Candidates for
AGD Office

“My journey has given me a thorough understanding of AGD’s operations, the importance of clear, transparent communication, and the need to critically listen to our members and staff.”

Joseph A. Battaglia, DMD, MS, FAGD, began his academic journey with a Bachelor of Science degree in biology from Villanova University in 1973, followed by a Master of Science in biochemistry from Fairleigh Dickinson University in 1977. He earned his Doctor of Dental Medicine degree from the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey (UMDNJ)-New Jersey Dental School in 1979. He completed a general practice residency at Hackensack Medical Center from 1979 to 1980. 

Battaglia possesses experience in education, clinical practice and professional service in the field of dentistry.

In his clinical career, Battaglia has maintained his private dental practice in Wayne, New Jersey, since 1983, with prior associate positions in private practice dental offices from 1979 to 1988. He is a clinical associate professor in the department of restorative dentistry at Rutgers School of Dental Medicine and held similar positions at its predecessor, the UMDNJ-New Jersey Dental School, since 1986. As dental education director at the UMDNJ Department of Continuing Education from 2004 to 2014, he contributed significantly to dental education. His hospital appointments included Hackensack Medical Center, St. Joseph’s Hospital and Wayne General Hospital. Battaglia began his career with active research, publishing articles on dental techniques and biochemistry. Additionally, he has contributed his expertise as an editorial adviser for dental journals.

His roles in the testing and licensing community include serving on the New Jersey State Board of Dentistry, as a member of the American Board of Dental Examiners (ADEX), on the ADEX board of directors for District 9, and as the chair of the American Association of Dental Boards (AADB) East Caucus. Currently, he is active with the AADB, serves as the New Jersey State Dental Board representative to the ADEX House of Delegates, and is a member of the ADEX Quality Assurance and Discipline & Grievance committees. He continues to serve as an ADEX examiner.

Battaglia’s membership and leadership within dental organizations, such as Omicron Kappa Upsilon, New Jersey AGD, and the New Jersey Dental Association, are notable. Battaglia has held numerous leadership and membership positions within prominent dental organizations from 1979 to the present, including at both state and national levels of AGD, the New Jersey Dental Association and the American Dental Association (ADA). His distinguished service includes serving as president of New Jersey AGD, member and chair of multiple AGD councils — including two terms as chair of the Dental Practice Council as well as chair of the Legislative & Governmental Affairs Council — and participation on the AGD Dental Education Council and Professional Relations Committee. He maintains fellowships in AGD, the American College of Dentists, International College of Dentists and the Academy of Dentistry International. He will be inducted as a Pierre Fauchard Academy Fellow in 2025.

Battaglia served as a general dentist representative on the inaugural National Commission on Specialty Recognition and Certifying Boards, participated in the ADA Elder Care Workgroup and serves as an alternate delegate to the ADA House of Delegates. He presently serves as the AGD trustee from Region 4, New Jersey.

His professional achievements have been recognized through numerous honors, such as the AGD Distinguished Service Award and the Mark Ritz Advocacy Award. He has earned Life Membership in Omicron Kappa Upsilon, AGD, the New Jersey Dental Association and the ADA.

Married for 45 years to his wife, Debra, Battaglia resides in North Haledon, New Jersey.

Personal Statement

“I am deeply committed to advancing the mission and goals of AGD and supporting the needs of general dentists across the nation and Canada. 

“Throughout my career, I have been privileged to serve in significant leadership roles within the AGD, working collaboratively to mentor and promote excellence in dental education, advocacy and patient care. My journey has given me a thorough understanding of AGD’s operations, the importance of clear, transparent communication, and the need to critically listen to our members and staff. 

“If elected secretary, I pledge to:

• Maintain accurate and timely records of all AGD meetings and proceedings. 
• Foster open lines of communication between the Board, committees, councils, and our valued members and staff. 
• Increase transparency and uphold the integrity of our organization’s processes and reporting.
• Advocate for the interests and professional development of general dentists nationwide.

“I am excited about the opportunity to serve you, to ensure AGD thrives, and to help guide AGD toward continued growth and success.”