For Immediate Release
Media Contact: Amy Moorman
703.379.7755
www.dentaltradealliance.org
amymoorman@dentaltradealliance.org

Dental Trade Alliance Announces 2026 Board of Directors; Scot Anderson of Ultradent Products, Inc. named DTA Board Chair

WASHINGTON, DC / December 10, 2025 - The Dental Trade Alliance (DTA) is proud to announce the 2026 Board of Directors. The election was held during the DTA’s Annual Meeting of Members on November 3, 2025, in Lost Pines, TX.

The 2026 Board of Directors elected 5 officers reflected in the list below. Additionally, five new at-large directors were elected for their first three-year term: Linda Bellisario, Chief Revenue Officer, Dental Advisor; Michael Couch, Director of Marketing, Dental Solutions, Midmark Dental; Steven Kizy, Vice President and General Manager US Dental, Henry Schein Dental; Jordan Lorenz, Vice President of Marketing and Sales, Dental City; and, Jinesh Patel, CEO & Co-Founder, UptimeHealth. Two board members were elected for a second three-year term: Glen Kendrick, President of Planmeca and Eric Wenzel, Vice President, US and Canada for Solventum.

DTA Board Chair – Scot Anderson, Ultradent

Anderson noted upon his election, “One of the benefits of being a member of the Dental Trade Alliance is how they connect individuals and companies to the information they need to be successful. Information arrives in our email, through texts, radio, and multiple channels through local stations and streaming. A focus for 2026 will include the aggregation of information as it pertains to the dental industry as a whole. The time spent going through various mediums can be better focused if we have information at our fingertips.”

As the Vice President of Global Business Development at Ultradent Products, Inc., Scot Anderson has over 25 years of experience in the dental industry, with a focus on creating and maintaining strategic alliances within the global dental community. Scot is responsible for leading and managing a team that handles M&A, technology licensing and acquisition, and all phases of these negotiations, with the aim of advancing Ultradent's long term growth and innovation.

Before joining Ultradent, Scot was a founder and partner of Oratech LLC, a private label manufacturer of dental products, that later became a wholly owned subsidiary of Ultradent. Scot is also an innovator in the dental space, with eleven dental patents, some of which remain very successful dental products. Scot has a Bachelor of Science from Brigham Young University and a Continuing Education from Northwestern University - Kellogg School of Management. He is passionate about developing and delivering cutting-edge solutions that meet the needs and expectations of the dental market.

2026 DTA Board of Directors

Officers

Scot Anderson, Chair, Vice President, Global Business Development, Ultradent Products, Inc.

Katy Cohen, Chair Elect, President, Benco Dental

Marv Nelson, First Vice Chair, CEO, A-dec, Inc.

Tom Richardson, Treasurer, President, Atlanta Dental Supply

Sandi Hirsch, Immediate Past Chair, President and CEO, Zyris, Inc.

Directors at Large

Don Bell, Vice President, Product Marketing, North America, Ivoclar

Linda Bellisario, Chief Revenue Officer, Dental Advisor

Matt Berns, General Counsel and Chief Administrative Officer, HuFriedyGroup

Michael Couch, Director of Marketing, Dental Solutions, Midmark Dental

Laura Dawson, Chief Revenue Officer, Premier Dental Products Company

Steve Desautel, Chief Commercial Officer, Dental Health Products, Inc.

Karim Khadr, CEO, Septodont

Glen Kendrick, President, Planmeca USA, Inc.

Josh Killian, Vice President of Marketing, Patterson Dental

Steven Kizy, Vice President and General Manager US Dental, Henry Schein Dental

Jordan Lorenz, Vice President of Marketing and Sales, Dental City

Jinesh Patel, CEO & Co-Foundation, UptimeHealth

Joseph Talanges, President and COO, GC America

Mark Trimmer, Vice President, North American Consumables, Dentsply Sirona

Eric Wenzel, Vice President, US and Canada, Solventum

About the Dental Trade Alliance

The Dental Trade Alliance (DTA) is a member supported trade association of suppliers and service providers of the oral health profession and industry with the common goal of improving the state of oral care. The organization provides resources, knowledge-sharing opportunities and advocacy supporting businesses throughout North America, with ties to the rest of the globe. With a dedication to oral health that reaches back to the 1800s, the modern day DTA is committed to the success of its members and the industry at large.

Through a combination of business intelligence, education initiatives and industry-leading events, the DTA drives a stronger bottom line for companies supporting the oral care marketplace. The organization’s policy and advocacy efforts focus on maintaining a safe oral care environment while minimizing regulations that make it difficult for suppliers and service providers to operate profitable businesses. The DTA Foundation (DTAF) supports the DTA mission closer to the patient level, by funding grants and scholarships to improve access and education. The Dental Trade Alliance is making a lasting impact on the oral care ecosystem.

Find out more about the Dental Trade Alliance at dentaltradealliance.org.

Austin set the stage for an unforgettable 2025 DTA Annual Meeting, bringing dental industry leaders together for connection, collaboration, and memorable experiences. 

Sunday & Monday Highlights

The week kicked off with the Women in Business Network Diamonds and Denim Dinner and Panel Discussion, followed by the WIBN Breakfast, engaging sessions, and Western-themed activities. The day wrapped up with the Opening Reception, Dinner, and the DTA Foundation Cornhole Tournament. 

