The American Association of Dental Boards (AADB) elected new leadership and recognized contributions to dental regulation during the Dental Testing & Regulatory Summit and Educators Conference. The five-day event in Grapevine, Texas, brought together three major dental organizations in the dental profession.
AADB members elected Dr. Cliff Feingold (NC) as President, Dr. Bobby Carmen (OK) as Vice President, Dr. Donald Bennett (LA) as Secretary/Treasurer, Dr. Mary Starsiak (IL) and Dr. Maxine Feinberg (NJ) as Members At Large, and Ms. Lorie Jones, RDH (TX), as Dental Hygiene Member.
During the summit, outgoing AADB President Dr. Arthur Jee emphasized the importance of engagement in dental regulation and acknowledged support for the Interstate Dental and Dental Hygiene Licensure Compact (IDDHLC). He stated, “The Interstate Dental and Dental Hygiene Licensure Compact will gain significant momentum in 2026, expanding on our strong foundation. State boards embraced our approach this year, validating our strategy of maintaining high standards while creating professional mobility. This success positions us well to expand the compact's reach and impact in the coming year.”
Continuing education sessions focused on Artificial Intelligence and its use in dentistry and dental regulation. Dr. Alan Friedel presented on the use of AI in radiographic diagnosis and the prevention of overtreatment, while Dr. Cindy Streun from the Federation of State Medical Boards provided a synopsis of how AI is utilized in the regulation of the medical profession.
The program included reports from AADB representatives to associated organizations and an Attorney Roundtable hosted by AADB Counsel and members of the Attorney Roundtable group. The attendee favorite roundtable session addressed combating illegal, unlicensed practice and strategies for engaging law enforcement to protect the public. In the General Session, representatives delivered updates from the Joint Commission on Dental Examinations (JCNDE), the Council on Dental Education and Licensure (CDEL), the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB), and the Council on Dental Accreditation (CODA).
Kimber Cobb, Executive Director of AADB, said, “The AADB provides a platform for meaningful dialogue that will shape the future of dental regulation and benefit the professions. The collaboration between testing agencies, administrators, and regulatory boards strengthens our collective ability to protect the public while supporting dental professionals.”
AADB presented Dr. Melodie Jones of Alabama with the Citizen of the Year Award, recognizing her service during her tenure on the Alabama Board of Dentistry and her advocacy for state-level regulatory authority. The award honors AADB members who make contributions to the dental profession and the examining community.
