Dr. Nader A. Nadershahi, dean of University of the Pacific, Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry and vice provost of Pacific’s San Francisco Campus, is stepping up to lead the American Dental Education Association as chair of the ADEA Board of Directors for 2022-23. The board was recently installed during the ADEA Annual Session and Exhibition held March 19-22 in Philadelphia, Pa.

Nadershahi has been an ADEA member since 2002 and has served in a wide range of leadership roles for the organization, including on the ADEA House of Delegates and the Council of Faculties, Council of Sections and Council of Deans, where he recently completed a term as chair.

ADEA’s membership includes all 78 U.S. and Canadian dental schools, as well as more than 800 allied and advanced dental education programs, 50 corporations and 18,000 individuals. Its activities encompass a wide range of research, advocacy, faculty development, meetings and communications for the oral health education community.

ADEA is approaching a significant milestone in 2023 — the 100^th anniversary of its founding as the American Association of Dental Schools.

In his remarks to the ADEA House of Delegates, Nadershahi reflected on the spirit of perseverance and progress shown by the organization’s members, particularly in the recent two years of the pandemic. He also shared a hopeful message about the future of oral healthcare education and practice, and discussed ADEA’s “New Thinking for the New Century” project he is helping to spearhead. The project seeks to identify new solutions to some of the chronic and emerging challenges facing dental education, as well as support the development of a new generation of leaders in dental education.

“As we look toward the next 100 years, we know that a fresh way of thinking is required,” said Nadershahi. “We understand that there is critical work to be done today where dental education must continue to lead. I look forward to the continued input and ideas from our members and councils.”

He added, “Our experience today and ability to meet this moment have been shaped by the giants who have come before us in dental education. Now it is time for us to serve in that role, and to lift up the generations that follow.”

This new position is the latest in a series of leadership appointments for Nadershahi. Earlier this year he was one of 17 health care leaders chosen by Gov. Gavin Newsom to serve on the state’s new Health Workforce Education and Training Council. He is a member of the Santa Fe Group, an action-oriented think tank focused on improving lives through improving oral health. He also has held leadership roles with the California Dental Association, American Dental Association, and other groups in organized dentistry. In addition, he recently joined the board of directors of the Bay Area Council, a leading business and civic association serving the Northern California region.