WhyIAm aTripartite Member by Dr . Amanda Hemmer
Growing up , I used to love reading Choose Your Own Adventure books . In each book , the reader is able to choose the main character ’ s actions and the plot outcome . Though all of the options and endings were interesting , it was the freedom to choose my own story that was really intriguing .
For me , being a tripartite member of the ADA , PDA and Montgomery Bucks Dental Society is like being in a real life Choose Your Own Adventure book . Each of these organizations offers a plethora of opportunities and resources that every member can customize to fit his or her needs . My travels through the tripartite world have taken me on many journeys that have enhanced my professional career . One of the most significant benefits I have is networking . I was introduced to my current employer through my local society . It has been a very rewarding associateship . I am learning immensely from the practice owner , who has become my mentor , and I also enjoy working with the patients and office team members .
Through my local society meetings , I have had the privilege of meeting many distinguished and established dental professionals in the region . As a new dentist , I am decades younger than many of these members ; however they still make me feel welcome at the meetings and treat me as a colleague . I am truly honored by this , and I feel a sense of belonging that has helped improve my confidence as a young dentist . I also am a member of the PDA New Dentist Committee and have been able to meet fellow young dentists from around the state . Being able to converse and share similar experiences with colleagues across the state has been invaluable . Networking has helped me in these ways , but other members may choose to use the tripartite networking resources to get advice on particular clinical cases , gain patient referrals , or place or answer employment advertisements on the websites and written publications .
Another dental voyage I have taken is becoming involved in advocacy . I have attended three PDA Day on the Hill events in Harrisburg . Through these events I have been able to speak to state legislators about important issues that help protect our profession and also our patients . I am proud to have been a part of these events and to have helped shape legislation in our state . Other members may choose to use the tripartite websites to identify their local legislators and contact them by email . There is a whole page on the PDA website devoted to this . Other members may choose to attend the national lobby day in Washington D . C . Still others may choose to benefit passively and let their annual dues help fund the advocacy programs set up on the national , state , and local levels .
Tripartite membership has taken me on many trips for continuing education . I have been able to learn tremendously from excellent local CE courses and also from wonderful lectures at national conferences . One side benefit I experienced while attending the 2011 New Dentist Conference in Chicago was taking advantage of the ADA discounted rates at the Ritz Carlton and Four Seasons Hotels . As an ADA member we are able to stay at these luxury hotels in Chicago for a fraction of the normal rates . I learned about this great perk from a long time member and I have tried to share it with as many colleagues as possible . Given the dense CE opportunities available , there are a seemingly infinite number of CE paths that members can take on local , state and national levels .
As a new dentist , I have yet to explore every path membership has to offer . There are many more opportunities available such as downloadable resources for patients on the ADA ’ s MouthHealthy website , ADA podcasts on dental topics and extensive scientific / research advancements made through ADA Institutes . These are just a few examples of ways to enhance your membership . A tripartite membership offers a myriad of options for achieving a successful and rewarding career . The choice is yours on how to get there and which adventures you want to experience along the way . Safe travels !
Dr . Amanda Hemmer practices in Phoenixville . Dr . Hemmer completed her dental education at the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine . She also had additional training at Abington Memorial Hospital , where she graduated from the General Practice Residency Program . Dr . Hemmer is Vice Chair of PDA ’ s New Dentist Committee and is a Board Member of the Montgomery Bucks Dental Society . She is currently editor of The Bulletin ( Montgomery-Bucks ) and also holds a faculty position at The University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine .
J A N / F E B 2 0 1 4 | P E N N S Y LVA N I A D E N TA L J O U R N A L 2 1