Two leaders in dentistry receive ADA honorary membership

The ADA Board of Trustees awarded honorary memberships to Aldolfo A. Rodríguez Núñez, D.D.S., and Rita Tiernan for their outstanding contributions to the advancement of the art and science of dentistry. 

An honorary ADA membership goes to individuals outside the dental profession who are current tripartite employees with at least 20 years of experience or to dentists who are not eligible for active, life or retired membership within the Association. 

Dr. Rodríguez Núñez is a past president of the Dominican Republic’s dental association, formerly titled Asociación Odontologica Dominicana, and Rita Tiernan is a senior manager of the Council on Members Insurance and Retirement Programs with more than 40 years of service to the Association. 

Dr. Rodríguez Núñez

A periodontist and Dominican Republic native, Dr. Rodríguez Núñez has practiced in Santo Domingo for most of his professional life. He is a multi-term past president of the former Asociación Odontologica Dominicana, now known as the Colegio Dominicano de Odontólogos, past president of the Federación Odontológica Latinoamericana and currently chief executive officer of the Dominican Republic Dental Foundation. 

Of his current position, Dr. Rodríguez Núñez said his role is to serve as a guide for the upcoming generations of dentists. His impetus behind creating the foundation was a desire to impart his years of knowledge, contacts and experience on those emerging in the dental profession. 

The goal of the foundation, he added, is to present the upcoming generations of dentists with tools and opportunities to better the profession. 

“I believe in handover,  and I believe in leaving contributions that make the lives of new professionals who are emerging easier,” Dr. Rodríguez Núñez said. “That is why I have created this foundation, to create opportunities and leave the relationships I have around the world in good hands.”

Edwin A. del Valle-Sepulveda, D.M.D., second vice president of the ADA, wrote in his nomination letter that he has known Dr. Rodríguez Núñez for 15 years. In that time he’s observed the significant contributions Dr. Rodríguez Núñez has brought to the field of dentistry, from working  as a faculty member at multiple dental schools in the Dominican Republic to serving the health ministry of the Dominican Republic in many offices.

When asked about his professional accomplishments, Dr. Rodríguez Núñez was humble. He emphasized that his goal is not to seek recognition, but to do his part to improve the profession and help the future leaders steward the industry well.  

“I am proud of everything that life has allowed me to accomplish, of every path taken, of every action taken, because each one of them has come as a result of constant work, dedication and the sacrifice and discipline that it entails,” he said. 

When it comes to receiving ADA honorary membership, Dr. Rodríguez Núñez expressed a profound sense of gratitude, noting the ADA is an organization of global prestige and that “any human being who is recognized by this institution should feel proud to be taken into account and should value this action as one of the most important in their life.”

Rita Tiernan

Originally hired by the ADA in November 1982, Rita Tiernan has worn many hats in terms of her contributions to the Association. She first joined the ADA as the manager of insurance administration after working for an insurance brokerage firm that serviced the ADA’s insurance plans. Several years later, she went on to manage the ADA’s comprehensive insurance needs and was assigned to oversee major building initiatives like the ADA lobby remodel. In 2010, she became the program administration manager of the ADA Council on Members Insurance and Retirement Programs and a year after became the manager of the council.

Ms. Tiernan was promoted to senior manager of the Council on Members Insurance and Retirement Programs in 2014 and eventually took on more responsibility when the department director left the Association. 

Throughout her storied career, Ms. Tiernan developed a deep knowledge of insurance, retirement products and risk management that has allowed her to provide outstanding customer service and guidance to ADA members. She’s also watched the Association evolve over the past 41 years. 

“It has been gratifying to have been part of the evolution of dentistry and the ADA organizationally but most of all, having had the opportunity to work with so many talented professionals and dedicated [Council on Members Insurance and Retirement Programs] and Board volunteers who inspired me throughout my career,” Ms. Tiernan said. 

In his nomination letter of Ms. Tiernan, Joseph Sokolowski, D.D.S., chair of the Council on Members Insurance and Retirement Programs, said he has observed her steadfast advocacy for ADA members in the six years they’ve worked together on the council. 

“I have witnessed innumerable occasions when Rita has gone far above and beyond expectations to answer questions from our members, solve their policy-related problems and help them get the most benefit possible from their ADA insurance plans,” he said. “In our council deliberations and discussions, her advice is valued by all of us.”

Of her professional accomplishments, Ms. Tiernan said she is most proud of the council’s many milestones since she began in 1982. The most rewarding aspect of her career, though, has been the privilege to represent and assist many ADA dentists and their families in times of need. 

“I’m humbled and blessed to be a recipient of honorary membership and sincerely appreciate the Board’s generous recognition of my dedication to ADA,” she said. “My heartfelt gratitude to all the officers, trustees, current and past [Council on Members Insurance and Retirement Programs] members for this special honor which I will cherish.”