I trust this finds everyone well and enjoying the summer. I know we have all been affected by the tragic flooding in Texas and in my neighboring state, New Mexico. Our thoughts and prayers continue to go out to those affected and the rescuers
In May, I had the honor of being installed as your President for 2025 – 2027. I want to congratulate the new officers who bring a wealth of experience and dedication to their roles:
Officers:
• Kay Jukes, President Elect
• Edith Kendall, Vice President
• Elizabeth O’Reilly, Secretary
• Marthann Dafft, Immediate Past President
• Carolyn Friend, Chairman, Past Presidents Council
Directors:
• Linda Mueller
• Brenda Olivarez
• Angela Soto
• Alyssa Russel
• Lori Linger
I look forward to working with the awesome Board. We will continue to make strides as we look forward to the future of TDAA.
During my installation speech, I announced that I have chosen Commitment to Excellence as my theme. Our association objectives reflect those two words: “To advance dental assistants’ careers and advocate for the dental assisting profession in matters of education, professional activities, credentialing, and legislation. To promote the ideals and growth of the association, which aids in the accessibility and delivery of quality oral health care to the public.” These are not just lofty goals, but a call to action. I strongly believe that we can contribute to achieving them if we open our minds and hearts to not only continuing what we have established in the past but also moving forward with new ideas.
As your 85th President, I am going to promote some changes, to strive for:
- New and innovative ways to promote new members, retain existing members, and have discussions with members who have not renewed their membership.
- Foster better communication between our dental health care professionals and our association.
- Provide, once again, education to our members.
These changes will prompt significant discussion with the Board, and you can expect to see changes in the near future. One exciting aspect will be the rebranding of our TDAA Logo. I am eagerly looking forward to sharing these changes with you. Stay tuned to the next newsletter, or before, for the unveiling!
As I stated in my speech, unfortunately, I have recently spoken to members of TDA who thought that TDAA was no longer a viable organization. One member even stated that there needed to be an association to represent dental assistants! That falls on us – we must open lines of communication. We have untapped sources in our community, and as an association, we need to rally and meet the goal of membership, communication, and education to once again be the strong voice for dental assistants. I know it’s easy to say we’ve tried, but what do we do? We try again! As your President, I’m open to new ideas for a fresh start.
In closing, I pledge my Commitment to Excellence to my Board, to TDAA members, and in representing Texas Dental Assistants.
Sharon Dickinson,
CDA, CDPMA, RDA, CRFDA, CPFDA, CDIPC
President, Texas Dental Assistants Association