Ohio Dental Association provides members with valuable resources, support
The Ohio Dental Association provides member dentists with valuable tools, discounts, knowledge, services, support and resources to help dentists be successful in their practices and provide the best available treatment to their patients.
The ODA has been informing, representing and serving dentists in Ohio since 1866.
Protecting your practice and the profession
The ODA’s advocacy efforts to protect dentists from unnecessary government regulations are consistently rated as a top member benefit. 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 tracks legislation throughout the year, and was able to save dentists thousands of dollars in recent years by helping to stop several initiatives that would have created new fees and taxes for dentists. The ODA also launched a new publication this year called “Mouth Matters” to inform legislators about issues important to dentistry.
Providing information
From regulatory updates to legal and insurance information and practice management tips, the ODA provides members with information that is relevant to their practices and can’t be found anywhere else. The ODA publishes the “ODA Today;” “NewsBytes,” an e-newsletter; and “generationD,” an online publication for new dentists and dental students, plus has numerous resources available 24/7 at www.oda.org.
In addition to these publications, staff members are also available to provide information. From regulatory compliance to legal advice, the ODA has the answers to your toughest questions.
Insurance contract analysis
The ODA offers a contract analysis service through the American Dental Association that will explain contract language in plain, clear terms and allow dentists to make informed, independent decisions. The ODA has many contract analyses already on file that can be sent to dentists immediately, and for those contracts not already on file the ODA will send them to the ADA for analysis and will return the analysis upon completion. Based on the estimated cost of an attorney, dentists could pay about $400 for this service, but the ODA provides it free to members.
Peer review
Peer review offers a non-threatening opportunity for dentists and patients to resolve disputes when they cannot do so on their own. Volunteer dentists make a decision in the mediation and clinical exam. Peer review is not a disciplinary body and does not have the authority or inclination to issue fines, take action against a dentist’s license or make public its findings. The only thing peer review can do is to find that a refund is in order or that any balance that is still outstanding be waived.
Promoting the profession
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.
Members can also download a member logo that can be used by dentists on their website, electronic communications and e-newsletters to highlight their membership in the ODA. To download the logo, visit www.oda.org/member-center/news-media/oda-logo/.
Continuing Education
The ODA provides members an opportunity to earn top quality CE from nationally known speakers at a reduced rate. Members receive a $275 discount on registration for the ODA Annual Session.
Labor posters
All employers are required to post numerous employment posters in their offices. The ODA can send all required posters to ODA members for $6 plus tax, which covers the cost of printing and shipping. To order the posters, call the ODA at (800) 282-1526.
Classified advertisements
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 and more. ODA members receive a discounted price to place an ad. To view the current classifieds, click here.
Volunteer opportunities
The ODA has several ways for members to get involved in their communities, including:
- Give Kids A Smile, where dentists provide free care to children in need.
- Dental OPTIONS, where dentists provide care to low-income, uninsured individuals.
- ODA Foundation, where donations go toward providing scholarships to worthy dental students and grants to access to care programs throughout Ohio.
- Smiles for Seniors, a program that promotes oral health care of older adults through education.
- Operation TACTIC, an educational program to prevent the use of smokeless tobacco among teens.
Networking connections
The ODA offers members several opportunities to meet with dentists across the state. Annual Session features several networking opportunities. And the ODA Leadership Institute, in addition to featuring high quality speakers, also provides an intimate setting where dentists can meet up with colleagues across the state to have fun or discuss dental issues.
Regulatory compliance info
The ODA is always tracking updates to regulatory compliance. If a new law or regulation goes into effect, the ODA notifies all members as soon as possible. Information on various 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/. In addition to that, dentists can call ODA staff to have specific questions answered about their circumstances.
Endorsed products
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 dentists save time and money. ODASC helps dentists 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 ODA member dentists purchase products and decide which will be a good fit for their practices. ODASC representatives are experienced and are not paid through commissions, so their only interests are making sure dentists’ needs are met.
Your membership counts
Every ODA member adds value to the ODA and strengthens the organization. Membership allows you to drive, shape and influence the profession of dentistry and invest in your own future.
For more information about any of the resources above or to become a member, visit www.oda.org or call (800) 282-1526.
