ENHANCE YOUR CAREER, SUPPORT YOUR PROFESSION, CARE FOR YOUR PATIENTS
As a member of the Ohio Dental Association, you don’t have to go it alone! The ODA will support you every step of the way, whether you’re a new dentist or a seasoned practitioner, in a solo office, large group practice or anywhere in between.
Through the ODA, members have access to resources to enhance their career, opportunities to support the profession of dentistry, and support to care for patients and improve access to care.
We provide information to support your practice
From regulatory compliance and legal updates to insurance issues and community involvement opportunities, the ODA is your best resource for information related to dentistry in Ohio.
- As a member of the ODA, you have access to:
- ODA staff members to answer your specific questions.
- The “ODA Today” and “NewsBites” with important information and updates for your dental practice.
- Resources and information on the ODA website.
In a recent membership survey, 94% of the respondents reported being satisfied with the ODA’s efforts in “providing members with information about issues affecting the practice of dentistry.” Additionally, of those who have called, written or emailed ODA staff, 94% reported being satisfied with their most recent contact with ODA staff.
We help you resolve dental insurance issues
We understand the challenges that come with navigating third-party payers and insurance relationships. As a benefit of your membership, the ODA provides opportunities to help get the support you need.
- Dental insurance and third-party payer assistance available to ODA members includes:
- Speak to expert ODA staff members to receive answers to your specific questions.
- Submit your dental insurance dispute to the Dental Insurance Working Group, which will review your information and determine the best way to assist you, including contacting the dental insurance company on your behalf when appropriate.
- Submit an insurance contract to the ADA’s free Contract Analysis Service to receive a clear, concise explanation of the terms of a provider contract.
- Read the Dental Insurance Corner in the “ODA Today” each month to find answers to frequent questions and common third-party payer issues.
We help support your practice
We are working to increase staff members in the dental workforce through an advertising campaign targeting young students who are making career decisions and other initiatives.
Additionally, the ODA website features a Jobs & Ads Board, available exclusively to ODA members, to help dentists find a job or hire an associate or purchase or sell a practice.
We are also working to get patients in your chair. Over the past several years, we have been airing radio advertising campaigns along with digital and social media ads across the state that highlight the importance of going to a dentist who is a member of the ODA and direct consumers to the ADA Find a Dentist search feature.
We advocate on your behalf
Each year, ODA leaders, lobbyists and legal counsel track dozens of bills and numerous regulations that impact the practice of dentistry. We work to:
- Protect against unnecessary government intrusion.
- Fight unfair insurance practices and frivolous lawsuits.
- Improve access to quality, comprehensive dental care.
- Promote office efficiency.
We testify before the House and Senate committees on issues that matter to our member dentists, we meet with all Ohio legislators to build relationships and we organize grassroots lobbying efforts so that members can contact their legislators about important issues.
According to a recent membership survey, 87% of the respondents reported being satisfied with the ODA’s efforts related to “lobbying on behalf of the dental profession.”
As a member of the ODA, you provide strength behind our message and your dues revenue goes toward supporting advocacy initiatives on your behalf.
We provide discounts on products, services and insurance
The ODA Services Corp. researches products and services for dental offices and secures reduced rates for members, saving you time and money. When you use an ODA Services Corp.-endorsed product, you know you’re getting a high-quality product that has been tested by dentists like you. Plus, ODA Services Corp. representatives are available by phone and email to help you out.
Some of our most popular endorsed products and services include:
- Dental supplies and equipment through our Group Purchasing Organization, OhioDDS.
- Health benefits for you and your staff through the ODA Wellness Trust.
- Credit card processing through Best Card.
- Professional liability insurance through MedPro.
We offer CE courses for dentists, specialists and team members
ODA Annual Session offers CE courses to enhance your skills, support your practice and meet requirements. The Annual Session Committee utilizes survey results to determine continuing education topics and speakers. ODA members receive a discount on the cost of registration plus a discount on most course fees. CE is offered both in person and online.
We provide opportunities to serve your community
The ODA has opportunities to help you improve access to care in your community. Some of our initiatives include:
- Give Kids A Smile: We can help you plan a free care event to help kids in need. We provide product support, volunteer CE slips and promotional materials.
- Volunteer Connection: Find opportunities to volunteer in your area and receive volunteer CE credits.
- Dental OPTIONS: Provide dental care in your office on a free or discounted basis to eligible, low-income, uninsured adults in Ohio. Patients are pre-screened to ensure eligibility and matched to volunteer dentists through the program, allowing you to focus on providing dental care.
We help you connect with other dental professionals
As a member of the ODA, you’re joining part in a supportive community. Organized dentistry can help you connect with other professionals and build relationships that last a lifetime.
We host events and opportunities where you can connect with your colleagues from across the state. Our events include:
- ODA Annual Session.
- Leadership Institute.
- New Dentist Zoo Day.
- Day at the Statehouse.
- Life in the Real World.
Learn more
The ODA is here to support you throughout your dental career. We are an organization run by dentists, for dentists, regardless of your practice modality. According to a recent member survey, 90% percent of respondents said the ODA was “moving in the right direction.”
For more information about the ODA, visit www.oda.org.