Partnering With Your Administration Richard E. Bauer, III, DMD, MD, vice president Thomas J. Schaffer, Loma Linda ’15, chapter president
“When one door closes, another opens; but often we look so long at the closed door that we do not see the one which has been opened for us.” - Helen Keller
Talking Points Collaboration between an ASDA chapter and its dental school. Strong relationships with administrators allow ASDA leaders to influence their education and address the issues facing dental students. Vendor policies, permission to attend off- campus events and hosting/sponsoring events. Strategies for change.
Dental schools don’t all operate under the same rules.....
Factors that Influence the Way a School Operates Public vs. Private For Profit vs. Non-Profit Accept Medicaid or not Individual State and Local Laws Mission of the University Mission of the School
How do these differences affect the way your ASDA chapter can operate?
Differences when attempting… Vendor Fairs Fundraisers (5k, sales, etc.) Meeting Attendance/Travel Lobbying Off Campus Events Advertising Lunch and Learns
Don’t be your own worst enemy “What can I do?” Take a step back and think. Consider why things are the way they are.
Look for your opportunity Find your niche and fill it with intensity. “No job too small” attitude
Take the initiative How important is this to your chapter? Prepared to go it alone?
It’s All About Communication Why How When
Why…do you do it?
How...do you do it?
When…do you do it?
Understand What the Administration Does for You
Attitude is everything ASDA who? Admin is not the enemy No one owes you anything Selflessness goes a long way “Me” and “I” are red flags Be prepared to hand it over Save your “Likes” for facebook It’s time to be put on your big boy pants and put away the skinny jeans Talk like a teenager and expect to be treated like one
Continuity of Leadership, Information & Best Practices…
That sounds great, but… Small chapter? No active role?
Develop a strategy to make change –IDENTIFY –ADAPT –OVERCOME How we did it…
IDENTIFY… Past areas of conflict/disconnect What administration responds to Current issues with no solutions Who can make things happen This isn’t a root canal; work from the bottom up… The ideal venue to address the issue(s) Identify…
Adapt… By formulating a plan –Develop methods to fill a niche Changes to be made Protocols for implementing changes Plan for sustainability –Cover your bases, revaluate, and plan ahead Don’t check your boat for holes AFTER it’s in the water…
Overcome… Your school is not run by one person alone Peer pressure is alive and well Use past mistakes/shortcomings to your advantage Negotiate/compromise Follow through Plan for the future
Working Together toward Common Goals… Timing is everything Change takes time A change next year is still a change! Pass on the hope not the hopelessness