House of Delegates 2024

By: Molly Pereira, CDA Executive Director

A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away…OK, it wasn’t that long ago, and it was probably just 100-200 miles west of the metro area…

It was a time where virtual communication only occurred in Star Wars movies and dentists from all over Colorado met in the mountains to have a three-day event packed with business meetings, CE, golf, group dinners and statewide networking. It was an annual tradition spanning decades.

What once was a sold-out event fell victim to technological conveniences, new generations, busier lifestyles, changing demographics, a pandemic and a shift in life priorities. Something had to be done to bring attendees back, regain relevance and restore the importance of organized dentistry.

Too dramatic? I can’t help it—I was born in the ’70s and therefore raised by Star Wars.

Tradition is hard to break, especially when that tradition comes with great memories and accomplishments. Some traditions are passed on year after year, some get modified, and others get questioned on if they’re still relevant.

Always in motion, the future is.

Over the past several years, the CDA has asked dentists who were unable to come to the Annual Session why they aren’t coming to the meeting. Here are the repeated answers we’ve received:

• It’s too far away; it’s too hard to get to.

• It’s too much time away from my practice.

• I have weekend family obligations I can’t miss.

• The mountain resort hotels have gotten too expensive.

• I work on Thursdays and Fridays and can’t be away from the office.

• I don’t need the CE—I can find CE without issue closer to home or online.

• June isn’t a good time for a meeting. I already have summer vacation plans/graduations/etc.

This year, we took all that feedback and we’re doing something different—really different.

The 2024 CDA Annual Session and House of Delegates will be:

• Conveniently off the I-25 corridor at the Westminster Marriott.

• A single-day event with the House of Delegates and plenty of networking and camaraderie (no CE will be offered).

• Free to attend for CDA delegates/alternate delegates with discounted hotel room rates for those needing lodging.

• On a Saturday, not a weekday.

• On May 4, 2024…also known as Star Wars day.

This year we decided to stop “trying” and start “doing.” We’re drastically changing the Annual Session format because we want to make this meeting available to more member dentists. If you are a CDA member, you are welcome to attend this meeting as a voting delegate or alternate delegate. No one is too young, old or inexperienced to attend this meeting. No matter your graduation date, practice type, geographic location, employment status or level of member involvement, YOU ARE INVITED AND ENCOURAGED TO ATTEND.

This is a one-day meeting called the House of Delegates. The meeting has an agenda of topics for discussion, debate and decision-making. The CDA is your organization; we represent YOU. With the vast majority of dentists in the state as members, the CDA can accomplish things that a single person cannot. This is the meeting where you tell us what you need. This is the meeting where thoughtful discussion happens between dentists and a broad range of perspectives are represented. You don’t need prior experience. We will give you everything you need to be prepared.

Is the meeting all work and no play? Absolutely not. One of the most powerful parts of this event is that you can connect with dentists from all over Colorado. There will be plenty of mid-day networking time to meet new colleagues, catch up with friends and find like-minded dentists who truly understand the wins and challenges of practicing dentistry today. Sometimes it’s just nice to know that you’re not alone – and this meeting will prove that.

Finally, the bonus of this meeting is that we’re going to take it up a notch in fun. If you’re lucky enough to have your annual meeting on Star Wars Day, it’s your duty to embrace the opportunity. May the 4th be with you.

Register for the CDA Annual Session and House of Delegates at: cdaonline.org/annual-session.

Have questions about the meeting or being a delegate? Contact Shelly Fava, MDDS Executive Director, at director@mddsdentist.com, 303-957-3273, or the CDA at 303-740-6900.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Molly Pereira is the executive director of the Colorado Dental Association. She has served the CDA for the past 21 years in various roles including communications, government relations, event planning and access-to-care charitable programs.