ADA 2021 President-Elect - A STRONG VOICE THAT GETS IT DONE - American Dental Association

A STRONG VOICE
  T H AT G E T S I T D O N E

     ADA
President-Elect
     2021

We’re living in difficult times.
Covid-19 has upended the way we live and work. Our national political scene is
angry and volatile. The economy struggles.
The ADA, as great as it is, faces many challenges: declining membership, threats to the doctor/
patient relationship, increasing financial stress, and deepening debt for the dental students we
depend on to fill our ranks.
In this climate, we need a cool head and a steady hand at the helm.
Someone who’s passionate about the ADA, understands the issues,
and knows how to bring people together.
Someone who won’t just help the ADA survive, but thrive.
I believe I can be that person.
During my career, I have been repeatedly asked to assume leadership roles.
I was president of the Maryland State Dental Association, and Chair of the
ADA Council on Communications.
This year, I’m chairing both the ADA Budget and Finance Committee and the
Committee on Annual Meetings.
What’s so special about this guy from West Virginia?
Well, people appreciate that I’m plainspoken, fair-minded, and that I have a let’s-get-it-done attitude.
It’s been said that I ask the questions everybody’s thinking but are too afraid to ask.
I’ll happily own that.
I’m flexible, never beat around the bush, and I’m eager to hear what the other side has to say.
(By the way, I’ll always bow to a better idea, but I won’t be bullied.)
Most important, once I’ve committed to a course of action, I will be tenacious in the efforts
to see it through.
As president-elect, I promise this:
To bring strong, ethical, and collaborative leadership to the ADA.
To listen, to respect all points of view, and to be inclusive, accountable and available.
Lastly, I will never let personalities or emotion sway me, but will always be guided by good sense.
I hope you’ll consider me for ADA president-elect.
Because, now more than ever, we need a cool-headed leader who will get things done and guide
our organization to a brighter future.

T H E I S S U E S W E ’ R E FAC I N G

Declining Membership
Many older members are retiring. Younger dentists question the benefits
of membership. Dues revenue is decreasing, squeezing our finances.
Pressure is increasing on our advocacy.
We need to: Show the value of membership to all dentists. Solve the
“What’s in it for Me?” question. Include all dentists in all emerging practice
models. Promote diversity and inclusion. Empower and support our con-
stituents and components. And we must do something about student debt.

Disruptive Outside Influences
Pressure from third party payers is unceasing. Groups continue to call
for new workforce models to perform dentistry. Outside interests seek to
challenge our independence.
We need to: Strengthen our role as the authority on dentistry in legis-
lation, science, and the health of the public. Protect the doctor/patient
relationship and advocate for freedom of practice. Embrace our diversity
and include all dentists to advance the profession. Support and empower
our advocacy efforts.

Financial Sustainability
We are overly reliant on dues revenue. Non-dues revenue isn’t filling
the gap. Expenses continue to rise. As traditional dues decrease, so does
funding for our programs.
We need to: Return to a balanced or surplus budget as soon as possible.
Demonstrate and enhance the value of ADA membership. At the same
time, we must develop new sources of non-dues revenue. We must also
accelerate our digital transformation to modernize our user experience.
And we need to continually improve organizational efficiencies.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE AND LEADERSHIP

American Dental Association
Fourth District Trustee 2017-2021
Chair, Standing Committee on International Accreditation, CODA 2017-2020
Budget and Finance Committee 2017-2021 / Chair 2020-2021
Committee on Annual Meetings 2019-2021 / Chair 2020-2021
Council on Communication 2011-2015 / Chair 2014-2015
State Public Affairs (SPA) Oversight Committee 2012-2014 2018-2020
Strategic Planning Committee 2019
Board Liaison Council on Membership Insurance and Retirement Plans 2017-2018
Board Liaison American Student Dental Association (ASDA) 2018-2019
Board Liaison Council on Government Affairs 2019-2020
Delegate 2013-2017
Alternate Delegate 2006-2012
Maryland State Dental Association
President 2013-2014
Board Member MSDA Foundation 2014-present
Board Member MSDA Dental Association Company 2012-2020
Member Legislative Committee 1996-present
Capital Fund Campaign 2014-2015
General Arrangements 2013-2015

Baltimore City Dental Society
President 2005
Executive Committee 2001-2027
Academy of General Dentistry
Trustee Region 5 2011-2017
Division Coordinator Dental Education Division 2008-2010
Dental Education Council 2002-2008
Chair 2006-2008
University of Maryland School of Dentistry
Lecturer Ethics Program 2009-2012
Education
West Virginia University BA 1977
West Virginia University School of Dentistry DDS 1977

Honors and Awards                                       Dental Community Service
Fellow American College of Dentists                     Homeless Veteran Maryland ICD Project
Fellow Pierre Fauchard Academy                          2019-2020
Fellowship Award Academy of General Dentistry           Participant Donated Dental Service
Mastership Award Academy of General Dentistry           1990-present
Life-Long Learning and Service Recognition              Maryland Missions of Mercy 2013-2014
Academy of General Dentistry                            National Children’s Dental Health Month
Maryland State Senatorial Proclamation                  Speaker / Calvert School 1988-1993
Governor’s Citation

A STRONG VOICE
T H AT G E T S I T D O N E

 shepleyg@ada.org
   410-499-7120