CHICAGO, June 18, 2025 — The American Dental Association (ADA) is pleased to announce Nader A. Nadershahi, D.D.S., M.B.A., EdD will serve the Association as its Senior Vice President of Education/Professional Affairs.
Dr. Nadershahi will direct the Association’s educational affairs and related matters, including policy decisions and activities pertaining to accreditation of predoctoral, advanced and allied educational programs through the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA); dental and allied dental education policy; licensure and testing services; continuing education provider recognition and liaise with various educational communities.
“The landscape of oral health education is constantly evolving to meet and exceed the needs of tomorrow’s professionals,” said Dr. Nadershahi. “I am wholly focused on elevating and innovating upon the strong foundation of ADA educational programming, policies and offerings to forge new pathways for growth and development in service of our profession and our organization.”
Dr. Nadershahi previously served as the ninth Dean of University of the Pacific’s Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry and Vice Provost of the San Francisco campus, bringing nearly 30 years of leadership experience in dental education, organized dentistry and clinical practice. During his tenure, he led milestone projects such as strategic planning and implementation; the design and implementation of the school’s integrated curriculum and competencies; new facilities; and raised significant donor contributions for fundraising campaigns.
"It is an honor to welcome Dr. Nadershahi to our leadership team,” said Betsy Shapiro, D.D.S., Interim Executive Director of the ADA. “Dr. Nadershahi brings acutely informed vision and expertise to our educational programs and offerings that will firmly support future generations of dentists and the dental community."
Dr. Nadershahi has been actively involved in organized dentistry and dental education as the Chair of the Board for the American Dental Education Association (ADEA), as well as other leadership roles in the ADA and California Dental Association (CDA). He is also a fellow of the American College of Dentists, Academy of Dentistry International, International College of Dentists and Pierre Fauchard Academy.
Dr. Nadershahi owned and operated private general dental practices in San Rafael and San Anselmo, California. He is also a board member for the Bay Area Council and San Francisco Chamber of Commerce and serves as Vice Chair of the California Health Workforce Education and Training Council.