Former American Dental Association vice president Robert Ferris, DDS, died Oct. 1 at age 83, the organization recently announced.
Dr. Ferris served as the ADA's vice president from 2004-06 and received the organization's highest honor, its distinguished service award, in 2013. He also held roles as the president of the American Academy of Periodontology, the Florida Dental Association and the American Association of Dental Examiners.
After receiving his dental degree from Atlanta-based Emory University, Dr. Ferris obtained a Masters in Science in periodontology and a PhD in microbiology from Columbus-based Ohio State University.
Dr. Ferris' obituary says he practiced periodontics in Florida for 40 years. It also says he was actively involved in local societies and charities.
Also a philanthropist, Dr. Ferris donated $1 million to the Florida Dental Health Foundation and the American Academy of Periodontology Foundation in 2006, ADA News reported.
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