Conor McNulty, ODA’s immediate past Executive Director, passed away unexpectedly on Monday July 6, 2020, in Boston, Massachusetts. In addition to his time with the ODA, he served in management roles at the California Dental Association and most recently as the Executive Director of the Massachusetts Dental Society. Conor was loved and appreciated across the dental community for his leadership, compassion, friendship, and humor.  His loss in our community will be deep, and only pales in comparison to the pain his family is experiencing. He leaves behind his wife Genevieve McNulty; and four children, Russell, Ally, Molly and Libby. If you would like to make a donation to the McNulty children’s 529 college savings account, please click here and enter code: C5W-R8J

Oregon Dental Association’s Board of Trustees has named Barry J. Taylor, DMD, a longtime leader in the Oregon dental community, as our new Executive Director. Dr. Taylor was selected after a four-month nationwide search, led by Kittleman & Associates. Dr. Taylor assumed his responsibilities as Executive Director of the Oregon Dental Association on July 13, 2020. He stepped down as ODA’s President on July 10, and ODA President-Elect, Brad Hester, DMD, has taken over for the remainder of the term.

After significant consideration, the ODA Board of Trustees, in consultation with the Speaker of the House, has decided that the 2020 House will meet virtually. This decision was made with the health and safety of all attendees and guests in mind, and leadership believes that moving forward with a virtual offering is the best option to allow for maximum participation with minimum risk. Further details will be released as available. If you are interested in serving as a delegate, please contact your local dental society.

ODA has created a COVID-19 Resources page on our website. Click here to access resources from ODA, ADA, OHA, CDC, and more.

We’re living through a time of uncertainty, and it’s normal to feel stressed and anxious. We have many challenges that lie ahead, and if you feel the need to reach out to someone, we are here and you are not alone. The ODA's Wellness Program offers a robust network of compassionate Wellness Ambassadors, armed with resources to help support ​colleagues. The wellness program is open to all members, non-members, and dental students. If you need help or know of someone that needs help, please request support. Find ODA website wellness resources, here. 

The ODA is composed of a diverse membership and is always working to ensure the association's efforts and direction are reflective of the collective needs of its members. The Member Pulse Network is a micro-volunteer opportunity with the goal of engaging a diverse group of members for key feedback on important issues and topics throughout the year. Learn more about this unique opportunity and sign up to join the conversation today! Please note that sign up requires members to log in, as this is an exclusive opportunity for ODA members.

ODA has created a PPE Resources page on our website. Click here for updates on PPE, including a potential vendor list provided by Business Oregon, fit-testing resources, and clarity on guidelines.

All dentists who hold an active DEA license must register with the Oregon Prescription Drug Monitoring Program (PDMP). If you have not already registered, please access the registration portal here.

In an effort to keep members informed during these uncertain times, ODA launched the COVID-19 Hot Topics webinar series in April. These webinars are designed to answer your questions about the COVID-19 pandemic and how it impacts you, your practice, and your patients. Access all the COVID-19 Hot Topics Webinar recordings online here.

Catch up on the latest COVID-19 webinars and on-demand video learning opportunities on your own schedule. From managing your practice during this crisis to caring for your staff or your own mental health, new events are added regularly. See all digital events here. Many CE opportunities are free of charge to members.

ODA Member Connection, a members-only, private Facebook group is designed to connect members throughout the state and provide you with a platform to share and collaborate. Join the conversation here!

Save the date to join your ODA colleagues in a day of advocacy at the state capitol educating yourself, legislators, and their staff on critical issues impacting dentistry. 

The 2021 Oregon Dental Conference will be held at the Oregon Convention Center on April 8-10, 2021!  With the unforeseen cancellation of the 2020 ODC, we are excited to share that we have successfully rescheduled many of the speakers to present at our 2021 event! In addition, the Solutions Marketplace will continue to offer a unique opportunity to connect with dental partners and support all your shopping needs. We look forward to a successful conference next year and cannot wait to see you there!