May 2026

Hello! Here's Your Dental News for May:

FIND FULL DETAILS AND MORE IN THIS NEWSLETTER

• Share Your Smiles! This month's photo is from the WCDDA Picnic. What do YOU smile about? Let us know!
• Your Spring Check-Up newsletter was mailed (click for PDF)
• WCDDA Summer Meeting registration is open and we have a fun party theme (check it out below).
• Thank you to our members who served the community at the Florida Mission of Mercy! Follow the FDA Foundation on Instagram for photos!
• While you're on Instagram, follow the WCDDA too! @WCDDA
• It's almost time for FDC! See you there!
• Are you early in your career? Check out the new ADA Early Career hub!
• The ADA Dental Sound Bites podcast released a fan-favorite Sticky Situations episode. Listen in your fav podcast app, here online or watch on YouTube!
• Read a full report on the state of the dental economy: dentists’ economic confidence, dental spending, dentist busyness, the dental job sector, and more.

SPREAD THE SMILES

We Want to Hear About Your Moments of Joy

Members had FUN IN THE SUN at Picnic Island Park in Tampa in early May. There was a food truck, lawn games, bounce house and face painting!

Use this link to share something that made you smile, such as a personal win, a practice milestone, a personal milestone, an inspiring story, etc. You get it!

Spring Newsletter

Make Sure You Are on Our Mailing List

Our spring printed newsletter was mailed to all WCDDA members. If you did not receive yours, please reach out to verify the address we have for you. You can also report changes in your practice status, phone, email, etc. Call (813) 654-2500 or write admin@wcdental.org.

Registration is Open for the Summer Meeting!

Learn more and get registered at the meeting registration site. The hotel is actively managing the room reservation waitlist in real time, so if a room becomes available, you’ll be well positioned to book it. Since rooms are likely to open up, we encourage you to complete the reservation process and join the waitlist. Don’t miss the opportunity - add your name to the waitlist today. Register for the meeting to access the hotel link. 

Summer Meeting Party Theme for

Officer Installation & Reception

Saturday, August 22 from 5-7:30 pm

At the Summer Meeting, we honor the incoming officers and their commitment to advancing the organization’s mission with a special WCDDA Officer Installation & Reception. This year's event theme is “I Have Nowhere to Wear This,” a fun opportunity to wear something bold, elegant, or uniquely you, whether it’s a ballgown, tuxedo, or statement piece. Let’s toast new leadership and enjoy a stylish, memorable evening.

Member Spotlight: Dr. Daira Avila

General Dentist and Owner at Sunshine Dentistry in Tampa

My journey into dentistry was shaped by a deep appreciation for healthcare, precision, and the opportunity to make a meaningful impact in people’s lives. From early on, I was drawn to a profession that blends science, artistry, and human connection—where each day offers the ability to restore not only oral health, but confidence and overall well-being.

I am a proud University of Florida double graduate, having earned both my Bachelor of Science and Doctor of Dental Medicine degrees there—Go Gators!

Over the past 15 years, I have remained committed to continuing education and refining my skills so I can provide the highest level of care in a modern, patient-centered environment.

What I enjoy most about being a general dentist is the ability to provide comprehensive care and build lasting relationships with my patients. I especially value caring for families—often across generations—and becoming a trusted part of their health journey. For me, dentistry is not just about treating teeth; it’s about understanding each patient as a whole and delivering care with comfort, compassion, and clinical excellence.

I am proud to co-own Sunshine Dentistry alongside my sister. Together, we have built a family practice that reflects our shared values and our commitment to the community we serve. Being able to run a small, family-owned business while taking care of families in our community is one of my greatest professional accomplishments.

I have also been involved in organized dentistry since my time in dental school and have been a member of the West Coast District Dental Association for over a decade. I truly value the camaraderie that comes from being part of an engaged professional community. Dentistry can at times feel like an isolating profession, and organized dentistry provides an important opportunity to stay connected with fellow local dentists. It also allows us to advocate for our profession and for the issues that impact the patient–doctor relationship—ultimately helping to preserve and elevate the quality of care our patients receive.

Giving back is an important part of who I am. I actively support local charities, participate in community initiatives, and serve on the Board of Directors for the Early Learning Coalition of Hillsborough County. Whether through outreach, education, or philanthropy, I believe in using my profession as a way to make a meaningful impact beyond the walls of my practice.

At the heart of everything I do is a simple philosophy: every patient deserves to feel cared for, respected, and confident in their smile. Through comprehensive, high-quality dentistry and a genuine passion for people, I strive to elevate the experience of dental care in my community.

We would like to spotlight dentists from all specialties so members can get to know other members! Reach out to us at admin@wcdental.org to get on the schedule!

Member Benefit Guides

Tripartite membership through ADA, FDA, and WCDDA gives you access to valuable resources! Check out the Resource Guides:

WELCOME TO OUR NEW WCDDA MEMBERS!

