A national dental organization dedicated to advancing excellence, ethics, professionalism and leadership in dentistry recently awarded Dr. Nader A. Nadershahi, dean of the Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry, with the William John Gies Award.

The American College of Dentists (ACD) presented the award during its 2024 Annual Meeting and Convocation held Oct. 16-17 in New Orleans.

The William John Gies Award is the highest honor the College can bestow upon a Fellow. Named after William J. Gies, who was instrumental in shaping the College and the entire dental profession, this award has been given since 1940 and recognizes Fellows who have made unique and exceptional contributions to advancing the profession and its service to society.

Dr. Ned Nix, a faculty member at the Dugoni School and ACD Regent 7, introduced the award and read its accompanying citation to the audience of convocation attendees.

A current ACD Fellow, Dr. Nadershahi  serves as the ninth dean of the Dugoni School and vice provost for University of the Pacific’s San Francisco Campus. He has nearly 30 years of leadership experience in dental education, organized dentistry and clinical practice.

He recently served as chair of the board of directors of the American Dental Education Association, serves as a delegate to the ADEA and American Dental association houses, and is vice chair of the ADA Foundation. He also serves as a member of the California Dental Association board of directors. Additionally, he is a member of the Santa Fe Group oral health think tank, and has been actively involved in leadership development, accreditation, national licensure and the evolution of oral health education and collaborative care. Dr. Nadershahi is also a board member of the Bay Area Council and San Francisco Chamber of Commerce, and was appointed by Governor Gavin Newsom to the California Health Workforce Education and Training Council, where he serves as vice chair.

“He is highly regarded as a servant-leader who builds leadership capacity in others and has advanced oral healthcare and education through a substantial body of academic publications and presentations,” said Dr. Nix. Dr. Nadershahi’s scholarly activities include more than 140 presentations, 30 publications, five book chapters and numerous abstracts.

The oldest major honorary organization for dentists, ACD has many members who have exemplified excellence through outstanding leadership and exceptional contributions to dentistry and society.

This award is the second significant honor Dr. Nadershahi has received this year. In March 2024, the American Dental Education Association’s ADEAGies Foundation presented him with the William J. Gies Award for Vision and Leadership at its Annual Session held in New Orleans.