NMDA Journal Summer 2018

4 New Mexico Dental Journal, Summer 2018 LEADERSHIP President’s Message As a Farmington native, NewMexico will always be home. I grad- uated summa cum laude from Duke University in Biomedical Engineering and then received my dental degree with Honors from the University of North Carolina. Being both a Blue Devil and a Tar Heel, it is safe to say that I can get along with anyone. I am fortunate to practice dentistry with my mother, whose lessons of hard work and integrity will follow me forever. As dentists, we are problem solvers, artists, healers, and thera- pists. We are many things to many people, but we sometimes need the support of something greater. The NMDA is here to help you succeed. To put it simply, we can enable you to be the dentist you want to be. We have an extensive list of member benefits to help dentists from every background. Whether it is student loan refinancing, regulatory guidance or discounts on items for the workplace and at home, I guarantee there are many advantages of your membership you have yet to discover. Beyond the long list of membership benefits, there are funda- mental reasons why I value being a member. Perhaps you share my experience. Perhaps these are reminders that will inspire you to get more involved. Perhaps these are tidbits of information you can share with non-members to encourage them to join. Whatever the case may be, I challenge you to use the NMDA in the following ways. Build your network. Entering private practice, I no longer had the benefits of a strong academic peer group. Although I was lucky to have mentorship built into my practice arrangement, I still craved involvement in a professional social network. We can all take advantage of a group where we can share ideas, seek advice and learn best practices. This is true for employer and employee dentists alike. You never know when an opportunity will arise with another employer or from someone looking to expand or sell their own practice. Give back to the community. I believe that to whom much is given, much is expected. Through the NewMexico Dental Asso- ciation Foundation, we can share our talent, our expertise and our hearts. The most gratifying program of my life has been the New Mexico Mission of Mercy. We urge you to contribute and volunteer at our next NM MOM on May 3–4, 2019 in Las Cruces, where we will be blessed with the opportunity to help those in need. I also invite you to join Donated Dental Services, where you can give the gift of a healthy smile to someone who is disabled or low-income elderly. I know that time is your most precious resource—and your willingness to give of it is the greatest barometer of your generosity. Develop lasting friendships. We all need to be around others who understand both our joys and our struggles. Since I joined 10 years ago, I am fortunate to be able to call many of my fellow member dentists my friends. I have met their families and know their stories. Our association is brimming with good people having diverse interests who can enrich our lives. By attending local or state meetings with an enjoyable and light- hearted atmosphere, you will develop comradery and expand your network. It is a wonderful chance to meet new people and see old friends. Stay informed. Knowledge is power, and our association can be your most valuable resource. We can answer regulatory ques- tions, provide necessary CE for licensure, give insight into dental benefit plan problems, and impact public policy. We advocate at the state and national legislature for the best interests of both our patients and members. We maintain a seat—and a voice—at the table when issues are brought forth that have the potential to affect your practices—from changes in teledentistry to the introduction of dental therapists in our state. I am passionate about organized dentistry. What we do makes a difference in the lives of our members, impacts the communities we serve, and upholds the standards of our profession. There is strength in numbers, and we cannot achieve anything without your support. Our future is bright if we can work together and have a united voice. I challenge you to engage with your local dental society and never hesitate to communicate your needs to the NMDA. Opportunities for improvement are endless, and we can only make steps toward solutions with your feedback. I am grateful for this opportunity and look forward to serving each of you. Respectfully, Jennifer Thompson, DDS NMDA President 2018–2019 505-327-6233 Jennifer Thompson, DDS