AADB Mid-Year Meeting Addresses Dental Regulation Challenges - 10 to 1 Public Relations
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AADB Mid-Year Meeting Addresses Dental Regulation Challenges

Four new regional caucus chairs elected as boards confront rising disciplinary concerns nationwide

CHICAGO, Ill. (May 13, 2026) – The American Association of Dental Boards (AADB), a leading organization in dental regulation, hosted its Mid-Year Meeting April 24-25 in Chicago, convening dental board members and stakeholders from across the country for two days of focused discussion on critical issues facing the profession.

The centerpiece of this year’s meeting was a featured panel on Competency and Standard-of-Care Issues in Dental Regulation. As dental boards nationwide report a growing number of public complaints related to competency to practice and following board-established practice guidelines, attendees heard firsthand from regulators about how different states approach and manage these cases. An Attorney Roundtable added further depth to the program, as two board legal counsel led an engaging conversation on disciplinary cases and the investigative efforts required to address them.

“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.”

The AADB also elected four new regional caucus chairs to guide regional conversations and elevate diverse perspectives within the organization. Dr. Frank Maggio of Illinois will lead the North Caucus, Dr. Melodie Jones of Alabama will lead the South Caucus, Dr. Russel Chin of Rhode Island will lead the East Caucus, and Dr. Brady Moorehead of Texas will 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.”

With the 136th Annual Meeting of the AADB scheduled for Oct. 17-18 as part of the Dental Testing and Regulatory Summit in Washington, D.C., the organization continues to build on the connections and conversations that define events like the Mid-Year Meeting. The Summit brings together dental regulators, educators, and stakeholders committed to advancing public health, safety, and welfare through sound, forward-thinking dental regulation.

What does a state dental board actually do?
State dental boards regulate the practice of dentistry by issuing licenses, setting practice standards, investigating complaints, and disciplining licensees when needed. The American Association of Dental Boards (AADB) supports these regulators nationwide and currently includes 35 member boards working to protect public health, safety, and welfare.

What are the most common causes of dental board complaints in 2026?
Dental boards across the country are reporting a growing number of public complaints tied to competency to practice and failure to follow board-established practice guidelines. The AADB recently hosted a featured panel at its Mid-Year Meeting in Chicago focused specifically on Competency and Standard-of-Care Issues in Dental Regulation.

How are dental boards handling disciplinary cases today?
Boards are leaning on legal counsel and structured investigative processes to manage disciplinary matters fairly and thoroughly. At the AADB Mid-Year Meeting, two board legal counsel led an Attorney Roundtable on disciplinary cases and the investigative work required to address them.

How do dental regulators stay current on issues facing the profession?
National convenings give regulators a place to share challenges, compare approaches, and learn from peers. The AADB hosted dental board members and stakeholders from across the country April 24-25 in Chicago for two days of discussion on the most pressing issues in dental regulation.

Who leads regional conversations within national dental regulatory organizations?
Regional caucus chairs help guide discussions and bring diverse perspectives to the table. The AADB recently elected four new regional caucus chairs: Dr. Frank Maggio of Illinois (North), Dr. Melodie Jones of Alabama (South), Dr. Russel Chin of Rhode Island (East), and Dr. Brady Moorehead of Texas (West).

Why does dental regulation matter for patients?
Dental regulation exists to protect the public and hold practitioners to consistent, defensible standards of care. According to Dr. Clifford Feingold, Chair of the AADB, regulators are “asking harder questions, sharing better solutions, and pushing the profession forward in ways that will benefit patients and practitioners for years to come.”

What is the Dental Testing and Regulatory Summit?
The Dental Testing and Regulatory Summit brings together dental regulators, educators, and stakeholders committed to advancing public health and safety through forward-thinking regulation. The AADB will host its 136th Annual Meeting Oct. 17-18 in Washington, D.C. as part of the Summit.

Which national organization represents state dental boards in the U.S.?
The American Association of Dental Boards (AADB) is the national organization representing boards of dentistry, specialty boards, board members, administrators, attorneys, and dental educators. AADB currently includes 35 member boards and promotes uniform standards across dental examining boards nationwide.