HISTORY

The Academy of Dentistry International was founded by Dr. AIbert Wasserman of San Mateo, California. It was incorporated in the state of California on October 17, 1974 as a non-profit organization.

The first 36 Fellows were inducted at the convocation in Nice, France on May 14, 1976.

After the United States section was established, other sections followed, namely: European Section (1976), Repubic of the Philippines Section (1977), Southeast Asia Section (1981), Japan Section (1985), Canada Section (1985). South America Section (1987), Australasian Section (1980], Central America Section (1990), and Carribean Area Section (1994).

Dr. Sofronio P. San Juan received a letter from Dr. Wasserman dated June 6, 1976 where he wrote: “I am pleased to inform you that the officers and directors have appointed you as Chairman of the Philippine Section and a President protem with the authority to organize the Philippine Islands into the Academy. Also, you are given the authority to select those individuas you feel worthy of being Charter Fellows so they can be installed during the Asean Pacific Conference.

On July 14 of the same year, Dr. Wasserman sent another letter to inform Dr. San Juan that the board of the Academy of Dentistry International voted him as Honorary Fellow.

As requested by Dr. Wasserman, Dr. San Juan sent the following names to the central office of the Academy namely: Dr. Rufino N. Achacoso, Dr. Corazon L. Atienza, Dr. Blanche C. Barbers, Dr. Jose V. Francisco, Dr. Francisco M. Herbosa, De. Luz C. Macapanpan, Dr. Avelino A. Macasaet, Dr. Juan E. Quejada Jr, Dr. Ernesto R. Vizcarra, and Dr. Edith N. Zagala.

Two organizational meetings were held in January 1977. Considering the number of members at that time, only three officers were deemed necessary.

The officers consisted of the chairman, vice-chairman and secretary-treasurer.

February 10, 1977 was a memorable and significant day for the ADI-RP Section as this was the date of the Convocation and Banquet held at the Fiesta Pavillon of the Manila Hotel. It was on this day when the “Eleven in Seventy Seven” were conferred Charter Fellows in the Academy.