ODA Leadership Academy

The Leadership Academy is designed with you in mind, offering a balance of unique ODA experiences, networking, and leadership growth.  The ability to customize your immersion experience offerings ensures a personalized journey that will benefit you professionally and personally. 

From the Academy, you can expect to gain:

1. A comprehensive understanding of organized dentistry's offerings, through immersion experiences. 
2. Valuable leadership and interpersonal skills.
3. Up to 18 hours of continuing education by attending the Oregon Dental Conference.
4. Exposure and access to thought leaders within organized dentistry and your areas of interest.
5. A unique networking opportunity to interact with colleagues with whom you may not otherwise connect.
6. A solid foundation for future leadership opportunities within and outside of organized dentistry.  
7. Recognition at the ODA House of Delegates where participants will be awarded a participation plaque.

Participants are required to be an ODA member in good standing. No previous volunteer experience is required.

The ODA Leadership Academy runs on a calendar year basis, starting in January and concluding by December. 

Over the course of a year, participants are required to complete a minimum of five immersion experiences. Four offerings are predetermined.  Additional offerings are selected by the participant based on area(s) of interest.

Participation is required in the following four ODA offerings: 

1. Board of Trustees Meeting as Non-Voting Guest (January, March, July and September options)
2. Group Learning Activity focused on Leadership Development: May 6, 2022
3. Virtual House of Delegates Meeting: September 24, 2022
4. Group Learning Activity focused on Leadership Connections: November 18, 2022

The participant must also select at least one (1) additional immersion experience to satisfy the program curriculum.   Many offerings are available within the following areas: 

1. Government Affairs
2. Learning
3. Student/New Dentist
4. Leadership
5. Component
6. Wellness

Participants will receive complimentary full conference registration to the Oregon Dental Conference and an invitation to the Thursday and Friday evening events.  Attendance is not required, but is encouraged.  No travel reimbursement is provided for this opportunity.  

After completion of each immersion experience, participants will be asked to complete a short survey providing feedback for enhancements. 

In addition to immersion experiences, participants will be provided with leadership education opportunities and supplemental reading materials for additional exposure and growth.

At the completion of the program, participants will be presented with a completion plaque. Following graduation of the Academy, ODA staff will conduct a debrief with each participate to help them navigate current leadership opportunities for continued involvement.  

Participants can become involved in one of two ways: self-selection or by nomination. 

Applications and nominations for the 2024 Leadership Academy are due by December 1, 2023. 

The Leadership Development Committee will review all Academy candidates, and will notify candidates of acceptance status no later than December 31, 2023. 

Participants will receive complimentary meeting registrations, as well as a stipend and travel reimbursements (where applicable) to ensure participating is essentially a no-cost experience.