ENGAGEMENT IN PROFESSIONAL SOCIETIES AMONG YOUNGER GENERATIONS OF DENTISTS
Growing and maintaining membership in professional societies is not a new issue, but it is important to recognize that it is an evolving issue. Recent efforts to attract younger generations of dentists appear to be making positive strides, with dental schools offering complimentary memberships in student organizations. Such examples were recently published in the ADA News article authored by Olivia Anderson,“ Graduating from ASDA to ADA,” published July 25, 2024. The article highlights the success that many dental schools have realized through a pipeline in membership in the American Student Dental Association( ASDA) to subsequent membership in the ADA after graduation. The ADA also waives membership dues for 18 months following their graduation from dental school. These efforts address one of the major contributors to low membership rates: cost. Additionally, the early exposure to a professional society while still in dental school can instill the value of professionalism and provide access to member benefits. Benefits of particular interest for early career professionals are mentorship and employment resources, both of which are available through the ADA.
PDA has also seen membership size fluctuate in recent years. Recent conversations with colleagues in the PDA suggest a growing concern that younger dentists do not see value in professional membership. PDA recognizes that communication strategies need to focus on topics that are important to young dentists.
One area of growth that appeals to younger generations is PDA’ s continuing efforts towards impacting legislation around access and affordability of dental care, as well as insurance reimbursement issues. For example, PDA has been successful in working with the state legislature for insurance reimbursement transparency and coverage for teledentistry services.
PDA is also expanding professional development opportunities in leadership and financial wellness. The PDA Leadership Academy was created in 2021 and so far has provided three classes of aspiring leaders an opportunity to develop leadership skills, network with colleagues from across the state and gain an understanding of organized dentistry’ s structure. The aspiring leaders are gaining valuable support on their journey from mentors and current PDA leaders.
The Financial Wellness Academy is a new PDA member benefit in 2025, featuring a series of virtual courses that present basic financial principles and tools available to help members meet personal and professional financial goals.
After graduating from dental school( oftentimes with substantial student debt), young professionals are looking to prioritize their mental well-being, while also considering a work-life balance that meets their needs. If professional organizations are not offering guidance in these domains, their relevance is minimized. PDA has been providing health and wellness assistance and resources to members through its Mental Health Task Force and Health and Well-Being Program. There are numerous resources on the PDA website as well as the PDA Go app. In 2024 a new publication was created, an electronic newsletter called Mental Health Matters. PDA leaders have written several articles to underscore the importance of health and wellness by sharing personal stories.
Mentorship is an area that professional societies should continue to emphasize and prioritize. Mentorship is key to professional development, particularly as young dentists consider pathways towards independence, opening or joining a practice, or perusing specialty training. This has long been a priority for PDA, with the Connections program providing great benefits to mentees for many years. One of the advantages of Connections is the flexibility tailoring the program to the specific needs of each mentor / mentee pairing.
12 MARCH / APRIL 2025 | PENNSYLVANIA DENTAL JOURNAL