10 reasons why you need the Ohio Dental Association
Drs. David Ash, Tom Paumier and Jon Ash meet with Rep. Thomas West (D-Canton) during ODA Day at the Statehouse. The ODA organizes Day at the Statehouse once a year for members to speak to their legislators about issues important to dentistry and to presen
There are many reasons why dentists become a member of the Ohio Dental Association, from advocacy to camaraderie to continuing education and information. Here’s a list of 10 reasons why you need the ODA.
The ODA’s advocacy efforts protect your patients and your profession
With the Ohio legislature handling hundreds of pieces of legislation each year, the task of tracking which pieces of legislation affect dentistry can seem overwhelming. The ODA has a team of lobbyists who are devoted to tracking this legislation and meeting with legislators to educate them on issues important to dentistry. Currently, there are three major pieces of legislation that could affect the profession of dentistry: legislation to create a dental therapist, legislation to prohibit insurance companies from setting fees for services they do not cover, and legislation to expand access to care through tele-dentistry and other innovative strategies. The ODA’s lobbying team takes time to meet with legislators across the state to make sure they understand these issues and how they will affect dentists and patients in Ohio. Although all dentists in the state benefit from the ODA’s efforts, the ODA cannot have a strong voice in the political arena without high membership numbers. Becoming a member of organized dentistry helps provide the overwhelming support needed to protect the sanctity of the dentist-patient relationship.
The ODA provides you with information you can’t get anywhere else
The “ODA Today,” “NewsyBytes” (the ODA’s e-newsletter), and the ODA’s new podcast – “ODcAst: The Ohio Dental Podcast,” keep members informed of any information that is relevant to their practices, including legal and regulatory changes, practice management tips, insurance issues and more. If a new law or regulation goes into effect, the ODA notifies all members as soon as possible. Information on various legal and regulatory compliance issues is also available on the ODA’s website in the resource library, found at https://www.oda.org/member-center/resource-library/. ODA staff are also available to answer any questions you might have about your circumstances.
The ODA offers you an insurance contract analysis service
The ODA offers a contract analysis service through the American Dental Association that explains participating provider contract terms in plain, clear language before you become legally bound by them to allow you to make informed, independent decisions. Several years ago a major Ohio dental insurer changed its reimbursement rate and participation obligations for newly contracted dentists. Many dentists did not realize this until after they signed a contract. Utilizing the contract analysis service will help you avoid this and similar situations. The service is free for ODA members.
The ODA helps the public connect with you
The ODA has been promoting member dentists through a radio advertising campaign over the last several years. The messages run on ONN radio stations across Ohio, and promote the value of seeing ODA member dentists for dental care needs. Listeners are directed to the ADA Find-a-Dentist website, where they can find a member dentist in their area.
The ODA provides you with discounts on CE courses
The ODA provides members an opportunity to earn top quality CE from nationally known speakers at a reduced rate. Members receive a $375 discount on registration for the ODA Annual Session.
The ODA provides you with free downloadable labor posters
All employers are required to post numerous employment posters in their offices. Members can download all of these posters for free at https://www.oda.org/member-center/resources/employment-posters/.
ODA classified ads help you advertise or find a job opening, a practice for sale, equipment for sale and more
The ODA prints classified ads in the “ODA Today” each month, plus posts them online. The classifieds are available only to members, and are a great resource to dentists and dental students looking for an associateship position, a practice for sale, equipment for sale and more. The ads are also beneficial to people who would like to advertise the need for a new employee or who would like to sell a product or their practice. ODA members receive a discounted price to place an ad. To view the current classifieds, click here.
The ODA helps organize volunteer opportunities for you
The ODA has several ways for you to get involved in your community, including:
- Give Kids A Smile, where dentists provide free care to children in need.
- ODA Foundation, where donations go toward providing scholarships to worthy dental students and grants to access to care programs throughout Ohio.
The ODA offers you opportunities for networking and camaraderie
The ODA offers you several opportunities to meet with dentists across the state. Annual Session features several networking opportunities and social events. And the ODA Leadership Institute, in addition to featuring high quality speakers, also provides an intimate setting where you can meet up with colleagues across the state to have fun and discuss dental issues. Leadership Institute is free for ODA members.
The ODA endorses products and services to save you time and offers you discounts to save you money
From insurance coverage to whitening gel to credit card processing systems and more, the Ohio Dental Association Services Corp. (ODASC) has researched and endorsed products and companies to help you save time and money. ODASC helps you save money by securing discounts on products and services available exclusively for ODA members and by finding products and services that provide the best value for the price. A team of ODASC staff members is also available to help you purchase products and decide which will be a good fit for your practices. ODASC representatives are experienced and are not paid through commissions, so their only interests are making sure your needs are met.
The ODA is here for you
Being a member of the ODA gets you exclusive access to these member benefits and more. For more information about any of the resources above or to become a member, call (800) 282-1526.
