My Journey to Leading the ADA
BY DR. BRETT KESSLER,
PRESIDENT OF AMERICAN DENTAL ASSOCIATION
In October 2024, when I begin my term as the president of the American Dental Association (ADA), I’ll carry with me the goal of making sure that every dentist — no matter where they are in their career or how they serve our profession — feels supported and valued. I want to foster a sense of community where we look out for each other and where the well-being of dental professionals is prioritized. The idea of fostering a welcoming, supportive community of dentists who are their healthiest selves is informed by my own personal journey. In 1998, as a third-year dentist, I found myself at rock bottom. Struggling with addiction, I felt my life spinning wildly out of control, despite appearing that I had it all together. A desperate call to the Michigan Dental Association’s wellness program ultimately saved my life. That call marked the beginning of my recovery and a journey that would change not just my life but the lives of many others around me.
My path to this profession — and to leadership in organized dentistry — was anything but straightforward. But looking back, I can see how the dots have connected through each chapter of my life and career.
Growing up, I was always fascinated by science and the intricate workings of the human body. My parents encouraged my curiosity, often finding me engrossed in books about biology and anatomy. Originally a biomedical engineering student at the University of Iowa, I planned to attend medical school. A pivotal moment came when I found myself tearing up my MCAT application, realizing that facing a future in medicine was not my true calling. At a friend’s suggestion, I considered dentistry, attracted by its blend of scientific engineering and hands-on patient care.
Dentistry has allowed me to combine my scientific background with a creative touch, designing smiles while restoring health and function to the mouth. Every patient presents a unique opportunity to apply evidence-based care and creativity. But more importantly, dentistry has provided a way to connect with people and improve their lives, offering the profound satisfaction of alleviating pain and restoring confidence. I’ve come to realize that it’s these human connections that give meaning to our work.
I have experienced the power of having a professional community that rallied around me in a time of need. But some years later, after relocating to Colorado, I was placed on probation by the Colorado Dental Association once they learned I’d previously sought help for my addiction. I thought I had done the right thing and was well into my sobriety (earlier this year, I celebrated 26 years of sobriety). The experience of being penalized for seeking assistance ignited my desire to drive change. By joining the Colorado Dental Association Sunset Review Committee. I worked to reform the punitive measures against dentists seeking help, resulting in significant changes within the Colorado dental community and setting the stage for broader leadership roles.
One of the most profound experiences in my career was during a community service project in 2007. I had the opportunity to provide dental treatment to people experiencing homelessness in Denver. The scars of addiction were still fresh on their faces, and I could relate in a way that went beyond dentistry. This was a full circle moment for me.
In partnering with a local treatment center, I provided free oral health care to those who were in recovery. It was here that I saw the true power of dentistry — not just in restoring smiles but in restoring dignity and hope. This experience reminded me that our role as dentists goes beyond the technical. We have the privilege and responsibility to be a source of healing and renewal for those we serve.
This led me to become more involved in advocating for awareness around the dental effects of methamphetamine use. I initially hesitated to do so. I did not want to become the face of this issue. But I realized that if I could help even one person by sharing my story and raising awareness, it was worth it.
I’ve since embraced this role, not because I sought it out, but because it allows me to contribute to making things better for others. It is a humbling experience to realize that our personal struggles can be transformed into powerful tools for change when shared openly and honestly.
Over the past 20 years, I have diligently built a practice philosophy that starts with people. Building meaningful relationships with patients has become a cornerstone of my practice. This approach has enabled me to advocate more effectively for my colleagues, mentor young dentists, and lead initiatives that prioritize the well-being of dental professionals and their patients.
As I prepare to lead the American Dental Association, part of my leadership platform will include a focus on wellness that is not just for patients, but for dentists, too. The health of our profession depends on the health of the people within it. I believe that wellness is multi-dimensional — it is physical, emotional, mental, spiritual, and social.
These aspects are all interconnected, and I try to practice what I preach. My morning routine of meditation and journaling helps me start each day with a clear mind and a sense of purpose. It’s not about perfection but about showing up as the best version of myself for the people I serve. I have come to understand that being a good leader isn’t about having all the answers but about being present, listening, and making space for others to thrive.
Furthermore, my recovery journey has given me a unique perspective on the importance of wellness, both personally and professionally. As a leader, I passionately advocate for resources and support systems to help dentists maintain their health and well-being. From regular exercise and healthy eating to mental stimulation and supportive relationships, my holistic view on wellness is something I look forward to actively promoting within the ADA. I’ve seen firsthand how focusing on wellness can transform not just individual lives, but entire communities.
We are our own most valuable asset, and so taking care of ourselves is essential to providing the best care to our patients. I aim to ensure that every dentist — regardless of where or how they practice — has the support they need to succeed, aligning with the ADA’s mission to serve dentists and advance public health. Unifying our voices can significantly impact the health of our communities, and this collective effort is vital for the future of our profession. I believe that when we work together, sharing our experiences and supporting one another, we can create a stronger, more resilient profession.
As ADA president, I also seek to be a strong advocate for mentorship, especially for new dentists navigating the early stages of their careers. I’m impressed with the organization’s various programs to support professional growth. My personal experiences underscore the value of having mentors and coaches. The way I see it, if the best athletes in the world have coaches, why can’t the best dentists? Mentorship to me isn’t just about sharing knowledge. It is about creating a network of support that helps individuals grow and flourish in their careers.
In this new role, I am met with a tremendous sense of both responsibility and hope. I believe that together we can build a more unified, inclusive, and healthy dental community. Dentistry, to me, is about more than just technical skills. It’s about being part of a community and giving back. I’ve always believed that by serving others, we not only help those in need, but we also strengthen the bonds within our communities. This is a big part of what drives me to continue pushing for positive change within our profession. It’s my hope that through these efforts, we can create a profession that is not only strong in skill but also rich in compassion and service.
The dental profession is also evolving. As greater integration between primary care and dental care takes center stage, dentists have a renewed opportunity to take a major stand for both oral and overall health, and help their patients become their healthiest selves as well. To achieve this, we must rethink the dental care model, which currently separates dental and medical care despite clear evidence linking poor oral health with systemic health issues.
I see opportunity here as well. Dentistry can play a vital role in primary care by expanding screening to include DNA and bacterial testing, diabetes testing, and even vaccine administration. The growing body of scientific evidence supporting the oral-systemic connection compels us to advocate for expansion of benefits to better serve patients. This is where the power of advocacy comes in.
The ADA is at the forefront of dental benefits reform ensuring that public and private programs enable patients to access quality oral health care as part of essential health care. To further this effort, the ADA continues to collaborate with multiple stakeholders to improve access to care for vulnerable populations. We also hope to work alongside other dental organizations to drive this important work forward for our profession and the communities we serve.
I am honored to serve at the ADA as we evolve to meet the diverse needs of today’s practitioners. I will strive to ensure that the ADA’s initiatives are inclusive and supportive of all dentists. It is important to me that every voice is heard, and that the ADA remains a place where all dentists feel they belong.
My story is just one of many, but it serves as a reminder that with determination, support, and a willingness to grow, we can overcome obstacles and make a real difference. And perhaps most importantly, it reminds us that we are never truly alone in our journeys. There is always someone who understands, who cares, and who is willing to help us along the way. And, for dental professionals, especially the more than 159,000 ADA member dentists across the nation and beyond, that includes the American Dental Association.