Tuesday Highlights

Tuesday featured sessions from Ed Snyder on dental market insights and Bart Foster on meaningful connections, plus Brian Bealieu’s final keynote on macroeconomic trends. Attendees enjoyed the Golf Tournament, a visit to Bastrop, and the Taste of Austin Dinner Event. 

Wednesday Highlights

Wednesday began with Sunrise Yoga and the DTA Foundation update, highlighting scholarships and grants. The Patient-Centric Industry Panel offered actionable insights, and Mick Ebeling’s keynote inspired with a vision for disruptive innovation. The day concluded with a Texas State Fair Dinner, entertainment, and the Foundation Auction. 

See You in Phoenix! 

We can’t wait to welcome you to the 2026 DTA Annual Meeting in Phoenix, AZ, Nov. 2-5. In the meantime, enjoy the photo gallery from 2025! 

2025 Annual Meeting Recap Video 

Relive the energy and excitement of the 2025 DTA Annual Meeting in Austin! This video showcases highlights from the week, featuring engaging sessions, inspiring keynotes, fun activities, and unforgettable moments of connection. Watch and experience the best of what made this year’s meeting so memorable. 

Check out photos from this year’s event! 

2025 AM Photo Gallery

Media Contact: Amy Moorman

703.379.7755

www.dentaltradealliance.org

amymoorman@dentaltradealliance.org

Dental Trade Alliance Announces 2024-25 Board of Directors; Sandra Hirsch, President and CEO of Zyris, Inc. Named DTA Board Chair

ARLINGTON, VA / November 12, 2024 - The Dental Trade Alliance (DTA) is proud to announce the 2024-25 Board of Directors. This year’s board was elected during the DTA Annual Meeting on the morning of November 12, 2024, in Napa, CA.

The 2024-25 Board of Directors includes five new members, elected for their first three-year term: Mercedes Aycinena, CEO, Komet USA; Matt Ingram, VP, Dental, Conexiant; Karim Khadr, Global Dental President of Septodont; Josh Killian, VP of Marketing, Patterson Dental; Joseph Talanges, President & COO, GC Americas.

“The Dental Trade Alliance leverages the strengths of our member companies to collectively impact oral health, supporting business objectives across the industry while empowering clinicians to provide optimal care,” said new board chair Sandra Hirsch. “I am excited to focus together on key initiatives in 2025, to facilitate better oral health for every individual Patient, the ultimate beneficiary of all our efforts!”

DTA Board Chair – Sandra Hirsch

Sandra Hirsch serves as President and CEO of Zyris, Inc.  As a founding member of Zyris, she has been instrumental in transforming Zyris from a fledgling startup to the global leader in dental isolation technology, successfully distributing its flagship product, Isolite, throughout North America and in over 20 countries worldwide.

Sandra was appointed to the DTA Board of Directors in 2017 and has served on the Executive Committee, as Chair of the Audit Committee also serving on the Finance Committee. Her term as Board Chair is for one year 2024-2025 and then will move into a Past Chair roll for 2025-2026.

DTA Board Second Vice Chair – Marv Nelson

Marv Nelson serves as the CEO of A-dec, Inc., joining the A-dec team in 2006. Marv played a key role early in his career at A-dec developing the company’s strategic planning process as CFO, leading other corporate initiatives and eventually taking charge of all global business operations and corporate strategy.  Marv was promoted to President, leading A-dec’s Executive Leadership Team before being appointed CEO in December 2023.

Marv was elected to the DTA Board of Directors in 2019 and has served on the Executive Committee and Finance/Audit Committee. Marv was elected Second Vice Chair and will eventually serve as Board Chair in 2028.

2024-25 DTA Board of Directors

Officers

Sandra Hirsch, Board Chair, President and CEO, Zyris, Inc.

Scot Andersen, Chair-Elect, Vice President, Global Business Development, Ultradent Products, Inc.

Katy Cohen, 1^st Vice Chair, Chief Revenue Officer, Benco Dental

Marv Nelson, 2^nd Vice Chair, CEO, A-dec, Inc.

Tom Richardson, Treasurer, President, Atlanta Dental Supply

Ted Kehagias, Immediate Past Chair, Vice President Sales, Midmark Dental Division

Directors at Large

Mercedes Aycinena, CEO, Komet USA  1^st term to 2027

Don Bell, VP, Product Marketing – North America, Ivoclar 1^st term to 2026

Matt Berns, VP and General Counsel, HuFriedyGroup 1^st term to 2026

Laura Dawson, EVP Revenue & Data, Premier Dental Products Company 1^st term to 2025

Steve Desautel, Vice President, Sales and Marketing, Dental Health Products, Inc. 2^nd term to 2026

Matt Ingram, Vice President, Dental Conexiant 1^st term to 2027

Karim Khadr, Global President, Septodont  1^st term to 2027

Glen Kendrick, President, Planmeca USA 1^st term to 2025

Josh Killian, Vice President of Marketing, Patterson Dental 1^st term to 2027

Linda Miller, CEO and Founder PDT, Inc. 2^nd term to 2025

Dave Steck, President, U.S. Dental Group, Henry Schein 1^st term to 2025

Joseph Talanges, President and COO, GC America 1^st term to 2027

Mark Trimmer, VP, North American Consumables, Dentsply Sirona 1^st term to 2026

Eric Wenzel, Vice President, US and Canada, Solventum 1^st term to 2025

About the Dental Trade Alliance

The Dental Trade Alliance (DTA) is a member supported trade association of suppliers and service providers of the oral health profession and industry with the common goal of improving the state of oral care. The organization provides resources, knowledge-sharing opportunities and advocacy supporting businesses throughout North America, with ties to the rest of the globe. With a dedication to oral health that reaches back to the 1800s, the modern day DTA is committed to the success of its members and the industry at large.

