Folks, it’s that time of year again. I’m sure many of you are putting together your meal plans for Thanksgiving or making reservations for that staff Christmas dinner. It’s also time for those GDA dues statements to go out. I know when I get mine, I always think of the value I get from my membership, and I would assume that you all do the same. With prices for everyday items going up at a breakneck pace, staff salaries increasing due to workforce shortages, and the holidays just around the corner, that value proposition really becomes a primary determining factor in whether you decide to pay those dues. I’d like to present a few areas of the GDA that provide you with value and keep your dues at a reasonable rate. One of the main benefits of GDA membership is our legislative efforts. Over the years the GDA has shown itself to be an exceptionally effective advocate under the Gold Dome. This past session was, overall, a successful session. The government affairs team, along with your help, succeeded at protecting water fluoridation, enhancing Georgia Medicaid’s dental benefits, and expanding loan repayment opportunities for dentists and dental students in rural locations. Even though it was ultimately vetoed, our teledentistry bill made it further than ever before. The team has already formulated a plan for the next session and is working on a strategy. They will need your help again next year. One way you can make a difference is by joining us at LAW Day, scheduled for January 30, 2025. Please make every effort to attend. We are doing LAW Day the same way we did last year. It will be a single event, and we hope for a great turnout. LAW Day is a great opportunity to meet some of your legislators, learn about the pending legislation, gain some CE credit, and see lots of old friends. In the competitive world of insurance, standout customer service and claims experience can truly set GDIS apart. Georgia Dental Insurance Services not only offers competitive rates but also provides our membership with exceptional customer service. Filing a claim with an insurance company is always a trying experience. Most companies will drag their feet which makes the entire process much more cumbersome. Let me share my personal experience. My office filed a claim with our insurance company and spent weeks working with our claims adjuster, with minimal response. Finally, we reached out to our GDIS agent, and within a few days we had a check in hand and our claim was settled. The agency you are with does matter. Are they just a number with a large company or are they a true partner? Relationships are important and Georgia Dental Insurance Services prides itself on having strong carrier relationships. This is truly a member benefit. GDIS offers a full array of insurance products, from our health insurance program to business, malpractice, home, auto, life, and disability insurance. As a board member, I see and watch how our team continuously looks to improve and bring on products to best help our membership. The changes that have been made to our health insurance program are a perfect Value Proposition DR. ERIK WELLS GDA Editor From the GDA Editor 6 | Nov 2024
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