The Academy of General Dentistry (AGD) announced that John W. Drumm, DMD, of Rockville, Maryland, has been named the recipient of the 2025 Mark S. Ritz Award, one of AGD’s most distinguished honors recognizing advocacy in organized dentistry. The award will be presented to Drumm during AGD’s Annual Meeting on Nov. 14, 2025, in Chicago.

“I’m especially excited to present Dr. John Drumm with AGD’s Mark Ritz Award this year,” said Chethan Chetty, DDS, MAGD, president of AGD. “He has made enormous contributions to the profession and improving oral health. He brings an unmatched commitment to his work advocating for policies that support dentists and help patients access the care they need. He is an exceptional leader, mentoring AGD members and all dentists on opportunities to make a positive impact on legislation, regulatory efforts and the development of new policies. We are truly grateful for his years of service to AGD.”

The Mark S. Ritz Award, named after the respected AGD leader known for his advocacy and service to the profession, is reserved for individuals who demonstrate extraordinary leadership through visible, effective and impactful advocacy efforts at the national level, while also reflecting a strong commitment to advancing dentistry at the state and local levels.

“Organized dentistry is the foundation of dentistry, and the AGD continues to advance dentistry with its advocacy,” said Drumm. “I am honored and humbled to receive this prestigious award. Dr. Mark Ritz established leadership standards that all of us aspire to.”

Drumm’s career in dentistry spans more than four decades, during which time he demonstrated leadership, service and advocacy for both patients and the profession. His professional journey includes service as a U.S. Navy dental officer (1974–76), more than 40 years in private practice in Washington, DC (1976–2016), and public health dentistry (2016–18) before retiring from clinical practice in 2019.

He has held numerous leadership roles in organized dentistry, including:

• AGD Region 5 trustee (2017–20) and regional director (2011–17)
• President of the District of Columbia Academy of General Dentistry (2002–19), where he also served as treasurer/secretary in 1966
• President of the District of Columbia Dental Society (2001–02)
• Member of the American Dental Association Council on Dental Practice (1998–2001) and chair of the ADA Dentist Well Being Advisory Committee (1999–2001)

Drumm is a fellow of the American College of Dentists, International College of Dentists and Academy of Dentistry International, and he served as a clinical evaluator for Clinicians Report (formerly Clinical Research Associates) for nearly four decades.