Robert A. Kent

Vice President of Advocacy and General Counsel for the American Association of Orthodontists

Robert A. Kent currently serves as the Vice President of Advocacy and General Counsel for the American Association of Orthodontists (“AAO”) where he represents the interests of AAO nationally.

Mr. Kent previously served as the General Counsel for the New York State Office of Addiction Services and Supports (“OASAS”).  In this role, Mr. Kent provided overall legal support, policy guidance and direction to the OASAS Commissioner, the Executive Office and all divisions of the agency.  Robert lead the OASAS efforts to implement Governor Cuomo’s Heroin and Opioid Task Force recommendations including the Combat Addiction/Heroin Campaign, the Federal Opioid Targeted Grant program, and Medicaid Redesign Team initiatives including implementation of historic legislation to increase access to treatment.  Robert has co-authored articles on patient confidentiality and sober homes and has presented nationally and throughout New York State on the OASAS system of care.

Mr. Kent previously served as an Assistant Counsel with the NYS Office of Mental Health (OMH). Prior to Robert joining OMH, he was engaged in the private practice of law where he focused on regulatory and governmental affairs matters.

In 2011, Robert was recognized by the Caron Foundation with their Legal Professional Public Service Award.  In 2013, Robert was recognized by the Coalition of Behavioral Health Agencies with their Leadership Award.  In 2016, Robert was recognized by the American Association for the Treatment of Opioid Dependence with their Nyswander/Dole “Marie” award; the Long Island Recovery Association Friend of Recovery Award; and the Northern Tier Providers Coalition Public Service Award.  In 2018, Robert was honored by the Friends of Recovery New York with the Charles Devlin Recovery Advocate Award and by Christopher’s Reason with the Outstanding Leader in the Recovery Community Award.  In 2019, Robert was honored by NYAPRS with its Public Policy Leadership Award and by the MHANYS with their CEO Award.  In 2020, Robert was honored by the NYS Justice Center with their Champion Award.

Mr. Kent lives in Voorheesville, N.Y., with his wife, Elizabeth, his sons, Samuel and Maxwell, and their Golden Retrievers, Madison and Franklin.