---

“I hope to continue the legacy of compassionate, person-centered care that has been at the heart of my journey in dentistry.”

---

Yale New Haven Hospital, New Haven, Connecticut

From his predental shadowing experiences to his current role, Adam J. Kennedy, DMD, FAGD, credits the pivotal roles his mentors have played in shaping him into the dentist he is today. 

“Through their guidance, I came to understand that excellence in dentistry extends far beyond mastering technical skills or achieving clinical milestones,” Kennedy said. “It’s about establishing trust and rapport, creating a safe space for patients to express their needs and concerns, and tailoring treatment plans that align with their unique goals.”

As he progressed from resident to program director and through his roles as an associate and practice owner, the impact of this mentorship has remained a guiding force in Kennedy’s practice. In that spirit, Kennedy is committed to paying it forward by training and mentoring the next generation of dental professionals. 

“I hope to continue the legacy of compassionate, person-centered care that has been at the heart of my journey in dentistry,” Kennedy said.

Kennedy, a first-generation college graduate, noted achieving his AGD Fellowship and earning his current role as program director for the general practice residency (GPR) at Yale New Haven Hospital (YNHH) as two of his proudest professional achievements. 

“This role is particularly meaningful to me as it allows me to drive initiatives focused on public health, ensuring that our approach to dental care extends beyond individual treatment and contributes to the broader well-being of our community,” Kennedy said.

At YNHH, Kennedy has helped advance vital public health initiatives, particularly in the  realm of enhancing accessibility and inclusivity within the dental community. For example, he and his team secured grant funding to launch a community dental van, prioritizing essential care for veterans. 

Looking ahead, Kennedy’s goals include achieving AGD Mastership and strengthening 
YNHH’s GPR program’s educational offerings to better equip the next generation of dental professionals to provide exceptional care.

“I’m excited about pushing dentistry forward and improving patient care,” Kennedy said. “With continuous learning, mentorship and targeted outreach, I’m confident we can make a significant and lasting impact on the oral health and well-being of our community.”