2024 ADEA Annual Session & Exhibition

With ADEA now in the first year of its second century of existence, it is time for the dental education community to awaken to a fresh world of possibilities, aspirations and global thinking.

In the past 100 years, we have seen growing recognition and respect for the role that oral health plays in overall health and well-being. We have worked to introduce core competencies and a sense of scientific rigor to academic dentistry. Along the way, we have broken barriers, welcoming more women and historically underrepresented racial and ethnic groups into the oral health professions.

Ana N. López-Fuentes, D.M.D., M.P.H., FACD, FICD, professor and former dean of the University of Puerto Rico School of Dental Medicine―who led the institution through the devastation of Hurricane María―represents the fruits of breaking barriers. She is the first person in her own family to attend college in the United States and the first from outside the U.S. mainland to serve in her current role as Chair of the ADEA Board of Directors. Dr. López-Fuentes is a longtime champion of developing opportunities for women and minorities, having served—among other roles—as Chair of both the ADEA Diversity and Inclusion Advisory Committee and the earlier ADEA Women’s Affairs Advisory Committee. She also played a key role in developing the ADEA Section on Women in Leadership.

It is with that spirit of paving new paths and embracing diverse perspectives that Dr. López and the entire 2024 ADEA Annual Session & Exhibition Program Committee invite you to New Beginnings, Endless Opportunities on March 9-12 in vibrant and historic New Orleans, LA. While we have much to celebrate and honor, our work over these four days and into the future must focus on access, innovation, representation, empowerment and leadership within a dental education community that is increasingly global. By working together, a renewed commitment to explore new horizons and broaden our community is possible.

Dental educators must embrace new ways of thinking with even more passion to thrive in a world where change comes ever faster. Global events, especially the recent COVID-19 pandemic, have opened our eyes to the exciting possibilities offered by emerging technologies.

A commitment to nurturing and empowering developing leaders is more important than ever, not only for preparing future generations of oral health professionals, but for ensuring we have a seat at the table when it comes to being part of an integrated and holistic health care team. The world of oral health became closer than ever through technology in the past few years; global education, partnerships and collaborations are here to stay.

Finally, representation is crucial to long-term growth and success. Persons of every background must be able to see themselves in the dental education community and oral health professions if we are to truly advance to a world of diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging.

Be part of this awakening and renewal as we forge this exciting and essential new path in dental education. A new world awaits.