My career in dentistry began in 1978 as an office manager in a local dental office. I had attended nursing school and decided nursing wasn't for me, but I wanted to stay connected to the medical field. I only planned to work for 6 months in the dental office, and now, some 28 years later, I am still enjoying dentistry as much as I did my first day on the job. I was not fortunate enough to have gone to a dental assisting school because I was not aware that my state had such a program. My first dental employer was wonderful and believed in education and high goals for his staff. He encouraged me and sent me to the dental assistants' certification class offered in Oklahoma and many continuing education (CE) courses offered throughout the United States. This encouraged me to become the best that I could be in my profession.

My career in dentistry moved to administration, where I worked as an office manager for 18 years. I proceeded to secretary to the dean at the Oklahoma University College of Dentistry, the membership director for the Oklahoma Dental Association and, last, customer service supervisor at Delta Dental, one of the nation's largest dental insurance carriers.

D. Kay Mosley, CDA, FADAA Customer Service Supervisor Delta Dental of Oklahoma Oklahoma City, Oklahoma Phone: 405.607.4722 Email:

Kay's 28 years in dentistry highlight the important role of dental assistants who work at the desk. Throughout her career as an office manager, secretary, membership director, and customer service supervisor, Kay not only continued her dental education but also became active in her associations. Noticing that often good deeds and achievements are overlooked, Kay felt compelled to establish an award to recognize her peers who have given to the dental community. It is Kay's hope that by honoring those who have persevered and worked to exceed in the dental profession, others will be inspired to do the same.

Establishing the Distinguished Service Award was an exciting experience for Kay, but presenting the awards to the recipients is a humbling one. Kay often feels a roller-coaster ride of emotions during the presentation, where she feels proud to present the award as the founder, a past president, and member of the American Dental Assistants Association.

Joining Others

I became interested in and joined the American Dental Assistants Association (ADAA) for 2 main reasons: to take advantage of the expanded educational opportunities and to have a voice in my profession. I joined the ADAA and the Oklahoma Dental Assistants Association (ODAA) in 1987, earned my Certified Dental Assistants certificate in 1991, and received my Fellowship in 2005. My membership in the ADAA has made me a successful assistant and helped me to grow personally as well as professionally.

I became interested in a leadership position because, as a leader, I would have the opportunity to mold, develop, and implement changes in my professional organization. I became an officer in the ODAA in 1988, ascending to the presidency in 1998. I pursued a national leadership position to enhance personal growth and to reach members throughout the United States. In 1996, I was elected an ADAA Trustee representing the 9th District (Oklahoma, Louisiana, Texas, and Arkansas). I moved through the officer chairs of the ADAA becoming President in 2003.

Our association (the ADAA) has accomplished a great deal in the past few years. We have expanded our CE programs, implemented Fellowship and Mastership programs, and now have Army and Air Force dental assistants as part of our membership team. We achieved these accomplishments through teamwork. The ADAA staff and its volunteer leadership worked together for the common goal of forging a strong organization—one that offers CE and has a diversified membership. I am most proud of our educational programs and opportunities we now offer to our members.

Giving Back

My family and I wanted to give something back to the ADAA and the dental profession, which have given much to me both professionally and personally. My certification from and membership in the ADAA have opened many doors and provided wonderful opportunities throughout the past years. Education and leadership are very important in my life, so my family and I decided to endow an award that would recognize individuals who have provided distinguished service to the ADAA, its Foundation (ADAAF), and the dental profession. My dream was to be able to honor those members of the ADAA who work endless hours, giving their time freely to promote dental assisting and the ADAA.

Anyone interested in funding an existing award or establishing a new award or grant should start by contacting the ADAA to determine what type of awards and grants exist and what it would take to establish a new award if so desired. What you want to recognize and the type of award you would like to give need to be determined and all awards must be approved by the ADAA, its officers, and the ADAA House of Delegates. This process takes several months, depending on when a request is submitted. The ADAAF requires a similar process.

After thought and consultation with the executive director, Larry Sepin, my family established the Mosley Fund with the ADAAF and, subsequently, the D. Kay Mosley Distinguished Service Award.

This award was established by the ADAA in 2006, sponsored by the ADAAF and the D. Kay Mosley Donor Advised Fund (The Mosley Fund) within the ADAAF. The Distinguished Service Award is presented to honor an individual who has distinguished herself or himself in the field of dentistry as a dental assistant and is the highest award given at this time by the ADAA. In 2006, Ms. Anna Nelson of San Francisco, California, was honored and, in 2007, Ms. Victoria Wallace of Las Vegas, Nevada, was honored.

The Future

My family and I feel giving to others is the greatest gift you can give in life. It is my hope and dream that others will become motivated to come forward, both on a personal and corporate level, to establish additional funds for education and leadership through the ADAA and its Foundation, much like the Mosley Fund. The future of the ADAA and other associations is in the hands of those who will give tomorrow's generation inspiration and hope for the future.