MAY 2026

Dr. Yessica Coosemans Novales

Tampa, FL

Dr. Andre Dragomer

Winter Haven, FL

Dr. Nicole Holownia

Mayakka City, FL

Dr. Vladimir Jovic

Tampa, FL

Dr. Francisco Mayorga

Clearwater, FL

Next Up: 2026 Florida Dental Convention

June 25-27, 2026 | Orlando, FL

Plug in, amplify, and rock your practice at the 2026 Florida Dental Convention, where education meets energy and the whole dental team can reconnect, recharge, and have some serious fun. Come for the CE, Stay for the Fun! From inspiring education to lively networking, FDC is not your average dental meeting. Make plans now to join us in Orlando!

Dr. John Paul and Dr. Rudy Liddell to be honored at the 2026 Awards Luncheon at FDC

Member Benefit: Additional Free Online CE

The FDA’s “Rooted in Dentistry Webinar Series” is free for FDA member dentists. With up to six CE hours available, this live webinar series is a convenient way to expand your knowledge at no cost. Click here to view the webinar schedule and course details and to sign up.

FDA members can also earn up to six hours of general CE by reading the Diagnostic Discussion column included in the bi-monthly Today’s FDA and taking a quick online quiz. Discussions and quizzes are available 24 hours a day, at your convenience, from the comfort of your home or office. Click here to access these free courses.

Florida Dental Chatter: The FDA's Private Facebook Page

Be part of the conversation by joining this private Facebook page for ADA/FDA member dentists and staff by clicking here or click the Facebook symbol to the right! The page is designed for dentists to interact with other members, receive the latest updates and information, and engage with FDA leaders and staff. This is the place to be in the know!

CLICK HERE for a complete list of all of the Florida Dental Association's social media sites. Stay up to date on all the happenings and benefits of membership!

New Early Career Landing Page on ADA.org

In response to feedback from the recent early career survey, the ADA launched a new content hub dedicated to resources and services for early career dentists. The page includes tools and guidance on topics such as contract negotiation, practice management, and financial planning. Visit ADA.org/earlycareer to explore!

Sticky Situations: Dental Sound Bites Podcast

“Dental Sound Bites” released a new fan-favorite Sticky Situations episode, this time with an ethics twist. Kelly Roth, D.D.S., joins the podcast to answer questions from real ADA members about how to handle tricky patient situations, checking in with your boundaries and using the ADA Principles of Ethics and Code of Professional Conduct as a guide. Listen wherever you get your podcasts, in the ADA Member App or see the video version on YouTube.

ADA President's Message on Dental Insurance Fairness and Clinical Autonomy

In early May, Dr. Richard J. Rosato, President of the American Dental Association, sent a letter to members by email about one of the biggest pain points shared with him as he travels the country … dental insurance. He shared two ways the ADA is working on insurance issues:

#1 Protecting clinical autonomy so there is no interference with a dentist’s clinical autonomy when it comes to diagnosing and providing treatment recommendations to our patients. The ADA Council on Ethics, Bylaws and Judicial Affairs published a white paper on clinical autonomy to make our position clear.

#2 Fighting for fairness. Annual patient maximums have not changed for decades, and reimbursement rates have not kept pace with the rate of inflation despite the rising cost of all goods and services. The ADA is helping balance the scales and achieve fairness for providers and patients alike by advocating for dental insurance reform (DIR) nationally and providing grant funding to state dental societies for state-based advocacy, including here in Florida. Learn more about all of the ADA’s dental insurance reform efforts at ADA.org/DIR. To see a list of the ADA's state-based policy reform efforts, click here.

If you did not receive Dr. Rosato's email and would like a copy, please reach out to MemberServiceCenter@ada.org.

Q1 2026 Update: State of the US Dental Economy

The ADA's Health Policy Institute’s latest update on the U.S. dental economy offers a deep dive into the persistent staffing challenges that dental practices face. Only 3 out of 5 dentists report that they have an adequate number of dental hygienists on staff; most dentists who have recruited hygienists in the last quarter agree that hygienists are the most difficult to recruit. The report includes the top reasons cited by dentists on why staffing challenges persist despite their recruitment efforts and details benefits offered by dental practices.

The full report also includes Q1 2026 updates on dentists’ economic confidence, dental spending, dentist busyness, the dental job sector, and more. Be sure to watch a short highlights video for a quick overview. 

Dental Office for lease in St. Petersburg

FOR LEASE | 1,647 Dental Office | ST. PETERSBURG, FL | $20.00 NNN

The medical office space, spanning 1,647 square feet, is situated on the southwest corner of the signalized intersection of Dr. MLK Jr. St. S. and 62nd Avenue S. This space comes equipped with exam rooms and plumbing throughout. It is located in a high-growth area of St. Petersburg and is ideally suited for a dental/medical practice. 

Contact: Ned Willis | NWillis@vectorrealty.com | 727-481-3356 | www.vectorrealty.com

The WCDDA E-Checkup is published ten times per year. The Editor of the association and staff organize and e-mail to the membership. The position of the Editor is elected by the Executive Cabinet and does not have a specified term. The E-Checkup may publish signed articles relating to all phases of dentistry, but assumes no responsibility for opinions expressed by the contributors. The views expressed in editorials, columns, and articles are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of the editor, staff, or members of the West Coast District Dental Association.

Editor: James G. Wilson, DMD

Managing Editor: Lissette Zuknick