Member Benefit Corner

ODA MEMBER BENEFIT CORNER

Why is a membership with the ODA/ADA so valuable? The ODA/ADA supports all members at the national, state and local levels. From helping you manage your practice more efficiently and advocating on your behalf to offering you tools and resources that help you find the answers you’re looking for, we’re there every step of the way.

ODA TOP 5

This year, the Oklahoma Dental Association accomplished some major goals to benefit you, our ODA members, and your patients. Take a look through the ODA’s top five accomplishments of 2021! #1. The Fight Against Managed Medicare. On June 1, the Oklahoma Supreme Court ruled 6-3 that the Oklahoma Health Care Authority does not have the authority to move forward with any part of managed care Medicaid. It was a VERY busy and productive legislative session as the ODA joined forces with every other healthcare association to successfully fight this threat. #2. First-Ever ODA Virtual Annual Meeting. On April 9-10, 2021, more than 700 dental professionals joined the ODA for its 2021 Annual Meeting on a new virtual platform. The virtual attendees earned a total of more than 5,100 hours of CE! Because it was a virtual meeting, the ODA was able to host speakers from around the world and even host attendees from across the country. Dr. Dean Licenblat joined from Australia, and Drs. Bhide, Albatish and Shah joined from Canada. The virtual meeting was an outstanding success, but we are looking forward to seeing everyone in person at the 2022 meeting in Oklahoma City! #3. Inaugural Veteran’s Dental Day Event. Rescheduled because of COVID and then an ice storm, the inaugural Veteran’s Dental Day event finally took place on March 27, 2021. The ODA partnered with the Oklahoma Dental Foundation, the OU College of Dentistry, and Henry Schein to provide free dental care to more than 50 Oklahoma veterans. Patients received free cleanings, extractions and more. OUCOD dental students and faculty, plus a handful of ODA volunteers, provided the care. As a former Army Reserve member, ODA immediate past president Dr. Paul Mullasseril made it his mission during his presidency to plan a free dental care day for metro-area veterans that would continue annually into the future. The second annual event was held November 6th.

#4. The ODA Welcomed Dental Graduates to Organized

Dentistry. On August 19, 2021, the ODA’s collaborative recruitment efforts were recognized by the American Dental Association for successfully encouraging graduating dental students to become tripartite members of the ADA, ODA and local dental societies. With more than 80% joining, the ODA, the OU College of Dentistry and chapter leaders of the American Dental Student Association (ASDA) were recognized nationally for helping to fill the pipeline and help transition students to practicing dentists.

#5. ODA Members Saved Through Two NEW Rewards Partners.*

On February 5, 2021, the ODA Rewards Committee voted to include Black Talon Security and Enviro-Mist as ODA Rewards Partners. Black Talon is the leading provider of cybersecurity solutions for the dental market. They provide advanced cybersecurity solutions to ODA members to help protect critical infrastructure and patient records from cyberattacks. Enviro-Mist specializes in disinfecting medical facilities. They are the forerunner of contract sterilizing services nationwide. *Find contact info for both Rewards Partners on page 17.

DIGITAL MEMBERSHIP CARDS

Don’t forget! ADA membership cards can now be accessed online anytime, from anywhere.

You can park it in your smart phone’s virtual wallet or print it out. Follow these three easy steps to access your membership card today!