ADA Commons (American Dental Association)
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MDA Services: Cut Costs, Not Care: Solving Your Staffing Challenges with MEDVA
No full textThe MDA has endorsed MEDVA, a virtual assistant staffing solution, to help members improve operational efficiency and reduce administrative burdens in dental practices. MEDVA provides experienced, HIPAA-compliant, non-clinical human professionals for tasks such as appointment scheduling, insurance verification, and billing. This partnership aims to address high turnover and rising overhead by offering cost-effective staffing solutions. MDA members receive special benefits, including a discounted hourly rate of $9.75, which is significantly lower than average Michigan rates for similar in-person roles. MEDVA’s service includes access to trained virtual assistants, proprietary technology, and a client success tea
Who Are the Future Leaders in Dental Education?
No full textFuture leaders in oral health education will need a refined traditional skillset characterized by virtues, core competencies, and emotional intelligence. However, the lingering impact of the COVID-19 era and its influence on workforce development and talent retention have altered approaches to leadership training and succession planning in business and education sectors. In addition to adaptability and flexibility, future leaders require dynamic strategic skills to navigate the rapid pace of change plus the exponential advancements in technologies affecting equipment, software, and decision-making processes. The leaders of tomorrow need to be developed across traditional and new-age leadership characteristics. Current leaders can influence the future by cultivating strong development programs and succession planning to meet the evolving needs within and across the oral health education landscape
Episode 17 - FROM DENTAL STUDENT TO MULTI-LOCATION PRACTICE OWNER
No full textSUMMARY: In this episode, host Karen Wood interviews Dr. Austin Westover, a VDA member, multi-location practice owner, and President-elect of the Shenandoah Valley Dental Association. Dr. Westover shares his inspiring journey from being intrigued by dentistry through his father’s early exposure to becoming a multi-location practice owner. He details his experiences with digital dentistry, AI in practice, and the challenges and rewards of managing multiple roles as a clinician and business owner. The episode provides practical insights for young dentists and dental students, covering topics such as acquiring loans, mentorship, and implementing technology.
HOST: Karen Wood manages the VDA Member Perks program. She has been in the dental field for over 20 years, having experience as a dental assistant, managing a periodontal practice, and working with dental teams as a sales consultant and trainer.
GUEST(S): Dr. Austin Westover graduated from Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) in 2011. He has dedicated his career to pushing the limits of dentistry and enjoys living on the cutting edge. He has extensive knowledge in digital dentistry, 3D printing, in-office milling, and digital dental designs.
MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:
https://westoverfamilydentistry.com/
American Dental Association Design Innovation Awards
VDA Member Perks: https://www.vdamemberperks.com/ The Virginia Dental Services Corporation (VDSC) was created as a subsidiary of the VDA to recommend products and services to the members of the VDA. By utilizing the VDA Member Perks-endorsed vendors, VDA members can enjoy the peace of mind that comes with using recommended companies, take advantage of special benefits, and receive discounted pricing, all while supporting the VDA. Since 1997, the VDSC has been pleased to provide over $3.7 million in funding to the VDA, VDA Foundation, VCU School of Dentistry, and others.
EPISODE CREDITS:
Producer: Paul Logan
Host: Karen Wood
Guest(s): Dr. Austin Westover
Post-Production/Editor: Shannon Jacobs
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The information, opinions, and recommendations presented in this Podcast are for general information only, and any reliance on the information provided in this Podcast is done at your own risk. This Podcast should not be considered professional, medical, or legal advice.
Music in this episode from Epidemic Soun
Message from the ADA President - Standing Up for Community Water Fluoridation
No full textA message from ADA President Brett Kessler, D.D.S., regarding the importance of community water fluoridation
Paul J. Kim, D.D.S. Receives the 2025 D. Austin Sniffen Medal of Honor
No full textThe D. Austin Sniffen Medal of Honor has been given annually for 105 years to the professional who has delivered exemplary service to both the dental profession and the community. The Medal of Honor was named after one of the Ninth’s most beloved presidents—D. Austin Sniffen—who passed away in 1950. D. Austin Sniffen was the Medal winner in 1927
Bulletin Ninth District NY November 2025
No full textIn the November 2025 issue, the reader will find the following feature articles: Some Thoughts about AI in Dentistry, reprinted with permission from the Arizona Dental Association ADA Trustee Corner - Ninth Letter from the ADA Second Trustee District to the NYSDA Components Message from the ADA President: A Year of Building Our Catherdral Together
Also included are your monthly President\u27s Message, event updates, continuing education opportunities, membership news and classifieds
Here’s What’s NEW — Coming to the 2026 MDA Annual Session
No full textThe 2026 MDA Annual Session, held April 30 – May 2 at DeVos Place in Grand Rapids, will feature significant improvements. The major change eliminates cumbersome a la carte pricing for courses. Instead, attendees can purchase a one-day pass or a full conference package, granting access to any course without advance sign-up. The schedule is shortened to two-and-a-half days. Passes include a hot lunch in the Exhibit Hall on Thursday and Friday, and courses are streamlined to allow more time for vendor visits and socializing. The event will also feature three keynote addresses and a new Friday night social event, Runway on Tap, for full package holders
