Page 7 - Bulletin Vol 31 No 1 - Jan. - April 2026 FINAL_

Message from the Executive Director:

Membership Has Benefits...But Also A Responsibility

I have always been passionate about organized dentistry and its importance in
protecting the profession. I joined the ADA while I was in dental school, and my
support has never wavered in the ensuing 45 years of membership. Have I always
agreed with the ADA? No, just like a child rarely agrees with everything their

parents do. But, like parents, the ADA’s sole purpose is to keep us safe and help
us prosper as a profession. That’s why it irks me when I hear colleagues ask,
“What do I get for my dues money?” Are you kidding me? The real question is
“How worse off would you be without the ADA fighting for you every day?” Why
wouldn’t you support the efforts of the ADA?

On page 13 of this issue is an article discussing two legislative victories in Albany which will help dentists in
their practices; legislative bills that originated from NYSDA. ADA is also effective at the national level

fighting for us in Congress. This is what you get for your dues, and it’s probably the most valuable member
benefit. But to have sway with legislators, you have to show that you represent the majority of the people
you’re speaking for. If you can say “I speak for 70 or 80 percent of my profession”, the politicians become
engaged. If you represent less than half, then what you have to say carries little to no weight with them.

That’s the real reason it’s important to be a member. But what is even more critical is that you take it a step
further and become an advocate for membership. If you know of a colleague who isn’t a member, then it
behooves you to have this discussion with them. If they want a strong profession then they must partici-

pate. We all invest a small fortune in our professional education as well as our offices and equipment. You
protect that investment with life, health, and disability insurance, as well as property and business insur-
ance. Why wouldn’t you choose to protect the profession you’ve invested so heavily in by making organized
dentistry stronger and more effective with our legislators?

To me, that’s the very least every member should be doing. But there is another level to consider. Become
involved! That’s the reason, in addition to paying my dues, I became an active member. I started out slow-
ly; I got involved as a member of one committee and I found I enjoyed the involvement. It wasn’t a lot of

work but it came with a great level of satisfaction and the camaraderie with colleagues was an added bo-
nus. After that I sat in on a couple of Board meetings and decided to put my name in to be a Board mem-
ber. That evolved into joining several other committees, then getting on the leadership ladder and eventual-
ly becoming NCDS President in 2011. I increased my participation by becoming a member of some NYSDA
Councils, eventually chairing the Council on Dental Benefits. I was a NYSDA Delegate for over a decade and

chaired a few Reference Committees. Then it was on to Chicago and the ADA, participating on an ADA
Council and being an ADA Delegate to their House of Delegates for many years. I became heavily invested in
all 3 levels of the Tripartite throughout the last 45 years. Now I’m not saying every member needs to get
this involved, but I do feel each of you should at least choose one committee or event to hang your hat on,
Continued on page 8
Nassau County Dental Society ⬧ (516) 227-1112 | 7