Ann Arbor, MI — April 12, 2012 — Dr. Richard Valachovic, executive director of the American Dental Education Association, will deliver the commencement address to University of Michigan School of Dentistry graduates on May 4.  The program begins at 1:00 p.m. at Hill Auditorium.

Appointed in 1996, Valachovic is the chief executive officer of the only national association representing dental education.  ADEA members include all U.S. and Canadian dental schools as well as allied dental education and advanced dental education programs.  In addressing its members, other organizations, federal policy makers and the public, Valachovic and ADEA focus on contemporary issues that affect education, research, and the delivery of oral health care.

Before becoming ADEA executive director, Valachovic was an associate professor at the Harvard School of Dental Medicine and served as Dean for Clinical Affairs, Dean for Government and Community Relations, and Director of Postdoctoral Education.  He is a dental graduate of the University of Connecticut School of Dental Medicine and completed his postdoctoral training at Harvard University and the Children’s Hospital Medical Center in Boston.