Through a combination of business intelligence, education initiatives and industry-leading events, the DTA drives a stronger bottom line for companies supporting the oral care marketplace. The organization’s policy and advocacy efforts focus on maintaining a safe oral care environment while minimizing regulations that make it difficult for suppliers and service providers to operate profitable businesses. The DTA Foundation (DTAF) supports the DTA mission closer to the patient level, by funding grants and scholarships to improve access and education. The Dental Trade Alliance is making a lasting impact on the oral care ecosystem.

Find out more about the Dental Trade Alliance at dentaltradealliance.org.

Introducing the Relaunched Emerging Leaders Committee
Charting a Course for the Future of Dentistry

The Dental Trade Alliance (DTA) and the DTA Foundation are proud to announce the establishment of a re-envisioned Emerging Leaders Committee, aimed at fostering the next generation of leaders within the dental industry. The committee is excited to introduce its newly elected chair, Chane Moline, along with a group of dynamic individuals who represent the future of dentistry. 

Chane Moline: is National Director of Sales at Belmont Business Media, publisher of journals Decisions in Dentistry and Dimensions of Dental Hygiene. Chane leads the team offering clients access to a full suite of digital products and services utilizing Belmont’s first-party targeting data. Prior to this role, Chane Moline spent nine years at Envista, starting in inside sales and progressing to outside sales, and ultimately becoming a Sales Training Manager.

Joining Chane on the committee are:

Zachary Kulsrud: Zac is the director of marketing at Pulpdent, a dental research, sales, and manufacturing company based in Watertown, Massachusetts. He worked previously as the group editorial director for Endeavor Business Media, publishers of Dental Economics and RDH magazine.

Emily Kemberling: Emily is the Solutions Manager and Key Accounts representative at Directa USA in Newtown, Connecticut, with over 16 years of experience in the dental industry. Previously, she held positions at Keystone Industries and Blackstone Industries. 

Christie Bailey: Christie is the Director of PR & Global Business at PULPDENT, brings over a decade of experience in branding, business development, marketing strategy, and global sales leadership. Christie has cultivated a unique skill set that fuels innovation and drives revenue growth, while embodying a passion for progress and a commitment to making a meaningful impact. She looks forward to nurturing the next generation of industry leaders with equitable opportunities through the DTA Emerging Leaders Committee.

Amelia Williamson DeStefano, MA: Amelia is group editorial director of the Endeavor Business Media Dental Group, where she leads the publication of high-quality content that empowers oral-health professionals to advance patient well-being, succeed in business, and cultivate professional joy and fulfillment. She holds a master's in English Literature from the University of Tulsa and has worked in dental media since 2015.

In celebration of its relaunch, the Emerging Leaders Committee is thrilled to invite industry professionals to a special . This engaging event will take place May 16th at 4pm on the fourth floor of the Anaheim Hilton in the El Capitan room right before the DTA Reception. Attendees will have the opportunity to learn from seasoned experts, network with fellow professionals, and gain valuable insights to enhance their leadership capabilities. And hear more on the committee’s upcoming programs, including a summer webinar and speed mentorship event at the DTA’s Annual Meeting.

An Open Letter from Ted Kehagias, New Chair, DTA Board of Directors

It is my privilege to have been elected the 2023-24 Chair of the Dental Trade Alliance (DTA) Board of Directors. I look forward to a productive year representing the needs of our diverse membership.

I would first like to thank Tim Rogan for an incredible term as Chair of the DTA Board of Directors. The 2023 DTA Annual Report does a great job of capturing the many organizational successes that occurred during Tim’s Chairmanship. As I shared during the recent DTA Annual Meeting, Tim and I started in the dental industry at the same time, and I’m honored to be following him as Chair of the DTA Board of Directors.

In my expanded DTA role, I will continue to champion Tim’s important work including the continued expansion of the DTA Washington Policy Summit (formerly the Washington Conference) as well as the strong support of the Dental Trade Alliance Foundation Robert Tanner Freeman UNCF Dental School Scholarship initiative.

The dental industry is potentially on the verge of a transformational shift to the dental care delivery system. Based on healthcare delivery efficiencies, commercial dynamics and government policy, we are witnessing an alignment of the Medical and Dental Healthcare sectors.

In just the last two years we’ve seen these tangible examples of the integration actively occurring within the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS):

• Natalia Chalmers, DDS, MHSc, PhD named as the first ever CMS Chief Dental Officer;
• CMS expanded Medicare to cover Dental procedures when deemed medically necessary;
• In the last month CMS released the 2024 Physician Fee Schedule which, for the first time, included dental reimbursement details for select medical procedures.

To help prepare our member companies for the potential changes caused by this business evolution, DTA is partnering with CHARM Economics, a healthcare think-tank. I’m pleased to share that as a free benefit of DTA membership, over the course of the next year, CHARM Economics will be providing our members with a series of business-related insights on how Medical Dental Integration (MDI) could impact the supply side of the dental industry. 

It is my hope that this strategic initiative will bring forth information and insights that will allow members to take advantage of the growth opportunities and perhaps prepare for the economic pressures the MDI model will create. Please watch for more details on this important strategic business initiative. 

