Our President

Dear Georgia Dental Society Members and Friends,

It is truly an honor and a huge blessing to serve as President of the Georgia Dental Society. I have been a member of this organization since my matriculation through dental school and residency, and GDS has played an integral role in my personal and professional journey.

Throughout dental school, the programs, initiatives, and mentorship provided by the Georgia Dental Society were instrumental to my success. The guidance, support, and commitment to excellence helped shape the dentist and leader I am today.  Now, as the roles have come full circle and I have the privilege of serving as President, it is my sincere intention to give back to students in the same way I was supported during my training. This moment reflects not only a personal milestone, but the enduring strength of the leadership and vision that have guided this organization for generations.

I am deeply grateful to the many pioneers who paved the way and set a strong foundation for this organization. I owe my sincere appreciation to the distinguished men and women who have served in this role before me, whose leadership and dedication continue to inspire and guide me as I move forward.

Building upon this legacy, I am excited to share my presidential priorities for this term:

Increasing Membership and Engagement

A key priority of this administration is to increase membership and strengthen engagement among all members. We want every dentist throughout the state of Georgia to feel welcomed, valued, and connected to the organization. We have already begun this important work by reactivating several key committees, including the Social Media, Political Action, and By-Laws/Constitution Committees. Whether a new graduate or a seasoned professional, every voice and level of participation are essential. Through expanded outreach and meaningful opportunities for involvement, we aim to uphold our commitment to purposeful leadership and organizational growth.

Modernizing the Organization

As dentistry continues to evolve, so must we. Modernizing the Georgia Dental Society is critical to ensuring relevance and sustainability. This includes improving communication, strengthening our digital presence, and creating more efficient organizational processes that better serve our members and our mission.

Honoring and Growing Our Legacy

Finally, we must not forget the rich legacy that the Georgia Dental Society has built over the years in advancing the involvement of African-American dentists in organized dentistry. As we look toward the future, we remain deeply committed to honoring and preserving this legacy. The foundation laid by those who came before us continues to guide our work today. Our responsibility is to build upon that legacy and that GDS remains strong for generations to come.

Together, we have an exciting opportunity to elevate the Georgia Dental Society, expand our reach, and make a lasting impact. I encourage each of you to get involved, share your ideas, and help move our organization forward.

Thank you for your continued support and dedication to the Georgia Dental Society. I look forward to all that we will accomplish together.

In service to our mission,

Cherie Murray, DMD
President, Georgia Dental Society