Dean Feldman Reflects on Tenure as ADEA Chair

Dean Cecile A. Feldman ended her year of leadership at American Dental Education Association (ADEA) by urging members to seize opportunities that can arise from dramatic and troubling change.

“No one last year could have guessed that today we would be facing unbelievably turbulent waters and unprecedented time of uncertainty,’’ she told audience member’s at ADEA’s annual session and exhibition last month, where she officially completed her term as Chair of ADEA's Board of Directors.

She cited turmoil over the future of healthcare and  proposed federal budget cuts of 20 percent to the NIH and HRSA. She also alluded to White House executive orders that have attempted to restrict travel from Muslim nations and increased efforts to deport unauthorized immigrants who haven’t been charged with crimes — policies that have unsettled many within academia.

But Dean Feldman challenged attendees to view these shifts as a call to build something new. “With turbulence comes opportunities,’’ she declared. “Our opportunity to have an impact on our country’s priorities and programs is now much greater given the dramatic changes taking place.”

Dean Feldman said that a large part of her mission as a principal officer for ADEA has been to help members create the sort of transformation they want to see.

Together with ADEA Executive Director Dr. Richard Valacovic,  she  worked to create a Commission of Change and Innovation to help develop strategies for keeping curriculum current and cultivating the most effective teaching and assessment methods. “Faculty development will be the commission’s main focus, enabling all of our members to benefit from the commissions activities,’’ said Dean Feldman.

She stressed the need to form partnerships throughout the world of dentistry to improve the licensure process, noting progress has already been made. “This year the ADA and ADEA have come together, and for the first time, have agreed upon a common strategy moving us toward achievement of a universally accepted non-patient based licensing examination,’’ she said.

Dean Feldman closed her remarks by comparing ADEA and its rotating list of leaders to a squadron of geese, with each bird taking turns leading the line, allowing others to rest or perform alternate tasks. “Our leaders change, but our mission, values and directions are constant. We tend to each other and provide support, helping any school or member in need. Our strength is in working together, pursing excellence, and furthering an agenda that truly is for the public good.’’

In addition to Feldman’s role as outgoing head of chair, RSDM made a strong showing at the event, with a total of 12 poster presentations and participation in other conference programs.

“We were extremely well represented. We have a lot of innovative programs that were  reflected, such as our leadership in the diversity and inclusion arena and also innovation in professional education,’’ said Dean Feldman.

Two RSDM deans received citations for their work: Dr. Kim Fenesy, Vice Dean of RSDM, and Dr. Rosa Chaviano Moran, Assistant Dean of Admissions and Recruitment.

Chaviano was cited for her national leadership role in the holistic admissions movement, which looks beyond grades and test scores to determine a students strengths and her advocacy for student diversity.

Fenesey was cited for fulfilling the role of acting dean with “incredible grace” while Dean Feldman served as ADEA Board of Directors Chair.