Get Involved
NYSDA has nine standing Councils. What is the purpose of Councils? Councils were established by the House of Delegates for members to assist in the positive development of the dental profession, monitor trends affecting the oral health of the public, and create recommended policy adjustments.
Questions? Reach out to Heather Relation, director of member engagement at hrelation@nysdental.org
Roles and Responsibilities:
Council on Dental Benefit Programs
Purpose
The goal of the Council on Dental Benefit Programs is to monitor and educate members about government, self-funded and commercial third-party reimbursement programs.
Council on Dental Education & Licensure
Purpose
The Council on Dental Education & Licensure monitors and makes policy recommendations relating to:
- Dental Education and dental auxiliary education
- The recognition of categories of dental auxiliaries
- Associated subjects that effect all dental, dental auxiliary and related education
- Dental licensure and dental auxiliary credentialing
Council on Dental Health Planning & Hospital Dentistry
Purpose
The goal of the Council on Dental Health Planning & Hospital Dentistry is to review and develop plans and programs to improve access to care and promote oral health to both the public and the other health professions.
Council on Ethics
Purpose
The goal of the Council on Ethics is to maintain and enforce the ADA/NYSDA Code of Ethics.
Council on Dental Practice
Purpose
The goal of the Council on Dental Practice is to formulate and recommend policies relating to the practice of dentistry.
Council on Governmental Affairs
Purpose
The goal of the Council on Governmental Affairs is to review all legislation introduced into the Legislature of the State of New York, and to advise appropriate legislators of the position of the Association with respect to all proposed legislation of significant interest.
Council on Membership & Communications
Purpose
The Council on Membership & Communications is responsible for NYSDA membership recruitment and retention programs.
Council on Peer Review & Quality Assurance
Purpose
The goal of the Council on Peer Review & Quality Assurance is to provide an impartial, confidential way to resolve complains about the appropriateness of care and quality of treatment performed by NYSDA member dentists.
Council on Professional Liability Insurance
Purpose
The goal of the Council on Professional Liability Insurance is to consider issues of professional liability impacting members of the Association and make recommendations to the House of Delegates with respect thereto.
Committee on Substance Abuse and Well-Being
Purpose
NYSDA established its Chemical Dependency Committee in the 1980s to help address the issue of addictive illness and the abuse of alcohol and drugs by dentists in New York State. The Committee is now known as the Committee on Substance Abuse and Well-Being and consists of members from each of NYSDA's 13 component dental societies. The Committee provides a confidential, non-punitive alternative to help impaired dentists recognize and seek treatment for substance abuse and addiction.
What is expected of me?
General responsibilities of a member of the Committee on Substance Abuse and Well-Being:
- Assist dentists, their families and dental office staff with substance abuse, addiction and related mental health issues.
- Aid in directing impaired dentists into treatment.
- Provide monitors for dentists in recovery.
- Act as advocates for dentists seeking to surrender or reactivate their dental licenses.
- Attend two meetings per year.
What will I gain by dedicating my time and talents?
You will gain first-hand experience in participating in the deliberative process and association leadership. The ability to work with your professional peers to assist dentists in your community with substance abuse issues. You will also gain a better understanding of addictive illness and its related treatment options.
Seriously, I'm really busy! How much time will this take?
Approximately two days per year. There are two in-person meetings in Albany. You will be reimbursed expenses for one of the two meetings each year.
What are the terms?
The New Dentist member's term is two years, up to a maximum of two consecutive terms (provided the person remains qualified as a new dentist throughout the term), based on recommendation from the New Dentist Committee and nomination by the NYSDA Board of Trustees, with election by the NYSDA House of Delegates.
