The Alliance of the American Dental Association is gearing up for its annual conference, which this year takes place April 16-18 in Memphis, Tenn.
The alliance's "Memphis River Rendezvous" will feature sessions on leadership training, membership ideas and continuing education for dentists at the University of Tennessee College of Dentistry. Stan Brock, a British philanthropist who founded Remote Area Medical (RAM), which brings medical aid to people who have little or no access to basic care and who cannot afford it, is scheduled as the opening speaker.
Laurie Osborn, the president of the Alliance and member for more than 25 years, said her husband, Dr. John Osborn, is the dental director for RAM, a group that she said helps realize part of the association's mission of access to care.
"We're really excited to have him," said Laurie Osborn about Brock. "We try to encourage our members to participate in events (that encourage) providing care for people who might not otherwise get the care."
In addition to educational workshops, the Alliance has planned entertainment events including a trip to the Memphis Children's Museum and Botanic Garden and a walk through the city's heart of music and fun, Beale Street. Other activities include a gala for the Beulah K. Spencer Awards, which recognize leadership and excellence among Alliance members who have been active ten years or less.
The group has also scheduled a Foundation for Dental Health Education Auction. Last year, the alliance's conference and auction – held in Albuquerque – raised almost $7,000 for dental health education projects.
The alliance, made up of volunteers, aims to give dentists, their families and the public "a reason to smile" by promoting healthy dental practices and acting as ambassadors for dentistry through legislative advocacy and local outreach, and provide oral health education in communities across the U.S.
The alliance holds a conference in different locations in the U.S. every year to help provide, fun, friendships, insight, motivation and opportunities to learn about dental health education and new skills.
For more information on the Memphis event, including pricing and grants available for members, visit allianceada.org.
