Decatur Dentist Elected President of State Dental Association

DECATUR, GA — Dr. Ben Jernigan Jr. has been elected president of the Georgia Dental Association, the state's leading professional organization representing dentists in Georgia.

Jernigan was installed as president during the association's annual convention in Amelia Island, Fla. last month.

A member of the Georgia Dental Association since 1982, Jernigan has held multiple officer positions at the district and state levels. Most recently he served as president-elect of the state association. Earlier in 2009 he was president of the Georgia Dental Association Northern District Dental Society.

During his acceptance speech, Jernigan spoke of the importance of collaboration to further improve the oral health of all Georgians. "Better together is my motto," he said.

A focus during his presidential year will be implementing the Georgia Dental Association Action for Dental Health plan. Comprehensive in its approach, the plan outlines initiatives and goals to collaboratively address barriers to oral healthcare in Georgia.

Jernigan is also a member of the American Dental Association, Hinman Dental Society, American College of Dentists, International College of Dentists, Decatur Dental Study Club and the Georgia Academy of Dental Practice. In 2015 he was named "Dentist of the Year" by the Georgia Dental Association Northern District Dental Society.

Image: Georgia Dental Association