EDMONTON, Alberta, Feb. 2, 2026— Beaverlodge dentist Dr. Carol Martin has been named President of the Alberta Dental Association, succeeding Dr. Hans Herchen at the conclusion of his one-year term on Jan. 31.
Dr. Martin said she is honoured to represent dentists across the province and the patients they serve. She noted that while the association itself is relatively young, dentistry in Alberta has a long history and strong future.
Dr. Martin has spent her career focused on rural and remote dentistry. During her hospital residency, she provided care in an Indigenous community using portable dental equipment. She later established solo practices in northern Alberta communities where access to oral healthcare was limited.
After relocating to Alberta in the early 1980s, she concentrated on serving northern communities, including Manning in the Peace River region. Since 1990, she has owned and operated a dental practice in Beaverlodge in the Grande Prairie region, caring for multiple generations of families from the town and surrounding areas.
She said rural dentistry goes beyond clinical treatment, emphasizing trust, continuity, and long-term relationships within communities. According to Dr. Martin, access to local dental care plays a critical role in overall health and quality of life.
As president, Dr. Martin plans to support Alberta dentists by promoting practical, office-based solutions to reduce administrative demands. Her priorities include improving access to care for patients who depend on public dental programs, strengthening oral health education with a focus on prevention, and supporting workforce development to help practices recruit and retain dental professionals.