Dr. Tamara Berg runs for national ADA office
Dr. Tamara Berg, a distinguished leader in the field of dentistry, is proud to announce her candidacy for Second Vice President of the American Dental Association (ADA). With nearly three decades of dedicated service and a proven track record of advocacy for dental health, Dr. Berg is poised to bring innovative leadership and a commitment to excellence to the ADA.
Dr. Berg has been an active member of the ADA since starting dental school in 1991. She has served in various capacities that have demonstrated her dedication to advancing the profession and improving patient care. Her extensive experience includes leadership roles at the local, state, and national levels. A few of Dr. Berg's priorities and platforms include:
Mentorship: Nurturing the Next Generation
Dr. Berg emphasizes the importance of mentorship in dentistry. Recognizing the transformative impact of experienced professionals guiding new dentists, she aims to establish robust mentorship programs within the ADA. “Mentorship has been pivotal in my career,” Dr. Berg explains. “I want to create opportunities for seasoned professionals to share their wisdom and experience with the new generation of dentists.” By connecting established practitioners with newcomers, Dr. Berg hopes to enhance career development, job satisfaction, practitioner health and wellness, and the overall quality of dental care.
Advocacy and Insurance Reform: Championing Change
A critical focus of Dr. Berg's platform is advocacy and insurance reform. She is committed to working closely with policymakers to address issues such as inadequate reimbursement rates and complex administrative processes that impede patient care. “Dental insurance should facilitate, not hinder, access to care,” she asserts.
Membership Value and Growth: Enhancing Engagement
Increasing the value of ADA membership and expanding its membership base are top priorities for Dr. Berg. She believes that demonstrating the tangible benefits of ADA
membership is essential for attracting and retaining members. Her strategy includes highlighting access to cutting-edge research, professional development opportunities, and a strong advocacy network. “We need to show dental professionals the direct impact their membership has on their practice and the profession at large,” says Dr. Berg.
Addressing Staffing Shortages: Ensuring a Robust Workforce
Dr. Berg is acutely aware of the staffing shortages in many dental practices. She plans to advocate for policies and programs that support the recruitment and retention of dental professionals. “Like many of our members, I have had issues finding staff. It recently took me six months to fill a position. We need to ensure a steady pipeline of skilled professionals entering the workforce,” she emphasizes.
Communication and Accessibility: Bridging the Gap
Effective communication and accessibility between members and the ADA is another key area of Dr. Berg's platform. She envisions a more transparent and responsive association that actively listens to its members’ needs and concerns. “Open lines of communication are vital for a thriving professional community,” she emphasizes. Dr. Berg says she hopes to hear from members directly regarding what they'd like leaders to focus on and what they need help with.
In addition to her professional achievements, Dr. Berg is also deeply committed to her community. She volunteers her time and expertise to various local health initiatives and is a mentor to young dental professionals. Her commitment to service extends beyond her practice, embodying the true spirit of the ADA.
To read Dr. Berg’s campaign statement and view her e-brochure, please visit ada.org/en/about/ governance/candidate-information. You may also email her directly at tamara.berg@coxinet.net
Dr. Tamara Berg with her husband Lowell and sons Karsten and Clayton
Dr. Berg with her team at Berg Family Dentistry
