Robert J. Klaus, Visionary Leader of Oral Health America, Retires

George Rhodes Named Interim President and CEO

June 30, 2008

CHICAGO—Robert J. Klaus retired today after 20 years as President and CEO of Oral Health America, the nation's premier, independent advocacy organization dedicated to improving oral health. He arrived at Oral Health America (then America 's Fund for Dental Health) in 1988, with a PhD in History, a vision for oral health parity, and a unique ability to communicate oral health's importance to overall health. In 1994, Dr. Klaus led the organization to a new name, and a new mission of public advocacy.

Over the past two decades, Dr. Klaus has been a stalwart advocate for Americans unable to obtain routine dental care. His many accomplishments at Oral Health America include:

• Launching, with Dr. C. Everett Koop, the Oral Health 2000 Initiative for the then-largest ever public education/health promotion program on oral health
• Founding, with Major League Baseball, Major League Baseball Players Association, and Hall of Fame Broadcaster Joe Garagiola, the National Spit Tobacco Education Program with funding from The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation
• Supporting the creation of Special Olympics Special Smiles
• Sponsoring the IOM's study, Dental Education at a Crossroads
• Securing two cooperative agreements with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
• Directing the Campaign for Oral Health Parity, a communications campaign reaching elected officials, the media, and 50 percent of American households with oral health messages to support the Surgeon General's landmark Oral Health in America and Call to Action to Promote Oral Health
• Designing Smiles Across America, the only national program helping communities build infrastructure for school oral health services, now reaching eight regions of the country
• Initiating, most recently, the National Periodontal Disease Coalition of leaders engaged in promoting the early detection and treatment of this common disease

“We celebrate Robert's retirement with a mixture of joy and sadness,” said Kathy J. Zwieg, Chairman of the Board, Oral Health America. “His leadership has made an indelible mark on the way that Americans perceive oral health. He is a maverick, and a visionary, who brought unlikely partners together to collaborate in new ways to improve oral health and oral health care. On behalf of the Board of Directors, and members of the Oral Health America staff, I extend gratitude and congratulations to Robert and his wife, Joan.”

Dr. Klaus's most recent honors include a leadership award from the Dr. Edward B. Shils Entrepreneurial Education Fund, a 2007 Distinction in Public Service Award from the Friends of the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, and a Special Friend Award from Special Olympics Special Smiles. The Oral Health America Board of Directors has established the Robert J. Klaus Distinguished Achievement Award for meritorious achievement in increasing awareness of oral health's importance to overall health.

Oral Health America is very pleased to announce that George Rhodes, who recently retired as Vice President of Corporate Communications and Professional Relations at DENTSPLY, will serve as Interim President and CEO of Oral Health America until Dr. Klaus's successor is appointed.  Mr. Rhodes has a lengthy history with the organization spanning over 30 years as a corporate friend, Oral Health America Trustee Advisor, and most recently as a member of the Board of Directors including terms as Vice Chair and Chairman of the Board.

In addition to his commitment to Oral Health America, Mr. Rhodes has served as a Director of the Susan P. Byrnes Health Education Center (York, PA); The Boards of Visitors for the Boston University Goldman School of Dental Medicine, University of Nevada at Las Vegas and the University of Pittsburgh; Chairman of the American Dental Trade Association's Community Relations Committee; Director of the American Dental Education Association and American Dental Assistants Association Foundation Board. He has been awarded Honorary Membership in the American Dental Association and Honorary Fellowship in the American College of Dentists.

CONTACT: Liz Rogers (207) 771-8824

Oral Health America is the nation's premier, independent advocacy organization dedicated to improving oral health for all Americans.