Chester Gary wins 2025 William J. Gies editorial awards for groundbreaking dental editorials
BUFFALO, N.Y.: Chester J. Gary, DDS, JD, a renowned restorative dentistry faculty member at the University at Buffalo School of Dental Medicine and former practicing attorney, has earned first and second place in the 2025 William J. Gies Editorial Awards for his insightful contributions to dental scholarship and professional dialogue.
Gary, who has served UB since 1996 and recently retired from a distinguished legal career representing dentists, was recognized during the American Association of Dental Editors & Journalists (AADEJ) annual meeting in San Diego on September 10. This year marks his sixth Gies Award, with previous wins in 2020, 2014, 2009, 2005, and 2003.
Exploring artificial intelligence in dentistry
Gary’s first-place editorial, “True Confessions of an Artificial Intelligence System,” critically examines the growing role of AI in dentistry. He highlights both opportunities and risks, stressing that while AI provides valuable insights, it lacks human judgment.
“Despite its advances to the dental profession, AI cannot think, feel or have a soul,” Gary said. “AI doesn’t have the clinical judgment of a human being, considering a patient’s finances, social challenges, or mental ability. Any advice that AI provides to a dentist won’t hold up in court if something goes wrong.”
The dentist-insurance dilemma
Gary’s second-place editorial, “I’m Mr. Brightside: Optimistic Dentistry Can Maintain Its Leadership Role in Dentist-Patient Decision-making,” takes a unique cultural lens, comparing managed care organizations (MCOs) to the “other man” in the Killers’ 2004 hit song “Mr. Brightside.”
“Managed care organizations can feel like the other man in the dentist-patient relationship, taking our place in decision-making by refusing to cover recommended procedures,” Gary explained. “As dentists, we must eliminate MCO intrusion that interferes with informed patient care.”
Recognized legacy of editorial excellence
Marcelo W. B. Araujo, dean of UB’s dental school, praised Gary’s achievements:
“Dr. Gary’s first- and second-place 2025 Gies Editorial Awards highlight his exceptional contributions to dental scholarship, building on his remarkable legacy. His insightful work continues to inspire and elevate our academic community.”
Beyond his award-winning work, Gary has published more than 100 editorials and academic papers, served as editor of the New York Dental Journal from 2016 to 2024, and continues as a reviewer for the Journal of the American Dental Association (JADA).
Reflecting on his career, Gary credited his law training for sharpening his critical writing:
“I learned how to write critically in law school. I’m glad people are reading the journal articles. When I receive recognition like this, it gives me incentive to write more.”
Stay connected with Dental News Pakistan
CLICK HERE TO JOIN our WhatsApp Community to get expert dental tips, industry updates, and research insights straight to your phone.