{ from the editor } by Douglas Wyckoff, DDS More Than a Day at The Capitol


There is no better preparation for this profession than seeing future colleagues in action—advocating for dentistry and for patients.


I


am making a conscious effort to be a better listener—to spend more time observing rather than talking. It sounds simple, but I have to admit it doesn’t


come naturally. It takes intention to sit back and fully take in what’s happening around me.


I had the perfect opportunity to put that into practice during MDA Dental Day and the Leadership Forum. At the end of that day, one word stayed with me: inspirational.


This was our largest Dental Day yet—53 den- tists, nine team members, and 89 students, for a total of 151 attendees. When I stepped back and truly observed, I was inspired by the commitment of everyone who took time out of their day to be there. Each person came to share their voice with legislators and help them understand how current issues impact our profession and our patients. The energy was undeniable as both new and seasoned professionals filled the halls.


The strong student presence was especially encouraging. Their eagerness to learn and engage was evident from the morning brief- ing through their one-on-one conversations with dentists from across the state. It became a natural mentoring environment—one where learning went both ways. By the expressions on their faces, it was clear that everyone valued the experience. There is no better preparation for entering this profes- sion than seeing future colleagues in action, advocating for dentistry and for patients.


My only regret is that more of our members didn’t get to witness that energy firsthand. It is something you truly have to experience. I have no doubt that anyone who attends just once will want to return. As one participant


6 focus | SPRING 2026 | ISSUE 1


shared with me, “We are so gifted to be able to work in this profession, and it is our responsibil- ity to advocate for it and to mentor those who follow.”


As I drove home, I found myself reflecting on all the positive outcomes I had seen through- out the day. The willingness to serve, to advocate, and to support one another was re- markable. It also reminded me of everything the MDA does for us every day. Our staff’s commitment and our Board of Trustees’ leadership are the foundation of that success. Together, they continue to move our associa- tion forward in meaningful ways.


But that success does not happen with- out you—the members. Leadership in this association is not defined by a title. It is demonstrated through involvement: in your communities, your schools, committees, the


House of Delegates, and every effort that strengthens our profession.


Even in a time when membership numbers have declined, the MDA remains strong and financially stable, supported by thoughtful diversification of non-dues revenue. That stability allows us to continue delivering value and advancing the profession.


I am inspired by what I see the MDA ac- complishing. I am optimistic that the work of the past several years will continue to build momentum and, in time, draw more dentists back into membership. For now, we continue to do more with less—and that is okay. When others see the impact and success of this organization, they will want to be part of it.


Contact Dr. Wyckoff at editor@ modental.org.


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