discussion about how to make the plan effective, but also accessible. If a plan is too aspirational and can’t be applied to the daily work of the association, then it isn’t useful. It only works if you use it.” Through a variety of consultations, including inperson meetings and surveys, CDA identified critical issues that required collective action and a shared vision for the future of dentistry in Canada. The new strategic plan outlines the areas that CDA should operate within, focusing on systemic issues, advocating for change and fostering a resilient dental community. “In the end, I think we made a plan that everyone can support, which is important because there is a lot of variation in the experiences and needs of dentists across the country,” says Dr. Ward. “But as a profession we are dealing with some very big changes and challenges that we need to come together to address.” Although the strategic plan covers the next five years, it is designed to be flexible and adaptable. It looks ahead to envision the future landscape of dentistry and charts a course to navigate this path successfully. The plan outlines three primary priorities to guide the work of the association, which will be supported by an operational plan and specific program plans. The three primary priorities are: z Trusted Voice: Be the national voice for dentists to the public, federal government, and stakeholder organizations. z Member Support: Contribute to the ongoing success of CDA corporate members (PTDAs) and dentists. z Strong Profession: Advance the dental profession to improve the oral and overall health of all people living in Canada. “One thing that I like about the new strategic plan is that it recognizes the dentists of Canada as stakeholders,” says Dr. Ward. “There were Forward Focus: CDA’s New Strategic Plan many discussions about who CDA serves, and we acknowledged that we serve both the corporate members (PTDAs) and practising dentists. Ultimately, the plan is written to clarify that relationship. We serve the dentists of Canada through the PTDAs.” There will always be challenges in the oral health sector—financial, access to dental care, workforce issues, as well as changes in expectations—but these challenges also present opportunities. Through the plan, CDA will expand its thinking and strengthen its resolve to do things better and differently for the benefit of patients, dentists, the PTDAs, and employees. Forward Focus: Strategic Plan 2024–2029 is not just a formal document; it is a dynamic roadmap designed to guide the association into the coming years. CDA aims to provide exceptional advocacy efforts, support services, and address pan-Canadian issues to help PTDAs and their member dentists thrive. “It’s not just business as usual or doing things one way because they’ve been done that way since CDA was founded in 1902, and I’m excited and hopeful about how we are looking to the future,” says Dr. Ward. “We’re examining how and why we do things and thinking critically about what is most important.” A trusted national leader working to improve the oral health of all people living in Canada. Access the new CDA Strategic Plan at: bit.ly/4er8XMn Through a variety of consultations, including in‑person meetings and surveys, CDA identified critical issues that required collective action and a shared vision for the future of dentistry in Canada. 10 | 2024 | Issue 5
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