The Alberta Dental Association has announced Dr. Carol Martin as its new President for the year 2026, marking a significant leadership transition in the province's dental community. Dr. Martin, a general dentist based in Beaverlodge, northern Alberta, succeeds Dr. Hans Herchen, whose term concluded on January 31, 2026.
A Rural Dentist's Journey to Leadership
Dr. Martin brings decades of practical experience and governance expertise to her new role, with a career deeply rooted in serving rural and remote communities across Alberta. Her professional journey began with a dental internship at a teaching hospital, where she gained specialized skills in areas such as oral and maxillofacial surgery. Early in her career, she demonstrated her commitment to underserved populations by providing dental care in an Indigenous community using portable equipment during her hospital residency.
Building Trust in Northern Communities
After relocating to Alberta in the early 1980s, Dr. Martin dedicated herself to serving northern regions, particularly in Manning within the Peace River area. Since 1990, she has owned and operated a dental practice in Beaverlodge, located in the Grande Prairie region, where she has treated multiple generations of local families and residents from surrounding areas.
"Rural dentistry is about more than treatment. It's about trust, continuity, and showing up for your neighbours," Dr. Martin emphasized. "I've seen first-hand how much it matters when patients can get care close to home—and when oral health is treated as part of overall wellness and quality of life."
Vision and Priorities for Alberta's Dental Profession
As President, Dr. Martin outlined several key priorities aimed at supporting both dental professionals and patients across the province:
- Implementing practical, office-ready solutions to reduce administrative burdens, allowing dental teams to focus more on patient care.
- Enhancing access to dental services for patients who depend on public dental programs.
- Advancing oral health education initiatives to promote preventive care and awareness.
- Strengthening the dental workforce pipeline to help practices recruit and retain skilled personnel.
"It's an honour to represent Alberta's dentists and the patients we serve," Dr. Martin stated. "While this is a young association, our profession has a long history and a bright future in this province; I look forward to both telling our story and helping to write the next chapter."
About the Alberta Dental Association
The Alberta Dental Association serves as the collective voice for dentists in the province, dedicated to strengthening the dental profession and promoting oral health as an integral component of general health for all Albertans. The organization plays a crucial role in advocacy, education, and support for dental practitioners.
Dr. Martin's election underscores the association's commitment to addressing the unique challenges faced by rural dental practices while advancing broader oral health goals. Her extensive background in remote care delivery positions her to lead initiatives that bridge gaps in dental access and education, particularly in underserved regions.
With her leadership, the Alberta Dental Association aims to foster a more resilient and responsive dental care system, ensuring that oral health remains a priority for communities across the province. Dr. Martin's focus on continuity of care and community trust reflects a patient-centered approach that aligns with evolving healthcare needs in Alberta.
