To join or not to join? That is the question. 
Yes, that is the question many non member dentists in the Austin area ask every year. Many member dentists also ask that question and most all decide it is worth the professional investment to be a member of the Capital Area Dental Society. For your consideration, I want to highlight a few of the reasons our members stay involved.
 
Information is one of the most valuable assets we can have as practicing dentists. We need to acquire information in the form of continuing education to keep our license current. We need to be informed about the many rules and regulations regarding how we practice to comply with the laws, which do change from time to time. I find the publications of the Capital Area Dental Society, the Texas Dental Association, and the American Dental Association a valuable asset to my practice. I have monthly, if not more often information about the professional and regulatory news regarding dentistry. Also, the continuing education credits to be gained at all levels of membership make my dues seem a bargain.
 
Networking is a phrase in the business community that we, as dentists, should never forget. The value of personally being acquainted with dentists at the local, state, and even the national level helps with referrals, practice growth, and patient confidence in you, as a dentist, knowing your profession. My involvement in the Capital Area Dental Society started at a society meeting where I knew one or two dentists. Over the years that network for me has expanded to the state and then the national level. This would be impossible without the meeting structure we have in organized dentistry. Again, dues dollars well spent.
 
This is an exciting time for the profession of dentistry. The leadership at all levels has taken the task of improving the public awareness of what dentistry has to offer. The Capital Area Dental Society is one of the premiere philanthropic organizations in Austin, with our fundraising efforts focused on our Gala at the beginning of the year. Money is raised by sponsors and silent auction items in the midst of a casino party. The Texas Dental Association has developed our " TDA Smiles Foundation