Over the course of working with the dental community and the general public, we find that there are misconceptions about what the SNDS is, and what we do. At first it seems surprising that even dental professionals can be mistaken, but if they are not members, then it's more understandable.
What is the Southern Nevada Dental Society (SNDS)?
So what IS the SNDS? Simply put, the Southern Nevada Dental Society is the local component of the American Dental Association (ADA). When a dentist is licensed, most choose to join the ADA . If they do, they quickly learn about what we call the Tripartite Membership; that is, to join the ADA , the dentist must also join the Nevada Dental Association, and the local component. Nevada is broken into three component societies, the Northern Nevada Dental Society, the Northeast Nevada Dental Society, and the Southern Nevada Dental Society . Each society is separate and distinct from the Nevada Dental Association, and from each other. Each society has its own officers and elected representatives, and its own set of bylaws.
Why the Tripartite system? Several reasons. The ADA recognizes that they have the size and resources to provide excellent representation for the dental profession in Washington D.C. , with the dental industry, and other places as well. They can't represent dentists in their own state legislatures nearly as effectively as a state-based association can, in which state residents work with their own elected officials. And of course, in large or densely populated states, even a state based association can't provide the personal touch, the fellowship, the member services that a local society can.
So at each level, members receive a plethora of benefits. The ADA offers numerous programs to support dentists and the dental community, as well as such practical benefits as insurance programs for themselves or their practice. Here in Nevada , the NDA works hard at representing dentists in Carson City , offers other, more regionally based insurance options, as well as an assortment of benefits ranging from rental car discounts to professional continuing education. Continuing Education is also an important part of what the SNDS does. We offer an annual speaker series of highly respected presenters, making experts available to our members at deeply discounted prices. We have 7 member dinner meetings a year, at which members can also earn Continuing Education Units (CEU) through informative and varied speakers. Members of the dental and business community also exhibit at these meetings, making information, products and services available for our members who may be interested. And most importantly, the meetings provide an opportunity for fellowship among other members of the dental profession. The SNDS also offers peer review, and, through elected delegates, representation in the NDA's House of Delegates, the NDA's governing body.
For the general public, we provide referrals to dentists, and studies have shown that the vast majority of people want to find a dentist who is a member of the ADA . We also sponsor the 1 Day A Year program, a community based youth program.
By one simple membership application, dentists can benefit at each of these levels in ways that are tailored toward giving them the best support possible. While we call it a Tripartite Membership, it's really a Triple Crown!
What the SNDS is NOT!
Our office staff often field calls from dental offices and from the general public that actually are meant for the Nevada State Board of Dental Examiners (NSBDE). The NSBDE is the government agency charged with licensing and regulating the practice of dentistry in the state of Nevada . The Governor of Nevada appoints its members. Its revenue primarily comes from fees charged for licensing or renewal fees.
The SNDS, and the NDA, have no part in any of these functions. We are completely separate from the NSBDE. The SNDS has no authority to create or enforce statutes governing the practice of dentistry in the state. We do not set policy for the board, nor for the practice of dentistry. We don't set licensing fees, nor regulate or oversee the examination process for new dentists.
The NDA and SNDS are not without input, and we have an important role to play in representing the dental profession in Nevada . But there are limits to this role. Our members are required to adhere to our code of ethics and to the laws of the state. What those laws are, or what non-members do, are the responsibility of the NSBDE.
As with any organization, or individual, we can advise the board, we can present our opinions, and we do, through regular representation at the board's meetings. But that's as far as it goes. From that point on, it's up the board members themselves.
The SNDS is also NOT affiliated with the dental school. We do cooperate with the school administration and faculty on a variety of community programs, and the dental school graciously hosted and supported our own Give Kids A Smile program. Their students and faculty are generous with their time. But the SNDS, and NDA, have no voice in the school's operation or administration. Just as with the state board, we can discuss, advise, and express the opinions of our members, but what the school does with that is beyond our purview.
YOUR dental society
I hope that this helps to clarify the differences, and boundaries, between the various bodies involved in what we call “organized dentistry.” The key point is that without YOUR input, whether as dentist or patient, we cannot effectively influence the policy makers for our profession here in Nevada . Our members are constrained to not only follow the law, but also conduct themselves in keeping with the codes of ethics of national, state, and local organizations. We're happy to represent those dental professionals who commit to these standards in the practice of dentistry.
