Beaverlodge dentist becomes President of the Alberta Dental Association

Feb 3, 2026 | 5:00 AM

A Beaverlodge dentist has begun her new role as President of the Alberta Dental Association.

Dr. Carol Martin will serve as president for 2026 after taking over from Dr. Hans Herchen, whose one-year term ended Jan. 31.

“It’s an honour to represent Alberta’s dentists and the patients we serve,” says Dr. Martin. “While this is a young association, our profession has long history and a bright future in this province; I look forward to both telling our story and helping to write the next chapter.”

Dr. Martin moved to Alberta in the early 1980s, and has owned and operated a dental office in Beaverlodge since 1990.

“Rural dentistry is about more than treatment. It’s about trust, continuity, and showing up for your neighbours,” says Dr. Martin. “I’ve seen first-hand how much it matters when patients can get care close to home—and when oral health is treated as part of overall wellness and quality of life.”

As president, Martin will support dentists by focusing on practical, office-ready solutions to reduce administrative burdens.

Martin’s responsibilities include supporting access to care for patients who rely on public dental programs, advancing oral health education initiatives, and strengthening the dental team workforce pipeline.

by Nathaniel Leigh