{ association insights } Executive Office Updates


We Are No Longer Relevant M


by RON WILKERSON, DMD, MDA PRESIDENT


embership no longer matters; it’s a relic of the past in the age of digital media. The association is weak and slow to respond in an era that demands immediate decisions and action. MDA is doing nothing legislatively. You want people to be involved but offer no leadership oppor- tunities. The ADA continues to drop the ball on issue after issue and fails to act.


These are the criticisms I’ve heard traveling across the state—and the country—as your president, from dentists who no longer see the value in membership.


I can’t say I disagree with all of it. The ADA credit card rollout, for example, was a com- plete disaster for my practice, and I know I wasn’t alone. When I hear these concerns, I listen. I reflect on what we can do better. But I also realize that many don’t fully under- stand what we actually accomplish in a given year. Too often, the positives are drowned out by the noise of frustration.


We live in an age with little patience. I believe that’s a direct result of the digital era. We have instant access to information—good or bad—within seconds. Some use it produc- tively; others use it to watch AI-generated movies of Jedi cats. Pick your poison—I’m not judging. But while everything around us moves at lightning speed, the legislative process does not. It never has. And that’s exactly why having a strong, consistent voice for dentistry at the Capitol matters. As your president, I have made it a priority to ensure that voice remains strong.


OPA, sales tax, Medicaid fee increases, DLR, compacts—these are not abstract issues. These are active battles we fight every day. Three years later, we are still in the trenches on OPA. Our pilot project is now complete— and it was a success. As chair of the OPA program, I could not be prouder of what has been built.


This was not the work of one person. It has taken an army—members, staff, our lobbying team, the State of Missouri, and the ADA. It has required both dues and non-dues rev- enue. We all have a stake in this, and no one


person can claim sole credit. That’s what association work looks like.


The political fight is not over—but I am confident we will cross the finish line. To those who have believed in the MDA and supported this effort, thank you.


Membership. I don’t have a perfect answer. And frankly, there are people far smarter than me who don’t have one either. What I do believe in is connection—camaraderie and relationships.


I was brought into the MDA over a cocktail at my first Connect4Success event. I had a similar experience at a Winter Session in Columbia, where I was introduced to MODentPAC by a mentor I’ll never forget. At the time, I had no idea what I was stepping into. Thirteen years later, I can’t imagine where I’d be without those relationships.


So here’s my ask: if you’ve had a similar experience, invite someone new to the table. Bring a younger dentist into the conversa- tion. Sit them down with the seasoned veterans. Listen to their story. That’s where this all begins.


We have lost members we may never get back. Others have chosen not to join for their own reasons. We will continue to fight the battles we can. And for those who choose not to be members, I ask that you at least encour- age them to support MODentPAC. It remains one of the strongest tools we have to protect our profession.


In June, I will pass the gavel to Dr. Emily Mattingly. Before I do, I want to express my sincere gratitude. It has been an honor to serve as your president.


IN AN ERA OF SKEPTICISM, MDA REMAINS KEY TO PROTECTING AND ADVANCING DENTISTRY.


I have spent 13 years on the Board of Trust- ees. This role has become a meaningful part of my life, and stepping away will be an adjustment. A friend once told me, “When you’re the one in the room offering the historical perspective, it may be time to step aside.” That time is approaching. But I leave with confidence.


There is no magic solution to membership challenges—every organization is search- ing for it. What I do know is this: the MDA will continue to be the voice of dentistry in Jefferson City. We will continue to protect what matters. And we will continue to fight for this profession. And yes—we’ll continue to kick ass.


Dr. Wilkerson invites you to join him at Connect4Success in June, and especially to the Back to the ’80s Party to enjoy live music from Members Only, a band specializing in ’80s music. Contact him at rwilker82@gmail.com.


ISSUE 1 | SPRING 2026 | focus 11


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