ECU dental school dean named International Dentist of the Year
Dr. Greg Chadwick (left) was named International Dentist of the Year by the Academy of Dentistry International. Academy president Dr. Tom Brink presented the award. (Contributed photo)
Dr. Greg Chadwick, dean of the ECU School of Dental Medicine, was named International Dentist of the Year by the Academy of Dentistry International at the Academy’s USA Section Convocation held in San Francisco in October. ADI is a global honor society for dentists dedicated to improving the quality of life of people throughout the world.
Chadwick has had broad involvement in many areas of dentistry, from clinical practice and teaching to administration at the highest levels. His contributions to his profession and to society generally, such as military service, clinical expertise, mentorship of young colleagues and honors from learned professional societies are numerous.
Chadwick is a former president of numerous dental organizations including the American Dental Association, the North Carolina Dental Society, the Second District Dental Society and the Southern Endodontic Study Group. In addition, he is a Fellow of the American and International Colleges of Dentists, the Academy of Dentistry International, the Pierre Fauchard Academy and a founding member of the Holiday Dental Conference.
Following his presidency of the American Dental Association in 2001-2002, Chadwick became a world figure within the profession by being elected in 2006 to the position of speaker for the Federation Dentaire International World Dental Federation, a position which he held until 2011, presiding over all sessions of the general assembly of the World Dental Parliament.
“The Academy of Dentistry International is not only proud to recognize Gregory Chadwick as one of its distinguished Fellows since 1994, but in recognition of his outstanding merit, it is an honor and a privilege to confer this honor upon him,” said ADI Executive Director Dr. Robert L. Ramus.
A North Carolina native, Chadwick received a bachelor’s degree in business administration from UNC-Chapel Hill and served in the U.S. Naval Supply Corps for four years before entering dental school. After graduating from the UNC School of Dentistry, he practiced general dentistry in a community health center before entering his residency in endodontics. He earned a master’s degree in endodontics from the UNC School of Dentistry in 1976 and practiced endodontics in his hometown of Charlotte for 30 years.
Chadwick championed ECU’s School of Dental Medicine in order to increase the number of dentists in rural and underserved areas of North Carolina. One of his signatures on the school is the community service learning centers, which will allow fourth year students to gain experience treating patients in ten dental centers across the state.