The American Association of Dental Boards (AADB) held its Mid-Year Meeting April 24-25 in Chicago, bringing together dental board members and stakeholders to discuss issues affecting dental regulation, according to the association.
The meeting centered on competency and standard-of-care issues in dental regulation as dental boards across the country report an increase in public complaints related to competency to practice and compliance with board-established practice guidelines, according to the association. Regulators discussed how states approach and manage such cases during a featured panel session.
An attorney roundtable also addressed disciplinary cases and investigative efforts, with two board legal counsel leading discussions on regulatory processes tied to complaints and enforcement matters.
“Dental boards are asking harder questions, sharing better solutions, and pushing the profession forward in ways that will benefit patients and practitioners for years to come,” said Dr. Clifford Feingold, chair, AADB. “Dental regulation has an important role in protecting the public, and gatherings like this one are proof that the people leading this industry are genuinely committed to getting it right.”
During the meeting, the association elected four new regional caucus chairs. Dr. Frank Maggio of Illinois was selected to lead the North Caucus, Dr. Melodie Jones of Alabama was elected to lead the South Caucus, Dr. Russel Chin of Rhode Island was chosen to lead the East Caucus, and Dr. Brady Moorehead of Texas was elected to lead the West Caucus.
“AADB meetings are a great way for stakeholders and Board Members to network, connect and learn of the factors impacting their colleagues,” said Kimber Cobb, executive director, AADB. “The quality of these conversations and the relationships built around them is what makes this work so meaningful for dental boards and the communities they protect.”
The organization’s 136th Annual Meeting will take place Oct. 17-18 as part of the Dental Testing and Regulatory Summit in Washington, D.C. The summit is expected to bring together dental regulators, educators, and stakeholders focused on public health, safety, welfare, and dental regulation.
The association said its membership includes boards of dentistry, specialty boards, board administrators, attorneys, dental educators, and current and former board members. According to AADB, 35 boards are currently members of the organization.
