Greetings, colleagues, friends, and members of the dental community.
On this day, I come before you as the 101st president of the American Dental Assistants Association. Now, some might say 101 is just a number — but I see it as something more. In numerology, 101 symbolizes new beginnings, progress and the courage to step boldly into the future. And that’s exactly what this moment feels like: a new chapter for ADAA, for our profession, and for each of us who call ourselves dental assistants. So yes — 101 may sound like the age of a very wise grandparent, but for us, it’s the age of renewal, of possibility, and of progress.
First, I want to thank the ADAA Board and our members for placing your trust in me. Your vote of confidence is not something I take lightly. I also want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to our immediate past president and to all of our past and current leaders. You have carried this organization forward with dedication, vision, and resilience. I am honored to follow in your footsteps, and I promise to build on the foundation you’ve laid. You’ve done the hard work of paving the road — I now get to drive the car. And don’t worry, I promise to stay between the lines.
My own journey began 38 years ago in the United States Air Force. I was young, eager, and maybe just a little nervous about what the future would hold. What I found was a calling — not just to serve my country, but to serve people through dentistry.
The Air Force taught me discipline, teamwork, and the importance of leadership. Over the years, I worked my way into leadership positions, not because I was the loudest voice in the room, but because I learned to listen, to advocate, and to stand up for those whose voices weren’t always heard.
That’s what brings me here today. Because at its heart, ADAA is about advocacy — making sure dental assistants are seen, respected, and empowered to grow in their careers. And if 38 years in the dental office taught me anything, it’s that when you advocate for your team, amazing things happen.
As we look ahead to 2026 and beyond, my focus will be clear:
- Advocacy: We will continue to champion the role of dental assistants in every setting, ensuring our voices are heard in policy, practice, and progress. Because let’s be honest — without us, the dental world would be a lot less organized, and a lot more chaotic.
- Collaboration: We will strengthen our partnerships with other professional dental organizations, because together, we are stronger. After all, dentistry is like a team sport — and no one wins if the quarterback doesn’t have a good offensive line.
- Education: We will expand opportunities for growth through relevant webinar series, cutting-edge educational content, and resources that prepare us for the future of dentistry. And don’t worry — these won’t be the kind of webinars where you secretly fold laundry while pretending to listen. These will be relevant, engaging, and worth your time.
- Community: We will deepen our connections with the broader dental community, because our profession thrives when we work hand in hand with dentists, hygienists, educators, and the public, we don’t just keep up with the future — we help shape it.
This is how we bring ADAA into the future — not by standing still, but by moving forward together
Now, I know what some of you are thinking: I started my career in the Air Force, 38 years in the dental office and now leading ADAA — I must really like uniforms and meetings. And you’re not wrong! But what I love most is people. I love the energy of a team working toward a common goal, the spark of an idea that turns into a program, and the pride we all feel when dental assistants are recognized as the professionals we are. Let’s face it — dental assistants are some of the hardest-working, most adaptable people you’ll ever meet. We can juggle patients, instruments, and schedules all at once — and still remember to smile. That’s a superpower.
So today, as we begin this 101st chapter in ADAA’s history, I invite you to see this number not as a milestone of age, but as a symbol of renewal.
One hundred and one is not the end of a story — it’s the beginning of a new one. Together, we will write that story with courage, with collaboration, and with conviction. We will advocate, we will educate, and we will elevate the profession of dental assisting into the future.
Thank you for your trust, your service, and your passion for this profession. I am honored to serve as your president. And if anyone asks what 101 means, just tell them: it means ADAA is just getting warmed up — and the best is yet to come. I cannot wait to see what we will accomplish — together.
Best,
Erin Hendricks, RDA