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ADA members weigh in on critical issues.
Karen Burgess1, Jon D Ruesch, Matthew C Mikkelsen
1ADA Division of Membership and Dental Society Services, American Dental Association, Chicago, Ill 60611, USA. burgessk@ada.org
Journal of the American Dental Association (1939)
|January 31, 2003
Summary
The American Dental Association (ADA) survey reveals that while members largely agree on key issues, new and minority dentists have distinct concerns regarding practice funding and debt. These findings are crucial for shaping future ADA initiatives.
Area of Science:
- Dental Practice Management
- Professional Issues in Dentistry
- Membership Needs Assessment
Background:
- Dental practitioners face evolving challenges from science, technology, patient care, reimbursement, and regulations.
- The American Dental Association (ADA) conducted the 2000 Membership Needs and Opinions Survey to understand these impacts on private practitioners.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the critical professional issues and ADA priorities as perceived by ADA members.
- To identify differences in concerns among various demographic subgroups within the ADA membership.
Main Methods:
- A survey was distributed to 6,310 ADA members in January 2000, with multiple follow-ups.
- Data collection concluded in July 2000, yielding 3,558 completed surveys (59.5% adjusted response rate).
- The questionnaire covered professional issues and perceptions of the ADA and its priorities.
Main Results:
- Members identified "maintaining treatment autonomy," "fair reimbursement," and "infection control" as top priorities.
- New dentists prioritized practice funding and debt repayment more than the general membership.
- Minority dentists reported higher levels of concern on specific issues compared to all ADA members.
Conclusions:
- ADA members share general views on critical issues, but significant subgroup differences exist.
- New dentists' financial concerns (practice funding, debt) and minority dentists' specific issue concerns require targeted attention.
- The ADA should consider these varying member priorities when planning future activities and initiatives.