The Future is All Smiles: A Conversation with New AAPD CEO Dr. Jessica Y. Lee

Incoming AAPD CEO Dr. Jessica Y. Lee joins host Dr. Joel Berg for an engaging discussion of her goals and vision for the Academy’s future. She shares her journey through pediatric dentistry, delving into what excites her most as she shifts from academia to leader of the AAPD. In this heartfelt and genuine conversation, Dr. Lee compares taking on the CEO role to “coming home” and hopes to bring that sense of belonging to the newest generations of pediatric dentists as she takes the helm.

Guest Bio:

Dr. Jessica Y. Lee is Chief Executive Officer of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentist. Prior to taking on this role in June 2026, she was the Demeritt Distinguished Professor of Pediatric Dentistry and Senior Associate Dean for Faculty Affairs and Leadership Development at the University of North Carolina, as well as a professor in the Department of Health Policy and Management in the UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health.

Dr Lee received her MPH and DDS degrees from Columbia University and her Certificate in Pediatric Dentistry and PhD in Health Policy and Management from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill where she was also a NIDCR National Research Service Award recipient. She is a board-certified pediatric dentist and an active member of the medical staff at UNC Hospitals and practices in the Dental Faculty Practice in the School of Dentistry. She has authored over 150 peer-reviewed manuscripts and is a renowned expert in health literacy and health disparities. She is dedicated to bridging the gap between medical knowledge and patient understanding and reducing health disparities. She has led projects funded by the NIH and HRSA. Dr Lee is involved in teaching, clinical practice, and research.

In addition to her academic pursuits, Dr. Lee is actively involved in leadership, community outreach and education initiatives. She collaborates with healthcare providers, government agencies, and non-profit organizations. She served as the President for the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) from 2020-2021. She is the recipient of numerous teaching and research awards including the 2008 AAPD Jerome Miller “For the Kids” Award. In 2010, she received the Presidential Early Career Award for Scientist and Engineers from President Barack Obama. In 2011, Dr Lee was named the ‘Pediatric Dentist of the Year” by the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and in 2021 she received the AAPD Merle C Hunter Leadership Award.

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