ODA Leadership Academy

By: Blaire Bowers, DDS

Private practice can be daunting to a newly licensed dentist. So many questions raced through my head…Where do I start? Will patients trust me? How will I afford these loans? How do I create a network of support and friendship in the dental community?

My first year out of Periodontics residency in 2014, I was lucky enough to have a few mentors recommend that I participate in the Oklahoma County Dental Society (OCDS). From there, all my questions seemed to take on a life of their own and answer themselves. I started on the OCDS Board and the next year a friend who I greatly admire asked me to run for an officer position. Through the OCDS Board I was introduced to a new program called “the ODA Leadership Academy”. I scoured the information about it and realized what an amazing opportunity this would be, and a perfect segue into answering my questions about organized dentistry.

My leadership class started our journey in October 2016 when I got to meet the other leadership classmates from across the state. Each component of the Oklahoma Dental Association selected several candidates for the program. A few of them I knew, but most of them I had not met. It was a great mix of strangers with different backgrounds but all with the goal to learn more about organized dentistry and how we can contribute as one voice to our profession. Our fall activities included social events to better know each other and dental leaders in our state, as well as educational events and opportunities. We attended an orientation dinner and “ODA Leadership 101” class which explained the leadership journey that was in our near future. We all sat there, emotions running high, not knowing what to expect, but all feeling like our minds and hearts were full with eagerness to learn. We then attended council meetings with committee members on governmental affairs, dental care, dental education and public information, and membership and membership services. Each meeting provided us knowledge and insight on how organized dentistry supports and advocates for dentists all over the state. In February we participated in the Oklahoma Mission of Mercy, providing free dental care for those who cannot afford treatment. We felt honored to participate and donate our time for a good cause, connecting as a group over our mutual goal of public service. In March we participated in Dentist Day at the Capitol, meeting with our state leaders to inform them of our stance on current issues in dentistry. It was truly inspiring to watch the powers that be in action! I remember feeling terrified to initiate conversation with the senators and representatives, but other leaders in our field who were there set such a good example. I tried to emulate their confidence and ardor. Although I was timid at first, my confidence grew quickly with the support and encouragement of my peers. On Thursday April 27, 2017 the leadership class officially ended with our graduation at the ODA House of Delegates meeting, but in many ways, my leadership journey had just began. As I was standing there in front of the House of Delegates, shaking the hand of the President of the ODA, I remember thinking “How could I be so fortunate to be a part of such a great organization?”.

Three years have passed since that moment and I still feel honored every time I have the chance to participate in leadership events. I am grateful to those who gave me the opportunity to participate in the ODA Leadership Academy. The Academy provided the foundational knowledge and experiences for me to grow as a leader in our profession- a professsion that advocates for my peers and people of the State of Oklahoma.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Dr. Bowers was born and raised in Shawnee, Oklahoma. "Sooner born and Sooner bred", she attended college (2002-2006) and dental school (2006-2010) at the University of Oklahoma. Before returning to Oklahoma to complete her masters in Periodontics, she attended the University of Colorado for a general practice residency in 2010. After graduating from Graduate Periodontics in 2014, she focused on private practice in Oklahoma City with her mentor, Dr. Jacob Hager, before starting two other practices. In 2015, she started a periodontal practice out of her father's (Dr. Brandon Bowers) office in her hometown of Shawnee, where her father, grandfather, and great grandfather all practiced general dentistry. She and her sister, Dr. Lauren Klaus, now practice periodontics together in both Edmond and Shawnee. Dr. Bowers is active in the ODA, Oklahoma County Dental Society, Metro Study Club, Spear Study Club, and the American Academy of Periodontology. In her spare time, Dr. Bowers enjoys hanging out with her husband and their two dogs, awaiting the arrival of their first child.

Dr. Blaire Bowers received recognition as a graduate of the ODA Leadership Academy Class of 2017 from former ODA President, Dr. Ed Braly.

The 2020 Leadership Academy has been postponed to 2021. Be on the lookout next year for more information and when to apply!