
ADAA February President’s Letter
February is National Children’s Dental Health Month and American Heart Month.
As we step into February, I can’t help but reflect on the incredible hearts of dental assistants. Not just because of American Heart Month, but because I see firsthand how much heart and dedication you bring to this profession. Every day, you provide expertise, comfort, and compassion to patients and their families. You are the backbone of the dental team, and your contributions truly make a difference in people’s lives. Read More!

Celebrate DARW 2025: “Superheroes Behind the Smiles”
From March 2 to March 8, 2025, we celebrate Dental Assistants Recognition Week™ (DARW) and honor the superheroes behind the smiles! Dental assistants are the heart of every dental team, providing expert care, comfort, and support to patients. This year’s theme, “Superheroes Behind the Smiles,” recognizes their dedication and the vital role they play in oral healthcare.
Visit the ADAA DARW page for downloadable graphics and resources to help spread the word. Let’s make DARW 2025 unforgettable for our dental superheroes!

ADAA January 2025 President Letter
Happy New Year 2025 to all ADAA members!
Wishing everyone a year filled with new beginnings, bright smiles, and a renewed sense of being valued as an integral member of the dental team. As we step into this exciting new year, ADAA remains committed to supporting each of you as indispensable dental assistants and valued members of our community. Read More!

Call for Volunteers: Join ADAA Councils & Committees
Make an Impact in Dental Assisting
Are you ready to take an active role in shaping the future of dental assisting? The American Dental Assistants Association (ADAA) is seeking dedicated members to join our councils and committees. This is your chance to make a meaningful impact on the profession, grow as a leader, and connect with like-minded professionals. Learn more here!

ADAA December President’s Letter
More Appreciation and Recognition Are Needed for Dental Assistants in December!
Dear ADAA Members,
As December unfolds and 2024 draws to a close, our dental offices are bustling with activity. Patients are eager to utilize their insurance benefits before the year ends, making this a particularly busy time for all of us. Amidst this rush, our Dental Assistants play a pivotal role in ensuring smooth operations. They prepare, treat, and complete dental procedures while also helping patients maximize their insurance benefits. Read More!

2024 ADAA/DANB Scholarship Recipients Announced
December 12, 2024
The American Dental Assistants Association (ADAA) and the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB) are proud to announce the recipients of the 2024 ADAA/DANB Scholarship. This year, five outstanding individuals have been selected for their dedication to career growth and lifelong learning in the dental assisting profession. ADAA and DANB have partnered on this scholarship for over a decade to support ADAA members in advancing their careers. Learn More!

ADAA November President’s Letter
Dear ADAA Members,
Wow! We just celebrated our first in-person meeting in 10 years, and what an incredible time it was! It was a joy to reconnect face-to-face, enjoy outstanding educational sessions, and have some fun with each other at the photo booth. I am deeply honored to begin my term as ADAA President, and I want to express my heartfelt thanks to Lisa Hernandez, IPP, the Kellen management team, and PDS for making this gathering possible. Read more!

ADAA Announces 2024-2025 Board Election Results
The American Dental Assistants Association (ADAA) is pleased to announce the results of the 2024-2025 Board Election. This newly elected leadership team brings together diverse experience and a shared commitment to advancing the field of dental assisting. Read more!

October ADAA President’s Letter
Dear ADAA Members,
As October unfolds and the year begins to wind down, I want to take a moment to reflect on how far we’ve come as an organization and to look forward to a truly exciting milestone. Next month, on November 9, 2024, in Dallas, Texas, we will celebrate ADAA’s 100th Anniversary. This is a momentous occasion for our association, marking a century of commitment to excellence, education, and the advancement of dental assistants everywhere. It’s hard to believe that ADAA has been at the forefront of this profession for 100 years, and I sincerely hope to see you all there to celebrate this incredible achievement together. Read more!

September ADAA President’s Letter
Dear Members,
What an exciting time to be a part of the ADAA! We are preparing to kick off our 100th Anniversary Celebration on November 9, 2024, in Dallas, Texas. Many may not realize the significance of this event—it will be our first in-person meeting in 10 years. We have come a long way from being considered mere “ladies in attendance.”

Announcement: Call for Board Nominations!
The Nominating Committee is now accepting nominations for the following positions on the Board of Directors.

August ADAA President’s Letter
Dear ADAA Members,
As we enter the month of August, I am thrilled to reflect on an exciting milestone that we will soon celebrate. In November 2024, the American Dental Assistants Association (ADAA) will proudly mark its 100th year as the oldest and largest professional association dedicated to the dental assisting profession. For a century, ADAA has been committed to elevating the role of dental assistants through education, advocacy, and support, and we continue to set the standard for excellence in our field.

July ADAA President’s Letter
Dear ADAA Members, I hope this letter finds you well and enjoying the warmth and joy of summer. As we move through the year, I wanted to take a moment to share some exciting updates and remind you of the importance of staying engaged with our vibrant Dental Assisting community.

ADAA Student Achievement Award Winner Announced!
We are excited to announce Olivia Salyers from Big Sandy Community and Technical College as the recipient of the Student Achievement Award. Congratulations, Olivia, on your outstanding accomplishments and dedication to excellence!

ADAA 2024 Merit Scholar Award Winners Announced!
We are thrilled to announce the recipients of the ADAA Merit Scholar Award. These scholars have demonstrated outstanding academic achievement and dedication to their field. Congratulations to all the winners for their exceptional hard work and commitment!