Finally, DTA is your trade organization. From business connections to regulatory and policy insights and dental market intelligence please let us know how DTA can best support your organization.

Dental Trade Alliance Announces 2024 Board of Directors
Ted Kehagias, Midmark Corporation, Named DTA Board Chair

WASHINGTON, DC / November 20, 2023 - The Dental Trade Alliance (DTA) is proud to announce the 2024 Board of Directors. The election was held during the DTA’s Annual Meeting of Members on November 7, 2023, in Bonita Springs, FL.

The 2024 Board of Directors elected 6 officers reflected in the list below. Additionally, four new at-large directors were elected for their first three-year term: David Armstrong, President, Kerr/Metrex at Envista; Don Bell, Vice President, Product Marketing, North America, Ivoclar; Matt Berns, Vice President and General Counsel, HuFriedyGroup; and, Mark Trimmer, Vice President, North American Consumables, Dentsply Sirona. One board member was re-elected for a second three-year term: Steve Desautel, Vice President, Sales and Marketing, Dental Health Products, Inc. 

“Over the next year, I will advance Tim Rogan’s vision of growing the DTA Washington Policy Summit and continue to support dental student scholarships through the DTA Foundation, specifically the Dr. Robert Tanner Freeman Scholarship through the United Negro College Fund (UNCF). And finally, DTA is introducing an initiative specifically focused on the changing landscape of the dental industry. This initiative will help member companies navigate what we believe is progressing forward within our industry: Medical Dental Integration. The intent is for DTA to provide awareness and insights as new information surfaces, to assist DTA members to take advantage of the growth and perhaps prepare for the economic pressures the MDI model will create”. 

DTA Board Chair – Ted Kehagias, Midmark Corporation

Ted Kehagias is the Vice President of Sales, Dental Division for the Midmark Corporation.  Kehagias held the position of Eastern Region Director and Director of Sales with Midmark until 2011.  Prior to joining Midmark in 2007, he held positions as Branch Manager, Region Manager and VP of Sales for Patterson Dental Supply and Patterson Veterinary Supply.   

Kehagias served on the Executive Committee for the Center for Research & Education in Technology (CRET) and represents Midmark on the Board of Directors and Executive Committee for the Dental Trade Alliance (DTA). Kehagias has a BSBA from Shippensburg University and received his MBA with a major in finance from The Alfred Lerner College of Business & Economics at the University of Delaware. 

New Officer: DTA Board Second Vice Chair – Katy Cohen, Benco Dental  

As Benco Dental’s Chief Revenue Officer, Katy leads the customer-facing Field Sales and Service teams.  Her nationwide duties include leading the geographically based Territory Representatives’ Sales Team, Equipment Sales Team, Strategic Markets Sales Team, Sales Operations and Sales Training departments.  Additionally, in 2023, her role expanded to also include the Field Service Technician Team.   

Most recently before joining Benco, Katy Cohen led sales efforts as Vice President with McKesson Corporation, one of the world’s largest medical supply distribution companies, overseeing the Ambulatory Surgery and Community Health Center sectors. Her extensive sales and coaching experience with other Fortune 500 companies include roles with healthcare logistics authority Owens & Minor, and a medical device division of Johnson & Johnson. Cohen began her sales journey at SMED international, a modular interior and furniture company after earning a B.S. degree in Marketing from Longwood University, Virginia. 

2024 DTA Board of Directors

Officers 
Ted Kehagias, Board Chair, Vice President Sales, Dental Division, Midmark Corporation 
Sandi Hirsch, Chair-Elect, President and CEO, Zyris, Inc. 
Scot Andersen, 1st Vice Chair, Vice President, Global Business Development, Ultradent Products, Inc. 
Katy Cohen, 2nd Vice Chair, Chief Revenue Officer, Benco Dental 
Tom Richardson, Treasurer, President, Atlanta Dental Supply 
Tim Rogan, Immediate Past Chair, President of Patterson Dental 

Directors at Large 
David Armstrong, President, Kerr/Metrex at Envista 1st term to 2026 
Don Bell, Vice President, Product Marketing, North America, Ivoclar 1st term to 2026 
Matt Berns, Vice President and General Counsel, HuFriedyGroup 1st term to 2026 
Laura Dawson, EVP Revenue & Data, Premier Dental Products Company 1st term to 2025 
Steve Desautel, Vice President, Sales and Marketing, Dental Health Products, Inc. 2nd term to 2026 
Glen Kendrick, President, Planmeca USA 1st term to 2025 
Linda Miller, CEO and Founder PDT, Inc. 2nd term to 2025 
Marv Nelson, President, A-dec, Inc. 2nd term to 2025 
Dave Steck, Vice President and General Manager U.S. Dental Group, Henry Schein 1st term to 2025 
Mark Trimmer, Vice President, North American Consumables, Dentsply Sirona 1st term to 2026 
Eric Wenzel, Vice President, USAC for 3M Oral Care Solution Division 1st term to 2025 

About the Dental Trade Alliance 

The Dental Trade Alliance (DTA) is a member supported trade association of suppliers and service providers of the oral health profession and industry with the common goal of improving the state of oral care. The organization provides resources, knowledge-sharing opportunities and advocacy supporting businesses throughout North America, with ties to the rest of the globe. With a dedication to oral health that reaches back to the 1800s, the modern day DTA is committed to the success of its members and the industry at large. 

