FDA President Dr. Beatriz E. Terry completes term

She concludes her term with significant achievements on behalf of organized dentistry, including:

• Major legislative wins: Dr. Terry joined the FDA’s lobbying team at the state Capitol in Tallahassee and the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., to advocate for dentistry’s priorities. She offered testimony at committee hearings and interacted with legislators. The FDA had a hugely successful session with wins addressing dental plans, safeguarding patients, promoting health in underserved communities and protecting the standard of dental care in Florida.
• Impactful service: The FDA Foundation’s 2024 Florida Mission of Mercy provided donated dental care valued at $2.3 million to more than 1,850 Floridians. The two-day dental clinic held in Lakeland, brought together volunteer dentists, dental professionals, medical professionals and other volunteers from throughout the state.
• Governance changes: Dr. Terry ushered in and worked with the FDA Board of Trustees to implement significant changes in the FDA’s governance structure, which are expected to increase involvement while also modernizing and streamlining processes.
• Innovative solutions: The FDA launched a new initiative, Jumpstart, to address dental workforce shortages in Florida. The brainchild of Dr. Terry, it’s designed to connect pre-dental students interested in volunteering or working with FDA member dentists in need of staff.

Through the years, Dr. Terry has served in numerous roles in organized dentistry, including on the FDA’s Governmental Action Committee and as a member of the 17^th Delegation to the American Dental Association House of Delegates.

Born and raised in Miami, Dr. Terry attended Florida International University before completing her dental training at Marquette University School of Dentistry where she graduated in the Top 10 with honors. She went on to earn a Masters and completed residency in periodontics and dental implants at the University of Minnesota. She is a diplomate of the American Board of Periodontology and Dental Implant Surgery.

Dr. Terry’s husband, dentist Dr. Edy Guerra, and their grown children have supported her through her year of service. They enjoy spending time together, traveling and are celebrating her accomplishments.  If you see Dr. Terry during FDC2024, please congratulate her and thank her for her dedicated service.  She will officially pass the gavel to President-elect Dr. Jeff Ottley on Saturday during the House of Delegates.

Tags: