Dr. Robert T. Ragan, DDS, ACD Past President and Dr. Elizabeth O. Carr, RDH, DHA, ACD Honorary Fellow at the recent American College of Dentists Annual Convocation Luncheon in New Orleans.CLEVELAND, Miss. — Delta State University alumna Dr. Elizabeth Carr, RDH, DHA, delivered a keynote address on courage and leadership at the American College of Dentists (ACD) Annual Convocation Luncheon, held on October 17 in New Orleans, Louisiana. Carr, a native of Cleveland, was also inducted as an Honorary Fellow at the convocation, a prestigious recognition for her significant contributions to the dental profession.
Currently serving as Professor and Chair of the Department of Dental Hygiene at the University of Mississippi Medical Center (UMMC) and Director of the Mississippi Population Oral Health Collaborative, Carr brought a wealth of experience to her keynote address, titled “Courage and Leadership in Times of Change.” The speech emphasized the importance of resilience, ethical leadership, and innovation in addressing complex public health issues, especially in the field of oral health.
“It is an honor to speak at the ACD Convocation Luncheon and to share my thoughts on the power of leadership rooted in courage,” said Carr. “This is a time when our profession needs bold, visionary leaders who are willing to tackle difficult problems and inspire change. I look forward to engaging with the talented dental professionals gathered here and discussing how we can work together to improve health outcomes for all.”
Carr’s distinguished career has been defined by her dedication to improving access to care and addressing oral health disparities in underserved populations. Under her leadership, the Mississippi Population Oral Health Collaborative has made significant strides in promoting oral health equity through education, community engagement, and policy advocacy.
The ACD Annual Convocation Luncheon is a key event in the organization’s yearly meeting, bringing together top professionals from the dental field to celebrate achievements and explore the future of dentistry. Carr’s keynote provided inspiring insights for leaders at all levels of the profession. Among the distinguished attendees was Dr. Robert T. Ragan, DDS, Past President of the ACD and also a Cleveland native.
