Rear Adm. Rick Freedman is a native of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree at the University of Pittsburgh and a Doctorate in Medical Dentistry from the University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine. He holds a Master’s degree in Health Sciences from George Washington University and a Certificate in Comprehensive Dentistry from the Naval Postgraduate Dental School. He received his commission as an ensign in 1991.

Rear Adm. Freedman is a Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives, member of the Interagency Institute for Federal Health Care Executives, recognized Diplomate of the American Board of General Dentistry, and Fellow of the Academy of General Dentistry. He is an appointed faculty member at the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences and was one of the original representatives on the Bureau of Medicine and Surgery’s Oral Health Advisory Board. He also served as the director of the American Dental Association accredited Advanced Education in General Dentistry residency program in Jacksonville, Florida.

Rear Adm. Freedman’s decorations include the Legion of Merit (five awards), Meritorious Service Medal (five awards), Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (three awards), Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (two awards), and various service and unit awards.