CDA President Dr. Carol Morrow invites you to the 2018 CDA Annual Session in Crested Butte, Colo.
By Dr. Carol Morrow, CDA President
From the Winter 2018 Journal of the Colorado Dental Association
How many of you have attended a CDA Annual Session? Show of hands? I’ve gone to 36 of them.
This meeting is so valuable to attend—and I’m not just saying that because I’m the president. In fact, I am making it my personal mission to create a meeting this year that honestly will have something for everyone.
First things first—save these dates: June 8-10, 2018, in Crested Butte, Colo.
Next, plan to attend! Make this a long weekend getaway with your friends and family! Our hotel rates are VERY affordable this year and our meeting is slope-side at two properties: the Elevation Hotel and Spa and The Lodge at Mountaineer Square. Crested Butte is one of the last true mountain towns in Colorado. Sure, it’s a ski resort, but you won’t find a chain restaurant or franchise coffee shop in sight.
Did you see the journal cover? That landmark cabin is located 50 feet from the main street of town and is sought after for lodging and picture backdrops. It also adjoins to a coffee shop (Camp 4 Coffee) in Crested Butte—a cafe I personally checked out for you (you’re welcome). This small business is just one of dozens in town. I should also mention that the town has a rum distillery called Montanya’s. I’ve also personally checked that out for you to make sure it’s worth your time. It is. If the menu overwhelms you after you go on a tour and tasting, just go with the Mango Jive cocktail. Trust me on this one.
Crested Butte is known for its Wildflower Festival each summer. While we’re a few weeks early for that, there’s no doubt that the hiking, biking, and running trails will be surrounded by perfect scenery. And honestly, there is nothing better than a walk, run or hike to wake up in the morning surrounded by mountain silence, crisp air, and reminders of how lucky we are to live in a state that looks like this.
Of course I could go on for paragraphs on the things you need to “accomplish” in Crested Butte, but since I did reference a conference earlier, let me tell you about that, too. We’ll have four CE courses to choose from on Saturday, June 9. We’ll have complete course and speaker details for you soon, but here’s a sneak peak: I, for one, am very excited to have Dr. Clarice Law from the UCLA School of Dentistry join us this year to present, “Changing Family Dynamics: The Influence of Society and Parenting Styles on Behavior Guidance” and “Managing Space Issues in the Developing Dentition.”
There will be ample time to network and connect with colleagues at organized events like relaxed lunches on Friday and Saturday, evening receptions and parties, and even a 5K/1 mile fun run. So often, we, as providers, become content thinking and practicing in our little bubbles. We all have hurdles to overcome and stressors of all different shapes and sizes, but we continue to power through. This is where the networking comes in, people! And this is a meeting where EVERY practice type and geographic location is represented. Find others like you, and unlike you, and discuss those things that you lose sleep over; brainstorm fresh ideas; learn about different products that others use; and make new friends. Allow yourself to connect with others and know that you’re not alone in whatever challenge you’re facing whether it’s a vendor that has lost its luster, drama over the shared staff lounge, or something more complex.
Speaking of networking, last year’s CDA Foundation first-ever Bitte Geben Biergarten, or beer garden of giving, was more than a huge success, so we’re doing it again this year and we have the perfect outdoor venue selected. This is a great way to wind down after the House of Delegates meeting on Friday, June 8 or after your long drive to the mountains if you’re arriving that afternoon. As an added bonus, proceeds from the event benefit dental education and students at the CU School of Dental Medicine. Prost!
Last but far from least, this weekend includes the House of Delegates meeting, our governance meeting. This is a time of change for the association, and we invite you to be a part of it. Your voice counts, and your component would love to have your representation. The House will meet on Friday, June 8 this year—a change from the past few years. Contact your component president or the CDA if you’d like to serve your component as a delegate. Many of the components offer an incentive for your time and service.
Join me this year in Crested Butte—come for the fun, come for the vacation, come to learn, come to lead or just come for all of the above!