If you are reading this article, you are likely a CDS member, or an Associate Member. I am very grateful that you are taking a few minutes of your time to read my humble request.
CDS is a member organization and as such, is only as good as its members. Make no mistake, we have had devoted, committed, and wonderful members for well over 160 years. Yet, within my 40 quick years as a dentist, something has changed. The interest in being an active participant in CDS has waned and has been dropping.
My first request is this: Stay a CDS member or become a CDS member. Nothing great will be produced in isolation. “It takes a village”, indeed! No dentist can afford to be on the sidelines. We have come too far and done so well, that now is not the time to be complacent.
Nothing great will be produced in isolation. “It takes a village”, indeed!
As many are aware, our beloved CDS is divided into nine branches. Some of the branches are geographically blessed and are larger in membership due to population density and desirable amenities in those areas. It becomes your choice. You can go to any branch you desire. My only request is this: Go to your branch meetings. Go to the Branch’s Installation of Officers. Go to the summer events or the holiday party. Find out how you can be of service to your colleagues. Take a role that takes you out of your comfort zone.
The nine CDS Branches have provided local collegiality for decades and often will include some of the finest continuing education at merely the cost of a meal. Now before you tell me, “Sorry, Phil, but I work on Tuesdays,” or “That’s my pickleball night,” please know that I’m not asking for a complete lifestyle change. Usually, it may be five or six evenings per year. Please figure that out. We want you to be there. We need you to be there.
At the Midwinter Meeting, a Regional Meeting, or at the “Green Coat Night” at your branch meeting, you will see many of the CDS Board Members. We are easy to spot. We all wear green coats, white shirts and black slacks. Aside from limiting our wardrobe needs, it demonstrates those individuals who have committed countless hours and days to providing the vision for our organization’s future. All these individuals have one thing in common: they are active, helpful, and committed at the branch level of CDS. Once again, my second request is: Go to a Branch Meeting! You just might enjoy it!
Take a role that takes you out of your comfort zone.
My next favor I will ask of you, is to go to the Midwinter Meeting. Over the years, our members have always seen great innovation, great opportunities, and great CE at our legendary meeting. However, would you be surprised if I told you that only about half of our members show up? What could be the issue(s)? There is a zero-registration fee (almost unheard of in the dental industry), and there is a $50.00 rebate if you register in November to return one-third of your dues money to you. (By the way, your dues for CDS, $150, has remained stable for over three decades).
At the Midwinter Meeting there are countless giveaways, freebies and discounted activities, that it would seem almost crazy to pass up those three days in February. However, over half of our members take a pass on attending. Is missing a day or two of production that important, traffic too horrific, or parking too expensive? The CDS needs to know what is holding you back. If there’s an issue, we want to fix that. It can’t be the lack of quality CE. The CDS provides the finest selection of educational choices of any dental meeting, year after year. Ask any scout from other meetings. Ask any speaker, ‘What’s the number one meeting you need to speak at to advance your career?” The answer is always… the Midwinter Meeting.
The answer is always… the Midwinter Meeting.
My final favor is that I want to hear from you. My cell phone number is 708.567.0342. Text or call. I want to answer any question you might have. I want to listen to your concerns. I want to direct you to the sources that are available to you. This profession has been so good to all of us, and we must be the change we seek. Do not hesitate. We need you. We need you now.
If you made it this far in my letter, I want to thank you. I did not misrepresent myself. I did ask for one favor…overall. That favor is that I want each of you to become a participant in the greatest dental society ever created. The Chicago Dental Society. Just do it.