Newswise — Raymond F. Gist, D.D.S., who practices general dentistry in Flint, Mich., was inducted today as president-elect of the American Dental Association (ADA) during a meeting of the ADA House of Delegates in Honolulu.

Dr. Gist will assume the ADA presidency in October 2010 and will lead the more than 157,000-member organization, America’s leading advocate for oral health. Dr. Gist will be the ADA’s first African-American president.

Dr. Gist recently completed a four-year term on the ADA Board of Trustees as the trustee from the Ninth District, which represents Wisconsin and Michigan. Dr. Gist’s previous responsibilities with the ADA include serving as a delegate and on the Reference Committee on Dental Benefits, Practice and Health.

He is a past president of the Michigan Dental Association, the Genesee District Dental Society and the Mid-State Dental Study Group. In addition, he is a Fellow of the American College of Dentists, the International College of Dentists and the Pierre Fauchard Academy.

His numerous awards and honors include a State of Michigan Legislative Tribute, the Michigan Dental Association Public Relations Award and a United Negro College Fund Outstanding Participation Award.

He earned his dental degree from the University of Michigan School of Dentistry and served as a captain in the U.S. Air Force before entering private dental practice.

Dr. Gist and his wife, Jill, reside in Grand Blanc, Mich., and have one daughter, Holly, and two grandchildren.

Editor Note: Photo available upon request.

About the American Dental AssociationCelebrating its 150th anniversary, the not-for-profit ADA is the nation's largest dental association, representing more than 157,000 dentist members. The premier source of oral health information, the ADA has advocated for the public's health and promoted the art and science of dentistry since 1859. The ADA's state-of-the-art research facilities develop and test dental products and materials that have advanced the practice of dentistry and made the patient experience more positive. The ADA Seal of Acceptance long has been a valuable and respected guide to consumer dental care products. The monthly Journal of the American Dental Association (JADA) is the best-read scientific journal in dentistry. For more information about the ADA, visit the Association's Web site at www.ada.org

MEDIA CONTACT
Register for reporter access to contact details