BITES&BRIEFS


Talkspace Go & Therapy I


n January, the ADA introduced Talkspace Go as a part of its wellness resources for dentists. Talkspace


Go—available for dentists and dental students—is a self-guided therapy app designed to fit into the busy lives of dental professionals. In just five minutes a day, you can find tools to support your mental well-being, from managing work stress and relationships to maintaining balance in your life. The app is personal- ized, science-backed and meets you exactly where you are. Here’s how to get started:


• Visit ADA.org/TalkspaceGo to log in with your ADA information, after which you will receive your member-only access code.


• Download Talkspace Go on iOS or Android; create an account and enter the ADA organization code.


• Answer 25 quick questions to help identify areas where you need support. • Dive into customized courses, daily journaling and live workshops led by therapists.


More recently, the ADA is expanding its member benefits to include discounted access to Talkspace Therapy, a digital platform that supports behavioral health and emotional well- ness needs from a secure app that is HIPAA compliant. ADA users will get one 30-minute live, confidential session with a dedicated, licensed therapist in their area each month, plus unlimited access to asynchronous messaging via text or audio with their therapist. ADA members can sign up by visiting ADA.org/TalkspaceTherapy and downloading the app from their preferred app store. They will receive about 90 percent off Talkspace Therapy’s full price by registering through the ADA.


Sixth District Trustee Candidacy Open


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he Sixth District Trustee of the ADA represents the dentists of the states of Missouri, Tennessee, Kentucky


and West Virginia on the ADA Board of Trustees. There is a rotation from state to state for the position. An MDA member will be elected to the position of Sixth District Trustee at the ADA House of Delegates in 2028, serving for a four-year period begin- ning at the close of business of the ADA House of Delegates in 2028, and ending at the close of business of the ADA House of Delegates in 2032.


The Trustee will be nominated by the Sixth District at its 2027 Pre-Caucus meeting. The Articles of Agreement and Bylaws of the MDA state that the Missouri House of Delegates selects the Sixth District Trustee nominee. Therefore, the Trustee must be elected by the 2027 MDA House of Del- egates.


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ince its founding in 1991, MDIS has returned $5,682,115 in funding to the MDA, its


foundations and component societies! This is thanks to its great team and to the MDA members who purchase its insurance products. MDIS works with many companies across all its lines to give you the best options for your insurance needs. Scan the QR code to download your complete Insurance Reference Guide to see all MDIS offers!


8 focus | SPRING 2025 | ISSUE 1


Any member in good standing of the MDA may declare their candidacy for the posi- tion of Sixth District Trustee of the ADA. Declarations must be made in writing to the Speaker of the House of Delegates, Dr. Amanda Fitzpatrick, prior to December 31, 2025. These can be emailed to Margie at the MDA office, margie@modentalmail.org, who will forward them to the Speaker.


In January 2026, the Speaker will form an ad hoc committee of the House consisting of the declared candidates and the Speaker for the purpose of determining guidelines for the candidates’ campaigns. Candidates must agree to adhere to the guidelines established by the committee. Voting for the candidate will be by ballot at the 2027 MDA House of Delegates.


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