Dr. McLaren Inducted in the American College of Dentists

Sean McLaren (GPR ‘03 Pedo ‘06 ), chair and program director for EIOH’s Pediatric Dentistry Department, was named a Fellow in the American College of Dentists, the oldest major honorary organization for dentists. Its members have exemplified excellence through outstanding leadership and exceptional contributions to dentistry and society.

Fellowship in the American College of Dentists is a distinct honor, with only about 3.5 percent of dentists in the United States being granted Fellowship in the College. Fellowship is bestowed only if the accomplishments of the nominee are truly outstanding and epitomize excellence.

In response to serious problems facing the profession, the American College of Dentists was founded in 1920 to elevate the standards of dentistry, to encourage graduate study, and to grant Fellowship to those who have done meritorious work. The American College of Dentists is nonprofit and apolitical, and with a mission to advance excellence, ethics, professionalism, and leadership in dentistry, has long been regarded as the "conscience of dentistry."

Fellowship in the American College of Dentists is by invitation and is based on a proven, confidential, peer-review system that has remained intact since its founding. A Fellow’s credentials may be reflected in professional organizational involvement, dental education, dental research, dental journalism, or other areas. Additionally, candidates must be members of the American Dental Association or an equivalent foreign organization if applicable. There is also an ethical component to Fellowship, where the candidate must be of good moral character, and have a reputation for ethical conduct and professional standing that is unquestioned. Personality, integrity, education, unselfishness, and high professional ideals as well as freedom from mercenary tendencies shall be considered.

The College has played a vital role in positively shaping the profession. Early accomplishments include being the first organization to continuing education, organizing and incorporating the American Association of Dental Editors, and essentially saving the Journal of Dental Research during the Depression. The College is currently involved in a wide range of activities, nationally and locally, to accomplish its mission. These efforts include ethics summits, online courses in dental ethics, the Professional Ethics Initiative, an entry level ethics course, online leadership courses, leadership symposia, a multimedia dental history resource, and resource materials for dental schools.

For more information, visit the American College of Dentists.