Faculty Information
Richard W. Valachovic, DMD, MPH
Clinical Professor
Interim Chair, Department of General Dentistry & Comprehensive Care
Executive Director, NYU Dentistry Center for Oral Health Policy and Management
NYU College of Dentistry
345 E. 24th Street
New York, NY 10010
E-mail: rwv212@nyu.edu
Dr. Richard “Rick” Valachovic serves as Clinical Professor and Executive Director of the NYU Dentistry Center for Oral Health Policy and Management, bringing decades of leadership experience in dental education and health policy to this thought leadership center. As President Emeritus of the American Dental Education Association (ADEA), where he served as President and CEO from 1997-2019, Dr. Valachovic transformed the organization into a major voice on health care policy, dental education, and interprofessional collaboration.
The NYU Dentistry Center for Oral Health Policy and Management functions as an innovative hub promoting an international agenda that recognizes the fundamental relationship between oral health and overall well-being. The Center leverages NYU Dentistry's resources and engages with university partners locally, nationally, and internationally to address critical issues in oral health policy and dental education through research, publications, and academic programming.
Dr. Valachovic's distinguished career includes positions on the faculty and administration of the Harvard University and the University of Connecticut Schools of Dental Medicine. At Harvard, his career progressed through several key roles including Associate Professor, Dean for Clinical Affairs, Dean for Government and Community Relations, Chair of the Department of Oral Diagnosis and Radiology, and Director of Postdoctoral Education. He held clinical appointments on the consulting services at four major Harvard teaching hospitals and was Chief of Dentistry at the Harvard University Health Service.
He also served as Dean for Clinical Affairs at the University of Connecticut. Beyond his academic commitments, he served patients through private practices in pediatric dentistry and in oral and maxillofacial radiology.
A passionate advocate for leadership development, Dr. Valachovic co-directs the Center's comprehensive Leadership Education Portfolio, which aims to cultivate adaptive leaders prepared to navigate uncertain and complex environments. This character-based leadership model is implemented through several innovative programs at NYU, including the Leadership Track, Mock Congressional Hearing, the Dental Student Leadership Institute (DDSLI), and Global Health Care Leaders programs that provide students with domestic and international leadership experiences in Washington and at NYU's Global Academic Centers.
Throughout his career, Dr. Valachovic has been an effective advocate for dental education. His tenure at ADEA was marked by significant advances, including innovative leadership and research programs and summits, international women's leadership conferences, Global Congresses on Dental Education, and the establishment of an Oral Health Initiative within HRSA. As co-program director for the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation sponsored Summer Health Professions Education Program, he created opportunities for thousands of educationally disadvantaged students to pursue careers in the health professions.
Dr. Valachovic holds a DMD degree from the University of Connecticut, an MPH degree and an MSc degree in Health Policy and Management from Harvard University, and a BS from St. Lawrence University. He completed residency programs in pediatric dentistry and dental public health at Harvard and is a Life Diplomate of the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology. His numerous accolades include the Dr. Harry Strusser Memorial Award from the NYU College of Dentistry, the Distinguished Alumnus Award from Harvard School of Dental Medicine, the ADEA Distinguished Service Award, an honorary Doctor of Science degree from the University of Connecticut, and election as a Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS). As President of the American Academy of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology, he led the organization during its successful campaign to gain recognition as a dental specialty.
He has published over 130 articles, monographs and book chapters.