September 2026

Dear CDAA Members, Colleagues, Educators, and Students,

Welcome to September! As summer comes to a close and students and educators return to the classroom, there is a renewed sense of energy and possibility. For many students, this is the beginning of a journey into the dental assisting profession; for our educators, it is another opportunity to shape, mentor, and inspire the next generation of dental professionals.

It has also been a very busy and productive time for CDAA. Over the past several months, our committees and leadership team have continued working toward strengthening our Association, expanding our outreach, supporting our members, and creating new opportunities to connect with dental assistants, students, educators, and industry partners throughout California.

Reaching the Next Generation

One of my priorities as President is strengthening CDAA’s connection with dental assisting programs and educators. Our students represent the future of our profession, and I believe it is important that they understand the value of professional membership, mentorship, continuing education, advocacy, and having a professional community they can turn to throughout their careers.

We are developing new ways to introduce students and educators to CDAA and to show them that their professional association can remain a resource long after graduation. I look forward to sharing more about these outreach efforts as they develop.

Building on the Success of Our Annual Conference

Our last Annual Conference reminded us just how valuable it is when dental assistants come together to learn, network, exchange ideas, and celebrate our profession.

We are already hard at work planning the 2027 CDAA Annual Conference, and I am excited about what our Conference Team is developing. We have secured the San Diego Marriott La Jolla for April 16–17, 2027, and our goal is to build upon the successes and lessons from our previous conference to make next year’s experience even stronger.

There is much more to come, and I cannot wait to share the details with you as our plans take shape.

Moving CDAA Forward Together

Another priority for me is creating more opportunities for members to become involved in CDAA. An association is strongest when its members bring their different experiences, talents, ideas, and perspectives to the table.

Whether your interest is education, membership, legislation, conferences, communications, leadership, or simply helping with a project, there is a place for you within CDAA. Please watch for our volunteer information and opportunities throughout the newsletter and on the CDAA website.

As we begin this new academic season and continue our work together, I am encouraged by the progress we are making. There is still much to accomplish, but I believe we are building momentum and creating a stronger foundation for CDAA’s future.

Thank you to our Board, committee chairs, volunteers, educators, students, members, and partners who continue to give their time and talents to this organization. Your commitment is what allows CDAA to continue advocating for and supporting California’s dental assisting community.

I look forward to everything we will accomplish together this year.

With appreciation, 

Zeña B. Delling RDA, AA, AS
President California Dental Assistants Association
President’s email

“To advance the careers of dental assistants and to promote the dental assisting profession in matters of education, legislation, credentialing and professional activities which enhance the delivery of quality dental health care to the public.