Leadership Academy

Interested in developing your leadership skills, expanding your professional network and helping guide the WDA and organized dentistry into the future? The biennial WDA Leadership Academy – a free benefit available to WDA member dentists – is designed just for you!  

The WDA Leadership Academy is held every even-numbered year, with the 2026 Academy scheduled for Thursday, Feb. 26, 2026 at the Hotel Northland in Green Bay.

On day one of this valuable, free program, you’ll go through hands-on leadership and teamwork training led by Dr. Barrett Straub, a WDA member dentist and CEO of the nationally renowned ACT Dental coaching group. Dr. Straub will discuss the mindset required for effective dental leadership, the importance of core values and how to embrace the “power habits” for long-term success. You’ll learn more about WDA governance and that night, you’ll have dinner with the association’s officers.

On day two, you’ll attend the winter Board of Trustees meeting, with opportunities to network with more dentist leaders. Academy attendees also meet individually with a WDA past-president during the summer before graduating at the WDA House of Delegates in November 2026.

The WDA covers meals and overnight expenses, and you’ll earn two non-clinical CE credits for participating. Attendance is limited. We work hard to build a diverse Academy class with representatives from various career stages, practice models and regions of the state.

The application period for the 2026 WDA Leadership Academy will open in Summer 2025. Check back for more information! In the meantime, if you’re interested in learning about more leadership opportunities with the WDA, contact Director of Membership and Communications Brenna Sadler at bsadler@wda.org.