Letter From Leadership: Lisa Childers Hernandez
Dear ADAA Members, How exciting it is to be a part of ADAA, Juliette Southard’s dream which was developed over 100 years ago, just celebrated its 99th annual session. I am honored and excited to embark on my term as ADAA President representing the oldest and largest professional association dedicated to the dental assisting profession. My goal is to focus on the foundational elements of this organization – membership and education. We have an opportunity to reimagine a healthier, stronger ADAA. It only takes a spark to get a fire going, but as you add more wood,

Letter From Leadership: Mary Beth Sojka
Dear ADAA Members, As I reflect on my year as the President of ADAA, I’m amazed at how swiftly time has passed. My tenure will conclude on October 7, 2023, at 12:00 pm CDT during our Annual Session. Serving as your president has been an immense honor, and I’m deeply grateful for the trust you placed in me. The journey has been memorable, and I am optimistic about the future of ADAA under the capable leadership of Lisa Childers Hernandez. I have the utmost confidence in her abilities to guide

ADAA Delighted to Announce Winners of the 2023 Merit Scholar Award and Student Achievement Award
We are pleased to announce the recipients of the 2023 ADAA Merit Scholar Award and the 2023 Student Achievement Award. ADAA Merit Scholar Award: Awarded to a student who demonstrates outstanding achievement in academic and clinical performance, as well as in teamwork and leadership. This recognition is based on their involvement in campus programs and/or community activities. In addition, recipients are granted a one-year paid ADAA membership. ADAA Student Achievement Award: Given to a student who showcases leadership skills through various dentistry-related activities, including in-class endeavors, student organizations, and participation in local/state dental

ADAA Seeks Volunteers to Review Online Courses
We have an exciting opportunity for you to make a meaningful contribution to ADAA’s education programs. As you may know, our online courses must be reviewed every three years for accreditation purposes. We are now actively seeking volunteers to help with this crucial process. As a course reviewer, your responsibilities will include: Conducting a thorough review of assigned courses. Ensuring that course information is up-to-date. Validating that the references cited are still relevant. Confirming that the course content remains applicable. Your expertise and insights will play a vital role in

ADAA Announces Partnership with Torch Dental: Elevate Patient Care with Quality Supplies
We’re excited to introduce our collaboration with Torch Dental, bringing exclusive benefits to ADAA members. Through this partnership, we are committed to providing dental assistants with top-tier supplies, thereby enhancing patient outcomes. As an ADAA member, you receive: DSO Level Pricing: All ADAA members enjoy DSO level pricing on their orders with Torch, regardless of the size of their practice. Waived Signup Fees: ADAA members benefit from waived signup fees for any referrals they make, a value currently pegged at $500. This offers a significant saving to our community. Torch

Letter From Leadership: Mary Beth Sojka
Dear ADAA Members, As we approach our 100th anniversary in November 2024, I find myself reflecting on history, particularly, our most recent history. I’ve heard questions and comments from members regarding where ADAA stands. So, for this month’s message, I want to clearly communicate where ADAA stands today. In order to understand where ADAA stands, we have to consider where we have been over the last decade. There have been monumental changes. ADAA parted ways with its direct hire Executive Director in 2014 and moved to an association management company for the

Announcement: ADAA Board Nominations Now Open!
The Nominating Committee is calling for nominations for the Board of Directors for the following positions: President-Elect First Vice President Second Vice President Director-at-Large (2 positions) Click Here to Submit Your Nomination Officer Eligibility Requirements: Must be either a Professional, Life or Federal Services member of ADAA President Elect nominees must have served in a leadership capacity on the ADAA Board of Directors for a full term in either a director or officer position First and Second Vice Presidents must have served in a leadership capacity with the ADAA which may include

ADAA shares in the grief of the dental community at the loss of Ms. Ann Battrell, CEO of ADHA
ADAA shares in the grief of the dental community at the loss of Ms. Ann Battrell, MSDH, RDH, CEO of ADHA since 2016 The American Dental Assistants Association (ADAA) shares in the grief of the dental community at the loss of Ms. Ann Battrell, MSDH, RDH, who served as CEO of the American Dental Hygienists’ Association (ADHA) since 2016. Ann passed on June 7, 2023. Following a highly successful professional career as a recognized innovator, notable collaborator, and national leader. Ann was the first dental hygienist to serve as the

Letter From Leadership: Mary Beth Sojka
Dear ADAA Graduate Members! Congratulations on your commencement! Now it’s time to embark on your professional journey as much-needed dental assistant. There are plenty of employers eagerly waiting to hire you. And being connected to a leading, trusted dental association such as the American Dental Assistants Association (ADAA) will help you go far. Our association was founded by a group of professionals who understood the importance of a strong professional organization that can help dental assistants excel in their careers. For almost a century, we’ve been doing just that. To

Letter From Leadership: Mary Beth Sojka
Dear ADAA Members, I have exciting news to share. ADAA has undergone a remarkable transformation as we embrace technology and step into the twenty-first century. Our partnership with Kellen has allowed us to continue our journey towards success and excellence. Sheila O’Neal, our new Executive Director, is supported by a dedicated team of professionals that are committed to seeing ADAA thrive. While we aren’t their only clients, rest assured that ADAA holds a special place for them. To enhance communication and streamline queries, we’ve ventured into the digital realm. You