January 19, 2024
Launch! First OPA Pilot Class in New EFDA Training Center
Today marks a day in history for what might prove to be a major dynamic in the dental workforce. You’ve been hearing a lot about the Oral Preventative Assistant pilot program for some months now. Curriculum had to be developed and approved by the Missouri Dental Board. Trainers had to be recruited and trained. A new central training center was designed and built at the MDA Headquarters to support it and all EFDA programs. A lot of awareness and promotion has been delivered. And now today the first class was held. Led by Dr. Rolfe McCoy and flanked by fellow trainers Dr. Wendy Weimer, Dr. Emily Mattingly and Dr. Ron Wilkerson, eight students began a two-day course with both didactic and hands-on learning. It’s awesome to see this long path get to this point which is really just the beginning of elevating dental team member skills for the benefit of all – foremost, the patient population. There will be plenty more to come on this topic including an official open house next week. Watch all your MDA channels to stay informed. For now, just smile and celebrate.
Launch 2! First Member to Member CE offering with MO Dental On Demand
Online CE is nothing new but we are testing a member-to-member program that is free not only live but then also available on demand for members at MO Dental On Demand, MDA’s go-to source for digital news and member resources. Thanks to Dr. Ashley Popejoy for presenting part one of Pediatric Pearls. More than 35 members were enriched last Wednesday with good tips on child patient and parent management. Dr. Popejoy presents part two live on Wednesday, February 21 at 6pm. Be sure to register and watch your email next week for instructions on how to access part one online.
The Week Ahead
Looks like another full week. I’ll have a report on tomorrow’s installation gala with the Greater St. Louis Dental Society. I’ll be back in St. Louis later to speak to MOSDOH ASDA students on service opportunities. We have the EFDA Training Center Open House and an MDA Board meeting. Plus, the legislative session chugs along. No lack of excitement.
Quote of the Week
“The goal of education is understanding; the goal of training is performance.” – Frank Bell
