HOUSTON, October 13, 2022 — SmileCon 2022 brought thousands of dentists from across the country together to unveil two new innovations to continue connection and conversation year-round – the re-imagined ADA Member App and new podcast “Dental Sound Bites™”.
The ADA Member App, now available in Apple and Google Play app stores, is an exclusive benefit for members, created with members. Designed to meet the needs of dentists at every stage of their careers, the app’s initial debut also features a career pathways section to support early-career dentists just entering the profession.
“What is the one thing that all ADA members have in common? It’s the cell phone. Technology is a mainstay of our members’ lives, and the ADA is meeting them where they are,” stated Raymond Cohlmia, D.D.S., ADA Executive Director. “It’s extremely important to note that for this re-imagined app, members shared input at all phases of development – from designing to building to testing – and the app reflects the specific needs of our members, supporting them as a dentist and providing direct connection to their respective dental communities.”
Key features of the ADA Member App include:
- Member chat: Members can easily message or call one another in private one-on-one or group chats.
- Digital wallet: Members can store vital documents on their phone, such as CE credits or attestation for credentialing and licensure renewal.
- Career exploration: Students and new graduates can learn about different practice types and career paths.
- Personalized newsfeed: Members can choose the articles they see by selecting topics according to their own interests.
- Podcast: Members can access “Dental Sound Bites” and exclusive related content via streaming on the app.
SmileCon’s Podcast and Influencer Hub will also be home to the first live taping of the new ADA podcast, “Dental Sound Bites.” The hosts, Dr. ArNelle Wright, a general dentist in Orlando, Fla., and Dr. Mary Jane “MJ” Hanlon, Executive Vice President of Promethean Dental Systems, bring diverse perspectives to the table.
“I could have never imagined hosting a podcast on a national platform, as such with the American Dental Association,” stated Dr. Wright. “As a mentor to future dentists, I encourage them to lean into opportunities and remember that ‘life leaves clues’. My plan, preparation and past experiences led me to this opportunity today.”
Dr. Hanlon shares in the enthusiasm of her co-host and to be a part of the ADA’s flagship podcast. “I was thrilled to be asked to host ‘Dental Sound Bites,’ as I feel as though my experiences across so many spectrums of the profession will add wisdom and insights that support the younger generation to be successful,” said Dr. Hanlon.
“Dental Sound Bites” is available on all popular streaming platforms. Season 1 will feature eight episodes in total, with the first two episodes “Meet Dental Sound Bites” and “Sticky Situations: Tales from the Operatory” now ready to stream.
“The app and the podcast are powerful tools to bring our community together, concluded Dr. Cohlmia. “The voices of our members will only make these innovations stronger over time.”
Visit ADA.org/App and ADA.org/podcast for more information.