Office Staff Attends ADA Annual Session

We have attended the local Dental Society Spring Clinic. We've been to Columbus for the Ohio Dental Association's Annual Session. We've even been to the Chicago Mid-Winter Meeting. So when the one-inch thick 2004 American Dental Association Annual Session brochure came in t he mail, I tossed it in the office lunchroom and didn't think anymore of it. Until...."why can't we go; you know it would be lots of fun and educational." Faced with a tidal wave of staff desire, an idea was born. Airfare was investigated on the web, (TMA doesn't travel on Wednesday, but Delta does.), accommodations were explored, (near Disney World, of course), continuing education was selected, and off we went to Orlando.

Comments from the staff


It started with a trip to Detroit Metro. Our plane flight was uneventful until we saw the blue roofs of Orlando. Hurricane Jeane arrived five days before we did and many roofs had tarps over them. Our hotel had suffered some damage and smelled like wet carpet.

The ADA's home for a week--the Orange County Convention Center.

Up the escalators to the classrooms and displays.

What a great time we had. The convention center was huge and the exhibitor's floor was overwhelming; we didn't know where to start, a map was a must. The courses I took can only enhance the running of our front office. One course was on insurance coding and reimbursement. I learned some great tips on filing claims for certain procedures and getting them paid for patients. I am fortunate to have a boss who encourages and provides the opportunity to grow through continuing education.

Had a great time in Florida. Good thing the hurricane blew away the beach; Dr. Fudge fed us so well I would not have fit in my bathing suit! My passion is in the dental lab. I was fortunate to take several classes to enhance my skills. As a result, we will continue to provide the best esthetic restorations for our patients. Thank you Dr. Fudge.

To be able to travel to Orlando with a group of friends is fun. When those friends are your boss and co-workers, it's even better. We laughed until it hurt at Bill Cosby's performance and saw the sights at Universal Studios. How lucky we are to have this opportunity. I've been in dentistry over three decades and I continue to be amazed by new innovations and improvements. At the ADA, I learned specifically about causes and cures for bad breath, drug benefits and risks, dental waterline safety, and how to make temporary restorations. I intend to use everything I've learned to continue to provide the best patient care possible.

Airline ticket: $300.
Hotel room (4 days): $500.
Registration and continuing education: $315.
The chance to be excited about learning new information and techniques: PRICELESS!

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