On Sunday, January 21, 2018, the New York State AGD (NYSAGD) held their Annual Installation of Officers and Award Ceremony at The Carltun in East Meadow, NY. The swearing in of officers was facilitated by AGD President Dr. Manuel Cordero. In attendance were members from the National AGD Executive Committee, including AGD Immediate Past-President Dr. Maria Smith and local leaders from various dental societies of the New York metropolitan area and the NYU Student Chapter Executive Committee.

NYSAGD’s incoming President Dr. Brian Ciporin of Glendale, NY, has served on their board for over a decade, holding several prominent positions before being elected President. His plans are to move NYSAGD to a higher level of providing services to members and to take a strong approach in recruiting new dentists. He has the full support of the NYSAGD Board of Trustees, thus they believe his goals will be accomplished this year.

As part of their Award Ceremony, the NYSAGD Nominating Committee selects an individual from their board to receive a Meritorious Service Award. This person must fit the criteria of: active member of the Board of Trustees for at least five years; served as Chairperson on a major committee; made service contributions to the NYSAGD; and served as an Executive Officer. This year’s 2018 Meritorious Service Award Recipient is Dr. Binod Verma of Rego Park, NY. Dr. Verma has served on the NYSAGD Board for over 20 years. He was elected President 2004-2006 and served as Public Information Officer 2012-2015. He also completed a host of projects, including facilitating an Oral Health Screening at the American Diabetes Association Expo at the Jacob Javits Convention Center in 2013 and 2014. He was reappointed to serve as the PIO for 2018. NYSAGD is proud to have him as a member of their Board.