 Hello, ACD. I am Dr. Dan Clemson, President of the American Dental Association. I bring you greetings on behalf of your 162,000 colleagues at the ADA. I'm pleased to join you for your annual meeting, albeit virtually. In 2021, the American College of Dentists enters its second century of service and leadership within the dental community. Leadership in dentistry has been especially vital in the last 18 months as we have traversed a challenging public health crisis. But we have demonstrated our resilience and we continue to serve our communities as essential healthcare providers. Although the COVID-19 pandemic is far from over, dentistry has learned lessons that have shown that we know what needs to be done to move dentistry forward. And we follow through by getting it done. In science, clinical practice, patient outcomes, safety, advocacy, and the myriad of issues that have long impacted dentistry, we are met with an opportunity to raise the bar. I believe that in the post-COVID environment, we can and we will. As we navigate the new future together, know that the ADA continues to advocate for dentistry on issues that affect us all. The ADA also aligns with the ACD's commitment to advance diversity, equity, and inclusion, both with our patients and within our profession. In a recent article in the Journal of the American College of Dentists, ACD President Dr. Leo Rouse writes that we are called at this moment in history to take our own collective, professional pulse to ensure better health outcomes for all. The pandemic has shed light on inequities that have long plagued the healthcare system. But the issue is bigger than this pandemic alone. And the topic of health equity has come to greater prominence. I believe that doing our part to address healthcare inequities allows us to truly fulfill our foremost professional obligation to help and to heal. The ADA is also committed to advancing inclusion while growing diversity within our membership. Increasingly more new dentists, women dentists, and racially and ethnically diverse dentists are entering the profession. The principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion are necessary for organized dentistry's continued relevance. Most importantly, they are about ensuring that everybody has opportunities to thrive. Simply stated, embracing dentists from all backgrounds, perspectives, and walks of life is the right thing to do. The ADA stands with the ACD in promoting the ideals of our profession through ethics, leadership, and excellence. You can continue to count on the American Dental Association as friends, partners, and advocates today and always. Thank you, ACD, for your service and commitment to the dental profession.