It’s Time to Renew for 2026
From advancing legislation to new innovations and member perks designed with you, for you, the ODA, ADA and your local dental society are here to provide the support you need to propel your success. Renew your membership today to continue accessing the tools you need to thrive personally and professionally. Did you know you can set your membership to auto-renew and choose your payment plan? Renew today to select your preferred payment option.
2026 New Dues Structure for Early Career Dentists
The Oregon Dental Association is excited to announce a new initiative aimed at supporting early-career dentists. With the passage of Resolution BOT 1-25 at the 2025 House of Delegates, early-career dentists will benefit from a new dues structure for state dues. This is designed to ease financial pressures during the transition from student to practitioner.
Here’s how it works:
- Year of graduation + first full year: $0 state/local dues
- Second year post-graduation: 25% of active state dues
- Third year: 50% of active state dues
- Fourth year: 75% of active state dues
- Fifth year and beyond: Full active dues
Learn more and explore membership benefits at www.oregondental.org.
Thank You for Joining Us at the 2025 ODA Regional Event: Camp ODA!
Camp ODA on November 7-8 at Salishan Coastal Lodge was an outstanding event attended by more than 100 participants! Dentists and their teams earned up to 11 hours of CE while enjoying family-friendly social events such as Trivia Night and the Campfire Social.
Thank you to our sponsors:
Associated Industries, Assured Dental Lab, BnK Construction Inc., Carifree, Columbia Bank, Healthcare Compliance Associates, Henry Schein, Heritage Bank, Norwest Contractors, Omni Practice Group, Pearl, TDIC, WEO Media, Willamette Dental.
Join us next year, October 2-3, 2026, at Sunriver Resort for the 2026 Annual Meeting and Regional Event.
ODA Women’s Holiday Wellness Event—December 11, 2025
Celebrate wellness this holiday season with a women’s members-only event. Join us on Thursday, December 11 at 6pm at the ODA office in Wilsonville or virtually via Zoom for a festive evening. Register here.
Know a Colleague Who’s Not Yet an ODA Member? Let’s Change That.
Now is the perfect time to share the value of ODA membership with your peers. New members can join for free for the remainder of 2025 and lock in 2025 pricing for their 2026 membership—a limited-time offer designed to make it easy to get started.
Help us grow our community of dental professionals. Forward this link to anyone who may be interested in taking advantage of this special promotion.
For questions, contact Heather Langdon, Membership Coordinator, at hlangdon@oregondental.org.
Tom Tucker Humanitarian Award Nominations Open
Do you know someone who should be considered for the 2025 Tom Tucker Humanitarian Award?
Please send all nominations to leadership@oregondental.org before December 1st. We can’t wait to celebrate this year's recipient at the 2025 Oregon Dental Conference. Find out more information, including award criteria, and see past winners on the ODA website here.
ODA Website Enhancements
We're excited to enhance your member experience! To better protect and personalize your access to exclusive resources, many pages on the Oregon Dental Association website are now available only through your ADA member login. This change ensures that valuable, members-only content stays just that—a benefit just for you. Simply log in with your ADA credentials to explore all the tools, updates, and insights curated specifically for ODA members. If you need assistance logging into your ADA portal, please email Heather at hlangdon@oregondental.org.
Volunteers Needed to Support Local New Members
Are you someone who enjoys interacting with peers, loves to come up with innovative and fun ideas, and understands the need for organized dentistry? Then this volunteer role is perfect for you! The ODA Membership Council is looking for New Member Outreach Volunteers from each local component to help welcome new members, assist with event coordination, and coordinate new member communication and resources. If you’re ready to step in and make a difference in your local component, please contact Heather Langdon at hlangdon@oregondental.org.
Become a Wellness Ambassador—Make a Difference in Your Community!
Are you passionate about mental health and supporting others? Wellness Ambassadors are vital in offering a compassionate ear and guiding colleagues through life’s challenges—whether it’s stress, mental health, financial struggles, or more. If you're ready to be a source of support and hope, complete the Wellness Ambassador interest form today and be part of a movement that truly matters. Email Heather at hlangdon@oregondental.org and complete the Wellness Ambassador interest form.
Help Kids in Oregon and Be Eligible for Big Prizes!
It’s end-of-year giving time, and The Dental Foundation of Oregon is raising funds for its Tooth Taxi to ensure Oregon’s children who are uninsured, underinsured, unhoused, rural-based, and/or living in poverty have access to dental care and education for increased school and life success. When you make a gift to The Dental Foundation of Oregon through the Willamette Week's Give!Guide on their “Big Give” days, and you’ll be entered in a raffle to win fun prize packages. Upcoming Big Give days are Nov. 19 (wine and food tastings); Nov. 25 (thermal springs visit, symphony tickets, pasta, and ice cream); Dec. 2 (four game tickets, Lillard-signed shoes, and a team-signed b-ball); and Dec. 10 (dinner cruise on the Portland Spirit with souvenirs and a hotel stay). Go here for more details. And if you are 35 and under, you have more chances to win with your gift of $10 or more!
