As the events of the recent pandemic fade in the rearview mirror, it was with eager anticipation that the first Convocation of new Fellows to the Pierre Fauchard Academy occurred on Irish soil for quite some time.

Regular readers will recall that Pierre Fauchard holds a special place in the profession. Long considered the ‘Father of Modern Dentistry’, Fauchard had a remarkable career in dentistry and medicine. His textbook, The Surgeon Dentist, Or Treatise on Teeth, was originally published in 1728 – and set the marker for the future of the profession. He is credited with describing more than 100 oral diseases – and was an advocate of restorative dentistry, oral hygiene and a myriad of other practical aspects of modern practice.

In keeping with the legacy of Fauchard, Dr Elmer Best founded the Pierre Fauchard Academy (PFA) in America in 1936, an international dental honour organisation which promotes the high ideals and practice of the profession. Integrity, ethics, scholarship and leadership are at the heart of this non-profit organisation. The PFA headquarters are based in Maryland, USA – with international sections around the globe. Fellowship of the PFA marks both recognition of previous service to the profession and an acknowledgement of potential for the future.

In-person ceremonies were curtailed during the pandemic, and so the event on 15 September in Dublin was a welcome return to meeting colleagues face-to-face. For this particular convocation, we welcomed colleagues from throughout the world, including America, Canada, Australia, Greece, Germany and Armenia – to name but a few.

In keeping with the theme of scholarship and healthcare, the event was held at the Royal College of Physicians in Ireland (RCPI), located on Kildare Street. This venue is both fitting and apt given the RCPI’s long history of setting standards in patient care. The RCPI was first founded in 1654, initially as part of Trinity Hall at Trinity College Dublin – and eventually settled in its current venue, No 6 Kildare Street in 1860. Today, the venue is host also to a Heritage Centre which is home to the College’s vast materials, exhibits and storied history.

Gathering at this venue, the new Fellows assembled for their Fellowship ceremony and a celebratory dinner. Along with the new Fellows, the International Executive Director, Mr Robert Cattoi, attended from the headquarters in Maryland.

The mission of the Pierre Fauchard Academy is to both recognise and develop leadership within the profession internationally. It fulfils this mission through continuing education, publication of its journal, Dental Abstracts, in person and online educational meetings and annual awards.  Through the Pierre Fauchard Academy’s Oral Health Foundation, practical support is given to initiatives for direct oral healthcare to those in need – through various sponsored programmes for both undergraduates and registered practitioners.

Dentistry is sometimes seen as an isolating profession – and the PFA’s fellowship has, at its heart, the camaraderie and collaborative approach that is vital for the profession and our patients. 

A special thanks to Portman Dentex and Medical Protection Society who kindly provided sponsorship for this event. A thanks also to Dr Maeve Skelly, Treasurer of the RCPI, and Harriet Wheelock, Keeper of Collections at the RCPI Heritage Centre, who organised the display of one the College’s many interesting – and very appropriate – artefacts: Napoleon’s toothbrush.

It seems fitting to end with a quote attributed to the Emperor himself: “A leader is a dealer in hope.” As we set sail for 2024, where leadership within healthcare is vital now more than ever, fellowship, camaraderie and collegiality will surely help the voyage run smoothly.

Tags: Pierre Fauchard Academy