Through a combination of business intelligence, education initiatives and industry-leading events, the DTA drives a stronger bottom line for companies supporting the oral care marketplace. The organization’s policy and advocacy efforts focus on maintaining a safe oral care environment while minimizing regulations that make it difficult for suppliers and service providers to operate profitable businesses. The DTA Foundation (DTAF) supports the DTA mission closer to the patient level, by funding grants and scholarships to improve access and education. The Dental Trade Alliance is making a lasting impact on the oral care ecosystem. 

Find out more about the Dental Trade Alliance at dentaltradealliance.org. 

For Immediate Release

DTA’s Fred Freedman to be Installed as President of
International Dental Manufacturers (IDM) 

WASHINGTON, DC / February 1, 2022 – Fred A. Freedman, DTA Vice President of Member Services, will be installed during the IDM General Assembly Meeting in Chicago. Mr. Freedman will begin serving a two-year term as President of the IDM on February 25^th, succeeding Dr. Gianfranco Berrutti from the Italian Dental Association, UNIDI.

Mr. Freedman has been employed by DTA since 2002. He has co–chaired various IDM working group committees, hosted international events on behalf of IDM and has served on IDM’s Executive Board for the past six years. Additionally, Mr. Freedman has served the member companies of DTA by assisting with exports, regulatory affairs and standards, compliance issues, trade shows and exhibitions and member engagement. He is staff liaison with outside healthcare organizations including FDA’s Center for Devices and Radiography, the International Standards Organization, U.S. Department of Commerce, and adjacent organizations to the DTA.

Other DTA Members that have served as past presidents of IDM include the late Milly Goldstein from Harry S. Bosworth and Company and Christian Brutzer from Ivoclar Vivadent.  The IDM typically convenes twice a year at the FDI Meeting in September (various locations) and at the Chicago Dental Society Midwinter Meeting in the even years and at the International Dental Show (IDS) in Cologne, Germany in the odd years.

About the Dental Trade Alliance
The Dental Trade Alliance (DTA) is a member supported trade association of suppliers and service providers of the oral health profession and industry with the common goal of improving the state of oral care. The organization provides resources, knowledge-sharing opportunities and advocacy supporting businesses throughout North America, with ties to the rest of the globe. With a dedication to oral health that reaches back to the 1800s, the modern day DTA is committed to the success of its members and the industry at large.

Through a combination of business intelligence, education initiatives and industry-leading events, the DTA drives a stronger bottom line for companies supporting the oral care marketplace. The organization’s policy and advocacy efforts focus on maintaining a safe oral care environment while minimizing regulations that make it difficult for suppliers and service providers to operate profitable businesses. The DTA Foundation (DTAF) supports the DTA mission closer to the patient level, by funding grants and scholarships to improve access and education. The Dental Trade Alliance is making a lasting impact on the oral care ecosystem.

Learn more about the DTA at dentaltradealliance.org.

About the International Dental Manufacturers Association
The International Dental Manufacturers is an association representing the joint international interests of regional member industry associations.  They include the ADIA of Australia, ABIMO from Brazil, F.I.D.E from Europe, the JDTA from Japan, AMIC from Mexico and the US Dental Trade Alliance. The IDM has been the home and the voice of International Dental Manufacturing for over forty years. The IDM represents the global interests of dental manufacturers on a broad range of interests from world–wide regulatory changes, international exhibition opportunities, International Standards Organization (ISO/TC 106) Meetings, global access to oral care and direct communications and involvement with the FDI, the International Dental Association.

Learn more about the IDM at www.idm-vox.org/.

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To accomplish this ongoing goal, DTA is ramping up our outreach activities for 2022. As shared during the 2021 DTA Annual Meeting, we are pleased to announce that we have brought Jamie Falasz on board to help us further increase our member and potential member outreach. 

With over 30 years of dental industry experience, Jamie comes to DTA with a strong understanding of the dynamics of the industry.

To learn more about the many resources, benefits and programs available to your company through the DTA, please contact Jamie Falasz, DTA Member Engagement Representative, at jamiefalasz@dentaltradealliance.org or on her cell at 630-484-5101.

WASHINGTON, DC / November 19, 2021 - The Dental Trade Alliance (DTA) is proud to announce the 2021-2022 Board of Directors who were elected during DTA’s Annual Meeting on November 9, 2021.

DTA Board Chair Karen Neiner
Karen Neiner has been with Hu-Friedy Manufacturing Co. LLC for over 30 years and is currently serving as President of Palmero Healthcare.  Palmero is now a proud member of HuFriedyGroup, the dental division of STERIS.  She had served as Vice President of Corporate Development and Professional Relations, where she provided global growth through acquisitions and new category introductions.  She co-developed Hu-Friedy’s product stage gate process and created the Friends of Hu-Friedy social media program to provide the dental community with continuing education and professional development support. Ms. Neiner had practiced clinically as a registered dental hygienist prior to joining Hu-Friedy and was awarded the American Dental Hygienists’ Association’s Award for Excellence in 2016. Ms. Neiner is a Graduate of Indiana University School of Dental Hygiene, Northwestern University, and the DePaul University’s Kellstadt Graduate School MBA program.  

Karen was elected to the DTA Board in 2017 and served on DTA’s Executive Committee and DTA Foundation Board.  She was subsequently elected to the DTA leadership as Second Vice Chair in 2018.

