{ outreach in action } THE MDA GYM 5 ways to stay “fit” by increasing return on your membership investment D
ue to travel and deadlines, I’m writing this column a few days before Christmas. My last week has been focused on reviewing
plans and goals and trying to map out my work for the year ahead. I’m also contemplat- ing how to once again attack the inevitable weight gain that comes from my holiday indulgences. Well-meaning sugar coated gifts from members and vendors fill the break room table which is only 12 paces from my office chair (trust me; I just counted while going back for another delicacy wrapped in shiny paper). Ironically, I currently belong to not one, but two gyms. They are already pro- moting their “new year, new you” campaigns ranging from diet tips to boot camps. Egad, hide the mirrors and scales! I already can hear the well-meaning, “just do its” coming from the flat-belly trainers.
It will be easy to stay busy on work projects in 2015 that I believe will benefit members. And I suspect I will have a burst of discipline and visit a gym or two trying to tame the tummy. But I wondered how you, the dues- paying member, will evaluate the New Year? How do you determine what you get for what you pay? Plenty of people are members of a gym or health club but are they maxi- mizing what that membership offers? Do you know how to maximize your MDA member- ship? Allow me to offer 5 suggestions for moving your membership from professional obligation to supercharged advantage.
#1
ATTEND MDA LEGISLATIVE DAY FEBRUARY 25: Advocacy for the
profession always ranks high as a member benefit. Some members back this with their wallet and give to MODentPAC; others stay up on issues by reading the Focus. A few even personally engage with their elected officials. But why should you take time off to come
36 focus | JAN/FEB 2015 | ISSUE 1
to the Capitol? Because it will pull back the veil a bit. Come to the briefing and meet and mingle with the members who have carried the water on your behalf. Learn firsthand what our legislative agenda looks like and how it impacts you. Go visit your elected representative and educate them about oral health. Be seen and be heard—that gives us traction with our agenda. It’s easy to ignore something you’ve never tried and make excuses, saying it’s inconvenient, but just like a new exercise, attending MDA Legislative Day can stretch new muscles for you and make your profession stronger. Plus, we’ll be having cupcakes and coffee and receiving a governmental proclamation … both to recog- nize our 150th Anniversary.
#2
CALL MDIS FOR AN INSURANCE REVIEW: This idea is akin to
pushups. They’re so obvious we all know about them, but this also may cause you to overlook them and miss the advantage of a stronger chest and arms. In my travels across the state, I’m continually surprised by how many members have heard about Missouri Dental Insurance Services (MDIS) but they underestimate the benefit of MDA having their own insurance company that only works for dentists and thus they miss out on a stronger, more protected practice and the accompanying peace of mind. MDIS is not just malpractice insurance. They offer lines from workers comp to long term care and everything in between. But the reason you should call is personal attention. They are like having a personal trainer. The MDIS staff knows insurance and more importantly, they understand dentists. They visit hundreds of offices a year and have context for what concerns you. They can handle the solo practitioner or the multi-partner practice. If I was a betting man, I’d bet a thorough discussion with an MDIS agent would save
your practice some hard earned dough. Just do it. Make the call: 800-944-7550.
#3
MEET A NEW COLLEAGUE: Life is ultimately about relationships. My fitness goals surely help me, but working out allows me to engage (learn from, compete with, assist, teach) others. Most members who speak highly of MDA do so in the con- text of relationships. They visit at CE meet- ings. They serve on a board or committee together. They consult about business trends. And the great thing about relationships is they aren’t capped. You always can expand your circle of contacts. Our association is in transition, with Baby Boomers moving to retirement and the young doctors moving in. Without a doubt, the most important influence on a non-member or uninvolved member is personal contact. Fancy brochures and mailings and websites have no sway without “connection”. Someone reached out to you at one point. Make it a point to reach out to a colleague. Help a new dentist get acclimated. Invite someone to join you at the next meeting. Make a simple phone call introducing yourself. Believe it or not, there are large professional buildings where colleagues have only met in passing. Reverse that trend. Let this be the year you stretch to make a new connection.
#4
VOLUNTEER SOMEWHERE: I have found dentists as a whole to be extremely compassionate and giving of their time and skill to help others. I love seeing that in my role with Missouri Mission of Mercy (MOMOM).This is not an admonition to start volunteering. Think of it more as an encouragement to excel even more. Like regular cardio conditioning, volunteering keeps your heart strong. Serving others never comes back void. You will see me push MO- MOM often because that’s a Foundation pro-
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