private practice now for seventeen years. It has been a roller coaster of a ride, but I love my patients, and I thank God for blessing me with the most amazing profession. The practice I purchased shared office space with Dr. Ty Ivey and Dr. Ash Walker. Both were involved in the Central District and the Georgia Dental Association. Dr Ivy taught me so much about how things that seemed benign could easily have unintended consequences that would affect our ability to practice dentistry. He told me that if I wanted to protect our profession, I would be at the meetings. A couple of months after getting my feet wet, many of the specialists called and took me out to lunch so I quickly got to know dentists in the area. Most of the dentists and specialists attended the Central District meetings. The meetings were a good opportunity to talk to other professionals who were dealing with many of the same challenges. Talking with dentists I met in my district helped me learn how to manage patient expectations and staff issues, and how to make the office run more efficiently. Mentor Influence After several years of practice, Dr. Bill Argo and Dr. Jay Harrington encouraged me to chair the Central District Governmental Affairs Committee. I did not know a single legislator and was very intimidated. With their help, I made it through the first year and learned to communicate effectively with legislators. I found out how important the Contact Dentist Network is in educating our legislators. Legislators make decisions that determine how we practice. Someone must educate them on what our patients need, and unless we take the time to do that, someone else will. One of my main initiatives this year is to have a contact dentist for every legislator and to strengthen our presence at the Capitol. After chairing the Governmental Affairs committee for six years, Dr. Ben Jernigan asked me to chair the Constitution and Bylaws committee. At the time, the Constitution and Bylaws Committee was tasked with restructuring the GDA governance structure. Going through that two-year process taught me how the GDA operates. I learned how to draft and understand legal documents, a tremendous help in business. I also met members all over the state through the House of Delegates and the Board of Trustees during that process. In 2016, I had the opportunity to join the American Dental Association delegation as the Central District representative. Dr. Donna Moses and Dr. Annette Rainge mentored me as they introduced me to others in the district and across the nation. They taught me professionalism in debating resolutions on the House floor of the American Dental Association. My next step in leadership came when Dr. Ed Green and Dr. Jay Phillips approached me about running for treasurer of the GDA. I served as treasurer of my dental school class. I had good business sense with financials in my own business but had no formal training in accounting. Serving as the treasurer of the GDA taught me more about managing my own practice than I could have received from earning an MBA. This organization provides opportunities for dentists to volunteer to protect and improve our profession and grow as a person and business owner. Time invested in the organization helps professionals gain knowledge, friendships, and experience. Lessons from Being Involved in GDA There are two things I have learned in my seventeen years in the GDA. First, if someone had not reached out to me and asked me to go to a meeting or encouraged me to serve on a committee, I may be just like hundreds of other members who just pay the dues most years and never understand the importance of the GDA. Secondly, I know that if I had not been willing to get out of my comfort zone, I would have missed out on the development of skills as a professional and a leader. I would have missed out on peers to mentor and advise me and the opportunity to develop lifelong friendships. A Challenge to our Members As I assume the role of president, I encourage and challenge each of you to actively engage and get involved in GDA and invite others to join you. There are some really exciting things happening right now. This month we are launching the GDA Hub, an amazing tool to communicate everything that’s going on at the GDA. The GDA Hub connects you to members in your district and throughout the state. It provides a platform for engaging in meaningful discussions, attending workshops and sharing resources. Another initiative is our mentorship program with the Dental College of Georgia. Each of us has been touched by someone who took the time to invest in us. This program helps to pay it forward by pairing several dentists with a group of students who have similar interests. This is something our future colleagues have requested. They want to ask questions and learn from established professionals. This is an excellent opportunity to share experiences with them and possibly find an associate or colleague to join your community. Team Work Makes the Dream Work God has blessed me tremendously. He gave me the best parents possible and spared me for a purpose I am still working to fulfill. He has given me a profession that I love and has blessed me with amazing friends. Looking back, I realize that every detour and every challenge brought me closer to where I am today. Life’s unexpected turns led me to mentors, taught me resilience, and prepared me to give back. Now, I am asking you to take that same leap— look back and count your blessings. Think of those who helped you get where you are and thank them for the role they played. Reach out, mentor, encourage and invest in the future of our profession. We are all in this together. Teamwork makes the dream work! DR. AMBER LAWSON Dr. Amber Lawson was born in Americus, Georgia and grew up in Montezuma. She is the elder of two daughters.“Both of my parents worked and sacrificed to support and encourage my sister and me,”she said. “When difficulties came my way, they reminded me of where my strength lies and who it comes from.” While not having children of her own, she feels blessed with her niece, Ella Kate, and she has twelve adopted nieces and nephews whom she loves and sees the world through their eyes. She has two English cocker spaniels named Birdie and Cooper that provide unconditional love. Dr. Lawson enjoys hunting, fishing, gardening, traveling and exploring the outdoors. 32 | Jan 2025
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