Just like there are leaders and followers, there are joiners and non-joiners. This is quite true in our profession when it comes to organized dentistry. Many non-joiners rationalize by saying those who do join will create benefits for all so why do I need to belong too? This, of course, is foolish since there is strength in numbers. These numbers become important when advocating for the benefit of the profession, but even more so when advocating for the public’s oral health. Although I practice across the border in the U.S., the value of the Canadian Dental Association (CDA) and the provincial associations relative to organized dentistry remains the same. Not only was I a student member of the American Dental Association (ADA), but upon graduation became a full-fledged member of the ADA, and my state and local chapters. Additionally, as a general dentist, I became an active and involved member of the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD).
One merely must google the CDA to recognize the many benefits, services, and value of belonging to this organization. I believe that today it is even more important to have a unified voice. Whether it is dealing with third party carriers, or legislation that will affect the practice of dentistry, or impact the oral health of the public, organized dentistry will have the greatest impact. But it will only have that impact if the numbers speak loudly to those that can effect change.
Personally, I was never one who simply wrote a check to belong. If I paid my dues and had “skin in the game”, I wanted to have some input as to the direction of the organization. I took on the responsibility of being an active participant at the committee level all the way through to the national scene. There is no doubt that being a part of the process can be both time consuming, frustrating and gratifying, but the point is your voice needs to be heard as part of the chorus of change. A warning here is necessary. Time is precious so make sure that you maintain a balance between your family, professional development, and the time you spend devoted to organized dentistry.
Dentistry is a great profession. However, there will always be those that seek to diminish our value and effect change that can impact us economically and potentially limit our abilities. We can and must control our destiny. That can only happen if every one of us has a voice that shares common goals. Others should not be deciding your future. You should be actively participating at whatever level of comfort you choose, to shape the decisions of what is best for you, the profession, and the public we serve. Put down the pen after writing the check and raise your hand to join others in formulating the future for yourself, your patients, and oral health.
About the author
Dr. Glazer is a Fellow and Past President of the Academy of General Dentistry and a former Assistant Clinical Professor in Dentistry at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine, NY. Most recently, he received the Irwin Smigel Prize in Aesthetic Dentistry, presented by the New York University College of Dentistry for “Distinguished Achievement in the Art and Science of Aesthetic Dentistry.” He lectures throughout the United States, Canada, and overseas on dental materials, cosmetic dentistry, forensic dentistry and patient management. He maintains a general practice in Fort Lee, NJ, and is the Deputy Chief Forensic Dental Consultant to the Office of Chief Medical Examiner, City of New York.