ADAA shares in the grief of the dental community at the loss of Ms. Ann Battrell, MSDH, RDH, CEO of ADHA since 2016

The American Dental Assistants Association (ADAA) shares in the grief of the dental community at the loss of Ms. Ann Battrell, MSDH, RDH, who served as CEO of the American Dental Hygienists’ Association (ADHA) since 2016. Ann passed on June 7, 2023. Following a highly successful professional career as a recognized innovator, notable collaborator, and national leader.  Ann was the first dental hygienist to serve as the CEO of ADHA and established a long history of work with multiple notable professional organizations including, but not limited to: the ADAA, American Dental Association (ADA), American Dental Education Association (ADEA) and the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB). 

Ann was always gracious and willing to dialogue with the dental assisting community to identify mutual areas of interest and to support initiatives for the recognition of dental assisting as a profession and implementation of expanded functions. Ms. Batrell’s dedication to the oral health community made a significant impact on national dental care by championing the provision of care for historically underserved populations and by elevating the dental hygiene profession. Ms. Batrell facilitated access to oral health for the underserved and created a legacy of leadership that will enhance the dental community for many years over the foreseeable future.

The ADAA acknowledges Ms. Battrell as a passionate leader dedicated to access of equitable dental care, advocate for dental hygienists practicing to their full scope of practice, and as a leader for dental therapy in the United States. Ann worked tirelessly on federal legislative issues, the Task Force for the Elimination of Live Patient Exams for licensure, and the Dentist and Dental Hygienist State Compacts for dental licensure.

ADAA is most grateful for the support and inroads made between the ADAA and ADHA under Ann’s leadership. ADAA looks forward to continuing collaborative efforts with ADHA to enhance the growth and independence of the respective professions and the health and wellness of the nation.