Honor the Legacy of Mr. David P. Blackshear
The establishment of this endowment is to honor the legacy of Mr. David P. Blackshear and his dedication and commitment to private practice dentistry.
More Information:
For more than seven decades, Mr. Blackshear played an instrumental role in shaping Atlanta Dental and the dental profession throughout Georgia and the Southeast. During his remarkable 72-year career with the company, he served as President, CEO, Chairman of the Board, and later Chairman Emeritus, providing visionary leadership that guided Atlanta Dental's growth while remaining steadfastly committed to the people who made that success possible. Widely respected throughout the dental community, Mr. Blackshear built lasting relationships with dentists, manufacturers, distributors, and colleagues across the country, establishing a reputation for integrity, service, and excellence.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Mr. Blackshear was a beloved mentor whose leadership philosophy centered on care, teamwork, and empowering others to succeed. His commitment to fostering a strong culture of respect and belonging created what many employees described as a "business family," with team members often dedicating decades of their careers to Atlanta Dental. The values he championed continue to shape the organization's culture today, serving as a lasting testament to his belief that people are the foundation of every successful enterprise.
Established by Atlanta Dental following Mr. Blackshear's passing in 2021, the Blackshear Endowment honors his lifelong dedication to advancing dentistry and supporting future generations of dental professionals. Through this endowed scholarship, senior students at the Dental College of Georgia who demonstrate a commitment to private practice dentistry in Georgia will receive support as they prepare to serve communities across the state. Gifts to the Blackshear Endowment create a lasting legacy, ensuring that Mr. Blackshear's passion for dentistry, leadership, and service will continue to impact students and patients for generations to come.
Annual Award:
A scholarship is awarded annually to a 4th-year full-time student enrolled in the DCG at AU pursuing a Doctor of Dental Medicine. The Recipient must have a minimum of a 3.2 GPA and should be committed to entering private practice in Georgia after graduation. The Selection shall be made on merit and/or financial need.