{ association insights } Executive Office Updates


Gratitude For What Has Been, What Is To Come


by JEREMY BOWEN, DDS I


t’s hard to imagine this year will soon be over. We all know when we’re busy time flies, and serving as this association’s president that theory has certainly held true. What a distinct pleasure it has been to serve an association that is top-notch. This has been especially evident as I have traveled across the country and throughout our state. If I listed all the sites I have been blessed to visit, this article would be too long.


The thing that has stood out most from my travels is how proud I am of our state associa- tion. We have very capable components with great local leadership. At our executive office, we have a great team working hard. This past year has proven, once again, that even when hurdles are thrown our way, we press forward and find ways to help our members succeed.


The future of dentistry is dependent on many factors, and I promise you, MDA will be right there in the mix adapting along the way for our members. The MDA keeps looking to improve on how we build for a successful future. The reality is there is a plethora of practice settings and the modes for delivering oral health care are changing. None of us can afford to bury our heads in the sand. We must adapt and advance. It is so tempting to sit back and enjoy our comfortable, known world we have been in, thinking life is good. Too many things are changing and that requires us to consider a change of attitude. Being recep- tive to something different is part of that. It is important to have an open mind, rather than being entrenched in the ways of the past.


Looking ahead to 2024, the MDA is ready to hit the ground running. We have many proj- ects in the works including the launch of the


10 focus | WINTER 2023 | ISSUE 4


EFDA Training Center, a new rural health ini- tiative, a governance review committee that will host a leadership summit on March 6 in conjunction with Dental Day at the Capitol, and discussions of a new membership model at the ADA level. Plus, there’s the annual Connect4Success and House of Delegates and all your local component offerings. It’s an exciting time to be engaged in the profession.


As always, communication is key! Watch your MDA digital channels, including the eNews, for important updates and please reach out to


me if you ever have any concerns or ques- tions.


Finally, let us all take time to be thankful for what we have been given. Enjoy your time with family and friends. I have especially enjoyed my time as president this past year and look forward to the future. And I thank our membership for all their support this past year.


Contact Dr. Bowen, MDA President, at jeremy.bowen.mda@gmail.com.


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