Rocky Mount dentist Dr. Bill Blaylock Jr. has been named a Fellow of the International College of Dentists and the American College of Dentists at the recent American Dental Association meeting in Las Vegas.

Membership in the International College of Dentists is by invitation only. It honors dentists who have made significant contributions to their profession, community and families.

The American College of Dentists is the oldest national honorary organization for the profession. Members are selected based on their outstanding leadership and exceptional contributions to dentistry and society.

Blaylock is director of the N.C. Missions of Mercy program, a portable free dental outreach program for N.C. adults in need of dental care.

Blaylock graduated from the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill in 1975 and its dental school in 1980. In addition to a longtime dental practice in Rocky Mount, he also has served as an clincal instructor and adjunct professor at the dental school, and as president of the 5th District Dental Society and of the Nash, Edgecombe, Halifax Dental Society.