AAP Secretary - Treasurer Candidate - Dr. Tom Kepic

Colleagues,

As you prepare to cast your vote, I would like to share why steadiness and trust matter deeply in the role of Secretary-Treasurer. This position carries significant responsibility — for financial oversight, governance continuity, and long-term strategic direction. It requires discipline, experience, and a commitment to transparency.

A Career Built on Commitment to the Profession

Dr. Thomas J. Kepic has been an active and dedicated member of the American Academy of Periodontology for nearly five decades. His long-standing involvement includes service as an AAP Trustee and participation on the 2024 Officer Nominating Committee, providing deep insight into the Academy’s leadership and future direction.

Over 46 years in private practice, Dr. Kepic built a highly successful, patient-centered practice rooted in clinical excellence and fiscal responsibility. His experience extends beyond the operatory, including leadership roles at the regional and national level, academic contributions, and mentorship of future periodontists.

His candidacy reflects a clear purpose: to give back to the profession that has shaped his life and to help guide the Academy with experience, integrity, and thoughtful leadership.

Stewardship

True leadership is grounded in stewardship by protecting the integrity, financial strength, and long-term vision of the Academy. Every decision should reflect responsibility not only to today’s members, but to future generations of periodontists.

Responsibility

Leadership requires discipline, accountability, and transparency. It means making thoughtful, informed decisions that support sound governance and ensure the Academy remains strong, stable, and trusted.

Clinician Focused

The Academy exists to serve its members, especially the practicing clinician. Real-world experience matters. Leadership must remain connected to the daily realities of practice, ensuring that decisions reflect the needs, challenges, and priorities of those delivering patient care.

Experience & Qualifications

  • 46+ years in full-time private periodontal practice
  • Former Trustee, American Academy of Periodontology
  • Member, 2024 AAP Officer Nominating Committee
  • President (2x), Western Society of Periodontology
  • President, California Society of Periodontists
  • Vice President, Tri-County Dental Society
  • Adjunct Faculty – University of Pennsylvania & Indiana University
  • Lecturer at 14+ universities (U.S. & international)
  • Certified Financial Planner

Candidate Speech

Hello -

I’m Tom Kepic, and I’m honored to be a candidate for Secretary – Treasurer of the American Academy of Periodontology.

I’ve devoted my professional life to periodontics, and throughout that time, the AAP has been my professional home - a source of education, standards, advocacy, and collegiality.

My decision to seek this office reflects a desire to give back.
For over forty-six years, I practiced in the same community. During that time, I came to appreciate something very simple: the strength of any organization is not found in its structure alone, but in how well it supports the people within it.

That experience gave me a deep understanding of the realities our members face:

  • the responsibility of running a practice
  • supporting a team
  • maintaining financial stability
  • while delivering the highest level of patient care

These realities have shaped my approach to leadership at the local, regional, and national levels, including the Western Society of Periodontology, and the American Board of Periodontology, where I had the privilege of serving as Chair.

I’ve also served as President of the California Society of Periodontists, and currently serve as Vice President of the Tri-County Dental Society.

Leading organizations with large and diverse memberships including both specialists and general dentists has reinforced for me the value of collaborative leadership, sound governance, and thoughtful stewardship.

Across all these experiences, one principle has remained constant: Leadership is not about position... It’s about how we show up for one another. Listening. Representing. Bringing people together toward a shared purpose.

Education and mentorship have always been central to my professional life. I currently serve as an Adjunct Professor at the University of Pennsylvania and Indiana University, and over the years, I’ve had the privilege of lecturing at periodontal programs both nationally and internationally.

These experiences have reinforced my belief in supporting the next generation of periodontists, and maintaining strong connections between clinical practice, education, and organized dentistry.

I view the role of Secretary–Treasurer as one of stewardship. It’s not about visibility but about responsibility. As our specialty continues to evolve with economic pressures, changing practice models, and rapid advances in technology, we will continue to rely on strong structure and sound strategy but we must never lose sight of what matters most: People. Purpose. And the Relationships that hold our profession together.

Stable, experienced, financial leadership is essential.
If elected, my focus will be on continuity, collaboration, and always keeping the CLINICIAN at the center.

It would be an honor to serve the Academy in this role, and I remain deeply committed to supporting the future of periodontology and the members we serve.

Thank you for your dedication to our specialty.