Spear Faculty Shapes Prosthodontics Leadership

Spear Education is proud to recognize Resident Faculty member Dr. Effie Habsha on a landmark prosthodontics leadership appointment: Co-President of the newly launched American Academy of Prosthetic Dentistry (AAPD), the unified organization born from the consolidation of two of North America’s most respected prosthodontic societies.

The AAPD represents the merger of the American Academy of Fixed Prosthodontics and the American Prosthodontic Society into a single nonprofit entity dedicated to advancing excellence in prosthetic dental care. Membership approved the consolidation unanimously in February 2025, and the new organization now serves a combined membership of approximately 900 dental professionals.

Dr. Habsha of Toronto, Ontario, Canada, steps into this inaugural Co-President role alongside Co-President Dr. Carlo Ercoli of Rochester, New York, at a pivotal moment for the specialty. In its initial phase, the AAPD operates under a collaborative leadership model representing a diverse range of professional perspectives.

“The launch of the American Academy of Prosthetic Dentistry marks a defining moment for our specialty,” she said. “Serving as Co-President alongside Dr. Ercoli gives me the opportunity to help build something that will strengthen prosthodontics for the next generation of clinicians.”

Her appointment reflects the caliber of educators Spear cultivates. As a Resident Faculty member, Dr. Habsha brings the same commitment to clinical excellence and professional advancement into the classroom that she now carries into organized dentistry at the national level. Her prosthodontics leadership helps shape not only how the specialty is taught, but also how it defines itself going forward.

Spear’s connection to the AAPD runs deeper still. Dr. Frank Spear received a personal invitation from Dr. Habsha and her co-president to present at the Academy’s inaugural meeting next February, a meaningful recognition of Spear’s standing within the prosthodontic community.

“Spear has always believed that great educators make great leaders. That philosophy shapes how I approach everything, including this role,” Dr. Habsha said. “I feel honored to help lead the AAPD and to bring that same commitment to excellence into organized dentistry.”

Prosthodontics leadership in action: Join Dr. Habsha at Spear this October

Dr. Habsha also serves as a founding leader of the Women in Dentistry + Spear Education Retreat, taking place Oct. 16 and 17 at Spear Campus in Scottsdale, Arizona. The two-day event brings together women in dentistry for education, connection, and community, featuring sessions on clinical innovation, digital dentistry, mental health, financial leadership, and more.

“Prosthodontics leadership in dentistry looks different than it did even a decade ago, and that is something worth celebrating,” Dr. Habsha said. “I’m proud to step into this role and equally proud to bring our community together at the Women in Dentistry Retreat at Spear this October.”

This retreat offers a rare opportunity to learn alongside and connect with prosthodontics leadership figures like Dr. Habsha, who are actively shaping the profession from the inside out.

Register now for the Women in Dentistry + Spear Retreat, Oct. 16-17 at Spear Campus.