The Richard G. Shaffer Memorial Fund was founded in 2012 in memory of Dr. Richard G. Shaffer. Dr. Shaffer, a native of Ohio, obtained his undergraduate degree from Ohio Wesleyan University, his D.D.S. from Western Reserve University School of Dentistry and he acquired a Master Degree in Higher Education from The George Washington University.
Immediately on completion of Dental School in 1960, he was a U.S. Navy Dental Corps intern in Portsmouth, Virginia. After serving in many duty stations afloat and ashore, and a residency in General Dentistry, he completed a 30 year career in the U.S. Navy. During his career, he served as Director of the U.S. Navy Dental School, commanded two major dental commands (Great Lakes and Norfolk), was the Atlantic Fleet Dental Officer, and became the first Dental Officer to command a major medical command, the Naval Medical Command in Washington, D.C., with responsibilities for the President’s Hospital at Bethesda, Maryland, plus healthcare for Navy in five states. In 1984, RADM Shaffer was appointed Chief of the Navy Dental Corps until he retired in 1989.
Upon retirement, Dr. Shaffer assumed the duties of Secretary General of the International College of Dentists (ICD) and Registrar of the USA Section, positions he held for 10 years. He remained as Treasurer for one year and served as Chair of the Outstanding Leaders in Dentistry Audiovisual Project. Dr. Shaffer and his wife Barbara served on the Convocation Committee for over 25 years, many as the Chair. Dr. Shaffer received the College’s Highest Award in 1998, the Ottofy-Okumura Award recognizing lifetime contributions to the ICD worldwide.
He served dentistry extensively in many organizations and was a delegate to the ADA for six years. He was active in the McLean Bible Church as trustee, historian and teacher. He served on the Board of Visitors of the National Museum of Dentistry in Baltimore, Maryland. After retirement from ICD, he devoted the next 13 years of his life as a Red Cross volunteer at what is now the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland.
He is survived by his lovely wife Barbara, three sons and nine grandchildren.
By making a $500 contribution to the Richard G. Shaffer Fund each donor will receive a Shaffer Memorial Coin.
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