New Alberta Dental Association President Aims to Expand Rural Oral Care Access

Dr. Carol Martin, a renowned dentist, has taken over as President of the Alberta Dental Association, replacing Dr. Hans Herchen. Her term officially began on February 1, 2026, bringing decades of experience in rural and remote dentistry to the role. She now leads an organisation focused on improving oral health across the province.

A graduate of the University of Toronto's Faculty of Dentistry, Dr. Martin has spent much of her career serving underserved communities. Since 1990, she has owned and run a dental practice in Beaverlodge, treating multiple generations of families. Her work also extends to Indigenous communities, where she has delivered care and established solo practices in northern Alberta.

Dr. Martin holds fellowships with the International College of Dentists and the Pierre Fauchard Academy, recognising her contributions to the profession. Beyond dentistry, she enjoys hiking, gardening, photography, painting, and designing tartans.

As President, she will push to reduce administrative workloads for dental teams, allowing them more time with patients. Her priorities include expanding access to care for those dependent on public dental programmes and advancing oral health education across Alberta.

Dr. Martin's leadership will centre on easing pressures for practitioners while improving patient access. Her background in rural practice and commitment to education shape her approach to the role. The association has not released membership demographics for 2025, but her term is set to run through the coming year.