Dr. John H. Paul completes a successful term as FDA president

Throughout his presidency, he advocated for Floridians' oral health and fostered connections that strengthened the association. His tenure concludes with several notable accomplishments on behalf of Florida’s dental community, including:

• Legislative wins – Dr. Paul joined the FDA’s lobbying team at the state Capitol in Tallahassee to advocate for dentistry’s priorities. The FDA had a successful session with wins that addressed dental plans, safeguarded patients, promoted health in underserved communities and protected the standard of dental care in Florida.
• Impactful service – The FDA Foundation’s 2026 Florida Mission of Mercy provided donated dental care valued at $1.9 million to more than 1,600 Floridians. The two-day dental clinic held in Jacksonville brought together volunteer dentists, dental professionals, medical professionals and other volunteers from throughout the state to provide dental care to those in need.
• Member wellness and support – Dr. Paul continued to champion the FDA’s wellness initiatives, recognizing the personal and professional challenges many dental professionals face. Through the FDA Member Assistance Program (MAP), members, their families and staff have access to free, confidential resources, including counseling services, financial consultations, legal referrals, work-life support and wellness resources.
• Leadership on the national stage – As a member of the 17^th Delegation to the American Dental Association (ADA) House of Delegates, Dr. Paul continued to represent FDA members nationally. During his term, numerous FDA-supported priorities were advanced and adopted at the ADA level, helping shape policy and advocacy efforts.

Beyond dentistry, Dr. Paul is deeply proud of his work with Polk County’s Flight to Honor, escorting veterans to Washington, D.C., to visit the memorials built in their honor. He is supported in all he does by his wife, Sharon, a licensed mental health counselor, their two daughters and a “pet bison,” better known as the family’s chocolate lab.

Dr. Paul will officially pass the gavel to President-elect Dr. Daniel Gesek during the 2026 Florida Dental Convention. If you see Dr. Paul during FDC2026, please congratulate him and thank him for his dedicated service.

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