in the sulcus
GIVE AND TAKE Too often, when I discuss the importance of membership in the Florida Dental Association (FDA), dentists ask me, “So, what’s in it for me?” That always takes me aback. It seems to assume being a member of your professional association is a business decision rather than a professional one. Yes, being a member has certain and very persuasive business advantages. Membership truly pays for itself. Reduced malpractice and office insurance rates, free continuing education and attendance to the FDA’s spectacular annual convention — even dental supplies — all cover the cost of membership. Frequent and accurate research regarding the pandemic saved members time, money and alleviated aggravation amid massive misinformation. Then there is the huge advantage of access to the FDA Peer Review process. Peer Review can save you years of time, legal costs and reputation beyond calculation. These reasons alone make membership a valuable business choice. The hardworking Council on Membership and FDA staff are constantly asking how we can provide even more value to being a member, and it is a frequent topic at the Board of Trustees meetings. In fact, our FDA Services division is completely dedicated to finding ways to reduce costs for your practice, whether you are the practice owner or an associate. However, this assumes the definition of value of membership is a gain of monetary means. FLORIDADENTAL.ORG
Consider for a moment that for a professional doctor, the real meaning of value is what we gain by giving back to our patients, profession and communities. Do you remember the inner thrill you felt the first time someone addressed you as doctor? Being a doctor awards you instant and expected respect, not to mention a nice income. That is the “take” our society gives you as a member of our profession. But being a doctor caries certain obligations. You must contribute to the health of your patients and assume leadership in your community and your profession. That “give” is your obligation as a doctor. To not give diminishes your entitlement to the take. Historically, true professionals, including engineers, teachers and physicians, have been obligated to belong to professional societies. This ensured they would continue to learn together, advance the future of their profession and improve the society they serve. This holds true for dentistry and is why membership in a professional society such as the FDA is so important.
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE DAVE BODEN, DDS, MS FDA PRESIDENT
Dr. Boden can be reached at dboden@bot.floridadental.org.
The great news is that your “give” is so easy to do. You are fortunate to be part of one of the most organized professional societies I have observed: the FDA. You have the opportunity through the FDA Foundation to give a little of your time and services through our annual Florida Mission of Mercy (FLA-MOM) events,
SEE PAGE 7 TODAY’S FDA NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2021
5
