Ask Not What Dentistry can do for You...

 

As regular readers know, I'm a supporter of organized dentistry.  When I was just getting started, I questioned the value.  Money was so tight, could I afford to pay the dues?  Was it really worth the money?  The reason I paid those dues in the early days wasn't because I felt obligated, I did it because of the influence from some people I respected.

My era of dental school was more about students being browbeat by the instructors.  I often felt like the least qualified student on the planet and unfortunately almost everyone in my class felt the same way.  However, there were a few of the instructors who were collegial and supportive.  It was that tiny group of doctors, the ones who made me feel like I could succeed, that told me "Be sure to join the ADA.  Being a member is important and it's something that is the right thing to do.  Dentists who believe in the benefits of the profession are the ones who are members."  They also told me that after I was established in the profession, that being a member would make more sense to me.

I trusted those doctors.  They believed in me, and the way I could show their influence was by being a member as well.  The wise advice they gave me turned out to be remarkably true.

I think one of the reasons I'm such a supporter of the ADA is not because I wanted to be in the House of Delegates or to be a Trustee.  I joined because people I trusted said it was valuable and important.  They said as I got a bit of perspective, I'd understand.  They were right.  There were several years as I was getting started that I thought about not paying the dues, but I did.  If I had left, I would regret it terribly today.  I was *wrong* in thinking there wasn't enough value, and I think when an individual's thinking shifts 180 degrees they become passionate about not letting others make the same mistake.  There is tremendous value in organized dentistry... even if all you do is pay your dues.

A recent article in ADA News summed up my feelings incredibly well.  If you are not a member or are thinking of not renewing your membership, read this My View column.  I think it answers the question of "why join"perfectly.  We are better together!