At the 2017 Oregon Dental Association’s recent House of Delegates meeting, November 10-11th, Bruce Burton, DMD took office as the 125th President of the Oregon Dental Association.  Dr. Burton’s presidential year will focus on collaboration and strengthening TEAM ODA! According to Dr. Burton, “Finding a way to help and attract new leaders to come forward is a must. I am very passionate about our doing everything we can to help leaders develop skills to be effective, and help them enjoy meeting challenges that lie ahead...We have much to be proud of, much still to accomplish, and I am totally committed to supporting ODA’s Core Values to fulfill our Core Purpose.” To review a list of others installed by the 2017 House of Delegates click here. All five of the Resolutions presented to the House were adopted without amendment. A complete 2017 House of Delegates recap will be included in the January issue of Membership Matters.

Let the Oregon Dental Association guide you on your journey in continued excellence and leadership growth.  Apply today to be part of the 2018 Leadership Academy!  This program provides you with a unique backstage pass to ODA offerings and experiences, while developing and enhancing your leadership and interpersonal skills.  Customized to each participant, depending upon the indicated area of interest, the Academy guarantees a deeper understanding and growth where it matters most to you!  Apply or nominate a colleague today!  Applications/Nominations are due by December 8, 2017.

The ADA’s 10 Under 10 Award recognizes 10 amazing dentists who are inspiring others less than 10 years into their careers.  We are looking for innovators who inspire others in areas such as: Science/Research/Education, Practice Excellence, Philanthropy, Leadership or Advocacy.  All active members of the ADA who graduated dental school between 2008-2017 are eligible.  Winners will be recognized in ADA publications and will receive a $1,000 gift card. Learn more or nominate an outstanding dentist here.

The ADA 2017 House of Delegates voted to establish a new commission to oversee the process for recognizing dental specialties. Resolution 30H-2017 creates the ADA National Commission on Recognition for Dental Specialties and Certifying Boards, which is expected to hold its first meeting in 2018. According to a recent article in ADA News, “The establishment of the new commission will enhance the specialty recognition program that sets requirements designed to help dentists excel throughout their careers and the public ascertain the importance of educationally qualified and board certified dental specialists.”

In July we introduced ODA Dental Career Connect. This new platform is the dental community's resource for connections and advancement. Built with you in mind, the platform is designed to assist job seekers and employers in connecting more effectively. Learn More. 

In the effort to learn more about our members 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 poll below and stay tuned for the results! Check out October's poll results here. 

Advocacy in action was featured at the Oregon Dental Association’s House of Delegates last week.

On Friday morning, DOPAC Board members, students, and ODA leadership met with Representative Knute Buehler (R- Bend) and discussed his gubernatorial campaign. It was a great opportunity for members to have direct conversation with the Representative.

Later in the day, Representative Buehler joined the entire House for a presentation during a DOPAC sponsored lunch. Representative Buehler outlined his vision for Oregon. House attendees also had the opportunity to directly ask Representative Buehler questions.

A panel discussion during Friday’s business of the House included presentations from the Dental Foundation of Oregon, OHSU School of Dentistry, and presentations on Oregon’s Action for Dental Health. The discussion highlighted key areas of engagement and advocacy in which ODA members can be involved.

There are a variety of ways that ODA advocates for its members and for the practice of Dentistry within the state. Advocacy work is never finished and there are always opportunities to be engaged. If you would like to learn about additional advocacy opportunities, please contact ODA’s Government Affairs Director, Jen Lewis-Goff at jlewis-goff@oregondental.org.  

Learn more about ODA’s ongoing advocacy efforts.

Volunteer as a speaker host at the 2018 Oregon Dental Conference, April 5-7, and earn up to 18 hours of CE for free! The Annual Meeting Council is holding the annual Speaker Host Dinner and Training on January 11, 2018 at 6:30 pm at the ODA office in Wilsonville. Event attendees will learn the responsibilities and benefits of hosting and have the opportunity to select which speaker(s) they would like to host.  Email Christine Vaughan at cvaughan@oregondental.org to register for the event by January 8th. 

Join the Dental Foundation of Oregon for a good old fashion Texas Hold’em Poker Tournament complete with dinner, drinks and prizes. Proceeds go to support The Dental Foundation of Oregon programs like the Tooth Taxi. $25 buy-in gets you into the tournament, and a $100 donation to the DFO is strongly suggested. The event will be held at the Moda Plaza (10505 SE 17th Ave, Portland, Oregon 97222).  Register today!

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.

ODA leadership is excited to announce that the ODA House of Delegates is moving to a one day format in 2018! Mark your calendar and plan to serve as a delegate for your component society.  A social event will be held on Friday, September 7th with the formal business of the House being held on Saturday, September 8th at Sunriver Resort.