ENROLLED ORIGINAL
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A CEREMONIAL RESOLUTION
25-244
IN THE COUNCIL OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
June 11, 2024
To recognize and honor Dr. Robert Ray’s remarkable commitment to safeguarding the health and welfare
of District residents, and his distinguished years of public service in the District of Columbia.
WHEREAS, Dr. Robert Ray was born in New Jersey and moved to the District of
Columbia in 1975 and has since dedicated his life to enhancing the healthcare of residents within the District of Columbia and its surrounding areas;
WHEREAS, Dr. Ray a member of the Zeta Beta Tau F raternity, earned a Bachelor of
Science degree in agriculture research from Rutgers University in 1969, exemplifying his commitment to academic excellence and scholarship;
WHEREAS, Dr. Ray furthered his education by graduating from Tufts Dental School in
1973, demonstrating his dedication to the field of dentistry;
WHEREAS, Dr. Ray achieved Orthodontic Certification from the esteemed Howard Post
Graduate Orthodontic Program in September of 1975, showcasing his pursuit of specialized knowledge and expertise;
WHEREAS, Dr. Ray established his inaugural dental practice in Washington, DC in 1975
where he served the community with unwavering dedication and compassion;
WHEREAS, During the height of the HIV/AIDS epidemic, Dr. Ray was one of few
orthodontists to treat patients that contracted the virus;
WHEREAS, Dr. Ray additionally operated practices in Laurel, Frederick, and Bethesda,
Maryland, where he attended to as many as 90 patients daily;
WHEREAS, Dr. Ray's exemplary leadership qualities were recognized when he was
appointed as the Chairman of the Board of Dentistry from 1998 through 2008, demonstrating his commitment to upholding the highest standards of dental care and professional ethics;
ENROLLED ORIGINAL
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WHEREAS, Dr. Ray provided strategic leadership and guidance as the chairman of the
Board of Dentistry, overseeing regulatory affairs and ensuring compliance with dental practice
standards;
WHEREAS, Dr. Ray was responsible for streamlining the license approval process,
reducing the timeline from 3 months to just one week;
WHEREAS, Dr. Ray represented the Board of Dentistry at conferences, seminars, and
meetings to advocate for best practices and to stay abreast of industry advancements;
WHEREAS, Dr. Ray was appointed to the Board of Whitman Walker Health by
Councilmember Jim Graham and served 3 years ;
WHEREAS, Dr. Ray's professional affiliations and achievements also include serving as
president of the Robert T. Friedman Dental Association and Commissioner for the Commission
on Dental Accreditation where he served for 4 years, and a Dental board examiner for 15 years;
and
WHEREAS, Dr. Ray officially retired in May 2023 and continues to mentor and provide
guidance to a new generation of orthodontists.
RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, That this
resolution may be cited as the “Dr. Robert Ray Ceremonial Recognition Resolution of 2024.”
Sec. 2. The Council of the District of Columbia recognizes and honors Dr. Robert Ray for
his passion to advocate and safeguard health standards, his volunteerism, and commitment to the
District of Columbia.
Sec. 3. This resolution shall take effect immediately.