FRANKLIN, NC — September 1, 2026 — The American Dental Assistants Association (ADAA) today announced that it has begun a significant organizational transition to return to aself-managed association model, moving away from the association management company model that has guided the organization in recent years.
Effective September 1, 2026, Kellen Company is no longer managing the American Dental Assistants Association and the Association is transitioning its headquarters out of Washington DC to North Carolina.
Effective immediately, the newly established mailing address for the American Dental Assistants Association is:
American Dental Assistants Association
131 Franklin Plaza Drive, #260
Franklin, NC 28734
The ADAA Board of Directors is pleased to announce the appointment of Kimberly Bland, M.Ed., B.S., CDA, as Interim Executive Director. Bland will lead the Association through the transition process as ADAA establishes its headquarters in North Carolina and builds the operational infrastructure necessary to support its members, programs, and mission. Ms. Bland is a graduate of the University of South Florida with a bachelor’s degree in career and technical education and a master’s degree in educational leadership. Prior to her appointment, Ms. Bland served two non-consecutive terms as the President of the ADAA in 2008-2009, and 2014-2016. She recently retired from 30 years of service in dental assisting education as an instructor and program director of a CODA accredited dental assisting program in Bradenton, Florida. Prior to her career in education, she had 15 years’ clinical dental assisting experience in general dentistry, orthodontics, and dental practice administration. She also has extensive experience serving in leadership roles for several other non-profit organizations. In 2016, Ms. Bland also served as the Founding President of the ADAA’s Professional Dental Assistants Education Foundation (PDAEF) and is currently the foundation’s treasurer.
A New Chapter for ADAA
“Today marks an important new chapter for the American Dental Assistants Association,” said Erin Hendricks, RDA, CCHW, President of the ADAA. “Returning to a self-managed association allows us to take a renewed and intentional approach to serving dental assistants and strengthening our connection with the profession. While transitions of this nature require time, flexibility, and patience, our Board of Directors is committed to ensuring that ADAA emerges stronger, more responsive, and better positioned to serve our members and the dental profession.”
The Association recognizes that organizational transitions can create temporary challenges. Members and the public should be aware that the ADAA website, member portal, educational courses, and other online services may experience temporary disruptions as systems, communications, and administrative functions are transitioned and reestablished.
The ADAA appreciates the patience and understanding of its members, partners, and the broader dental community during this period. Updates will be provided as the transition progresses and services are restored and enhanced.
Building Stronger Connections Across the Dental Community
The ADAA also invites opportunities for collaboration with all communities of dental service as it works to unify and strengthen the contributions of the entire dental team.
“Dental assistants play an essential role in the delivery of quality oral healthcare, and the strength of our profession is closely connected to the strength of the entire dental team,” Hendricks said. “We look forward to building meaningful partnerships and creating opportunities for collaboration across the dental community. Together, we can elevate every member of the dental team and improve the quality of care provided to the public.”
The American Dental Assistants Association looks forward to expanding its outreach, strengthening its relationships throughout the dental community, and creating new opportunities for dental assistants across the United States. As ADAA enters this next chapter, the organization remains dedicated to its members and to the advancement of dental assisting as an essential and respected profession within the dental healthcare system.
A temporary email address has been established for the Interim Executive Director: kbland.adaa@gmail.com
About the American Dental Assistants Association
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Advancing the Profession Through a Renewed Strategic Focus
As ADAA moves forward, the Association remains firmly committed to its longstanding mission and is dedicated to supporting and advancing the dental assisting profession through education, advocacy, professional connection, and recognition. ADAA works to elevate dental assistants and strengthen their contributions to the dental team while promoting quality dental healthcare for the public.
Media Contact: American Dental Assistants Association
Attention: Kimberly Bland, Executive Director
Email Address: kbland.adaa@gmail.com
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American Dental Assistants Association | 131 Franklin Plaza Drive #260 | Franklin, NC 28734 US
American Dental Assistants Association Announces Transition to Self-Management and New Interim Executive Director
Effective Immediately, all Association correspondence and inquiries should be directed to the Association’s North Carolina address and newly appointed Interim Executive Director.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE