Fred Leviton, president and CEO of Dental Lifeline Network, will retire at the end of 2021, reports the American Dental Association.
Mr. Leviton has served 45 years with the Denver-based organization that provides free, comprehensive dental treatment to Americans with disabilities, older adults and those who are medically fragile.
Since launching its Donated Dental Services program in 1985, Dental Lifeline Network has exceeded $500 million in donated dental treatment from more than 39,000 participating volunteer dentists and 6,500 volunteer laboratories. The organization has served 165,000 people with disabilities, said Mr. Leviton.
As for retirement, Mr. Leviton said that, simply, it was time. He thought about ending his tenure in 2020, but didn't at the thought that his successor would face a "hornet's nest" of challenges amid the pandemic.
The organization's board of directors has created a committee charged with finding a new leader, he said.
This year, Mr. Leviton will be named an honorary member of the ADA.