Petker inducted into American College of Dentists, International College of Dentists

Iqbal Petker, DMD, clinical assistant professor of community outreach and engagement, was inducted into the International College of Dentists and the American College of Dentists.

Founded in 1920, The American College of Dentists is an invitation-only organization that seeks to “advance excellence, ethics, professionalism, and leadership in oral healthcare.” Fellows “must be of good moral character, and have a reputation for ethical conduct and professional standing that is unquestioned. Personality, integrity, education, unselfishness, and high professional ideals as well as freedom from mercenary tendencies shall be considered in evaluating the qualifications of all candidates considered for fellowship.”

The International College of Dentists honors dentists who support humanitarian and educational initiatives and advocate for oral health across the world. Fellows exemplify excellence in professional achievement, service and dedication to the field.

Petker has dedicated his professional life to service, having worked in dental public health and student education for more than twenty years.

Petker was “pleasantly surprised” to find out about his induction into both colleges. “It’s truly an honor to be accepted into these organizations by peers who have been in dentistry for a long time and have done impressive work,” he said. “I was very happy about it.”

Petker enjoyed the experience of the inductions, which involved insightful and detailed courses, networking with fellow oral health care professionals and celebrating with a formal ceremony.

The organizations’ focus on ethics, service and patient care make these fellowships particularly meaningful to Petker. “It gave me a sense of validation in the work I’ve been doing,” he said. “Being inducted into these organizations has reinforced the importance of the ethics- and service-minded aspects of my job.”

Petker’s induction into the International College of Dentists occurred in September, and his induction into the American College of Dentists was held in October.