{ association insights } by Vicki Wilbers, MDA Executive Director Doing the Laundry O


rganized dentistry feels a lot like a washing machine lately: to get a clean prod- uct, you need to go through some uncomfortable steps.


First, we must acknowledge there’s some dirty laundry. I don’t mean scandalous dirty — think more well-worn dirty; in need of a fresh scent. The discussion on change began a few years ago as downward membership trends created some alarm across the nation. Were we losing relevance among a more consumer-conscious, new-grad crowd? Was it time to review and overhaul some time- honored traditions and tools in an effort to freshen the path forward and stay in step? If so, where do we begin? Rest assured, the MDA and ADA are now fully engaged in making change. So into the Maytag go all the pieces.


Next up is the agitation cycle. This is not any prettier than it sounds. People don’t like to be agitated. Generational shifts and rapid tech advances add to the discomfort. Smart opinions are being gathered, but it can take a while to cut through all the voices and agree on a plan and a timeline. Agitation is also felt as we struggle with staff capacity issues. It takes a lot of time and careful attention to thoroughly shake the dirt loose.


Still ahead is the spin cycle where we get rid of the excess ideas and focus in on the fresh start. This is happening through the ADA Strategic Forecasting committee. Plus, you can feel the energy around change expressed at every gathering — whether it be the ADA Management Week, the Sixth District Conference, the upcoming ADA SmileCon event and even our seemingly daily staff and leadership discussions. Things are shaking out, and 2024 will bring even more new products and services meant to enhance member value.


10 focus | FALL 2023 | ISSUE 3


Why do I share all this? It’s certainly not be- cause I like doing laundry. Perhaps it’s more to provide a word of caution … and a word of hope.


My word of caution comes from a recent open letter developed by me and my fellow State Executive Directors. It was in response to a suggestion that perhaps ADA member- ship could be elective as it might not be a fit for every member. This is risky territory. I resonate with the letter’s opening senti- ment of “we believe that a unified tripartite is crucial for advancing the dental profession and its values. As Executive Directors/CEOs of state dental associations, we often focus on the value of organized dentistry at the state and local levels. However, the American Dental Associa- tion is also an important, valuable partner in the tripartite structure of organized dentistry.” The letter goes on to affirm the many ADA program offerings and essential benefits you can’t find elsewhere and that serve a variety of practice modalities. You can (and should) read the letter at bit.ly/3RutUh5.


Our tripartite structure has served us well for 150 plus years. Just like the basic structure of the washing machine has served us all these years. Yes, models have gone digital, larger, quieter and offer more features.


They use better materials and improve energy efficiency. But the mechanics of the washing machine have stayed the same. There will always be a little dirt, a little agita- tion and some spin needed to remove the excess. These keep us clean and fresh.


That leads me to a word of hope. I wish you could see what I see daily. Your MDA leadership and staff team are taking on the necessary work. We have made some new partners whose expertise has enhanced our efforts. We have adopted new technologies in an effort to keep pace. We are tackling your front burner, especially dental insurance re- form issues in our legislative agenda. We are implementing solutions for workforce needs so more patients get seen, your staff works at the top of their scope and your practice is efficient and satisfying.


From my ED seat, I believe we need to stick to our strong tripartite structure while hold- ing loosely to the rest so we can embrace change designed to keep us fresh, relevant and valuable to all. Now, please excuse me, I have laundry to do!


Contact Vicki at vicki@modentalmail.org.


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