The Dentition - Affinity Bank Dental Newsletter

Alliance of the Georgia Dental Association e Alliance of the Georgia Dental Association (AGDA) is comprised primarily of dental spouses, both men and women, but also includes dentists, and any individual interested in the Mission of the Alliance. e Georgia Alliance is a volunteer organization that supports its members and values its partnership with the Georgia Dental Association (GDA) in advancing the oral health of the public. We have the largest Alli- ance membership in the nation, and are also one of the most active. Dues are very reasonable, and thanks to our close relationship with the GDA, they can be paid as part of the dentist dues statement. Alliance members are involved in many dentally related opportunities such as visiting legislators on LAW (Legislative Awareness) Days, packing oral care kits and distributing them to legislators and their staff members, volunteering for Give Kids a Smile and GMOM events, and presenting oral health programs to children and adults. e Georgia Alliance is also known around the country as the "Fun" group. Many of us participate annually in our Wellness Retreat, and this year we will be going to Dahlonega for a week- end of friendship, relaxation, shopping, wine tasting, and whatever else we chose to do. Last year we were snowed in, in Chattanooga, so spent a lot of time watching movies, and renewing long time friendships and developing new ones. But not even snow could stop us from enjoying a fabulous dinner with wine pairings sponsored by Jean Weathers son Jason. One fact about Alliance members – we are very adapt- able, and willing to make the best out of any situation. e Alliance group along with many GDA mem- bers and staff from Georgia Regents University (name in the fall) annually hosts a cocktail party for the married dental students and their spouses, and the student leaders. What a wonderful opportunity to showcase the importance of membership in the Georgia Dental Association and the Alliance, and also the strong partnership between dentists and their spouses. During the ADA Annual Session, Alliance members attend the Alliance of the American Dental Association (AADA) meetings. is year at the Washington DC meeting, Georgia was proud to that both Molly Bickford and Fran Brown were selected as elma J. Neff Distinguished Service Award Recipients. We also received three of the eight nation- ally selected Member Project Awards. In the spring, Alliance members will travel to Cleveland, Ohio for the AADA Annual Conference where we will renew and develop friendships with members from across the nation and learn what others are doing in their state. We welcome all spouses and others to join our group whether to participate in legislative advocacy, oral health education, fun, or just to support the ef- forts of the active members. Debbie Torbush Past President of the Alliance of the Georgia Dental Association

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