Dear Fellow Dental Assistants
As the year continues to unfold, I want to take a moment to extend warm, all-inclusive holiday wishes to each of you. No matter what or how you celebrate, I hope this season brings you rest, joy, and meaningful moments with those who matter most. In a profession built on care and connection, this is a time to also care for yourselves.
This season of reflection is matched by a season of progress for our association. The ADAA is preparing for an exciting transition as we move to a new management company. This change is designed to strengthen our operations, enhance member experience, and position us for continued growth and innovation. We are energized by what this next chapter will bring.
We are also expanding our reach and strengthening our voice through increased collaboration with other professional dental organizations. Recently, we’ve had the opportunity to engage in meaningful dialogue with leaders across the profession, including the President of the Australian Dental Assistants Association. These conversations are opening doors to shared ideas, global perspectives, and collective advancement for dental assistants everywhere.
At the heart of our mission is unity, and we are actively working to better connect the national organization with our state associations. As part of this effort, we initiated a “first quarter check-in” with state presidents. We are eager to hear from each of you, learn about your successes and challenges, and explore how we can better support your work at the local level. Stronger alignment means a stronger profession.
I’m also pleased to share that prizes for our Dental Assistants Recognition Week (DARW) campaign winners have been mailed. Thank you to everyone who participated, celebrated, and showcased the incredible impact of dental assistants across the country. Your enthusiasm continues to elevate our profession in powerful ways.
Looking ahead, we are taking important steps toward establishing a more universal standard of education for dental assistants. This initiative is focused on strengthening consistency, supporting professional growth, and ensuring that dental assistants are equipped with the knowledge and skills needed to meet the evolving demands of patient care.
As we move forward, your voice matters more than ever. We invite you to share your ideas, feedback, and suggestions on how we can continue to elevate the profession of dental assisting. We also want to know how ADAA can better serve you and your community. Together, we are shaping the future of dental assisting.
Thank you for your dedication, your passion, and the vital role you play every day.
With appreciation and holiday wishes,
Erin Hendricks, RDA, CCHW
President, American Dental Assistants Association