The ADA Forsyth Institute welcomed oral health leaders, entrepreneurs, researchers, and advocates from around the world for its 2026 Fundraiser at Renaissance Golf Club.
The event provided networking opportunities, games and leisure at the clubhouse, a round of golf, incredible tricks from mentalist and motivational entertainer Tom Indigo, and, most importantly, conversations directed toward a brighter future for patients, providers, accessibility, and innovation in oral health.
The 2026 Fundraiser was made possible by the generous support of our sponsors and donors, including JLL (Gold sponsor) and Voyager Dental (Silver sponsor).
Representatives from AFI’s talented cohort of postdoctoral researchers spoke with attendees about their important work as the next generation of oral health investigators.
The ForsythKids team provided an interactive demonstration of the technology they use to deliver oral health care in underserved communities. ForsythKids is a mobile dental unit that visits schools and community sites across the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Proceeds from the 2026 Fundraiser will directly support ForsythKids and ADA Forsyth’s other community programs.
ADA Forsyth CEO Dr. Wenyuan Shi kicked off the speaking program, thanking members from each component of the oral health ecosystem for supporting evidence-based care and improving technology. He celebrated the recent news that ADA Forsyth took the top spot in NIDCR funding rankings.
Dr. Thomas Paumier, ADA President-Elect, spoke about the importance of continuing to lead dentistry with evidence-based practices and technology through ADA Forsyth’s leading position in oral health research.
ADA Forsyth board member Dr. Jonathan Knapp also spoke from a dentist’s perspective, with hope that ADA Forsyth can continue to shepherd innovations in dentistry with the support of the entrepreneurs and business leaders in attendance.
Kathy Eklund, director of ForsythKids, spoke about her hard-working team’s effort in providing care to children in underserved communities throughout Massachusetts.
Longtime friend of ADA Forsyth Il-ho Jang, who has perfect attendance at our fundraiser events, even from his home in South Korea, was presented with the Griffin Award for Outstanding Citizenship to recognize his contributions.
Congratulations to the winning golf foursome! Dr. Ben Wu, Jim Schulz, Dr. Thomas Paumier, and Shawn Eung took home the coveted trophy.
To all who attended, sponsored, and supported AFI’s 2026 Fundraiser, thank you for your commitment to the future of oral health research and care! We look forward to welcoming you back next year.
