Wright Named the 48th President of the American Association for Dental Research
Tim Wright, DDS, MS, James Bawden Distinguished Professor, was recently elected the 48th president of the American Association for Dental Research (AADR) by members during the 49th Annual Meeting in Vancouver, BC, Canada.
“The most important way we can improve our existence as humans is through the acquisition and application of new knowledge,” said Wright. “Serving an organization, such as AADR, where this is central to their mission is both exciting and extremely rewarding.”
Wright is currently chair of the American Association of Pediatric Dentistry’s (AAPD) Evidence–Based Dentistry committee and has served as chair of the Council for Scientific Affairs for the American Dental Association and also for the AAPD.
“While the UNC-CH Adams School of Dentistry has a long prestigious history of impactful dental research, it is important for us to be well-represented at the national and international level, within organizations such as the AADR, for us to continue to be integral in shaping the future of oral health,” said Associate Dean for Research Shannon Wallet, PhD.
“I confident Dr. Wright will represent school and serve the AADR well. I am excited to see what his leadership within this organization will bring.”
Wright is the third faculty member from the UNC-CH Adams School of Dentistry to be named president of AADR, following Steven Offenbacher, DDS, MS, PhD, in 2000, and James Bawden, DDS, PhD, in 1984.
Wright earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from West Virginia University and his Master of Science from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. He has authored more than 200 peer-reviewed publications, and has more than 25 years of NIH grant funding. He frequently speaks at national and international meetings.
His research interests include the diagnosis and treatment of developmental defects in teeth resulting from hereditary and environmental conditions, and understanding normal tooth development. Previously, Wright has served as the chair of the Department of Pediatric Dentistry and director of strategic initiatives for the school.
The American Association for Dental Research is a nonprofit organization with over 3,300 members in the United States. Its mission is to advance research and increase knowledge for the improvement of oral health; to support and represent the oral health research community; and to facilitate the communication and application of research findings. AADR is the largest division of the International Association for Dental Research (IADR).
