Richard S. Shapiro, DDS of Atlanta, Ga. has been elected president of the Alpha Omega International Dental Fraternity, one of the world's largest international dental associations. His installation took place at the association's 95th annual convention, held recently in New York City.
A graduate of Temple University, Dr. Shapiro received his graduate training in endodontics at Emory University following service in the U.S. Army Dental Corp at Fort Jackson, South Carolina.
Dr. Shapiro is a clinical endodontist. He holds memberships in the American Dental Association, the American Association of Endodontists, The Georgia Dental Association - Northern District, The Hinman Dental Society and the Georgia Association of Endodontists.
In addition to noted professional activity, Dr. Shapiro is a longstanding community leader who is a life member of the Jewish War Veterans. He was the first chairman of the Vietnam Veterans Affairs Committee for the Jewish War Veterans. He has led workshops on Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome, worked with the storefront Vet Center leadership, and presented programs at the JWV National Convention for and about Vietnam era veterans.
An active member of Alpha Omega for more than 30 years, Dr. Shapiro served in a wide variety of positions in both the Atlanta Chapter as well as in the international association. Immediately prior to his current office, he served as International Treasurer and the Chairman of the Board of Trustees. Dr. Shapiro and his wife, Marge, are founders of both dental schools in Israel, which were founded by Alpha Omega.
Alpha Omega International Dental Fraternity was founded in 1907 to provide mutual support for dental students who were faced with discrimination in the academic community. Over the years, the association expanded in both membership and mission and now represents more than 15,000 dentists and dental students.
Today's Alpha Omega is organized into over 125 alumni and student chapters throughout North America, Europe, Israel, South Africa, Australia, and South America.
Alpha Omega's philanthropic arm, the Alpha Omega Foundation, has granted more than 12 million dollars in aid to dental schools, clinics, local, national, and international projects relating to dental health; to scholarships, research grants, and to humanitarian causes. Funds generated through the Foundation were responsible for founding both the Hebrew University - Hadassah School of Dental Medicine in Jerusalem and the Maurice and Gabriela Goldschleger School of Dental Medicine at Tel Aviv University in Israel. Alpha Omega continues its active involvement in the support of these schools.
