President’s Message
by Gustavo M. Coutin, D.D.S. – NODA President
Dear NODA members,
I would like to congratulate Dr. Kevin Collins for his leadership of the New Orleans Dental Enterprises Committee. Dr. Collins has increased the number of participating dental providers that provide us members with dental and office management services at a significantly reduced price. The cost cutting advantages not only help us with our daily expenses but your participation also generates rebates back to NODA. For the 2017 NODA budget, there was a projected deficit which created the need for a dues increase in order to maintain a balanced budget. As you may be aware, the dues increase was initially approved, then put on hold. You will be happy to hear that the dues increase will not be necessary as the NODE generated rebates back to NODA (from your participation) voided the need to increase your dues! Please continue and if at all possible increase your participation with our NODE preferred providers. There is no limit as to how much these rebates reduce membership dues.
With the spring season starting, we look forward to a time to enjoy moderate weather, along with great food, music and fun that comes with upcoming outdoor festivals and activities including some of our own. It’s not too late to still register for the 2017 New Orleans Dental Conference/LDA Annual Session. Dr. Eliot Guerin has composed a truly top notch scientific program that surpasses in one weekend what most study clubs strive to achieve in one calendar year at a fraction of the cost. Our conference historically has been and continues to be a trailblazer and trendsetter for scientific program events that major conferences have noticed and copied into their programs.
For those who attended the March 18th President’s Installation Banquet, I would like to thank you for being there on that special evening. Of course, the event could not have been organized and put on without Andrew, Connie and Norma at the NODA office so a huge debt of gratitude to them for handling all of the fine details. Dr. Kristi Soileau was honored as our 2016 NODA Honor Dentist. Dr. Peter Tufton solemnly started our evening with an invocation and Dr. Donald Toso served the as the Master of Ceremonies. A great time was had by all.
We at NODA continue to work at developing additional benefits for our members. Please remember that work is ongoing to finalize legislation in order for the return of a longstanding member benefit: health insurance coverage. Our goal is to offer health insurance to our members, their families and their office staff at below standard rates, giving you more value for your membership dues. There will be more news on this topic in the near future. If you have any questions, please call the NODA office at 504/834-6449or visit our website at www.noda.org.
Thank you!
