Latest ADA governance evaluation update clarifies project scope, alignment

Evaluation to provide forward-looking analysis of current processes, controls, policies

As part of its commitment to transparency and with a focus on addressing misunderstandings about the evaluation’s scope, the American Dental Association shared its third update on the governance and organizational health evaluation June 30 with the House of Delegates.

The evaluation, being conducted by consulting firm Vista Cova, was authorized by Resolution 521H-2025 and expands on previous ADA governance studies by examining not only ADA governance structure but also financial health and sustainability as well as leadership and management culture and accountability.

In their email to the House, ADA leaders explained the evaluation will not include a forensic audit or an in-depth examination of historical financial matters. It also will not include formal assessments of individual staff positions, performance evaluations or reviews of personnel files. These items are outside the scope of the evaluation, and no allegations or evidence support the need for this level of scrutiny, according to the update.

“In short, this review will utilize learning from past issues and actions gathered through the interviews, focus groups, surveys, and documents to provide a forward-looking analysis of current processes, controls, and policies,” said ADA President Richard Rosato, D.M.D., and Executive Director Nader Nadershahi, D.D.S., M.B.A., Ed.D., in the email. “It will aim to identify root causes behind financial challenges and risks and align financial resources with mission and strategic priorities.”

Governance deliverables will include a map of the ADA’s governance architecture, a comprehensive assessment of the ADA’s governance system, and a set of recommendations outlining where adjustments to structures, roles, pathways and decision authority may enhance clarity, agility, accountability and alignment across the ADA.

Financial deliverables will include documentation of the ADA’s current financial operating structure; a comprehensive guide for financial policies and procedures that will consist of a set of best practices and frameworks for financial oversight, not a complete rebuild of all finance policies from scratch; and a formal assessment report that identifies the root causes of financial challenges, outlines a sustainability plan, recommends staffing optimization and defines measurable performance indicators.

Leadership deliverables will include a leadership and management culture profile and an accountability system map, identifying strengths, gaps and breakdown points in decision-making and accountability.

In June, Vista Cova wrapped up more than 80 one-on-one interviews, deployed four different surveys to distinct stakeholder groups, led two focus group sessions and presented a high-level status update to the ADA Board of Trustees. The firm has also reviewed more than 1,000 ADA documents, including audited financials, budgets, forecasts, internal controls, organizational policies and governance documents.

Next up for Vista Cova will be a virtual research review and data synthesis session July 29 with the Governance and Organizational Workgroup — the group of 21 ADA representatives and other stakeholders that is partnering with Vista Cova on the evaluation — and a presentation of preliminary findings Aug. 21 to the Board.

Vista Cova will then host a town hall Oct. 9 in Indianapolis that will bring together ADA delegates and alternate delegates, state executive directors, state dental leaders, early career dentists and past ADA leaders to review findings, discuss preliminary recommendations and provide feedback.

Vista Cova, with input from the Governance and Organizational Workgroup, is expected to finalize its recommendations in December. Those will then go to the Board for consideration in January 2027.

From February through October 2027, the ADA plans to continue reviewing, aligning and socializing recommendations, and the Board and executive director may take actions that fall under their purview. In October, the House will receive a final Board report with proposed resolutions as well as Vista Cova’s final report and recommendations.

“The quantitative and qualitative research phase of this evaluation is nearing completion, but the work ahead will be significant as we dive into synthesis and analysis,” Drs. Rosato and Nadershahi said in the email. “We remain steadfast in our commitment to transparency, collaboration, and keeping you informed with these monthly dispatch updates.”