2024 - Elgin Community College’s Kim Plate Named Chair of Dental Assisting National Board

Elgin Community College (ECC) is proud to announce that Kim Plate, director of the college’s Dental Assisting program, has been named the new chair of the Dental Assisting National Board of Directors (DANB). With a distinguished career spanning 26 years at ECC and 20 years as the program director, Plate’s appointment is a significant recognition of her commitment to the field of dental assisting.

“I’m thrilled to bring this experience back to my role at ECC,” Plate said. “Being involved at the national level with DANB allows me to stay on the cutting edge of industry standards and trends, which I can then share with our students. This role will help me advocate for the profession and ensure our program continues to prepare students with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in a rapidly evolving field.”

Plate’s journey in dental assisting began as an ECC student in the dental assisting program during her second year of college. After graduating, she took her DANB Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) exam in 1982 and began her career as a chairside and front desk assistant. Her passion for the field soon led her to teaching, initially as a part-time instructor while continuing her clinical work. Inspired by her experience, Plate returned to school to earn her bachelor’s degree, allowing her to transition to full-time teaching.

Throughout her career, Plate has been an active member of the American Dental Assistants Association since 1982, consistently demonstrating her dedication through various volunteer roles. She has served on local and state dental assisting committees, local clinic advisory boards, and participated in several Mission of Mercy dental events, which provide free dental care to underserved populations. Plate’s expertise is also recognized nationally; she is a site visitor for the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA), contributing to the evaluation of dental assisting programs across the country.

In addition to her professional achievements, Plate was honored as one of ECC’s “Sensational 75,” a distinction celebrating standout members of the ECC community as part of the college’s 75th anniversary celebrations.

As she steps into her new role as chair of DANB, Plate is eager to bring her experience and passion for the profession to a broader stage. “I am looking forward to meeting, working with, and supporting people in various parts of dentistry and at DANB,” Plate told DANB. “I am eager to work with DANB and the DALE Foundation to continue to advocate for dental assistants and their recognition as a valuable part of the dental team.”

Elgin Community College congratulates Kim Plate on this prestigious appointment and looks forward to the impact she will continue to make in the dental assisting field.