{ outreach in action } by Paul Roberts • Foundation & Outreach Director


All in the Family W


ith the holidays just behind us, you most likely had some interactions with family. It may have been


your family of origin. It may have been the family you started with a spouse or partner. It may have even been a non-blood related family like your practice team or your Pickle- ball friend group.


These interactions likely elicited a wide range of emotions or required a certain sacrifice. Perhaps divorce or death strained relation- ships and cast a pall of tension and sadness over your gathering. Maybe you’re like I was for many years and had to hit the road for travel, stay in less-than-ideal accommoda- tions and surrender autonomy of schedule. Or just maybe, you had a Hallmark family gathering in perfect harmony around the fire as snow gently fell outside, and the aroma of a home cooked meals wafted through the air.


There’s always that tension between your ideal expectations and reality with its sometimes harrowing thud. Thus a common sentiment is “we survived the holidays”. But why does this scene repeat itself every year? Because, like ‘em or love ‘em or even cringe a little when you see ‘em, they are your family. They know you well. They have your back. They accept you no matter what.


And so it is with your MDA family. We are a family related by this great profession of den- tistry. And like a family, you may experience a range of emotions when we are together. You may need to sacrifice a little for others. You may feel twinges of discomfort. You may not see eye to eye on issues. Your interactions can vary from candy canes and eggnog happi- ness to lump of coal disappointment.


As MDA Director of Outreach, I get to travel and meet a lot of MDA family members. Let me introduce a few of them to you.


22 focus | WINTER 2024 | ISSUE 4


Silver Fox Retiree — Generally the 60+ white haired dentist who has faithfully built a career in private practice. This doctor’s team and patient base has been together for the long haul. Success has allowed travel and hobbies and family security. They’ve seen the impact and rapid change technology brings but are glad to be sunsetting and just hope the practice and patients are well cared for in the future. Proud and likely active member in the association for 35+ years.


Ambitious but Anxious Dental Student — More and more likely to be a female and/or ethnically diverse. Whip smart and tech savvy but tired from constant pressing to succeed, to network, to figure out their debt puzzle. Sure to be a great provider. Student member who will need some local welcoming and inclusion as they start a career. “Mentorship, please” is their cry.


New Grad Getting Up to Speed — Glad to be out of school. Dealing with impostor syndrome as they do “real life” dentistry. Per- haps trying to understand an associate role. Perhaps cranking out procedures for a cor- porate chain. Perhaps paying down debt via FQHC service. Perhaps starting from scratch and burning every end of the candle. In all cases, they need what membership offers, but can they find the time and the money?


Dental School Faculty — Various paths have led them to surrender their solo success for the profession’s future success. They have a unique vibe and perspective. Perhaps insu- lated from certain practice issues and hassles, they also are most engaged with shaping not just the skills but also how the next wave of providers think about patient care and busi- ness. We need their membership perspective. They need our support.


Front Line FQHC Dentist — Often led by their heart with a desire to treat the underserved. They are battle weary from


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