April 13, 2017 | Chris DeFrancesco '94 (CLAS) - UConn Health

Dean MacNeil Assumes National Leadership Role

Dr. R. Lamont “Monty” MacNeil, dean of the UConn School of Dental Medicine, is now also chair-elect of the American Dental Education Association's Board of Directors.

Dr. R. Lamont “Monty” MacNeil, Dean of the School of Dental Medicine, is chair-elect of the American Dental Education Association Board of Directors. (ADEA photo)

In addition to his role as dean of the UConn School of Dental Medicine, Dr. R. Lamont “Monty” MacNeil has begun a one-year term as chair-elect of the American Dental Education Association’s Board of Directors.

MacNeil’s appointment was effective March 21, at the conclusion of the ADEA Annual Session and Exhibition in Long Beach, California. He will begin serving a one-year term as board chair starting in March 2018.

“Dr. Monty MacNeil is precisely the kind of thoughtful, collaborative leader we need to stay ahead of continuous change in health care and higher education,” says Dr. Richard W. Valachovic, ADEA president and CEO. “His strategic vision and ability to bring people together will serve our Association well, especially as we work to ensure oral health is at the forefront of overall health in North America.”

The ADEA is “the voice of dental education” in North America. Membership includes more than 21,000 students, faculty, staff and administrators from all the dental schools in North America, as well as allied and advanced dental education programs and corporations committed to oral health education. Its mission is to lead institutions and individuals in the dental education community to address contemporary issues influencing education, research and the delivery of oral health care for the overall health and safety of the public.

“It is a great honor to be nominated and elected to lead this association that represents all of dental education in the United States and Canada,” MacNeil says.

MacNeil has served on the ADEA Board of Directors since March 2015. The board has 11 members and is responsible for leading the association in its interactions with its members, affiliated academic institutions, government agencies and corporate partners. The board reports to the ADEA House of Delegates and is empowered to establish ad hoc interim policies, rules and regulations.

“We are addressing growing our advocacy capacity, expanding our professional development portfolio, nurturing student interest, and increasing our global impact through heightened interaction with our neighbors and international colleagues in dental education,” MacNeil says. “There is no question that the reputation of the University of Connecticut and School of Dental Medicine has contributed to my selection as chair-elect, and that our school will benefit from the exposure and opportunities that this service to dental education will provide.”