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Ken Ikeda

Dear Colleagues, Friends, and Members of the American Academy of Oral Medicine,

It is with deep gratitude and humility that I step into the role of President for the 2025–2026 term. I am honored to serve this vibrant and dedicated community and carry forward the legacy of leadership that has shaped our Academy.

I extend my sincere gratitude to our immediate past president, Dr. Ikeda, for his thoughtful guidance and steady leadership during a pivotal period of transition. His efforts have laid a strong and lasting foundation for our continued growth. I also want to recognize Dr. Sankar for her exceptional leadership throughout our management transition and bringing in our new management team from Etherio. Special thanks to Beth Chitnis, Holly Roseski, Kowana Ragland, and Ashley Vander Wyk for their outstanding contributions to the success of our joint AAOM/EAOM conference. Finally, I remain deeply grateful to my mentors, whose unwavering support continues to inspire and guide my journey.

We are entering a transformative era where systemic health, personalized care, digital innovation, and artificial intelligence are reshaping the healthcare landscape. In this dynamic evolution, collaboration is essential. We are not passive observers and need to take a lead and actively contribute to drive meaningful change.

Let’s build on the core strategic pillars established in recent years: sustainability, engagement, and collaboration. I remain deeply committed to advancing our mission. In the coming weeks, I will be working closely with both the EC and Etherio to drive meaningful progress.

Together, we will shape the future of oral medicine, advance our field and improve the lives of those we serve. Let us lead with purpose, speak with courage, and build something extraordinary together.

With heartfelt appreciation,
Jaisri Thoppay
2025–2026 President, American Academy of Oral Medicine

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