Marc Kaplan, director of membership for the Massachusetts Dental Society, lists in the spring issue of the Journal of the MDS, 10 good reasons why dentists should join organized dentistry: "We encourage all dentists to embrace the changes occurring in the delivery and business side of their profession by taking advantage of organized dentistry's experience and resources."

• INTERACTION. Despite the increase in e-mail and other internet technologies, face-to-face interaction remains the best way to communicate with peers.
• IMPROVING AND MAINTAINING SKILLS. Take advantatge of low-cost, high-quality educational opportunities offered by the LCDS, CFDDA, FDA and ADA to update your clinical and business management skills.
• INSURANCE PLANS. Joining the FDA allows you to take advantage to great group rates for insurance and retirement plans.
• PRACTICAL SUPPORT. Staff members from the FDA and ADA are always available to provide assistance on issues that affect your practice.
• KEEPING ABREAST OF NEW LAWS AND REGULATIONS. Regular updates from the FDA, CFDDA and the ADA keep you informed of laws and regulations that may affect your practice.
• ADDING TO THE PROFESSION'S CLOUT. Your membership increases the market share of the organizations representing dentistry, increasing their impact at congressional hearings and meetings with policymakers.
• LEARNING NEW TRENDS. Through the many publications members of organized dentistry receive, from local newsletters to national publications, they are kept informed of the latest innovations in the profession.
• PERSONAL CREDIBILITY. Involvement in organized dentistry is a great place to start building a name for yourself. Networking with your fellow professional will enhance your career.
• PREPARE FOR THE FUTURE. While you run the day-to-day operations of your practice, the FDA , CFDDA and the ADA are monitoring trends and formulating strategies dentists can use to capitalize on emerging opportunities.
• SAVE TIME AND MONEY. One of the best reasons for joining the LCDS and the tripartite is for the tools, resources and expertise available. Why re-invent the wheel?

      We encourage you to attend each meeting for a great lecture, fellowship and significant updates and discussions of what is happening in dentistry and right here in Lake County - issues that matter. By sharing and getting to know each other as LCDS members and colleagues, we all learn and grow. Together, we can better prepare, meet and rise above the challenges which may lay ahead, personally and professionally.

      Keep reading this website REGULARLY for up-to-date information that will directly and indirectly impact you and your practice. Do try to attend Dentists Day on the Hill (at least once in your practice life). It comes around every March-April. Believe it or not, it DOES make a difference for EACH and ALL of us. As the old adage says: "No one has to go it alone." We welcome YOUR input, ideas and time to help continue to make the LCDS a great community and professional organization. We know there is much talent, creativity and initiative amongst us. If YOU would like to get involved in the LCDS (at any level), we could use your expertise. Please contact one of LCDS officers or e-mail us your interest at contact@lakecountydentalassociation.org.