ADA Elections 2024

President-elect candidate

Maria C. Maranga, D.D.S.

Campaign statement

Change is here, in our world, our profession and in our Association. Change can sometimes be hard and uncomfortable. Strong and experienced leadership is key to communicating how change,
although not always perfect, will improve both the dental profession and the patients we serve.

Membership decline has been a topic of discussion for several years. We can no longer just talk about it; we must act to keep our Association relevant and the leader of the dental community.

In order to do this, we need to be mindful of how our membership is evolving. We must take into account changing demographics, practice models, workforce issues and student debt.

The new membership model, paired with Salesforce and Fontiva, will give members tailored products and services in real time. With these goals and collaboration, we will restore the value of membership.

Through advocacy, we must continue to communicate with third-party providers and streamline regulatory issues, to protect and strengthen our profession for better patient outcomes.

We must transform the way the ADA communicates, connect members to the tools they need to succeed, and establish effective collaboration between ADA staff, the Board, the House and our members.

Profile

Current residence: Northport, New York

Dental school attended: NYU College of Dentistry

Year received dental degree: 1988

Postgraduate education/specialty: Endodontics

Years of ADA membership: 36

Other professional memberships:

American Association of Endodontists.
American Dental Educators Association.
American Association of Women Dentists.
International College of Dentists.
Pierre Fauchard Academy.

Volunteer posts/elective offices held in organized dentistry:

Past ADA first and second vice president.
President, New York State Association of Endodontists.
Academic affairs director, American Association for Women Dentists.
Past chair, ADA Council on Membership.
American Association of Endodontists board/foundation and liaison to ADPAC.

What are your main qualifications for the office you seek?

I have board, chair and/or presidential experience at all three levels of our tripartite. Coupled with my experience at the AAE, I value and embrace the symbiotic relationship of the ADA, specialty groups and dental service organizations.
As chair of the NYS Dental Foundation, I promote an environment of mutual respect for our dental leaders, corporate sponsors and oral health advocates.
As an educator for over 30 years, I see firsthand the struggles of our students and residents, who also look to me as a mentor for career guidance and empathy. As an alumna of the ADA’s Institute for Diversity in Leadership, my commitment to encourage, inspire and stimulate growth of our diverse membership remains steadfast.
As a practitioner/educator, small business owner and ADPAC board member, I understand the importance of advocacy for all members from early on in their careers to more seasoned practitioners. Leading by example helps to ensure that the autonomy we enjoy will be passed on to another generation.

Why do you want to be an ADA officer?

As ADA president-elect, I would continue to carve more successful pathways for our membership through advocacy, mentorship and consensus building. Over the next few years of transformation, as our profession is critiqued by members and the public alike, we need an officer who can facilitate inclusion and growth calmly and boldly. I have been that champion through my work as a clinician, a specialty educator, a researcher, a state foundation chair and international outreach team member. I believe I have the competence, drive and passion to do what the ADA needs right now, to move us forward and with necessary change.