SmileCon Opening Session unites dentists around leadership, shared purpose
Event kicked off Oct. 23 in Washington, D.C.
Washington, D.C.’s Walter E. Washington Convention Center ballroom was abuzz with excitement Oct. 23 as hundreds of dentists convened for the SmileCon 2025 Opening Session, which kicked off the meeting with empowerment and inspiration.
Opening Session featured remarks from host ArNelle Wright, D.M.D., ADA President Brett Kessler, D.D.S., and President-elect Richard Rosato, D.M.D.
"Just like advancing public health, supporting our members is core to our mission. It's our North Star," Dr. Kessler said.
Dr. Rosato said his decision to pursue dentistry was fueled by a desire to change lives.
“At its best, the ADA is the connective tissue of our profession — a place where generalists and specialists, early career and established professions, can come together. We do not have to be the same to stand together, but we do have to be united if we want to move forward,” Dr. Rosato said.
The keynote speaker was Brett Culp, a filmmaker and entrepreneur dedicated to inspiring audiences through storytelling. He shared anecdotes about his work as a documentarian and the people he’s met along the way, emphasizing that everyone has a story. He also played video clips from interviews with ADA members he spoke with prior to Opening Session about their own powerful stories and experiences with dentistry. Mr. Culp encouraged attendees to think of themselves as impactful leaders who have the power to help patients live out their best lives, not only in terms of with their oral health, but in the “wholeness of their being.”
“[You have] the opportunity to move from the mindset of just thinking of yourself as a practitioner — who is doing great work day in and out — to thinking of yourself as a leader who is making a difference in the lives of everyone that walks into your office, to their families and to the community that you are a part of,” Mr. Culp said.
He also reminded attendees keep their purpose at the forefront and remember why they entered the profession in the first place.
“[It is important to] stay anchored to your meaningful mission, to be able to wake up every morning and look yourself in the mirror and know just how being you and doing this extraordinary work is making a difference for people,” Mr. Culp said. “In many ways, you are uplifting humanity. You are creating health, you are creating hope, you are creating healing at every step in the journey.”
For more information, visit ADA.org/SmileCon.
