{ from the editor } by Douglas Wyckoff, DDS • Editor Now, More than Ever, Your


Association Needs You No matter what we do, we cannot lose focus on the benefits of being together, face to face.


M


arch 6, 2024 was a very busy day for the MDA. It spon- sored two events that allowed those who participated to


help promote and mold our dental associa- tion’s future. I was fortunate enough to be a participant in both and I feel the need to share the outcomes and importance of both with you.


The 2024 Dental Day at the Capitol had more than 80 in attendance which included dentists, spouses, dental team members and dental students. This event has not seen numbers this high since the pre-COVID Legislative Days. Our MDA legislative team did a phenomenal job setting this up by getting legislative appointments made for attendees, having a pre-meeting briefing of what to expect, preparing talking points for bills we are working on and making sure the morning ran smoothly. This is “advocacy” in action. This is one of the single most impor- tant member benefits you cannot put a dollar figure on. Face-to-face meetings between the legislators and our members are so important when it comes to getting our legislative story across to those who make those decisions. Our lobbyists and staff do a wonderful job on a daily basis, but as they will all tell you, when we go and share our viewpoints in person, it carries significant value. We can all come up with many reasons why we can’t take a day out of our practice, however I would highly suggest you put March 5, 2025 on your calendar now. You will do a large service for your practice and your profession.


6 focus | SPRING 2024 | ISSUE 1


You can read some member testimonials on page 11, urging you to do the same.


Related to Dental Day, I want to take the time to twist all your arms a little. I want to ask you to make financial obligations to the MODentPAC. Fewer than 15 percent of our membership contributes to the PAC. The monetary donations are significantly down from previous years. The importance of legislative activity cannot be underestimated. We have always had one of the strongest health care PACs, but we are slipping. With elections coming up and legislative needs be- ing of the utmost importance, we need your help, and we need it now! You can donate a lump sum or do a monthly withdraw from your credit card. We have moved beyond just giving $25 a year, and I hope you will consider giving more than ever. I wouldn’t be recommending this if I didn’t do it. Please join me and give generously to the PAC.


In the second part of the day, 40 leaders from all parts of our state attended a Leadership Summit. The ADA was represented, and at- tendees were informed of membership issues and upcoming changes we will be seeing. We also were given information on eco- nomic trends in the dental arena. After those presentations, the MDA gave a synopsis of what has happened over the last 18 months regarding a board-directed group that has looked at our governance model for the as- sociation. When looking around the room, it was refreshing to see all the faces of leader- ship this state has and to witness the passion


this group had in its discussions. For our association to be successful, it is imperative we keep looking to the future and try to plan for growth and change. If we don’t experi- ence some change, we will become stagnant. But we must keep in mind that when change happens, it can sometimes cause uneasiness or pain. We must remember to work together to achieve the goals for the betterment of the members. Really tough questions have to be asked and it’s even harder trying to come up with the answers. This group has its work cut out for them. In looking back to that day, I am encouraged about the future of the MDA. We have passionate leaders who will guide us in the right direction as we navigate our future.


On a final note, that day showed me how important community is in our profession and association. No matter what we do, we cannot lose focus on the benefits of being together, face-to-face. There is no smart phone or computer that can replace what happens when we have opportunities to meet and greet each other. I hope each of you can find a way to attend a local meeting, come to the Connect4Success and House of Delegates coming up this June or any other local, state or national gathering in the name of dentistry. I assure you will not be disap- pointed, and you will have the opportunity to make many new friends.


Contact Dr. Wyckoff at editor@modental.org.


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