ATSU-ASDOH’s Dr. Blue Spruce inducted as fellow in the American College of Dentists

ATSU-ASDOH's Dr. Blue Spruce inducted as fellow in the American College of Dentists

George Blue Spruce Jr., DDS, MPH, assistant dean, American Indian affairs, A.T. Still University-Arizona School of Dentistry & Oral Health (ATSU-ASDOH), has been inducted as a fellow in the American College of Dentists (ACD). Formally nominated in 2023, Dr. Blue Spruce received an in-absentia induction during an informal ceremony on Saturday, Sept. 14, 2024, at the Heard Museum in Phoenix, Arizona.

ACD Regent Pamela Alston, DDS, MPP, represented the College at Dr. Blue Spruce's induction, speaking on behalf of the ACD Board of Regents about the significance of Dr. Blue Spruce's induction and how gratified the ACD is to have him as a fellow. David Hancock, DDS, FACD, FICD, section chair, ACD, and Jack Dillenberg, DDS, MPH, dean emeritus, ATSU-ASDOH, along with faculty members from ATSU-ASDOH and Midwestern University, were also in attendance.

Fellowship in the ACD is a prestigious invitation-only honor symbolizing a dentist's leadership, achievements, and contributions to organized dentistry and the community.

Throughout his career, Dr. Blue Spruce has made incredible contributions to the field of dentistry. He is the first recognized American Indian dentist in the United States and the first American Indian to hold the position of Assistant Surgeon General. As a tireless advocate for diversity and inclusion in the profession, he also founded the Society of American Indian Dentists.