Yelick Honored as President of the International Association for Dental Research

Pamela C. Yelick, Ph.D., professor in the Department of Basic & Clinical Translational Sciences and director of the Division of Craniofacial and Molecular Genetics at TUSDM, served as president during the 104th General Session of the International Association for Dental Research (IADR) and the 2026 IADR/AADOCR/CADR General Session and Exhibition, held in San Diego from March 25–28, 2026. She is currently serving as IADR immediate past president. 

The meeting was a tremendous success, drawing 4,371 attendees from 88 countries. The program featured 487 oral presentations, three distinguished lectures, and 2,306 poster presentations, including contributions from both students and faculty at TUSDM. The California sunshine, combined with exceptional scientific programming, created a vibrant and energetic atmosphere. Attendees experienced cutting-edge advancements in dental, oral, and craniofacial research, along with engaging receptions and scientific group meetings.

“We are grateful for Dr. Yelick’s leadership in her role as IADR President in guiding the next generation of oral health care research and discovery,” said Nadeem Karimbux, DMD, MMSc, dean of Tufts University School of Dental Medicine. “She leaves an incredible imprint in the field of dental research and our mission as global leaders in oral health. 

During her 2025–2026 term as IADR President, Yelick represented the organization at major international meetings, including the 42nd Annual Meeting of the IADR Brazilian Society of Dental Research (SBPqO) in São Paulo; the 2025 FDI World Dental Congress in Shanghai; the 35th Annual IADR Asia Pacific Regional Conference in New Delhi; a United Nations High-Level Meeting in New York City; and the 56th Annual Meeting of the IADR Argentina Division (SAIO) in Los Cocos.

“Dr. Yelick is an outstanding scientist and an inspiring leader. Her tenure as President of the IADR was both transformational and a feather in Tufts’ cap. We are all very proud of her achievements,” said Russell S. Taichman, DMD, DMSc, professor and chair of the Department of Basic & Clinical Translational Sciences and associate dean of research at TUSDM.

At each of these gatherings, Yelick was recognized for her distinguished, career-spanning leadership and significant contributions to dental, oral, and craniofacial research. She also welcomed opportunities to engage with and learn from groundbreaking research efforts taking place around the world.

Please begin planning for upcoming meetings: the 2027 AADOCR Annual Meeting, March 17–20, 2027, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and the 2027 IADR/APR General Session & Exhibition, June 23–26, 2027, in Melbourne, Australia.