by Dr. Chuck Walter, Executive Director.
It is dues paying time for all three of your professional support organizations:
- AAOMS
- Your State
- WSOMS
You already know this.
Thank you to those who’ve taken the initiative to pay their dues in a timely manner. It allows your national, regional, and state organizations to continue the important work they do for us.
Yes, it’s alot.
I do realize that this can seem to be a large financial burden. AAOMS currently charges around $2,000, most states charge from $150 to $550 (or if you’re in California and fighting a political war, it’s $2,000), and WSOMS charges $175.
So what do you get for the money?
- In AAOMS:
- ★ A supporting political force to protect us from national policy, either from friend or foe.
- ★ An organization to found insurance companies, a buying service, multiple opportunities for continuing education, and influence companies who sell us our equipment.
- In your state (at least in Washington):
- ★ Four meetings a year with excellent CE.
- ★ Political protection—hiring a lobbyist to watch our backs. (This came about because in my presidential year, I saw that our state code for dentistry didn’t cover what we do. We needed to change the code. Yes, it caused a $400 increase in the dues and boy did I hear about that. Regardless, it was totally worth it. The lobbyist protected our cause several times and still works for us. If your state doesn’t have a lobbyist yet, get one.)
- In WSOMS:
- ★ We’re the link between your state and AAOMS.
- ★ We sponsor the mandatory caucus to AAOMS.
- ★ We monitor AAOMS, trying to prevent the national from advancing positions that adversely affect us. We also actively promote ideas and positions that benefit us.
- ★ We sponsor a high quality annual meeting that includes fun family activities held in desirable locations. We always feature nationally known speakers talking about pertinent subjects (providing 12 hours of CE). Our next meeting is March 9-12 in Scottsdale AZ. The speakers include Hal Crossley (he helped write the dental handbook) speaking on opioids and street drugs, and Alan Herford speaking on new technologies in oral surgery. The location is Scottsdale Resort, a beautiful facility representing the heyday of Scottsdale. We may also attend spring training as a group!
The point is..
WSOMS dues is $175. If you haven’t already done so, please take a few minutes to bring your membership up to date.
Isn’t WSOMS worth the price of dinner at a nice restaurant?
(WSOMS is tax-deductible and the nice restaurant dinner may not be!)
Thanks everyone for getting on this. I know you’re busy and I do appreciate the effort.