Minnesota Dental Association Welcomes New Leadership for 2026-2027 Term

The Minnesota Dental Association (MDA) recently held its Leadership Conference on September 18, 2026, in Shoreview, marking a significant transition as new officers and trustees were installed for the upcoming 2026-2027 term. This event highlights a renewed commitment to the dental profession and aims to promote optimal oral health across Minnesota.

New Officers Installed

At the core of the MDA’s leadership changes is the newly elected president, Dr. John Noack, who operates with the Professional Dental Group in Northfield. He takes the reins at a crucial time, focusing on advancing the interests of Minnesota dentists and ensuring their voices are heard effectively within the healthcare landscape.

Joining Dr. Noack in leadership is Dr. Aruna Rao, the newly appointed President-Elect from Koala Dental Care in St. Cloud. As First Vice President, Dr. Loren Taple of Northwood Dental in Eagan and Second Vice President Dr. Nathan Pedersen of Dental Health Service in Hibbing will also play significant roles in guiding the association through various challenges.

Trustees and Their Roles

In addition to the officers, newly elected trustees are set to strengthen the MDA's leadership. Dr. Jeff Griffith from Cold Spring and Dr. Gary Hedin from Duluth will serve as trustees, bringing vital regional perspectives to the leadership team. Other continuing trustees include Dr. LeeAnn Herbert (Minneapolis), Dr. Michael Ahn (Hastings), Dr. Seth Huiras (Montgomery), and student district representative Mr. Sean Kerns (Minneapolis). Together, they represent diverse areas within Minnesota, ensuring a comprehensive focus on the needs of the dental community throughout the state.

Commitments and Goals

With the new leadership in place, the MDA team is poised to foster a collaborative environment, driving initiatives that support dentists and the public's oral health. This year, the leadership plans to focus on significant issues such as ensuring access to quality dental care, continuous education, and advocacy for the dental profession. They will also work on enhancing community engagement by addressing the oral health needs of all Minnesotans, particularly underserved populations.

The MDA, representing dentists throughout the state, has a long history of commitment to professional excellence and advocates tirelessly for optimal oral health. The upcoming term under the guidance of Dr. Noack and his team is anticipated to bring innovative ideas and fresh solutions to ongoing challenges in the dental field, affirming that they are prepared to lead with integrity and dedicated service.

Learn More

For more details on their initiatives and to follow their progress, visit the MDA's official website at www.mndental.org. The association continues to work vigorously to support its members and enhance the oral health of the communities they serve.

In closing, this transition not only marks a new chapter for the Minnesota Dental Association but also reflects a commitment to the profession and public service, reinforcing the importance of dental health across the state.