ODA Member Benefit Corner

Why is a membership with the ODA/ADA so valuable? The ODA/ADA supports all members at the national, state and local levels. From helping you manage your practice more efficiently and advocating on your behalf to offering you tools and resources that help you find the answers for which you’re looking, we’re there every step of the way.

Diversity and Inclusion in the Tripartite

By: Madison Bolton, ODA Membership Manager

The ADA Diversity and Inclusion Committee and supporting staff recently laid a foundation for continued progress through the 2020-2025 Diversity and Inclusion Plan. The plan outlines three goals: [1] increase member diversity; [2] create a welcoming and inclusive environment; and [3] build diversity and inclusion capacity, grow membership diversity, and support the advancement of the health of the public. The Oklahoma Dental Association is proud to be a part of this plan. As we look forward to the next five, ten, fifteen years and beyond we are finding ways to incorporate these goals in all that we do, specifically into our upcoming strategic plan. Our work as an organization to advance the dental profession, improve the public's oral health, and promote oral health access can only be accomplished by taking mindful steps in our progress on inclusivity. Currently the ADA, ODA, and the OU College of Dentistry have created the following opportunities and programs:

ADA Accelerator Program

• The ADA recently launched the ADA

Accelerator Series: your hub for financial, leadership and work/life balance tools. The ADA Accelerator

Series includes:

• Regular webinars hosted by experts on timely topics such as time and stress management, conquering fear, parental leave business management, life insurance planning and building confidence as a leader in times of uncertainty. • Tips on tackling current challenges in your life and achieving your longterm goals – from other dentists who have been there.

• Opportunities to expand your leadership skills in changing times. • Self-care and wellness support, now more critical than ever.

ODA Leadership Academy

• The ODA Leadership Academy is a statewide program designed to develop future leaders in organized dentistry by educating them on the foundational keys to its success.

ODA Women in Dentistry events

• The ODA offers several events throughout the year specifically for the female professionals in our membership, where colleagues can work together on issues unique to them.

OU College of Dentistry Diversity and Inclusion Council and Committee

• The OUCOD Diversity and Inclusion Council and Committee hosts events for students and faculty and provides Diversity Scholarship Opportunities.

ADA’s Third Party Payer Concierge and other Dental Insurance Advocacy

Challenges with dental insurance can take up valuable time and resources, so the ADA is here to help. The ADA’s Third Party Payer Concierge™ is a library of resources to support you with any and all dental insurance issues. Access articles, tips and tools, as well as on-demand webinars that speak to your pressing problems spanning insurance carrier relationships, contracts, claim submissions and rejections, and administrative efficiencies.

Dental insurance issues are invariably rated among the most important concerns confronting dentists. On the national front and together with state dental societies, the ADA is working to achieve key legislative policy reforms, locally and nationally.

The ADA is constantly enhancing its ready-to-use member resources to help you successfully navigate everyday dental insurance obstacles on behalf of your patients. Learn more at ada.org/en/member-center/ member-benefits/practice-resources/dental-insurance today!