By Dr. Samantha Shaver
KDA President

Greetings! I am both excited and humbled to serve this association. The dental profession is undergoing rapid transformation—driven by innovations in technology, evolving healthcare policies, and growing patient expectations. In this changing landscape, the role of organized dentistry is more vital than ever. As members of this association, we stand stronger together—advocating for our profession, accessing world-class continuing education, and building a network of peers who support and inspire one another. Your engagement ensures that we not only keep pace with change, but lead the way forward.”

We are at a point where a re-set is necessary. The way we have always done things may no longer be the best way forward. It is time to re-evaluate our processes and procedures—starting with membership.

As dentistry evolves, so must our approach to membership. To remain relevant and compelling, we must connect with a new generation of dental professionals—individuals who bring different experiences, priorities, and ways of communicating.

This isn’t a challenge—it’s an opportunity.

Engaging the next generation requires creativity, openness, and above all, connection. If you know a new dentist, reach out. Be a mentor. Share your story. Show them how organized dentistry has shaped your career—and why it can matter in theirs. Just as importantly, listen. Learn from their perspectives, understand their goals, and invite them into the conversation.

To truly reflect the profession we serve, the KDA must remain a welcoming and inclusive environment for all dentists. That commitment may require us to re-examine and, when necessary, restructure aspects of our organization to better support the diverse needs of our members.

Our component societies are central to this mission. As a geographically diverse state, Kentucky needs components that meet members where they are. Strengthening our components—and in some cases, restructuring them—will ensure that participation is easier and more meaningful for every dentist.

Supporting our components also means helping them build initiatives that engage underrepresented groups. Encouraging their involvement and leadership isn’t just the right thing to do — it is essential to the long-term vitality of the KDA.

By embracing the full diversity of our profession, we will develop leaders who drive innovation, expand our reach, and secure our relevance in a rapidly changing healthcare landscape.

We are kicking off an exciting year with new energy and fresh ideas! A work group, chaired by Dr. Matt Milliner (msmilliner@gmail.com), is diving into how we can make the KDA experience even better for our component members. If you have suggestions, insights, or bold ideas—don’t hold back. Reach out and share them!

On the advocacy front, we are ready to make our voices heard. Under the leadership of Dr. Darren Greenwell (drgreenwell@dentistky.com), our Council on Governmental Affairs has set clear legislative priorities for the year ahead. While we’ll continue to track fluoride and mid-level provider issues, our main push will be on Medicaid reimbursement and insurance transparency.

This is our chance to stand shoulder to shoulder and show the strength of organized dentistry. But don’t wait until February—advocacy starts today. Contact your legislators. Invite them to your practice. Share lunch and share your story.

We’re also taking a big-picture look at how we govern ourselves. Led by our Speaker of the House, Dr. Ansley Depp (ansley.depp@louisville.edu), a new work group is asking the tough but important questions. This is your chance to help shape the future of our Association—your input matters.

Our strength has always come from our members—past, present, and future. If we fail to engage the next generation, we risk more than declining membership; we risk losing our relevance.

Consider me your personal suggestion box for the year ahead. Bring me your ideas, concerns, and challenges —together, we can make real change.