Ann Marie Karaki, MA, CPP, now leads the Association for Continuing Dental Education (ACDE) as its President. This significant appointment follows her tenure as President-Elect and was officially confirmed at the ACDE Annual Session held July 26–29, 2025, in Boston, Massachusetts. Karaki, who directs Continuing Dental Education for the UAB School of Dentistry, steps into this role with a clear vision.
Karaki has been instrumental in shaping the UAB School of Dentistry’s continuing education programs. A standout achievement is the Dental Hygiene Symposium and Hinman Lecture, a vibrant two-day event she initiated. It has blossomed into one of Alabama’s premier hybrid dental gatherings, attracting over 1,200 attendees annually. The symposium fosters an environment for hygienists, assistants, office managers, and dentists to engage with expert-led education, cultivate professional connections, and explore innovations in the field.
The ACDE, established in 1991 by merging two regional bodies, serves as a crucial network for dental schools offering continuing education across the United States, Canada, and Puerto Rico. Its mission is to foster collaboration among university-based CDE directors, uphold rigorous standards in continuing education, and ultimately enhance public oral health.
“It is an honor to serve as ACDE President,” Karaki shared. “I’m proud to represent UAB and to work alongside colleagues across North America who are committed to advancing lifelong learning and improving oral health outcomes through high-quality continuing education.”
