November 10, 2009
Membership Feedback

Dear AADC colleagues,

We would like you to know that your AADC Board of Directors values each and everyone in our organization. We have made it our priority to grow the AADC by recruiting new members and by bringing back those who have left us in recent years. Only by serving the needs of our members and constantly striving to expand can we continue to be vital and dynamic. Like any dental practice, new patients or members, in our case, are the lifeblood of the organization. Our association is the only one representing the interests of the dental benefits industry and is dedicated to serving patients, the public, purchasers of health benefits and the profession of dentistry. We need to recruit colleagues who are Dental Consultants, who are not current members.

As two newer members of the AADC Board of Directors we are leading a membership team to develop innovations and ideas for the future. Some of these ideas that we are considering include asking members who have the time and inclination to contact non-renewing or former members via personal calls. The member recruiting the most new members would be recognized and receive a $50.00 gift card at the Workshop.

Shortly a banner will be placed on the AADC website regarding membership recruitment and this incentive. We are investigating how to enhance and increase corporate memberships as well as how the AADC may find opportunities to enhance diversity within the organization via contact with Hispanic, Latin, and African American dental organizations. Finally, we are considering conducting "exit" interviews to learn why members decide not to renew their membership. As we are reaching out to you, we welcome the opportunity to have you reach out to us, as well. Please call or email us to discuss any ideas you may have. We sincerely look forward to hearing from you. Thank you for your consideration.

Regards,

Frank A. Klump, DMD and Marc Zweig, DMD
Certified Dental Consultants
Members - AADC Board of Directors

Summary of 2008 Membership Survey:

If one was to visualize the 'average' AADC member, one would typically see a Caucasian male in their sixth decade of life, equally residing in the Northeast, Southeast, Midwest or Western areas of the continental United States. This individual, with more than 25 years of clinical experience, is deeply committed to the dental profession and healthcare industry, evidenced by attaining several academic degrees (in addition to their DDS/DMD), being published in peer reviewed journals, and maintaining concurrent memberships in several professional organizations while still delivering direct patient care at least on a part-time basis. Not surprisingly, this individual actively employed in a variety of submission review and management functions, and as such commands an average hourly compensation of $90-$100 per hour.

Dear State Dental Board:

RE: Peer Review Involving Insurance Claims

We would like to inform the board that our organization, the American Association of Dental Consultants, has it own accrediting process for dental consultants in the form of "certification." The designation is C.D.C., which represents Certified Dental (insurance) Consultant. In no way is this intended to imply some sort of dental specialization or to confuse the public, rather it is meant for professional communications as it is useful to demonstrate a working knowledge of the dental insurance business.

Our members have a wealth of experience and knowledge in writing dental insurance policies, adjudicating claims and fraud investigations. Please be advised that we have representatives in nearly every state and our expertise can be a valuable resource in peer review investigations.

If any member of the board would like additional information, our contact information and website address are listed above.

Sincerely,

Karl. Gruendl, DMD
Certification Committee Chairman

jks

The AADC Career Center is the premier electronic recruitment resource for the industry. Here, employers and recruiters can access the most qualified talent pool with relevant work experience to fulfill staffing needs. Please visit careers.aadc.org for details.

The AADC Annual Spring Workshop will be held May 10-12, 2007, at the Radisson Fort McDowell Resort & Casino in Scottsdale, AZ. Take advantage of the specially negotiated room rates the American Association of Dental Consultants has secured for Workshop attendees - $149 single/double per night plus tax. The negotiated room rate is available three days before and three days after the Workshop.

The hotel reservation deadline is April 7, 2007. All reservation requests must be accompanied by at least one night's room and tax deposit or guaranteed by a major credit card. Reserve your room by calling 800-333-3333. Reservations must be guaranteed by a first night non-refundable room deposit. Cancellation must be received more than 72 hours prior to your arrival date to avoid being charged a one night's room and tax penalty. For more information about the Radisson Fort McDowell, go to www.radisson.com/ftmcdowellaz.

read full details here...

The long-anticipated launch of the new website is underway! Along with many feature enhancements-- such as an online membership directory, internal messaging system, and community forum-- we hope you find the new site much easier to use and navigate. All of our articles are now archived, available in printer-friendly format, and more importantly-- searchable!

If you are an existing member of AADC, please take a moment to join our member directory and sign up online. If you are not yet a member, put the resources of the largest international dental consulting association to work for your success, and sign up today!

Please bear with us while we work out any last remaining bugs discovered after launch. Any and all feedback about the new website is welcomed and appreciated.

PRESS RELEASE

Scottsdale, AZ -- The American Association of Dental Consultants' (AADC) Annual Spring Workshop was held April 28-30, in Scottsdale, Arizona. Following the election of officers, Dr. Jerome Blum, United Concordia Companies, Inc., Harrisburg, PA, was installed as 2005-2006 president, Dr. Richard M. Celko, Aetna, Pittsburgh, PA, was installed as President-Elect, and Dr. Robert S. Laurenzano, Dental Benefit Providers, North Potomac, MD., Secretary/Treasurer. Dr. Larry D. Sheldon, GEHA, Olathe, KS, and George M. Koumaras, Aetna US Healthcare, Pittsburgh, PA, were elected to the Board of Directors.

The Workshop featured speakers included Dr. Max Anderson, Dr. James Hamilton, Dr. Ronald Inge, Dr. Donald S. Mayes, Peter Murray, Ph.D., Peter Sfikas, Esq., and Dr. John Thorpe. The theme of the conference was AThe Dental Consultant - Adding Value to the 21st Century Dental Plan.