New DOMAC Leader to Champion National Standards for Dental Office Managers

WINNIPEG, MANITOBA – February 13, 2026 – The Dental Office Managers Association of Canada (DOMAC) has appointed Monica Trimble, a veteran of dental practice operations, as its new Executive Director. The transition signals a renewed and intensified effort to professionalize the role of dental administrators and managers, a group increasingly seen as critical to navigating the complex challenges facing modern dental practices across the country.

Trimble, who brings over 15 years of direct, in-office experience, succeeds Alex Zlatin. Zlatin, who was instrumental in the association's foundational years, is stepping back to focus on his work as CEO of Mint Ops, a company providing a suite of management and software services to the dental industry. Trimble’s appointment is effective immediately and marks a pivotal moment for an association dedicated to supporting the often-overlooked administrative backbone of Canadian dental care.

A Vision for National Certification and Professional Unity

At the core of Monica Trimble’s mandate is a strategic push to establish and advance national professional standards. Her leadership will prioritize the development of clearly defined competencies, the modernization of certification examinations, and the creation of nationally consistent expectations for dental office managers.

“Certification is about more than recognition - it’s about establishing a clear standard for what excellence in dental office management looks like,” said Monica Trimble in the official announcement. “By validating skills through structured exams and defined competencies, we can support administrators and office managers in their careers while helping practices understand the value these roles bring to the success of the office.”

This initiative arrives at a crucial time. While numerous Canadian post-secondary institutions, including the University of Toronto, UBC's Sauder School of Business, and various community colleges, offer specialized diplomas and certificates in dental practice management, a unified national benchmark has remained elusive. DOMAC's plan to accredit such programs aims to foster educational consistency, ensuring that new professionals enter the workforce with a standardized, high-quality skill set. For existing professionals, the association will continue to build out certification pathways, providing a clear roadmap for career advancement and formal recognition of their expertise.

Addressing Critical Gaps in a Strained Industry

The push for professionalization is not merely an academic exercise; it is a direct response to severe pressures within the Canadian dental sector. Recent industry data highlights a growing crisis in operations and human resources. Reports indicate that as many as 80% of Canadian dental practices face staffing challenges, with nearly two-thirds struggling to recruit skilled employees. Furthermore, three out of four practices report significant operational hurdles, from financial management to administrative inefficiencies.

These challenges are compounded by rising overhead costs, which typically consume 60-65% of a practice's revenue, and the increasing complexity of managing insurance claims and patient scheduling. According to industry surveys, nearly 77% of practice managers cited scheduling as their primary challenge in 2024. It is within this high-pressure environment that the role of a skilled office manager becomes indispensable.

A certified, highly competent manager can transform a practice's trajectory by implementing efficient systems, streamlining billing and insurance processes, managing staff dynamics to reduce burnout, and providing the financial oversight necessary for sustainable growth. By championing a higher standard for these professionals, DOMAC's work directly addresses the pain points that keep practice owners—most often the dentists themselves—awake at night.

A Leader Forged by Front-Line Experience

Trimble’s vision for DOMAC is deeply informed by her own professional journey. Having spent more than a decade working within dental offices, she has witnessed firsthand the systemic breakdowns and communication gaps that can hinder a practice’s success. Her work has involved supporting every role, from dentists and hygienists to assistants and receptionists, giving her a holistic understanding of the dental ecosystem.

Her involvement with DOMAC began as a volunteer at its founding, driven by a passion born from experience. She observed a significant disparity in professional support, where clinical roles had long-established associations and advocacy bodies, while administrative professionals were often left without structured representation. This insight fuels her commitment to the association's mission.

“Dental office administrators and managers are essential to the success of every practice, yet their role is often only noticed when something goes wrong,” Trimble stated. “They balance patient care, scheduling, insurance, communication, and team dynamics every single day. This Association exists to ensure they are seen, supported, and connected to others who truly understand the role.”

This perspective—that of an insider who has experienced the challenges and understands the value of the profession—lends significant credibility to her leadership and the ambitious agenda she is set to pursue.

The Path Forward: Connection and Community

Under Trimble’s direction, DOMAC is poised to not only elevate standards but also to strengthen the community of dental management professionals across Canada. The association will continue to offer a slate of webinars, networking events, and other professional development opportunities to its growing national membership.

A key highlight on the horizon is a planned in-person event in September 2026, designed to bring administrators, managers, and their dental teams together for intensive learning and connection. This focus on community is central to the association’s strategy, providing a support network for professionals in a role that can often feel isolating.

As the association embarks on this new chapter, it builds upon the foundational work of leaders like Alex Zlatin, whose continued involvement in the dental sector through Mint Ops underscores the industry-wide importance of operational excellence. With Monica Trimble at the helm, DOMAC is set to redefine what it means to be a dental office manager in Canada, transforming it from a job into a recognized and respected profession essential to the future of Canadian healthcare.