experiences, I never seriously considered doing anything other than returning home to practice dentistry in our family business.
Did you have an ‘aha’ moment in dental school—perhaps a difficult concept became clear, or you felt reassured about your decision to become a dentist? While I had grown up around dentistry and always intended to return to practice in my hometown, my “aha” moment came when I began treating patients in clinic. Seeing someone leave more com- fortable, more confident, or simply relieved of pain reinforced that dentistry is so much more than procedures and teeth. It com- bines science, problem solving, artistry and relationships in a way that fits my personality perfectly. That is when I knew I had chosen the right profession.
What was your favorite or most memorable class (or teacher) in dental school? One of my most memorable experiences was during second-year removable prosthodontics lab with Dr. Elwood. He learned that I was from Chillicothe, and knew that the Green broth- ers, who developed Green Stick compound, were also from Chillicothe. He asked wheth- er I had any local historical connections that might help him learn more. Because my fam- ily has deep roots in Chillicothe, my grandfa- ther, Dr. Chad McCoy, still had dental books published by the Green brothers. I brought those materials in, and Dr. Elwood was so excited that he asked me to give a presenta- tion to the entire class. He even photocopied the books for his records. It was a fun and unexpected intersection of dentistry, his- tory, and hometown pride, and it made a lasting impression on me. I am not sure my classmates found it nearly as entertaining, though—LOL.
Is there a specific achievement in your dental career that you are most proud of? Along those same lines, was there an experience that really pushed you to stretch yourself? One experi- ence that stands out was serving as Chair of the ADA New Dentist Committee. At the time, it was a significant national leader- ship role, and as a relatively young dentist, I was both honored and intimidated by the responsibility. Near the end of my term, I addressed the ADA Board of Trustees about concerns regarding the committee chair’s
role, including limited access to communica- tions, exclusion from certain discussions, and the inability to vote despite the important perspective new dentists could provide. It was not an easy presentation to give, but I felt strongly that the role could be more ef- fective. I was proud the Board listened to my concerns. Beginning the following year, the ADA New Dentist Committee chair became fully included in Board discussions and communications and was allowed to vote at Board meetings. That experience taught me that respectful advocacy can lead to mean- ingful and lasting change.
What is the best advice you’ve been given related to your dental career? My father, whom I had the privilege of practicing alongside for many years, always reminded me that dentistry is ultimately about people. He would go out of his way to help anyone in need, and both he and my grandfather demonstrated the joy that comes from serv- ing others, whether through mission work abroad or caring for patients in our local community. Clinical skills are important, but patients often remember how you made them feel. That advice has guided me not only in private practice but also in leadership. Whether I am treating a patient, mentoring a young dentist, or serving organized dentistry, relationships come first.
What event in your career has been the most humbling/formative? One of the most forma- tive aspects of my career has been caring for patients who face significant barriers to accessing dental care, particularly children, individuals with special healthcare needs, and families living in rural communities. I have seen patients travel long distances for treatment and struggle to find providers will- ing or able to meet their needs. As a parent of a child with special needs, witnessing these experiences has been both humbling and motivating. They reinforced how fortunate I am to be a dentist and deepened my com- mitment to advocacy and organized den- tistry. They also helped me realize that while helping one patient at a time is incredibly meaningful, working to improve access and strengthen systems for certain communities has the potential to help those who may be forgotten.
Why do you want to be MDA president? I want to serve as MDA president for my children and for the many young people in our com- munities who are interested in dentistry and healthcare. I regularly have students shadow in our office, and their enthusiasm reminds me how important it is to invest in the future of our profession. The MDA has given me ex- traordinary opportunities to grow as a leader, build lifelong friendships, and advocate for dentistry. Serving as president is an opportu- nity to give back to an organization that has given so much to me and to help ensure that future generations of dentists find the same sense of purpose, mentorship, and commu- nity through the MDA.
What is something you desire to accomplish during your term as president that you hope will have lasting results beyond your tenure in office? One area where I believe we will see lasting impact is workforce development through the Oral Preventive Assistant (OPA) initiative and the expansion of EFDA training opportunities. Many dedicated individuals— including MDA staff, dentists, educators and state leaders—have worked tirelessly over several years to bring these efforts to fruition. After pilot programs, collaboration with the Dental Board, and extensive advocacy, we are beginning to see the benefits for dental practices and patients across Missouri. In addition, I hope to continue strengthen- ing leadership development and member engagement, particularly among younger dentists and those who may not yet see themselves as future leaders. Many of the op- portunities I have had in organized dentistry began because someone encouraged me to become involved. If we can build a culture where mentorship and leadership develop- ment are woven into the fabric of the MDA, the impact will extend far beyond any single presidency.
There are a lot of changes happening in the MDA and ADA. Can you tell us about why these changes are important for growth and what impact you hope they will have for the future of the Association? The profession is evolving rapidly, and our associations must continue to adapt to serve today’s dentists effectively.
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