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L
ately, there has been much discus-
sion and buzz around the NMDA
and new membership. Much of
the talk began with the generation of
dentists who have been involved with
the NMDA for years and have seen the
fruits of what our local and state dental
associations have done for their careers
and for the practice of dentistry. I am
excited to report that this talk is not one-
sided. It has evolved into a dialogue met
with just as much excitement from our
new generation of dentists.
The New Dentist Committee was
reformed in 2015 and is actively seeking
new dentists by showing potential
members the benefits and appeals of
an NMDA membership. With the
varied practice settings offered to young
dentists, this generation of new dentists
can easily be thrown into situations
where they may feel disconnected or
isolated from the rest of the profession.
Whether practicing in private, public, or
corporate dentistry, at the end of the day
we are all dentists providing great skill
and care to the people of New Mexico. It
is our responsibility as an association to
reach out and connect with new dentists
and show them how being involved with
the greater community of dentistry can
improve their lives and careers; helping
to circumvent hardships when faced with
difficult situations that weren’t discussed
in dental school, and also having fun in
the process.
New dentists need to know that the
NMDA will help them. We are a valu-
able resource—doing things behind the
scenes—so that they can focus on the day-
to-day practice of dentistry. For example,
we fight third party intrusion into our
doctor/patient relationship. The NMDA
is searching for ways to incentivize new
dentists who join our association by
helping to relieve some of their finan-
cial burdens. The NMDA is our direct
connection to Washington, D.C.—where
the ADA is our voice in ensuring that
legislation will not negatively affect our
ability to provide what is best for our
patients.
The New Dentist Commit tee has
planned many gatherings—both social
and educational. It will provide topical
CE opportunities throughout the year,
aimed at young dentists. Additionally,
new dentists will be able to network with
other new dentists, as well as seasoned
dentists that can draw on their genera-
tional wisdom. We even plan to desig-
nate meetings to connect young dentists
with dentists who are looking either to
sell their practice or with new associate
dentists. We are planning a social meet
and greet late in September as well as a
new dentist function after the NMDA’s
sponsored CE course on October 9.
So be on the lookout for more events and
spread the word to new dentists around
the state that we are here for them. We
do not want them to miss out on the
value that the NMDA and New Dentist
Committee can provide to them.
Committee on New Dentists
By Joe Gherardi, DDS—Albuquerque, NM
To join the Committee on New Dentist
o r f o r mo r e i n f o r ma t i o n c o n t a c t
Joe Gherardi at (505) 293-6125.