excel at EFDA training provided by our own dentist members in a top-notch facil- ity, we are working to expand that to serve YOU and YOUR profession, including the previously noted Basic Skills Review and Nitrous Oxide courses, with others in the queue to add, such as a basic radiography course. And, we hope to eventually add the Oral Preventive Assistant, a pilot program that is currently in its clinical trial.


In closing, as MDA President, I am con- tinuing the mission like the presidents be- fore me and the presidents that will come after me. I want YOU to know our mission so you know “the why” behind what we are doing, but more importantly, so you get in the fight with me. Next March 4 at lobby day, come find me and tell me “I am here to get in the fight” and I will show you the value of your dues. See you then.


Contact Dr. Copeland at joncopelanddds@gmail.com.


MDA Welcomes Two Team Members T


wo new staff members have joined the MDA since January. We are glad to have them on our team!


DONNA ANDERSON is the new MDA Administrative Assistant. She is in the office part time Mon- day – Thursday.


Donna lives on a farm near Russellville, Mo. and has worked in dentistry and IT. She was a certified dental assistant and was trained and certified to administer Nitrous Oxide. She left dentistry to computerize dental and medical practices. Outside of work, Donna enjoys spending time with her family, espe- cially two grandchildren, Ty and Andy. She likes to stay active and enjoys spending time at the lake and playing bocce.


Her are a few fun facts about Donna:


• Last good book you read: The Women by Kristin Hannah


• How do you like to spend your Sunday: Planning my week, seeing family, relax- ing


• Favorite music on your playlist: Teddy Swims, Carol King, The Eagles


• Favorite hobbies/activity: Playing with Ty and Andy, playing bocce, reading


• Food you refuse to eat: Beets • Most awesome place you’ve visited: Hawaii


RILEY BERNSKOETTER is the new MDA Program Manager. She will split her time helping with event planning and member outreach.


Disability and life insurance rates are largely based on your age and health at the time of application.


Locking in rates as early as you can may save you thousands of dollars later.


Call MDIS for help with getting disability and life insurance quotes today.


Riley moved back to Taos, Mo. last May after spend- ing five years at Emporia State University in Emporia, Kan., playing volleyball and obtain- ing both her undergraduate and master’s degrees. Prior to joining MDA, she worked as a financial specialist at Missouri Depart- ment of Transportation in their Multimodal- Aviation division.


Outside of work Riley enjoys spending time with family at the pool, country concerts, gravel roading or road tripping in general, and playing with her nephew, Knox.


Here are a few fun facts about Riley:


• How you like to spend your Sunday: Watching NASCAR with the family


• Favorite music on your playlist: A lot of country


• Favorite hobby/activity: Being outdoors with nice weather and playing with my nephew!


• Food you refuse to eat: Cuties/Oranges • Most awesome place you’ve visited: Isla Mujeres, Mexico


ISSUE 1 | SPRING 2025 | focus 11


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32