A Message from the President

President Chance

 

It is indeed a great honor and privilege to serve as president of the Supreme Chapter of Omicron Kappa Upsilon (OKU), the national dental honor society. Founded in 1914 by Professor G.V. Black, OKU represents and promotes the highest standards of scholarship, professionalism and ethics in our profession.

It is an understatement to say the last two years have been difficult. Dental education is rigorous in its own right, without the addition of a once-in-a-century pandemic and threats to social justice. We have navigated through extreme uncertainty and witnessed the most challenging public health crisis of our lives. Yet through it all, we maintained our focus and dedication to the precepts of our organization. It is truly remarkable what was accomplished in the face of immense adversity. It is a testament to our commitment to the profession of dentistry, strength of purpose and passion for helping others. We now stand at the threshold of a new era, and we are well positioned to meet and exceed our accomplishments of the past.

On this occasion, I celebrate my thirtieth anniversary as a member of this epitome of academic excellence and professionalism. Elected to membership in the OKU chapter of the Rutgers University School of Dental Medicine, I later joined three other outstanding chapters. Presently, I have the pleasure of serving as dean of my alma mater, the Case Western Reserve University School of Dental Medicine, celebrating its one hundred thirtieth anniversary.

To lead this esteemed organization is incredibly humbling, and I look forward to building a brighter future together.

 

Sincerely,

Kenneth B. Chance, DDS

President