January 5, 2024
Welcome 2024!
Happy New Year everyone. The holidays are over and it’s back to work but with a pep in your step and with dreams and goals to pursue. However, your year unfolds, I hope it’s one filled with memories, achievements and adventures. Here at the MDA, there is more anticipation for this year than any in recent memory. There’s so much packed into it that we needed an extra day (Thank you, Leap Year!). Here are just three of the upcoming offerings and changes designed for your success and enjoyment as a member. Be bold and speak up as we go so that your association remains a good value to you. We appreciate you!
- The EFDA Training Center Opens– MDA now has a brand new, centralized and dedicated training center where you can send your assistants to improve their skills and in turn make you more efficient to help more patients. This is a big piece in MDA’s strategy to improve workforce issues for you. We have an open house on January 25 and the first course, set for January 19 with 12 attendees, is an Oral Preventive Assistant training that launches our pilot program. Read more about all these initiatives here.
- Free Member CE on MO Dental On Demand– One resolution you should make in 2024, is to bookmark and visit MDOD frequently. It’s the digital hub for all things MDA. You can find my blog There are great articles to read like a recent one on lead aprons. There are informative updates about legislative topics. And we have plans to add much more now than Devin has joined us (red more about him below). This includes our first foray into member provided CE. Springfield member, Dr. Ashley Popejoy, is scheduled to present two 90-minute webinars on “Pearls of Pediatric Dentistry”. They will be held live on Wednesday, January 17 and Wednesday, February 21. Learn more in this video by Dr. Popejoy and register here. You will also be able to access the content on MDOD if you are unable to join live. Perhaps you have content that would be helpful to your fellow members. If so, reach out to Paul Roberts to discuss your ideas.
- Dental Day at the Capitol March 6– You didn’t expect me not to mention advocacy, did you? It’s the No. 1 thing we do for members. But it should also be the No. 1 thing members do for themselves. There is no substitute for having member dentist directly involved with their elected officials. Your presence one day a year makes a huge difference. Register to join us and learn more about our 2024 agenda here.
Welcome Devin Jungmeyer
Welcome Devin Jungmeyer to MDA team in the role as Digital Content Marketing Manager. Devin started just this past Tuesday. He’s a Jefferson City native and a 2021 MU grad with a BS in Sports Marketing. He has past marketing experience with both MU and Iowa State athletics. He came to us most recently from a social media manager position with the Missouri Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development. He has a variety of skills essential to his new role, and he’s eager to learn and make a contribution. We are (beyond) excited for the role he will play in enhancing our content development and delivery. Devin is married to Bradyn Strong and enjoys golf and walking his dogs in his free time. Please extend him a friendly welcome when you have a chance to meet!
Welcome New and Returning Members – Spread the News
This whole association gig revolves around having a strong membership. It gives us muscle at the Capitol. It allows to provide more and better offerings to you. It strengthens our stance to the public as oral health experts. It provides leadership opportunities. It enhances your colleague interactions. And much more. If you are a new member, welcome! If you are a loyal repeat member, thank you! If you are undecided, take the plunge and help shape the MDA for the future. To learn more about renewing your 2024 membership, visit here. If you would like to go to Hawaii, visit here to learn more about ADA’s “Recruit for Rewards” new member-to-member recruiting campaign.
The Week Ahead
I’ll be representing Vicki Wilbers and the MDA at a meeting in Chicago where a new membership model is being discussed. Positive change is coming! There’s always excitement and work to be done as the legislative session begins in earnest. And several of your Board of Trustees directors will represent the MDA at next Friday’s Missouri Dental Board Meeting.
Quote of the Week
“A smile is the universal welcome.” – Max Eastman
