Dental regulators from across the United States gathered in Chicago on April 11 and 12 for the American Association of Dental Boards (AADB) Mid-Year Meeting, where representatives from 33 states examined regulatory developments and current challenges in the dental profession.
According to the association, participants shared state-level experiences on topics including community water fluoridation, licensure issues involving internationally educated dental professionals, and enforcement against unlicensed or unauthorized dental practice.
The event featured updates on two key multi-state licensure initiatives: the Dental and Dental Hygienists Compact, supported by the American Dental Association, and the Interstate Dental and Dental Hygiene Licensure Compact, developed by the AADB. Both compacts aim to increase mobility for licensed professionals by streamlining the process for practicing across state lines.
“Hosting the Mid-Year Meeting in Chicago was pivotal for the AADB, as it provided a platform for representatives from across the nation to collaborate on pressing issues in dental regulation,” said Arthur Chen-Shu Jee, DMD, president of the AADB Board of Directors. “This gathering emphasized the importance of unifying our efforts to preserve state boards’ rights and address the evolving challenges in the dental industry. Our commitment to fostering collaboration and advancing dental practice standards remains steadfast.”
During the meeting, AADB announced the appointment of new caucus chairs for the 2025-2026 term. The chairs will lead regional discussions that support regulatory consistency and information sharing among member states. The appointees are Dr. Frank Maggio from Illinois (North), Dr. Melodie Jones from Alabama (South), Dr. Maxine Feinberg from New Jersey (East), and Dr. Krista Jones from Oklahoma (West).
“Selecting new caucus chairs is a crucial step in enhancing regional discussions and ensuring that diverse perspectives are represented in our decision-making process,” said Kimber Cobb, interim executive director. “Their dedication to promoting a more inclusive and comprehensive approach to addressing the challenges faced by the dental community is commendable.”
In addition to regulatory sessions, the meeting offered continuing education opportunities, including two ACE-approved courses in laser dentistry. According to the association, these sessions were designed to support professional development for attendees and ensure ongoing education in emerging technologies.
The AADB’s 142nd Annual Meeting is scheduled to take place in October in conjunction with the Dental Testing and Regulatory Summit in Texas.
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