Choosing the right person to serve as editor of The Journal of the American Dental Association is a task that even Diogenes, that ancient Greek philosopher, would find daunting. Diogenes, after all, had only to find an honest man. The qualifications for JADA editor are a bit steeper. The successful editor of dentistry’s premier professional journal must have the background and experience to address the needs of a diverse constituency. He or she must understand the frequently divergent concerns of practitioners and researchers, educators and public health dentists, generalists and specialists, men and women, young and old.

The successful editor must have the skills to steer a proper—not necessarily safe—course through the powerful cross currents that drive the profession. What’s more, he or she must have the stature and wisdom to influence positive change, to offer sound counsel on thorny issues, and to understand the political fray while remaining steadfastly above it.

And now, on behalf of your officers and trustees, I take great pride in announcing that, through dexterous management or sheer luck, we have found the right person for this job. Your new JADA editor is Dr. Michael Glick, a dental practitioner, researcher and educator who has served your Association in many capacities—but never in one so formidable or so challenging as his new role.

After an exhaustive seven-month search that began last May, the Board of Trustees in December confirmed Dr. Glick’s appointment. A general dentist with extensive graduate training in oral medicine, Dr. Glick succeeds Dr. Marjorie K. Jeffcoat, who stepped down as editor last month after serving with distinction for three years. JADA’s associate editor for dentistry and medicine since 1998, Dr. Glick emerged from a field of more than 30 highly qualified candidates.

Shortly after Dr. Jeffcoat announced her decision not to stay on, the complex process of finding a successor commenced. Then-ADA President Eugene Sekiguchi appointed an eight-member committee to oversee the process. I had the pleasure of serving with Dr. Sekiguchi as committee co-chair.

Committee members included Drs. Zack D. Studstill and Joel F. Glover, both ADA trustees; Dr. James B. Bramson, your executive director; Dr. Jack Conley, editor of the Journal of the California Dental Association; Dr. Lawrence H. Meskin, JADA editor from 1990–2001; and Ms. Laura A. Kosden, publisher and associate executive director for the ADA Publishing Division. Dr. Sekiguchi and I are grateful to our colleagues for their good service.

Michael Glick impressed the search committee and the Board as a thoughtful, energetic professional who loves dentistry and is determined to make important contributions to it.

Through conference calls and face-to-face meetings (but mostly in solitaire), committee members studied each application and statement of intent looking for the right balance of ability and experience required of an editor who, by tradition and necessity, must be all things to all people while remaining an independent voice.

Dr. Michael Glick, who began his duties as JADA editor Jan. 1

In time, we narrowed the field to five top-notch finalists, each of whom was summoned to appear before the committee for an hours-long, in-depth interview. (Few among us have experienced such an interview, and we should be grateful for that.)

Finally, after much thoughtful deliberation and a fair amount of lost sleep, the committee came together as one and forwarded its unanimous recommendation to the Board.

Benjamin Disraeli observed that "one secret to success in life is for a man to be ready for his opportunity when it comes." Your new editor is ready for his opportunity.

Born in Sweden where his father, now retired, was a general dentist, Dr. Glick received his dental degree from the Hebrew University School of Dental Medicine, followed by graduate work in oral medicine at the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia. Today, he is professor and chair, Department of Diagnostic Sciences at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey/New Jersey Dental School. His professional experience includes 15 years in clinical practice and 16 years in dental research and education, and his experience in dental publishing is equally impressive.

In addition to his work as a JADA associate editor, Dr. Glick has served as a manuscript reviewer and editorial board member for several professional journals. He has published more than 100 articles, book chapters and monographs on topics related to oral medicine, and has authored or co-edited several books.

Dr. Glick serves on the Board of Trustees of the American Academy of Oral Medicine, is a director of the American Board of Oral Medicine and a past member of the ADA Council on Scientific Affairs. He’s presently a consultant to three ADA councils: Scientific Affairs, Dental Practice, and Access, Prevention and Interprofessional Relations. He is a speaker in the ADA Seminar Series and serves on a number of international and national committees on HIV and other bloodborne diseases.

I could go on. His curriculum vitae is longer than a doctoral thesis. But more important than papers published and positions held is the man behind the résumé.

Michael Glick impressed the search committee and the Board as a thoughtful, considerate, energetic professional who loves dentistry and is determined to make important contributions to it. He brings to his new role as editor a dedication and insight that bode well for JADA’s future.

Please join me, the officers and trustees, our volunteer leaders and staff, and the general membership of the ADA in welcoming our new editor, Dr. Michael Glick. We wish you well, Dr. Glick.