Iowa Dental Association

09/04/2026

Thanks to every dentist who completed the IDA Workforce Survey! Your responses are helping put real numbers behind the challenges Iowa dental practices are facing.

These insights give us important data to bring to legislators and help shape conversations around solutions for Iowa’s dental workforce.

To read the full report, visit iowadental.org/advocacy/legislative-advocacy

09/01/2026

Clinical decisions. Team leadership. Business management. Patient expectations.

Dentistry asks a lot from you, but you don’t have to do it all alone.

IADAPT offers Iowa dentists confidential support through coaching and therapy created with dentists in mind. Services are provided by licensed therapists from Flowstate Health - a care team made just for you!

It’s OK to open up. To schedule, contact the IADAPT scheduling team at [email protected]

08/25/2026

Congratulations to Representative Austin Harris, recipient of the IDPAC Legislator of the Year Award!

As Iowa House Health and Human Services (HHS) Committee Chair during the 2026 legislative session, Representative Harris helped prevent harmful legislation that would have removed fluoride from Iowa’s water systems, and supported the moderate sedation host permit bill.

Pictured here: Representative Harris with the award and IDA Government Affairs Director Josh Carpenter. Thank you for your service and dedication to the health of Iowans!

08/19/2026

Dentists are trained to stay composed, solve problems quickly, and keep things moving. After a hard conversation, a difficult case, or a stressful week in the office, you may feel like you are expected to hide your emotions.

It doesn’t need to be that way. It’s OK to open up!

To schedule an appointment with an IADAPT coach and therapist, email [email protected].

08/14/2026

When a proposal to end community water fluoridation came before her city council, IDA member and ADA 10th District Trustee Dr. Sara Stuefen knew she had an obligation to speak up. With support from the ADA and IDA, she brought together dental and public health voices to advocate for evidence-based care.

Read Dr. Stuefen’s story and see how collaboration across the tripartite helped protect community water fluoridation here: bit.ly/4600gX9

What does organized dentistry look like in action?

When a proposal threatened community water fluoridation, support came from every level—from local dental professionals to the state association and the ADA.

Dr. Sara Stuefen shares how collaboration made all the difference.

Read the full article at the link below.

https://www.michigandental.org/mda-journal/current-journal-issue/journal-feature-story-one/

08/12/2026

Fall is just around the corner, and so are our IDA district meetings!

Save the date and make plans to join us this fall for a great opportunity to connect with fellow dental professionals, earn CEs, and stay engaged with your local dental community.

Learn more at www.iowadental.org/member-services/ida-district-dental-societies

08/05/2026

07/30/2026

Feeling overwhelmed, exhausted, or disconnected? You’re not alone. Prioritizing your mental well-being helps you stay focused and present for your family, patients, and practice.

The IADAPT program offers Iowa dentists a fresh perspective with three free sessions every 12 months. If you used the program in early 2025, you may be eligible to re-engage.

Support is closer than you think! Learn more and schedule an appointment at iowadental.org/iadapt

07/28/2026

Are you thinking about retiring or closing a practice soon? There are a lot of things to think through and plan for!

The IDA created a straightforward checklist for our members to help manage patient records, patient notifications, and other key responsibilities, so you know exactly what to do and when to do it.

Visit bit.ly/4pI74BQ to view the checklist!

07/27/2026

Please join us in welcoming Dr. Stephanie Nettleton to the 2026–2027 IDA Board of Trustees as the North Central District Dental Society representative!

A Mason City native, Dr. Nettleton is passionate about organized dentistry and committed to protecting the future of the profession through advocacy, leadership, and member engagement.

We look forward to her leadership and contributions in the years ahead!