DCDS News

May 2026 President's Letter

May 6, 2026
Dear DC Dental Society Members,

In spite of the erratic Spring weather, I would like to extend warm greetings to all.  True to the seasonal weather, April ended with a flurry of educational and advocacy activities.   So, before I delve into what May and beyond will bring us, I would like to take a moment to reflect on those highlights.

Out in the Community

DCDS was again honored to host the annual HUCD Signing Day Event, where fourth-year students had the opportunity to join the ADA and learn about the advantages of DCDS membership. Students received a gift of the “The Chairside Instructor – A Visual Guide to Case Presentation.” We signed up a large majority of the class and are following up to make 100% of the graduating class members of the ADA.  A panel consisting of Drs. D. Jones, L. Lambrushini, A. Kassam and J. Tabatabi accompanied me to share “real world” experiences and answer questions from the students.  Thank you to all who contributed to the success of this event.  A congratulations is also in order to the Howard University College of Dentistry Class of 2026 which will graduate on May 9th.  Your professionalism, dedication, and commitment to serving your community are truly commendable.  We wish you much success in your upcoming dental careers.  


2026 Howard University Signing Day Event

Advocacy Update

 

As mentioned at this past monthly meeting we have reason to celebrate three major advocacy wins for both our membership and our patients.  They are as follows:

1. The Board of Dentistry dropped its proposal to restrict cleaning/disinfecting/sterilizing (“Cleaning Functions”).  The Board was considering limiting Cleaning Functions to licensed/registered team members.  This restriction would have prohibited steritechs and similar positions.  DCDS was opposed and persuaded the Board to drop the proposal.
2. The Board of Dentistry voted to remove redundant requirements for Level III Dental Assistants.  DCDS has advocated for elimination of redundant registration requirements for Level III Dental Assistants that added significant costs and severely limited applicants

3. In 2026, 27,000+ DC adult residents lost dental coverage due the eligibility changes for Medicaid and NO dental coverage under DC’s Basic Health Plan (Healthy DC).  DCDS advocated for adding dental coverage to Healthy DC.  This past month Mayor Muriel Bowser announced the 2027 budget, which includes dental coverage in the Healthy DC next year.  Thank you Mayor Muriel Bowser.

DCDS is fighting on behalf of member dentists to help expand the workforce and make it easier for you to provide care for your patients:

• Repealing the registration requirement for Level I Dental Assistants.
• Reducing registration fees for dental assistants to bring the District in line with our neighbors.
• Creating a program in DC high schools, called the Future Smiles Pilot Program, to train students qualified to become Level II Dental Assistants upon graduation.

• Supporting new pathways for internationally trained dentists and hygienists to be licensed as dental hygienists in DC.

Special thanks to Dr. L. Lambruschini and C. Wright who have been engaged with the DC Office of the State Superintendent to support the creation of Future Smiles. Member engagement is critical to achieving advocacy successes. If you would like to get involved on these or other issues, please reach out to DCDS.

Continuing Education Events

On May 4th we were pleased to have Drs Natalia Chalmers and Jessica Klabak presenting the topic of Artificial Intelligence as it applies to clinical practice.  This innovative panel discussion was held on the DCDS Headquarters roof top on Monday. Participants explored why AI is gaining momentum, how models are developed and validated, and what FDA clearance means in practice. The presentation also focused on how clinicians can critically evaluate AI tools, integrate them into workflows, and use them to improve diagnostic consistency and patient communication while maintaining clinical autonomy and integrity. If you were not able to attend in person, the presentation recording is now available.

Mark your calendars for a new DCDS event coming in October. Tooth Talks: The Mid-Atlantic Dental Meeting. This all-day event will take place on Saturday, October 17th at the Hotel AKA in Alexandria.  This program will feature speaker Dr. Melissa Seibert who will be addressing various clinical topics alongside a panel of specialists and general dentists with a focus on “back to basics.” This program is the result of a collaborative effort with the Northern Virginia Dental Association. I would like to acknowledge the following  DCDS members,  who I worked along side with to develop the program, Drs. Austin Harbison, Jamie Progebin and Paul Cohen.  Much thanks for their hard work and efforts.    

In closing I would like to take a moment to thank you all for your continued dedication to our profession and commitment to serving our community. Together, we can make a meaningful difference in the lives of those we serve. I look forward to catching up with you at one of our next upcoming events.

Warm Regards,

Kim Menhinick, DDS, MS, FICD

President 2026-2027