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.
