ADS Newsletter – January 2026
Starting 2026 Strong: Community, Advocacy, and Wellness
The Alaska Dental Society’s January 2026 Alaska Update opens the year with a powerful reminder: Alaska dentistry is strongest when we stay connected, engaged, and supportive of one another.
In her New Year message, ADS President Dr. Susan Sergie reflects on resilience and the importance of self-care in a demanding profession. As caregivers, dentists often put others first—but prioritizing mental, physical, and emotional well-being allows us to better serve our patients and communities. She also encourages continued growth through mentorship, leadership, and involvement in organized dentistry .ADS Executive Director Sean Siegel echoes this call to engagement, emphasizing that advocacy will remain a top priority in 2026. Workforce challenges, access to care, insurance reform, and protecting the dentist–patient relationship are central issues that require a unified voice across the state .The issue also highlights a major policy development: Alaska’s receipt of significant federal funding through the Rural Health Transformation Fund. With oral health increasingly recognized as part of preventive and primary care, dentistry has a critical role to play—especially in rural communities .As the year begins, ADS encourages dentists to stay connected, get involved, and support one another as the profession moves forward together.