2026 ODA Lobby Day: Your Voice Matters
We’re excited to announce ODA Lobby Day—a chance for dental professionals to come together and advocate for the future of oral health.
Date: February 5th
Location: Oregon State Capitol, Salem
Why attend?
- Meet with lawmakers and share your expertise
- Influence legislation that impacts patient care and dental practices
- Strengthen the voice of organized dentistry
Be at the table or be on the menu
For more information, please contact Brett Hamiliton at bhamilton@oregondental.org.
Rule Revisions Prohibiting Scaling Dental Assistants
What’s Happening
- The Board of Dentistry is holding a Public Rule Making Hearing on October 24th, where it will consider revisions to rule OAR 818-042-0040, which, if passed, will clarify the prohibition of dental assistants by law from performing periodontal probing and scaling teeth to remove deposits and stains.
- Stay updated via The Insider or contact Brett Hamilton bhamilton@oregondental.org.
Workforce Website Resources
New workforce resources have been added as a webpage to the ODA website. The intention is to create a place for members to access workforce resources and information. This is just the start; please provide feedback to ODA’s Director of Government and Regulatory Affairs Brett Hamilton at bhamilton@oregondental.org.
Medicaid Beneficiary & Provider Story Bank
The ADA is collecting patient and provider stories to help advocate for protecting oral health in Medicaid programs. As we continue to advocate for dental services in state programs for low-income families and adults, personal experiences will demonstrate what dentists and dental professionals are doing to improve oral health. Some things we want to know:
- What impact has their dental care had on their lives? Any specific patients come to mind that would not
- Have you been able to get by without Medicaid dental coverage?
- Do you treat adults, and does your state have an adult dental benefit?
- What would happen if your state cut adult dental benefits due to loss of funding from the federal government?
Share your story with the ADA here to help advocacy efforts.
Join ODA’s Legislative Advocacy Team!
While the ODA team is busy in Salem and Washington, D.C., there is no substitute for the voices of those working with patients and running dental offices every day and who can advocate for patients’ rights. The ODA is building its team of dental advocates, and we need YOU to get involved in the legislative process!
Advocacy can take many forms, depending on your comfort level, experience, and expertise. As a member of the ODA Legislative Action Team, you may be invited to write a letter to legislators, attend Dental Day at the Capitol, or write an op-ed for a local publication, among other opportunities.
Sign up HERE or email ODA’s Director of Government and Regulatory Affairs Brett Hamilton at bhamilton@oregondental.org and express your interest directly.
Become a Fluoride Ambassador
The ADA Fluoride Ambassador program is a group of dentists, hygienists, dental assistants, medical providers, and community leaders who want to help stem the tide of fluoride disinformation. Learn more and get involved. If you would like to get involved or need more information, please contact Jane Grover, D.D.S., senior director for the ADA Council on Advocacy for Access and Prevention, at groverj@ada.org or 312-440-2751.
Association Healthcare Plan Available for 2026
Providing healthcare as a small business can be tough. That’s why the Oregon Dental Association has partnered with Associated Industries Trust (AIT) to provide members with access to affordable, comprehensive coverage, leveraging the buying power of the association! With AIT + Moda, you get better rates and stability, so you can focus on running and growing your business. Open year-round enrollment for all ODA members. Visit the website to get started.
Long-Term Care Insurance Webinar
Join us for a webinar on Wednesday, December 3, at 6pm to learn more about your newest ODA Member Perk. Register here. The Dentists Insurance Company Insurance Solutions has worked with BuddyIns to develop a special offering for ODA members: long-term care with life insurance benefit by Allstate.
Here’s what you can do now:
Having a long-term care plan before your family needs it will ensure that your wishes are carried out. A plan that includes a long-term care plus life insurance benefit can provide you and your family with more care options when that time comes.
Get Discovered by More Patients
The newly redesigned ADA Find-a-Dentist® makes it easier for patients in your area to find you. With enhanced search features, patients can now search by address or zip code and filter results by specialty, language spoken, insurance accepted, and travel distance.
This powerful marketing tool is included in your member benefits. Increase your visibility and stand out by keeping your profile updated. Log in to your My ADA account portal to update your profile and check the “Include in Find-a-Dentist” box to appear in search results.
Member Benefit: Talkspace Go
Talkspace Go, a self-directed therapy app, is now available to all members and dental students as part of membership. Talkspace Go is designed to support mental well-being through personalized, science-backed courses on topics ranging from work stress to relationships through therapist-led live workshops, daily journaling, and more.
To get started, members and dental students must visit //ADA.org/TalkspaceGo and use their ADA login to receive an exclusive access code. Once they have the access code, they can download the Talkspace Go app to start their own well-being journeys.