In her comments to the membership during the 2021 DTA Annual Meeting, Karen shared, “As we collectively, as an oral healthcare industry, continue to navigate the changing needs of our customers and employees and face emerging global challenges, we will need to charter a course that does not look for ’a new normal' but utilizes the lessons we’ve learned, business intelligence tools honed, and the additional services to be stronger and more resilient.”  She encouraged the membership to “learn more about what your DTA can do for you and get the most of your DTA membership through full engagement.”

Second Vice Chair Sandra Hirsch
Sandra Hirsch, Chief Executive Officer at Zyris, Inc. was elected to the DTA leadership as Second Vice Chair. Sandra was elected to the DTA Board in 2017 and served on the Audit Committee, becoming the committee Chair in 2019.  In addition to her Board service, Sandra has been involved in the DTA Women in Business group.

Two New Directors Elected to the Board for a First Three-Year Term
Dave Brandsen, Partner, Anterior Quest
Mark Nicholls, VP & General Manager, Group Sales – US Dental, Henry Schein

2021-2022 DTA Board of Directors

Officers
Karen Neiner, Chair, President, Palmero 
Tim E. Rogan, Chair-Elect, President, Patterson Dental
Ted Kehagias, First Vice-Chair, Vice President Sales, Midmark Dental Division
Sandra Hirsch, Second Vice-Chair, Chief Executive Officer, Zyris, Inc.
Tom Richardson, Treasurer, President, Atlanta Dental Supply
Dave Sproat, Immediate Past Chair, Chief Executive Officer, Young Innovations, Inc.

Directors at Large
Scot Andersen, Director, Business Development, Ultradent Products, Inc. 1st term to 2022
Karen Auiler, Chief Executive Office, AEGIS Communications 1st term to 2023
Dave Brandsen, Partner, Anterior Quest 1st term to 2024
Katy Cohen, Chief Revenue Officer, Benco Dental 1st term to 2023
Steve Desautel, Vice President, Sales and Marketing, Dental Health Products, Inc. 1st term to 2023
Christopher Holden, Executive VP & Chief Administrative Officer, Ivoclar Vivadent 2nd term to 2024
Chris Little, Vice President, Strategic Marketing Dentsply Sirona 1st term to 2023
Ed McDonough, President, Planmeca 1st term to 2023
Linda Miller, CEO and Founder PDT, Inc. 1st term to 2022
Marv Nelson, Executive VP and COO A-dec, Inc. 1st term to 2022
Mark Nicholls, VP & General Manager, Group Sales – US Dental, Henry Schein 1st term to 2024
Ed Shellard, Chief Dental Officer Carestream Dental 2nd term to 2023

About the Dental Trade Alliance
The Dental Trade Alliance (DTA) is a member supported trade association of suppliers and service providers of the oral health profession and industry with the common goal of improving the state of oral care. The organization provides resources, knowledge-sharing opportunities and advocacy supporting businesses throughout North America, with ties to the rest of the globe. With a dedication to oral health that reaches back to the 1800s, the modern day DTA is committed to the success of its members and the industry at large.
Through a combination of business intelligence, education initiatives and industry-leading events, the DTA drives a stronger bottom line for companies supporting the oral care marketplace. The organization’s policy and advocacy efforts focus on maintaining a safe oral care environment while minimizing regulations that make it difficult for suppliers and service providers to operate profitable businesses. The DTA Foundation (DTAF) supports the DTA mission closer to the patient level, by funding grants and scholarships to improve access and education. The Dental Trade Alliance is making a lasting impact on the oral care ecosystem.
Find out more about the Dental Trade Alliance at dentaltradealliance.org.

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Arlington, VA – November 16, 2021 – The Dental Trade Alliance (DTA) is proud to announce SDM Northcoast as its new exclusive provider of dental industry business intelligence. This relationship is designed to deliver real-time, tangible dental industry market insights. For nearly 30 years, SDM has been the premier source for business intelligence in the dental industry. Following its merger to become SDM Northcoast in 2019, the company significantly expanded its dental industry data relationships, added new web-based business intelligence tools to help customers visualize industry trends and launched a series of industry reports. Over the past two years, SDM Northcoast has also added a team of seasoned dental industry analysts who actively partner with customers to find opportunities to accelerate growth.  

SDM Northcoast’s business intelligence accurately reports actual dental market sales data for more than 90% of all dental consumables and dental equipment transactions sold through distribution in the United States. Effective today, DTA members can subscribe to see monthly revenue, revenue growth, units sold, unit growth, average selling prices, price change, and market share data.  Data can be sorted by manufacturer, by major product category, minor product category, or individual products, by region, by state, or by three-digit zip code. All data can also be viewed in any customizable time period. Data is viewable through the SDM Analytics platform, where users can view more than 110 million lines of data by asking questions in easy-to-use drop-down menus and build customized dashboards of information that will automatically update each month as new data arrives in the portal.

Greg Chavez, CEO of the DTA, said, “We are pleased to announce our agreement with SDM Northcoast. Business Intelligence is a tenet of the DTA Strategic Plan and the relationship with SDM Northcoast serves to solidify the delivery of dental industry market insights to our membership. To help our members prepare for the new year, we are pleased to also share that in January 2022 the DTA will host a member-wide dental market business intelligence webinar.”   

Edwin Snyder, CEO of SDM Northcoast, added, “We are honored to be the DTA’s exclusive data provider. We have the most comprehensive data offering in the dental industry and we look forward to playing an active role to help DTA members accelerate business growth rates.”

