We hope you enjoy this edition of the ODA Insider.

Sign up for courses yourself, and then spread the word to other members. Courses can be purchased today, and then completed any time before the end of the year. Just enter the code HALFOFF at checkout. Search for courses.

In the effort to learn more about our members the ODA is excited to announce a new feature to the ODA Insider and Membership Matters. Each month we will include a poll question in the ODA Insider. Share your thoughts on the question and find out the member results in the next ODA Insider and upcoming Membership Matters issues. Complete the first poll below and stay tuned for the results!

Bipartisan legislation aiming to raise the legal limit to purchase and sell tobacco and e-cigarettes from 18 to 21 could help reduce gum disease, mouth cancer and other oral health issues associated with tobacco use. Improving Oregonians’ oral health is a key concern for dentists across the state, and we were in favor of this initiative. Dr. Patrick Haggerty (ODA member) joined Dr. Brian Druker (Knight Cancer Center), and Sen. Steiner-Hayward (also an OHSU physician) on the expert panel testifying in support of the bill. The bill was signed into legislation on Wednesday, August 9th and will take effect on January 1st.

The ODA is committed to improving access across the state to ensure that every Oregonian has access to a high-quality, licensed provider regardless of their race, income or where they live. Stay up to date on related news and research.

The Americans with Disabilities Act (AwDA) requires that places of public accommodation, including physicians' and dentists' offices, be accessible to persons with disabilities. The U.S. Department of Justice has taken the position that websites open to the public must also be accessible in various ways to persons with sight or hearing impairments. To assist with compliance, the ADA has developed support accessibility documents. Review resources.

Registration is now open for the ADA Annual Meeting in Atlanta, Georgia. Highlights include unique CE opportunities, up to 6.0 hours of CE per day in the exhibit hall and the ADA Distinguished Speaker Series with Legendary NFL Quarterback Peyton Manning. Be inspired by your friends, colleagues and profession at ADA 2017 in Atlanta. Learn more.

The ODA benefits from a robust and dedicated volunteer infrastructure that sustains the activities of the organization. As ambassadors for the Association, our volunteer leaders are essential to our sustainability and growth. The 2017 ODA House of Delegates will be held November 10-11, at the DoubleTree by Hilton in Portland, Oregon. Please contact your local component society if you are interested in becoming a delegate. 

The 2018 Oregon Dental Conference® is the 126th Annual Session of the Oregon Dental Association (ODA) and marks the association's ​21st year at the Oregon Convention Center. The conference is the concurrent meeting of the ODA, the Oregon Society of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons (OSOMS), the Oregon State Association of Endodontists (OSAE), the Oregon Society of Periodontists (OSP), the Oregon Academy of General Dentistry (OAGD), the Oregon Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (OAPD), the Oregon Dental Assistants Association (ODAA), The Oregon Dental Executives' Association (ODEA), the Oregon Dental Hygienists' Association (ODHA), ​and the Oregon Association of Dental Laboratories (OADL). Learn more.