For Cheryl Bradford Billingsley, D.D.S., (D.D.S. ‘90) the past year has been anything but ordinary. Traveling from India to Japan, Egypt to Canada, she has carried the banner of the Pierre Fauchard Academy across continents, meeting with dental leaders and strengthening ties within the global profession. 

In October of 2024, Billingsley began her year-long term as the president of the Pierre Fauchard Academy, making history as the first dentist from Virginia to be elected president.

Her journey as president was one of connection and vision, a reminder that dentistry is not only practiced in clinics, but also shaped in conversations that span the world.

“My time as president has given me a much broader understanding of our world of dentistry,” said Billingsley. “I’ve had the privilege of meeting dentists from all over the world, and I can truly say they are some of the kindest, most inspiring people I’ve encountered. Bringing together our dental community across continents has been an unforgettable and deeply rewarding experience.”

The Pierre Fauchard Academy is an international dental honor society whose mission is to recognize and develop outstanding leadership in dentistry, internationally, while supporting humanitarian service projects and encouraging continuing education to foster professional excellence. 

The organization has fellows in 65 countries across the globe and recognizes dental leaders who uphold the highest standards in the profession. Fewer than 1% of dentists worldwide are recognized with this honor.

Throughout her tenure as president, Billingsley promoted the Academy's mission through activities such as attending convocations around the world to induct new fellows. Her travels spanned four continents, North America, Europe, Asia and Africa.

In addition to speaking at the convocations, she also met with dentists in each country and visited and observed the humanitarian efforts taking place in those regions.

Billingsley's love for oral health care runs deep. She initially got her undergraduate degree in dental hygiene from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She practiced for five years, before applying to dental school to expand her abilities.

Billingsley graduated from VCU School of Dentistry in 1990 and owned a successful practice in the Richmond area for nearly 27 years. 

Her involvement in organized dentistry began when she was forced to retire early due to kidney cancer. During her recovery, she got more involved in organized dentistry at a state and national level.

Some of her roles included President of Virginia Academy of General Dentistry, Delegate of the Academy of General Dentistry, the American Dental Association and the Virginia Dental Association.

After joining the Academy as a fellow, Billingsley quickly found herself as a leader among her peers.

Her leadership roles with the Academy includes several years as a Section Chair, a three-year term as Trustee of Region 3 - Southeast USA. She was then elected vice president, president-elect, then president. She says her background prepared her for her role as president of the Academy.

“I believe running my own practice was the best preparation I could have had for serving as president,” said Billingsley. “In a practice, you face day-to-day challenges that require problem-solving, delegation and leadership. Those same skills are essential as president — and just as in running a practice, success depends on being a strong and effective leader.”

Some of her favorite memories as president include visiting the Taj Mahal and Hindu temples in India, but above all, she cherished the warm hospitality she experienced throughout her travels. 

“What truly topped it off was the incredible reception I received,” Billingsley reflected. “So many people look to the United States and are eager to learn how we’re advancing dentistry and developing the profession. Having the opportunity to share that knowledge with colleagues around the world was one of my greatest highlights.”

During her time as president, Billingsley is proud of the organization's international growth, growing a total of 25% over the last three years, the many humanitarian programs offered to fellows, and expansive growth in continuing education, training and dentist development.

Billingsley’s term as president ended in October 2025. She now serves as a senior leader at the Academy and leads various organizations based in Virginia.

"The past year has been filled with unforgettable memories that I will always hold dear," she said. “I feel a great sense of gratitude and I’m just humble that I was elected to serve in this role.