, and monitors progress on their achievement.
The FDI World Dental Federation is comprised of approximately 200 national dental associations, including the ADA, from more than 130 countries. It represents the voice of over one million dentists worldwide.
