I have been a member of the RVDS for three years.  I feel that our speakers provide the same quality lecture to our organization as they do at state meetings and national conventions.  It is very important that dentists are given credit for their time at the meetings.  This will attract members and help the Roanoke Valley to have well educated dentists.  I was the program director one year.  Some of the speakers were local specialists, some were nationally known speakers.  Both were more than qualified to give a lecture that meets the requirements of the Board.

I have practiced in many other areas.  All the local societies were able to provide their dentist members with CE credit and as a result were very active organizations.  There is no difference between our local society and all the others.

By allowing the RVDS to give CE credit to its members, we will keep the organization active, attract new members, and keep our area dentists well educated.  Most of us exceed the number of CE hours required each year; however, it is still important to get credit for the total number of hours. 

With the decline of younger members in the RVDS, I think it is even more important to give CE credits.  This is a major concern of young dentists who have to balance young families and new practices.  They may choose to go elsewhere for continuing ed. instead of participating in the local organization. 

I think the Board understands how valuable the local society is without much explanation.   I highly recommend allowing the RVDS to give CE credits to the members!  Thank You.