The Dental Assistants Professional Association is pleased to announce the outcomes of the 2025 Annual General Meeting. Members endorsed the appointment of Barbara (Barb) Hayes as DAPA’s National President and Chair of the Board. Barb brings decades of experience in dental assisting, education, and infection prevention and control, and has been a long-standing advocate for the profession. Her leadership will continue to guide DAPA’s work in strengthening standards, expanding professional development, and amplifying the voice of dental assistants across Australia.
The 2025–2026 DAPA Board of Directors confirmed at the AGM comprises Damian Mitsch, Julie McCormack, Rebecca Lawley, and Jenni Wright, working alongside Barb to provide strategic oversight and governance. Together, this Board will focus on workforce development, high-quality training, and building strong partnerships with industry and stakeholders to support over 28,000 dental assistants nationwide. DAPA thanks all members for their continued support and engagement, and looks forward to an exciting year of growth, advocacy, and opportunity for the profession.