ADA CE Online offers new course in understanding associations

Are you looking for a new way to hone your leadership skills?

ADA CE Online has launched a leadership development series that provides new dentists and established dentists who are new to association volunteerism with basic information on how associations function.

“Understanding Associations” describes the nature, structure and functions of professional associations in general, and the ADA specifically. Each self-guided module offers comprehensive information and objectives鈥攆rom identifying your leadership style and conducting effective meetings to setting goals and understanding dentistry’s role in the political process.

The series is free but available to ADA members only.

“Many times, people finish dental school and want to become involved in the profession but don’t know how to make connections or have a clear understanding of how associations function,” said Dr. Jennifer Barrington, chair of the ADA Committee on the New Dentist, which proposed the Understanding Associations course several years ago.

“This is a perfect way to obtain background information on association structure for future leadership opportunities,” she added. “It’s great to see this series finally come to fruition. Anything that supports and cultivates volunteerism will ultimately strengthen the tripartite.”

The series has nine modules that can be taken individually or as a series, and once the course is selected, users can start and stop the program at their own pace. You have up to a year to finish the course.

Module topics include: associations 101; effective leadership; strategic planning; association committees, formation and procedure; recruitment and retention; finances and budgeting; communications; diversity; and political action.

Participants who select and successfully complete the series of nine modules will earn three continuing education units. To find out if the credits are accepted by your licensing jurisdiction, contact your state dental board.

Dr. Stacey E. Swilling, a member of the Committee on the New Dentist from Sheridan, Ark., recently completed the entire series.

“The modules are well organized and give you a sense of what associations do for their members,” said Dr. Swilling. “Not just the services they offer, but advocacy, communicating with the public and so on.

“If you’re a member of the ADA you may not realize what all is going on and how many volunteer dentists are giving their time to make the association work,” Dr. Swilling added. “It really opened my eyes. All of us can and should be involved on some level.”

Dentists currently active in their associations and those looking to get involved are encouraged to register for Understanding Associations, one of many leadership opportunities offered by the ADA.

To learn more about CE courses, check out the 130 clinical and practice management courses on ADA CE Online at www.ada.org/goto/ceonline. All courses can be bookmarked so participants can start and finish courses during multiple visits. Some courses, like Understanding Associations, are offered at no charge.

For more information about Understanding Associations and other Committee on the New Dentist leadership development offerings, including web seminars and workshops, contact the CND at Ext. 2779 or newdentist@ada.org, or visit www.ada.org/goto/newdent.