Through this business intelligence agreement, DTA membership gives dental companies an added benefit in the ever-competitive dental industry marketplace. The DTA and SDM Northcoast relationship establishes the following critical market intelligence items:

• A DTA member discount on the purchase of any new market report;
• Beginning in Q1 of 2022 an exclusive/free quarterly DTA Member Executive Summary that will be delivered to all members;
• A Mid-Year, in person Dental Market Intelligence Summit; and
• Timely dental market updates during the DTA Annual Meeting.

To learn more about membership in DTA please contact Fred Freedman, DTA Vice President of Membership at fredfreedman@dentaltradealliance.org or to learn more about dental industry market insights please contact SDM Northcoast Business Development at research@sdmnorthcoast.com.

About Dental Trade Alliance
The Dental Trade Alliance (DTA) is a member supported trade association of suppliers and service providers of the oral health industry with the common goal of improving the state of oral care. The organization provides resources, knowledge-sharing opportunities and advocacy supporting businesses throughout North America, with ties to the rest of the globe. With a dedication to oral health that reaches back to the 1800’s, the modern day DTA is committed to the success of its members and the industry at large.

Media Contact: Amy Moorman
amymoorman@dentaltradealliance.org
Dental Trade Alliance
4350 N. Fairfax Drive, Suite 650, Arlington, Virginia 22203
Phone: (703) 379-7755

About SDM Northcoast, LLC
SDM was established in 1994 and has served the dental industry as the leading provider of qualitative and quantitative research services. SDM collects monthly retail sales data from dental product distributors and has been primarily recognized for its publication of the Dental Products Market Share Study (DPMSS) which analyzes growth for thousands of dental products. In February 2019, SDM merged with Northcoast Data Analytics to form SDM Northcoast, expanding the company's analytical capabilities. The mission of SDM Northcoast is to help dental customers make informed business decisions by providing access to the most comprehensive, accurate, and timely dental industry data.

For business inquiries, please contact SDM Northcoast Business Development at research@sdmnorthcoast.com

Media Contact: Ed Snyder           
SDM Northcoast   
301 Route 17 North, Suite 701, Rutherford, New Jersey 07070  
(330) 990-4579

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LaDainian Tomlinson
(photo credit: Variety.com)

LaDainian Tomlinson currently serves as a studio analyst for the NFL Network as well as a special advisor to the owner of the Los Angeles Chargers. He was inducted into the NFL Hall of Fame in 2017 and the College Football Hall of Fame in 2014.

His football credentials consist of being the 2006 League MVP, a five-time Pro Bowler, a five-time All Pro team member, the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year in 2006, Associated Press’ Offensive Player of the Year in 2006 and the recipient of the Doak Walker Award for best college running back in 2000.

Tomlinson had a historic 2006 season where he went on to set several scoring records, including a rushing title, following the same feat in 2007. He played the majority of his 11-year career with the San Diego Chargers, after they selected him with the fifth overall pick in the 2001 Draft. Prior to retiring in 2011, he played two seasons with the New York Jets.  At the time of his retirement, Tomlinson ranked fifth in career rushing yards (13,684), seventh in all-purpose yards (18,456), second in career rushing touchdowns (145), and third in total touchdowns (162).

Accepting an athletic scholarship to TCU, he set various NCAA FBS records and was a finalist for the Heisman Trophy in 2000. In 2005, Tomlinson fulfilled a promise and went back to school to earn his General Studies degree. That same year, TCU retired his jersey. He joined the TCU Board of Trustees in 2018.

In 2015, Tomlinson also had his number raised to the rafters at Qualcomm Stadium, becoming the 38th member of the Chargers' Hall of Fame, and had his name placed in the team's Ring of Honor.

Along with Tomlinson’s football accolades, LaDainian and his wife Torsha created the Tomlinson’s Touching Lives Foundation. The foundation enhances the lives of deserving families through education, social and culture awareness, and positive self-esteem, and promotes inclusiveness through its Team America initiative.

Tomlinson currently resides in Dallas, Texas, with his wife and their two children, Daylen and Dayah. He enjoys spending time with his family and friends, golfing, traveling and being in the outdoors.

• Cleaning, disinfecting, and air filtration solutions
• Personal protective equipment (PPE)
• Physical distancing and safety technologies, plexiglass, and other modifications
• Employee training and certification

Dental Trade Alliance Announces
Dave Sproat, Young Innovations, Inc. CEO Named DTA Board Chair
Five New DTA Board Members Elected

WASHINGTON, DC / November 13, 2020 - The Dental Trade Alliance (DTA) is proud to announce the 2020-2021 Board of Directors who were elected during the alliance’s annual meeting on November 11, 2020.

DTA Board Chair Dave Sproat

Dave Sproat is the Chief Executive Officer at Young Innovations Inc., a manufacturer and marketer of consumable dental products designed to improve the clinical experience for dental professionals and patients. The company offers a broad portfolio of market leading products across a variety of categories including preventative, restorative, orthodontic, endodontic, oral surgery and infection control. Dave previously held senior executive positions at Patterson Companies, including President of Patterson Medical and Vice President of Sales for Patterson Dental. Dave is a graduate of Eastern Illinois University and Northwestern University – Kellogg School of Management. Dave serves on the Harvard School of Dental Medicine Advisory Board and the Arizona School of Dentistry & Oral Health Advisory Board.

