AGD Elects Joseph Battaglia, DMD, FAGD As Secretary

New Jersey general dentist Joseph A. Battaglia, DMD, FAGD, was elected secretary of the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD) during its annual meeting, held November 14-16 in Chicago. Battaglia, a respected educator, clinician and dental leader, brings more than four decades of professional experience and service to AGD to this role.

“My leadership roles and journey with AGD have given me a deep understanding of our operations and the importance of transparent communication,” Battaglia said. “As secretary, I am committed to fostering collaboration, upholding organizational integrity and advocating for general dentists across the United States and Canada.”

Battaglia currently serves as a clinical associate professor in the Department of Restorative Dentistry at Rutgers School of Dental Medicine and maintains a private dental practice in Wayne, New Jersey.

“Dr. Battaglia’s career reflects an unwavering commitment to advancing general dentistry through education, leadership and advocacy,” said Mark J. Worob, DDS, FAGD, president of the AGD. “His extensive experience in academic and professional governance will serve AGD well as we continue to strengthen our mission and expand opportunities for our members.”

Battaglia’s leadership spans state and national levels. He has served as president of the New Jersey AGD, chaired multiple AGD councils, including two terms as chair of the Dental Practice Council and one term as chair of the Legislative and Governmental Affairs Council, and participated on the Dental Education Council and Professional Relations Committee.

Battaglia earned his Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) degree from the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey (UMDNJ), New Jersey Dental School in 1979 after completing a Master of Science (MS) in biochemistry from Fairleigh Dickinson University in 1977 and a Bachelor of Science (BS) in biology from Villanova University in 1973. He completed his general practice residency at Hackensack Medical Center from 1979 to 1980.

Since establishing his practice in 1983, Battaglia has become known for his dedication to patient care and clinical excellence. In addition to teaching and private practice, he has served in numerous hospital appointments, including Hackensack Medical Center, St. Joseph’s Hospital and Wayne General Hospital. His professional contributions also include research in dental techniques and biochemistry and service as an editorial adviser for dental journals.

In addition, he has served on the New Jersey State Board of Dentistry, as a member of the American Board of Dental Examiners (ADEX), and as chair of the American Association of Dental Boards (AADB) East Caucus. He currently serves as AGD trustee for Region 4 (New Jersey), an ADEX examiner, and a member of the ADEX Quality Assurance and Discipline and Grievance Committees.

Battaglia has earned fellowships in the AGD, American College of Dentists, International College of Dentists and Academy of Dentistry International. He was recently inducted as a Pierre Fauchard Academy Fellow in 2025. His distinguished honors include the AGD Distinguished Service Award, the Mark Ritz Advocacy Award, and Life Membership in Omicron Kappa Upsilon, AGD, the New Jersey Dental Association and the American Dental Association.