ADA executive director: 3 principles that will guide the Association into the future
Nader A. Nadershahi, D.D.S., M.B.A., Ed.D., the executive director of the American Dental Association, believes “moving forward means all of us, together, [and] in this spirit, I believe the ADA’s greatest days are in front of us.”
In an editorial published in The Journal of the American Dental Association, Dr. Nadershahi noted “Many dedicated leaders whose commitment and judgment have shaped the ADA and strengthened the profession over time have brought us here. They built the foundation that allows us to see further and move forward. The work ahead now requires clarity about who we are and where we are going, trust built through consistent and transparent action, and growth that strengthens the profession and advances the health of the public.”
In championing clarity, Dr. Nadershahi hopes to ensure that the ADA’s decisions and progress are aligned with the organization’s mission and objectives. To build trust, he noted the ADA will consistently need to follow through on its commitments, demonstrate transparency, be honest about challenges and opportunities, and foster an environment in which all participating professionals are valued. To achieve growth, the ADA will need to focus on its impact and relevance through ongoing initiatives. Dr. Nadershahi indicated that the end result will empower dental professionals to thrive at all stages of their careers and bolster the health of the public. He welcomed a future in which ADA members understand how the organization serves them, the governance structure propels meaningful change and the ADA serves as the unquestioned source of evidence-based oral healthcare informing clinical guidelines and oral health policy.
“This future is within our reach, not because of any single leader but because we already have everything we need, including a mission that has guided us for 167 years, members whose daily work touches millions of lives, and a commitment to the pursuit of excellence that defines our profession,” Dr. Nadershahi concluded.
Read more: JADA
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