NDA Journal 20 SNDS President’s Winter Message Ronald J. Laux, DDS SNDS President’s Message Greetings from sunny, but much cooler, Las Vegas. Fall has arrived as I write this message; pumpkins are abound and the Raiders and Golden Knights are in full swing. Thanksgiving will be here before we know it (and probably gone by the time you read this). I am very pleased to announce the hiring of Ms. Esther Johnson as the new Executive Director of the Southern Nevada Dental Society. Esther has been getting a baptism by fire and has responded extremely well under the pressure. She has received welcomed support from the NDA and the NNDS. A strong SNDS is beneficial to the entire state organization and Esther and the SNDS Executive Committee are working extremely hard to create a member- friendly society. Please welcome Esther when you see her and know that she is dedicated to serving our profession and our patients. As the end of the year approaches remember to renew your ADA, NDA and SNDS memberships. The quicker you do this, the less work it creates for our staff. Be aware of the many benefits of membership. Check out the ADA website and see what they have to offer, such as practice management resources, continuing education, the latest news in advocacy, and new dentist information. There is a wealth of information to help you succeed in practice; take advantage of it. And remember there is strength in numbers. Insurance companies and government regulators must listen when the ADA speaks because the ADA represents the majority of dentists. This is not the case with other health care fields; and look at the situation most of them are in. The retooled SNDS is looking forward to a complete slate of activities in the new year. After our November membership dinner meeting, you can expect a regular line-up of dinner meetings, social events, and continuing education programs. Check your email and social media for notifications. Please attend as many of these events as possible. They are great ways to network, relax with colleagues, and keep up to date with happenings in the profession. As always, organized dentistry is working for your success and the protection of the patients we serve. Let me know what is on your mind and how organized dentistry can help you. A great example of organized dentistry working for you and your patients is happening right now (as I write this) in Massachusetts. The ADA is working non-stop and spending over $5 million to support a medical loss ratio ballot initiative that will require insurance companies to spend at least 83% of premium dollars collected on dental services or refund the difference to patients, as opposed to insurance companies using the money for executive salaries or other administrative costs. If this passes in Massachusetts, expect a domino effect across the nation as other states follow suit. This is already on the radar in Nevada and expect some action in the next legislative session in 2023. Anyone with any questions or concerns, please call the office. We are here to serve you. 0
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