KinderSmile Foundation’s Executive Leadership, Dr. Nicole McGrath-Barnes and Dr. Michal Herman, traveled to Washington, D.C. for the LAST American Dental Association’s (ADA) SmileCon, as well as the American College of Dentists (ACD) Annual Meeting and Convocation!
As passionate advocates for oral health equity, Dr. Nicole and Dr. Herman are proud to represent KinderSmile Foundation at these national gatherings.
SmileCon brings dental professionals of all kinds together, united by a shared commitment to advancing oral and whole-person health. With tailored programming, dynamic CE sessions and endless opportunities to connect, attendees find the inspiration, knowledge, and tools to make a lasting impact.
For KinderSmile Foundation, this weekend was yet another opportunity to explore new approaches to increasing access to care, promoting public health dentistry, and strengthening the impact of our efforts to serve marginalized communities.
Over the three days, our CEO and COO connected with professionals from across the nation, attended educational sessions, and engaged with colleagues to bring back actionable insights that advance our mission in NJ.
On day two, KinderSmile Foundation’s Founder and CEO, Dr. Nicole McGrath-Barnes, received the “Evidence-Based Dentistry Practice” Award at the SmileCon 2025 Changemakers Celebration!
The Changemakers Celebration is where the ADA honors dentists who are changing more than smiles, but the way we think about oral care. It was an honorable moment to acknowledge those who have made significant contributions to dentistry!
Dr. Nicole received her award for her leading efforts in public health dentistry, taking real action to combat oral health inequities and bring care to communities that need it most in unconventional ways. She was recognized for her contributions to implement and advance evidence-based dentistry in research, practice, and the classroom.
The ADA acknowledges her many achievements in integrating evidence-based dentistry into KinderSmile Foundation’s community programs, as well as her career achievements in oral health education and public health dentistry. As said by the ADA, Dr. Nicole’s influential and forward-thinking work places her among the leaders of the profession! Dr. Nicole continues to lead with her heart, paving the way for others to do the same and reminds us daily what it truly means to pay it forward.
The convention ended on a high note mixing a little fun with a lot of purpose. KSF’s CEO and COO attended engaging CE courses, explored the latest innovations in dentistry, promoted public health, and of course, connected with colleagues! The trip was not only productive but also uplifting.
Wherever Dr. Nicole and Dr. Herman go, their dedication to improving access to care and creating lasting impact never wavers! #ItTakesAVillageKSF
