The Week That Was Blog: May 8-12

MDA in National Spotlight An otherwise quiet week of work was jazzed up by some recognition in the ADA’s What’s Up Wednesday newsletter this week. This email goes to all state and local staff across the country who share similar burdens and opportunities as they do the work of making tripartite membership successful. If you recall last week, I shared about MDA’s effort to” “Level Up” D4s as they transition from students to dentists. Our success rate was better than ever. In fact, for the first time ever we hit 100%. All 157 graduating dental students in MO have converted their membership. Thankfully our efforts got noticed. When the story broke we were at 99% but soon after we reached 100%. Here’s the mention below. Thanks for sharing in the joy. About 40% of these grads will stay in Missouri, so do your part to welcome them to a career made better through organized dentistry. State and Local Shout-outs! The Missouri Dental Association (MDA) jazzed up their recent National Signing Day outreach efforts at two schools (University Missouri-Kansas City School of Dentistry and Missouri School of Dentistry and Oral Health) by providing a photo booth as part of their hallway setup. Students stopped by to complete their application, collect some goodies and register for some great prize giveaways. It was easy to capture the genuine smiles of D4s on the brink of launching their careers. MDA coordinated their on-campus outreach around a Food for Thought lunch and a social later the same day. Collaboration and good vibes all around led to a 70% initial response rate. Student teams at each school were incentivized with gift cards from the MDA for helping track down their fellow students and as of May 10 have captured 99% statewide. With only 1 of 157 D4 students yet to sign up, MDA is closing in on 100%, making this a record year for the MDA. Check out the photos here. The Week Ahead More quiet, steady work on the projects and issues that matter to you. Travel is nil for now but summer and C4S are fast approaching (reserve your room, register for CE and buy your Connect4Cash ticket). Sunday is Mother’s Day so be kind to your mama. Quote of the Week Mothers are like glue. Even when you can’t see them, they are still holding the family together. — Susan Gale.