By Lindsay Compton, D.D.S., CDA President
From the Fall 2022 Journal of the Colorado Dental Association
CDA President Dr. Lindsay Compton and CDA Delegate Dr. Sheena Schoch in the ADA House of Delegates.
This year marked the fifth year I have participated as either a delegate or alternate delegate to the annual meeting of the American Dental Association (ADA) House of Delegates. I find it exciting to help make decisions on issues that affect our organization and profession for the long term. I also extremely enjoy the time with my colleagues to share and talk about our practices, what we’ve accomplished in the past year and what goals we have for the year to come.
It occurred to me that few people know what it’s like to be part of the ADA delegation. I’d like to walk you through my experience and tell you more about what I enjoyed the most.
Thursday, October 13: Departure day! I was able to see a half day of patients and then flew to Houston, TX in the afternoon. Dr. Sheena Schoch, an ADA delegate from Hayden, CO, and I coordinated flights so we could catch up and help keep each other organized for the busy few days ahead. Within two minutes of entering the host hotel we were greeted with familiar faces including our past CDA executive director, Greg Hill. After catching up with friends, we headed out to dinner for Mexican food at Ninfa’s.
Friday, October 14: We got up bright and early to check out the ADA’s convention, SmileCon! Dr. Schoch and I walked around to the different locations of the conference and to pick up my robe and instructions for the International College of Dentists Convocation that evening. Then, I headed to the convention center to be interviewed at the “podcast and influencer hub main stage” in Smile Central at SmileCon.
Last year was my final year of a four-year term being the ADA 14th District representative on the ADA New Dentist Committee. It was some of the most eye-opening years for me in organized dentistry due to the opportunities I was able to cultivate. This included serving on the ADA Council of Ethics, Bylaws, and Judicial affairs (CEBJA). While on the council I was able to co-author an article for the Journal of the American Dental Association (JADA) about the considerations of having service animals in medical offices. I was asked to return and be interviewed for a podcast about this subject because I use my labradoodles in the office as comfort animals. I affectionately call them my “Dogters.”
After experiencing dental central, I went to the International College of Dentist Convocation. I was honored to be nominated as a member of the college. As I was walking in my mentor’s footsteps, I was overwhelmed with gratitude for my colleagues and friends I’ve made in organized dentistry. ICD has a rich history of leadership and service to the community and world. It was fun to meet the other inductees in our region and enjoy a fiesta celebration that evening.
Saturday, October 15: This was the first day of work as a Colorado delegate to the ADA House of Delegates in Houston. The morning started with the 14th District’s Caucus 2 meeting. The ADA is represented by geographic districts, and the 14th District is comprised of seven states (Arizona, Colorado, Hawaii, New Mexico, Nevada, Utah and Wyoming). At Caucus 2, the 14th District dentists gather and review submitted resolutions and discuss the business of our district. We meet for a half day. That afternoon, we convened as the ADA House of Delegates. During the first House meeting, we listen to addresses by the executive director, current president, speaker of the house, and treasurer that set the tone for the work to be accomplished by the House of Delegates. We also listen to speeches by those running for ADA officer positions. This year was a special treat to see 14th District dentist Dr. David Manzanares, from New Mexico, run for the position of second vice president of the ADA. I’m honored to call this force of progress in the ADA my friend and happy for his successful victory!
Sunday, October 16: This may have closely won out as my favorite day this session. I was chosen to be a member of Reference Committee B. This committee reviews resolutions concerning dental benefits, practice & related matters. I submitted my application many months before the meeting in hopes that I would get chosen to serve on this nine-person panel. Once I was chosen, I diligently followed updates on the resolutions in this category, so I was well-versed to discuss them.
During the Reference Committee B hearing, I listened and took notes of what members would say during their testimonies. Following the hearing, the group of nine discussed each resolution and made any editorial changes necessary to accomplish the intent of the resolution and make sure it was within ADA bylaws to do so. This lasted around five hours. It was my honor to have this role.
The night after reference committees is always filled with receptions from allied associations for delegates to meet and mingle. This is always a big hit because it allows districts to get to know each other better and, of course, some politicking is always mixed in.
Monday, October 17: This is the day where all the ADA districts have their caucus meetings. I attended Caucus 3 for the 14th District. During the day we reviewed the work of the reference committees. We were also visited by those running for ADA office and had the opportunity to ask them questions that were important to our delegation.
Tuesday, October 18: This was the final day of the ADA House of Delegates. It is an early morning because voting for the ADA president-elect takes place at 7:30 a.m. Following the election, we get to debate and vote on resolutions that have been created by dentists across the U.S. We also vote on the ADA budget and install the new officers. One of the last items of business is to announce those who are running for ADA office the following year. It was a proud moment for all of us to hear Dr. Brett Kessler from Denver, CO officially be announced as a candidate for the 2023 ADA president-elect race. By the end of the day, we are all a little road weary but feel accomplished in the work we volunteer to do.
It’s always bittersweet to board the plane home. On one hand I’m always excited to tie a bow on the hard work and I feel great about the progress made. On the other hand, I’m always left feeling that there is so much more to do and the year gap between meetings seems too long. All in all, its nice to not wear business dress clothes and get back into the everyday swing of life.
For anyone considering being a delegate or alternate delegate to the ADA House of Delegates, I hope this gives you a better idea of what the job entails. I would recommend serving in this capacity to anyone who is a member of the ADA. I’m certain you will walk away with an even deeper appreciation of this organization.