ADA Contract Analysis Service and Other Contract Resources
It’s important for members to understand their insurance provider contracts before signing so that they can decide what is best for the members and their patients, as well as to avoid unpleasant surprises in the future. ADA offers a free contract analysis service that provides members with a plain-language explanation of the insurance provider contract terms to allow them to make informed and independent decisions on the merits of the contract. The analysis is not a substitute for legal advice. The service also provides analysis of certain dental management service organization agreements. Members can utilize the service at no charge by submitting an unsigned contract and an analysis request through their state dental society. To learn more about the Contract Analysis Service and for other dental insurance contract resources, go to the Support on Dental Insurance Contract Issues page on ADA's website. The ADA also offers resources to help members navigate employment-related contracts,such as an e-book on employment agreements and articles on getting the contract you deserve, compensation basics, negotiating your salary, and general negotiating tips. Further resources related to DSO contracts are also available. If you have any questions regarding the Contract Analysis Service, please reach out to Maria Reyes at reyesm@ada.org.
Dental Career Center Connect
Tap into a pool of top talent: Post your open positions on ODA’s Dental Career Center Connect and gain access to a vast pool of talented dental professionals actively seeking new opportunities. Our platform is the go-to destination for the brightest minds in dentistry. Looking for a change in your career? Discover a world of possibilities with our extensive job listings catering to every aspect of the dental field. Whether you’re a seasoned dentist, a passionate dental hygienist, or an aspiring dental assistant, find your perfect match with just a click. Visit the career center at https://careers.oregondental.org/.
Stay Ahead of the Curve with Online Courses
Put yourself at the center of dentistry with ADA Continuing Education’s Online Courses. These on-demand, science-backed CE courses deliver the latest knowledge and practical applications, empowering you not only to improve patient care but also to help shape the future of the profession itself. ADA CE brings you a new course every week, satisfying your need to keep learning and growing as a clinician. View the ADA CE library.
Oregon Health Authority Needs Dental Professionals to Serve
Oregon health professionals who want to help make health care more affordable are invited to join the new Industry Advisory Committee on Health Care Affordability. Oregon Health Authority’s Oregon Health Policy Board is particularly seeking committee members who work in oral health, behavioral health, traditional health, or insurance. Apply by Dec. 12 through the committee webpage.
2026 Children’s Health Fair—February 7, 2026
The Children’s Health Fair is back this year on Friday, February 7, at Powell Butte Elementary School. If you’re interested in making a charitable donation to the event, please contact Lora Mattsen at multdental@aol.com.
OHSU Dental Mission Trip to the Philippines
OHSU third-year dental students are seeking support to make the Philippines mission trip possible and need dental supplies or any dollar amount to serve approximately 3000 patients at the Philippines clinic:
- 200 packages of Lidocaine Anesthetic HCl 2% with Epinephrine—1.7 ml Cartridges, 50/Pkg
- 100 packages of 4% Articaine HCl with Epinephrine – 1.7 ml Injection Cartridges, 50/Pkg - 10 boxes of
- 27 Gauge Long Yellow—5 boxes of 30 Gauge Short Blue
- 45 boxes of gloves in sizes small, medium, and large (mostly medium)
- 30 packages of Level 2 or 3 masks
- 6 packages of 5000/pkg of 2×2 gauze 100 Sutures
- Hand sanitizer
- Ibuprofen/acetaminophen
If you would like to contribute or need more information, please feel free to contact Roya Moradi at roya.moradi798@gmail.com or check out the Go Fund Me to donate: Support OHSU Dental Mission to the Philippines.
Save the Date for the 2026 Oregon Dental Conference
Mark your calendars for next year's conference, April 9-11, 2026! In the meantime, be sure to enter your course completion codes online at https://www.prereg.net/2025/odc or the ODC mobile app to claim your 2025 ODC CE certificate. See you next year!
November Power of 3 Recording Available
Listen to the November Power of 3 recording to hear a House of Delegates recap, and discuss dental insurance reform, the ADA Living Guideline program and an AMS update.
Meet 10 Under 10 Winner Dr. Yi-Chu Wu
When Dr. Wu first started in dentistry, she struggled with imposter syndrome and feelings of anxiousness. With patience and persistence, she succeeded. Can you relate? Watch Dr. Wu’s full story: Instagram Facebook LinkedIn
Give Kids A Smile 2026
Register your 2026 Give Kids A Smile (GKAS) event by November 15 to be eligible to request free GKAS product kits for your program. The 2026 GKAS product recipient list will be posted on the GKAS website on December 10, 2025, and product kits will be delivered by January 21, 2026. Questions? Email gkas@ada.org.
ADA Treasurer Details Dues Changes
The House voted to increase dues for 2026. Get the details from Dr. Cody Graves on ADA News.
ADA Responds to New Fluoride Supplement Guidance
The FDA issued new guidance recommending that dietary fluoride supplements be prescribed only for children over age 3 who are at high risk for tooth decay. Based on the science, the ADA maintains that fluoride supplements remain a safe and effective way to prevent caries. Read more.
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