Strengthening Our Profession Together: A Summer Outlook With Purpose and Momentum

A Message from Dr. Greg Chace, 2025-26 CFDDA President

As we move through the summer months, it’s my pleasure to introduce myself as your Central Florida District Dental Association president for 2025–26. My name is Greg Chace, and I am truly honored to serve in this role. I look forward to getting to know many of you in the coming year and to help bring the full benefits of organized dentistry to you and your practice.

I am a general dentist based in Melbourne, where I’ve practiced alongside my wife—also a dentist—for the past 20 years. Dentistry was a second career for me after working in banking and construction. I was drawn to a profession that challenges both the mind and the hands, and dentistry fit perfectly. Over time, I’ve found myself increasingly engaged in organized dentistry, not by initial design, but by inspiration and purpose.

While I never set out to be involved in the "politics" of our profession, I’ve come to appreciate the importance of advocacy and leadership—particularly through the relationships I’ve built with passionate, committed colleagues. I’m drawn to those who dedicate their time and energy to preserving and advancing our profession, and I strive to live up to that same selfless standard.

I’m fortunate to follow Dr. Joe Richardson as CFDDA president. Joe has led with integrity, openness, and unwavering support for his colleagues. His passion is contagious, and he has a way of encouraging everyone around him to do more. Thank you, Dr. Richardson, for your leadership—and don’t get too comfortable, because I’ll certainly be calling on you for advice!

In addition to serving as CFDDA president, I am honored to represent you as a delegate to both the Florida Dental Association and, for the first time this year, the American Dental Association’s 17th District Delegation. I look forward to learning from other states, understanding the challenges they face, and exploring how Florida can adapt or avoid similar issues. We are incredibly fortunate to have such a strong state association in the FDA, and that strength continues to benefit us all.

That strength also played a key role in our selection of a new executive director for CFDDA. After eleven dedicated years, Marlinda Fulton is stepping into “semi-retirement,” leaving behind a legacy of steady leadership. We are excited to welcome Kristin Badeau as our new executive director. Kristin brings with her extensive experience in dentistry and the full support of the FDA, strengthening our district’s connection with state leadership and legislative advocacy efforts.

Speaking of advocacy, I want to personally encourage each of you to attend Dentist Day on the Hill (DDOH) in Tallahassee on January 27, 2026. It’s one of the most impactful ways we can engage with our legislators. The time commitment is minimal—just a day and a half—but the opportunity to share our perspective directly with lawmakers is invaluable. We’ll gather on Monday evening for a legislative briefing, then head to the Capitol on Tuesday to meet with our state Senators and Representatives. Your voice truly matters, and I hope to see many of you there.

I look forward to visiting with you at your local affiliate meetings throughout the year. Thank you for the opportunity to serve—let’s make it a great year together.

Warm regards,
Greg Chace, DMD
President, Central Florida District Dental Association