Association for Dental Education in Europe

Learning together to improve oral health and quality of life

Preparing Future Leaders in Dental Education - Embracing Innovation and Uncertainty

Wednesday, 20th August 2025 - 09:00 to 10:30
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Timezone: 

Dublin (IST, UTC+1)

Venue: 

Dargan Auditorium. TCDBS

Workshop
Pre-register as part of your ADEE 2025 meeting registration
Session synopsis: 

Academic dental institutions play a crucial role in shaping the future of dental education and healthcare. By cultivating strong leaders, dental schools can ensure that the next generation of dental professionals is equipped to address the complex challenges and opportunities of the 21st century. This session, drawing on the experiences of New York University College of Dentistry, will explore a comprehensive model for developing early-to-mid-career faculty leaders. Participants will delve into the four critical components of leadership: character, competencies, connections, and community. Through interactive discussions and practical exercises, participants will assess their leadership strengths and weaknesses, identify areas for improvement, and develop strategies to enhance their skills. They will also learn how to integrate leadership practices into their daily roles as dental educators, inspiring and motivating their students to reach their full potential. By the end of this session, participants will have tools and knowledge needed to become more effective leaders and educators at their home institutions.

Programme: 

09:00 - 09:10 Introduction: Welcome and Introductions, The "4Cs" model of leadership and The New York University College of Dentistry leadership portfolio as a framework for developing future leaders

09:10 - 09:30 Character-Based Leadership: Understanding the fundamental role of character strengths (virtues) to leadership & Assessment exercise: Assessing character strengths and exploring ways to build them

09:30 - 09:50 Competencies: Building Essential Skills: Identifying core competencies for leading in dental education and Leading change in the context of uncertainty

09:50 - 10:05 Connections: Networking and Collaboration: Strategies for effective networking and collaboration and Group activity: The importance of personal “brand”

10:05 - 10:20 Community: Creating a Flourishing Environment: Building a supportive culture and living values and Mentoring and coaching emerging leaders

10:20 - 10:30 Conclusion: Integrating Leadership Development into Career Planning 

Chair: 

Richard W. Valachovic

Clinical Professor and Executive Director
New York University College of Dentistry Center for Oral Health Policy & Management

Richard W. Valachovic, D.M.D., M.P.H., is Clinical Professor and Executive Director, New York University College of Dentistry Center for Oral Health Policy & Management. Dr. Valachovic is a Clinical Professor at NYU College of Dentistry and Founding Director of the Center for Oral Health Policy and Research. He previously served as President of the American Dental Education Association (ADEA). Before joining ADEA, he held faculty and administrative positions at Harvard University and the University of Connecticut. His expertise encompasses health policy, clinical decision analysis, and interprofessional education. He is a Diplomate of the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology and Past President of the American Academy of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology. He is a Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS).

Speakers: 

Karl Haden

President
Academy for Advancing Leadership

N. Karl Haden, Ph.D., President, Academy for Advancing Leadership; Consultant, Center for Oral Health Policy & Management; and Lecturer, New York University College of Dentistry. Dr. Haden is the founder and President of the Academy for Advancing Leadership (AAL). Founded in 2005 and headquartered in Atlanta, AAL has worked with over 150 universities around the world and thousands of faculty members and students in health sciences through professional development, consulting, and coaching services. He is the author of The 9 Virtues of Exceptional Leaders (Deeds, 2015), 31 Days with the Virtues (Deeds, 2020), and over 80 articles in educational policy. His contributions to dental education have earned him numerous awards and recognition, including Fellowship (Hon.) in the American College of Dentists, the College’s Professionalism and Ethics Award, and the Gies Award for Achievement-Public or Private Partner from the ADEAGies Foundation.

Staci Ripkey

Associate Dean for Student Engagement
New York University College of Dentistry

Staci Ripkey, Ed.D., Associate Dean for Student Engagement, Associate, Center for Oral Health Policy & Management, and Adjunct Associate Professor, New York University College of Dentistry. Dr. Staci Ripkey is a seasoned higher education leader with over 20 years of experience. At NYU College of Dentistry, she serves as Associate Dean for Student Engagement, overseeing student success from recruitment to graduation. She also co-directs the College's Leadership Education Portfolio and hosts the popular "3-Minute Mondays!" video series. As an Adjunct Associate Professor, she teaches courses in leadership, diversity, equity, and inclusion. She holds additional faculty appointments at both NYU’s Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development, and Columbia University Teachers College as a professor of higher and postsecondary education. Dr. Ripkey's expertise in organizational change, leadership development, and student success is recognized nationally and internationally.

Learning Outcomes: 

On completion of  the session delegates will be able to:

· Explain the significance of four key components of leadership (character, competencies, connections, and community)

· Apply strategies for leading change in the context of uncertainty

· Integrate leadership development into career planning

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