TDA
Guideto
Membership Benefits
TDA
Guide
to
Membership Benefits
Whether you are a prospective or longtime TDA member, knowing the Benefits of Membership is vital. Listed below are some of the products and services available at no or reduced cost to TDA members. For additional information, contact the TDA Executive Office at (615) 628-0208 or email. TDA Members can use the 1-800 number.
The TDA
Insurance Agency, Inc.
TDA members are eligible for a wide variety of insurance coverage at very
attractive rates. The following types of insurance coverage are
Tennessee Dental Association Executive Office
The Tennessee Dental Association has its Executive Office in Franklin. The staff is
constantly working on behalf of the members and is available Monday through Friday, 8:00
a.m. - 4:30 p.m. (central time). Summer hours (June, July and August) 7:30
a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Committee on the New Dentist
The TDA, ADA and Tennessee’s Component Societies are all committed to the needs and
concerns of new dentists. Committees of new professionals have been formed at each level
to make sure that organized dentistry’s policies and goals continue to be relevant.
The TDA also has a New Dentist Representative participate during each Board of Trustees
meeting.
Continuing Education
Through attendance at local dental society, TDA and ADA meetings, a wide variety of
affordable continuing education programs are available to members.
Also, the TDA sponsors a continuing education registry program known as ACE. In addition to recording continuing education hours and proof of current CPR training, as well as reporting those hours to the Board of Dentistry upon request, ACE honors TDA members who participate in 80 or more hours of continuing education during each two-year period.
Annual Sessions
At the annual meetings of both the TDA and ADA, members are able to participate in a wide
variety of affordable continuing education seminars; view the latest in equipment, supplies and
services; take an active role in the business of the Association; meet with colleagues;
and attend a wide variety of gatherings.
Publications
The Journal of the Tennessee Dental Association and the TDA Newsletter keep
members abreast of the latest news of concern to the dental profession in Tennessee. TDA
and Component Society activities, scientific advancements, government regulations,
legislation, and other news which influences Tennessee dentistry are all included. The
July issue of the Journal is known as the SourceBook which contains the TDA
Membership Roster, the Principles of Ethics, the Dental Practice Act, the Rules of the
Board of Dentistry and additional valuable information.
Dental Health Education:
The TDA has always advocated good dental health for all of Tennessee’s citizens.
Members can contribute to this ongoing effort by educating their patients, donating their
time to appear before various groups, as well as by taking part in Children’s Dental
Health Month each February and National Senior Smile Week held each year during May. These
activities are coordinated by the TDA Council on Dental Education, Practice and Health
along with the Council on Membership and Communications.
Relief and Disaster Relief:
Each Fall, the TDA conducts a Relief Fund Drive. At that time members voluntarily
contribute to a fund designed to help dentists and their families during times of unusual
financial need. In addition, an ADA Disaster Relief Fund provides interest-free loans to
dentists for the purpose of restoring a practice facility or personal dwelling damaged by
a natural disaster.
Monitoring of Prepaid Dental Benefit Plans:
The Association continuously monitors prepaid dental benefit plans in Tennessee, and
answers members’ questions concerning new developments. The TDA Council on Dental
Benefit Programs assists purchasers and employee groups in selecting a dental plan.
An analysis of dentist participation contracts for in dental benefit programs is also available from the ADA, at no charge to members when requested through the TDA. In addition, TDA members can obtain materials for educating patients, local employers and community groups about the importance of freedom-of-choice of provider in any dental benefit plan. Information regarding Direct Reimbursement dental benefits is also available to employee groups and employers through the TDA Insurance Agency, Inc.
Alliance of the TDA:
Spouses of members who desire to become involved with dentistry contribute a great
deal to the promotion of good dental health through membership in the Alliance of the TDA.
The Alliance has local and national chapters as well.
Governmental Relations: The TDA is the voice of the membership in Nashville, not only during the legislative session but all year long. Government plays a major role in the professional life of Tennessee’s dentists. Only through the collective voice of the more than 2,200 Tennessee Dental Association members will those elected to public office, or employed by state government, listen. Each Component Society has a representative on the TDA Council on Governmental Affairs and individual members are encouraged to become a liaison to one or more state legislators. Member input regarding legislation and/or governmental regulations is always welcomed.
PACs:
After joining the TDA, members can enhance their political involvement by making a
voluntary contribution to Tenn-D-Pac, the TDA’s political action committee, and
ADPAC, the ADA’s counterpart. The funds contributed, when paying annual membership
dues, are used to elect or re-elect candidates who will work with dentistry on the issues
affecting the profession. The Tenn-D-Pac Capital Club recognizes TDA members who
contribute more than $150 per year to the PAC.
Dental Benefit Company Problems:
Nearly every dentist at some time has a problem with a dental benefits company that
cannot be remedied merely by corresponding with or by calling that company. The TDA offers
its assistance in resolving such problems and has an excellent track record in settling
disputes which have arisen.
Peer Review:
Even though members do their very best to eliminate the dental problems of each of
their patients, there will come a time when a patient believes he/she has not received
quality dental care. If this situation arises, members are encouraged to first try to come
to some resolution with the patient. Should that effort fail, the TDA and its Component
Dental Societies offer Peer Review. The Peer Review mechanism has been in effect for
several years and has been very effective in eliminating the necessity for legal
proceedings to settle disputes regarding dental care. Peer Review is not a one-way street.
It can be initiated by a patient, a dentist or a dental benefits company against either or
both of the remaining parties. Peer Review is a no-charge service to TDA members but
requires that a $500 fee be paid in advance by non-member dentists desiring to utilize
this valuable service.
TOSHA:
The Tennessee Dental Association has developed an excellent working relationship with
the Tennessee Occupational Safety and Health Administration (TOSHA). The TDA staff as well
as the Committee on Environment and Infection Control are always available to members who have concerns
about infectious diseases, hazardous chemicals, employee safety and training and waste
management. Additionally, the TDA provides new members with a TOSHA Checklist at no cost.
Electronic Claims Processing:
Emdeon Business Services can help you streamline your insurance
processes through electronic claims submission. Gain immediate access to patient
eligibility, benefits and claim status information. Discuss payment options
while patients are in your office by instantly verifying eligibility and
benefits information, or by checking the status of a claim.
Easy start-up and toll free support included. For information about submitting
electronic claims and patient eligibility information, call Emdeon at
1-888-545-6127.
Dental Charge Cards for Patients:
Many dental patients are unable to pay a full cash payment for dental services at the
time such services are delivered. For this reason, the TDA endorses CareCredit. This
program enables member dentists to offer their patients a dentistry-only credit card with
interest charged much like a VISA or MasterCard. While the dentist pays a small percentage
when patients participate, this non-recourse program never puts the member dentist at risk
should the patient fail to pay the balance owed.
Patient Records System: Several years ago the Wisconsin Dental Association determined that a great need existed for quality dental patient record forms that are easy for the dentist and his/her staff to use. The Wisconsin Dental Association soon after developed a series of forms – known as The Dental Record – which are recognized throughout the profession as the standard of excellence in an easy-to-use format. The TDA has endorsed The Dental Record for several years now. Many members currently utilize The Dental Record forms and the Association receives a small amount of non-dues revenue for its endorsement.
TDA Foundation (TDAF): The 1994 TDA House of Delegates voted to establish a foundation, known as the Tennessee Dental Association Foundation (TDAF). The TDAF’s mission is to promote dental health programs and dental education, educate the public about dentistry, establish and fund dental scholarships, support dental research and support other organizations with similar goals.
Revised 9/03