Report from ADA Trustee
Dr . Linda K . Himmelberger
On behalf of the Board of Trustees of the American Dental Association ( ADA ), I am delighted to welcome you to Pennsylvania ’ s Dental Meeting , celebrating the 150 th Anniversary of the Pennsylvania Dental Association . This is a monumental milestone , one that reflects the commitment and dedication of PDA member dentists to the profession , the organization and the communities that we serve . I am proud of our organization and what we have accomplished , and humbled by the realization of how many scores of dentists have given selflessly to support and grow the PDA for 150 years ! As Winston Churchill so famously observed , “ we make a living by what we get , but we make a life by what we give .” Thank you to everyone who has given time , talent and treasure to make a better life and a better organization .
The ADA has been working diligently on your behalf to assure a better professional life and a better organization , always keeping the mission statement , “ Help All Members Succeed ” at the forefront of our endeavors . To that end , earlier this year CVS Pharmacy and the ADA began a threeyear collaboration to help put millions of Americans on a path to better overall health through the promotion of products with the ADA Seal of Acceptance . The ADA Seal is widely recognized by consumers as assurance that the claims that are made by the manufacturers are true . In addition , customers at point of purchase will be directed to look for a dentist on the ADA Find-A-Dentist online search tool .
The ADA continues to pursue a business model initiative that will ensure that the organization maintains its relevance while maintaining financial sustainability . Field research has uncovered a need in the marketplace for new dentists and established dentists who want to connect for mentorship but have had difficulty doing so . Another unmet need is that of established dentists experiencing difficulty in finding a quality buyer for their practice . While solving this problem is challenging , it may be possible for the ADA to play a role in facilitating these transitions .
The ADA Board has also been having strategic discussions about the feasibility of a Medicare dental benefit and how this would impact our practices . On the advocacy front , our lobbying efforts resulted in the passage of legislation reauthorizing CHIP for the next 10 years . In addition , the recently passed tax bill has a number of provisions for which we lobbied and which will benefit dentists . These are but some of the many ways in which your ADA continues to work for you and for the profession .
There are changes and challenges ahead , but I am sure that we have the necessary resources to adapt , innovate and meet the future head on . Please enjoy the meeting and all that is has to offer . Please look for me at the meeting … I want to hear from you !
“ When I look into the future , it is so bright it burns my eyes .” – Oprah Winfrey .
12 2018 Annual Report | Pennsylvania ’ s Dental Meeting