Dave was elected to the DTA Board in 2016 and served on DTA’s Nominating and Executive Committee, subsequently being elected to the DTA leadership as Second Vice Chair in 2018. His most recent service included being a member of the DTA’s CEO Search Committee. 

In his comments to the membership during the 2020 DTA Virtual Annual meeting, Dave shared, “Indeed, the industry is unique, as during the day we serve the profession and often compete with each other.  However, when it comes to the DTA and the greater industry good, we unite to move our collective interests forward.” He went on to say, “These unprecedented times will require us to unite now more than ever.” He pledges to champion DTA’s key initiatives of oral health education and promotion, industry advocacy, and business intelligence while working with DTA leadership, staff and the entire membership to move the dental industry forward.

Second Vice Chair Ted Kehagias

Ted Kehagias, Vice President of Sales at Midmark Corporation, was elected to the DTA leadership as Second Vice Chair. Ted’s experience in the dental industry encompasses operations and sales in manufacturing and distribution, having previously worked for Patterson Dental. In addition to his DTA Board service, Ted has volunteered his time serving on DTA’s Nominating Committee, Exhibits Committee, Emerging Leaders Group and was most recently a member of DTA’s CEO Search Committee. 

Five New Directors Elected to the Board for a First Three-Year Term

Karen Auiler, Chief Executive Officer, AEGIS Communications and Learning Systems
Katy Cohen, Chief Revenue Officer, Benco Dental
Steve Desautel, Vice President, Sales and Marketing, Dental Health Products, Inc.
Christopher Little, Vice President, Strategic Marketing, Dentsply Sirona
Ed McDonough, President, Planmeca USA

2020-2021 DTA Board of Directors

Officers
Dave Sproat, Chair, Chief Executive Officer, Young Innovations, Inc.
Karen Neiner, Chair-Elect, VP Corporate Development & Professional Relations, HuFriedyGroup/ President Palmero
Tim E. Rogan, First Vice-Chair, VP and GM Patterson Dental North America
Ted Kehagias, Second Vice-Chair, Vice President Sales Midmark Dental Division
Lorene Kent, Treasurer, President, Belmont Publications, Inc.
Dave Steck, Immediate Past Chair, VP and GM Equipment Group, Henry Schein Dental

Directors at Large

Scot Andersen, Director, Business Development Ultradent Products, Inc. 1^st term to 2022
Karen Auiler, Chief Executive Office, AEGIS Communications 1^st term to 2023
Katy Cohen, Chief Revenue Officer, Benco Dental 1^st term to 2023
Steve Desautel, Vice President, Sales and Marketing, Dental Health Products, Inc. 1^st term to 2023
Sandi Hirsch, President and CEO Zyris, Inc. 2^nd term to 2023
Christopher Holden, Executive Vice President & Chief Administrative Officer Ivoclar Vivadent 1^st term to 2021
Chris Little, Vice President, Strategic Marketing Dentsply Sirona 1^st term to 2023
Ed McDonough, President, Planmeca 1^st term to 2023
Linda Miller, CEO and Founder PDT, Inc. 1^st term to 2022
Marv Nelson, Executive VP and COO A-dec, Inc. 1^st term to 2022
Tom Richardson, President Atlanta Dental Supply 2^nd term to 2022
Ed Shellard, Chief Dental Officer Carestream Dental 2^nd term to 2023

About the Dental Trade Alliance

The Dental Trade Alliance (DTA) is a member supported trade association of suppliers and service providers of the oral health profession and industry with the common goal of improving the state of oral care. The organization provides resources, knowledge-sharing opportunities and advocacy supporting businesses throughout North America, with ties to the rest of the globe. With a dedication to oral health that reaches back to the 1800s, the modern day DTA is committed to the success of its members and the industry at large.

Through a combination of business intelligence, education initiatives and industry-leading events, the DTA drives a stronger bottom line for companies supporting the oral care marketplace. The organization’s policy and advocacy efforts focus on maintaining a safe oral care environment while minimizing regulations that make it difficult for suppliers and service providers to operate profitable businesses. The DTA Foundation (DTAF) supports the DTA mission closer to the patient level, by funding grants and scholarships to improve access and education. The Dental Trade Alliance is making a lasting impact on the oral care ecosystem.

Find out more about the Dental Trade Alliance at dentaltradealliance.org.

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Dave Steck, current DTA Chair and General Manager at Henry Schein stated, “Greg had originally planned to assume the CEO role later in April. We welcome his early arrival and appreciate his dedication.”

“I wanted to be of assistance to DTA members and staff,” said Chavez. “This is an unprecedented time, and now more than ever, we are here to be a resource for the DTA Members. The DTA is team is actively working to provide our members with critical COVID-19 and CARES Act information. I encourage members to contact me directly at gregchavez@dentaltradealliance.org to share ideas, perspective or ask any questions.”

DTA has established a DTA COVID-19 Knowledge Center to inform and provide access to the information DTA members need. This site is updated often with the latest COVID-19 related information.

Dental Trade Alliance

The Dental Trade Alliance (DTA) is an association of companies that provide dental equipment, supplies, materials and services to dentists and other oral care professionals. Our member companies include distributors, dental laboratories and manufacturers, located in the United States, Canada and Mexico. By providing the best equipment, materials and services to dentists and oral care professionals, we are partners in improving the oral health of everyone.