Why Be a Member of a Dental Professional Organization
With the number of responsibilities an office manager juggles on a daily basis, it is safe to assume that joining a professional member-based organization is fairly low on the priority list. It might even be hard to imagine that anyone would voluntarily sit through more meetings and activities after a full day of meetings at work.
But the reality is that joining a professional organization will provide an invaluable wealth of knowledge, resources and opportunities that are otherwise missed.
Reasons to become part of a professional organization:
- Professional Development
- Networking Opportunities
- Exclusive Online Resources
- Conferences
- Continuing Education
Professional Development Member
One of the greatest benefits professionals can take advantage of in organizations is the opportunity to invest in their professional development. Membership based organizations provide their members with access to training, research materials and industry insights to help develop new skills for the purpose of advancement in a field.
Dentistry requires professional development in order to renew certification or licensure. When joining an organization, you are putting yourself on the cusp of emerging trends in your industry.
Networking Opportunities
Expanding your network organically can be a long process.
Professional associations provide better networking opportunities with people who are specifically in your industry. Whether you are pursuing employment opportunities, connecting with other industry professionals or even looking for a mentor within a given profession, networking opportunities are invaluable.
The advantage of having networking within a professional organization is the potential wealth of resources and insight they provide.
The relationships built in a professional organization tend to be rich and diverse, which is often unavailable in the conventional work environment.
Exclusive Online Resources
There’s nothing more exclusive than the “members only” online resources and forums. A membership to a professional association typically provides exclusive access to journals, articles, webinars, infographics and message boards to add value to your professional growth and development.
Leadership training and distinctions earned through professional organizations enrich leaders who go on to contribute to their professions in significant ways.
Conferences
Yearly events and conferences are a great way to get to know fellow members. Networking at events helps to grow contact lists and builds connections with other leaders in the industry.
Members typically get priority access to events and webinars at special rates.
Vendors are usually in attendance to promote their products and software. It is a great opportunity to learn about leading industry technology. Vendors usually offer member promotions at events that help offices save money on products.
The more involved you are with an association, the more it will benefit your professional growth.
Learn About AADOM’s Conference
Education
Many professional associations provide opportunities for their members to educate themselves on the best practices in their industry. Events and conferences are great opportunities for education, but some associations provide even more personal opportunities for self-education with workshops, seminars and online courses, with industry leaders who have years of experience.
The largest professional organization for dental office managers is the American Association of Dental Office Management (AADOM).
Members of AADOM rise to the top of their profession through AGD/PACE accredited continuing education and networking through local chapter meetings, seminars and national conferences.
How AADOM Can Help Your Dental Practice
AADOM offers three tiers of dental distinction that can be earned.
The first level of distinction, Fellowship, requires a minimum of three years of dental practice management along with thirty-one hours of continuing education.
A manager who meets the top tier of designation, Diplomate, has been actively involved in AADOM and has earned a minimum of 150 CE credits, completed required Dale Foundation training modules, published articles in dental publications, and participated in community service projects.
Investing in professional development builds confidence in the work being done, credibility as new skill sets and certificates are earned, as well as support on multiple levels for managers to cope in this ever-changing world.
Membership in a professional organization such as AADOM lifts one up, and who doesn’t need a bit of help these days?
Take a FREE test drive of AADOM membership!
It includes:
- 1 webinar recording
- 1 issue of the Observer Magazine
- A complimentary Q&A session with an AADOM Success Strategist
- 1 practice management podcast
- Bonus ebook from an industry leader
What do you have to lose?
