I was recently at an affiliate meeting where people started to leave before the speaker was finished. I thought this was rude and a poor reflection on dental assistants and the ODAA. Is there anything you can do to prevent this from happening?

This issue concerns us too. You're right. It is rude and unprofessional.

The fact is, some speakers talk for an hour while others speak longer. Members who attend affiliate meetings should plan on being there for two hours. But regardless of the length of the presentation, as a professional courtesy, members should wait until a speaker has finished.

We have discussed this many times. We could consider changing the number of credits allotted for affiliate meetings, or have people sign out instead of signing in. Another idea is to offer fewer meetings that are two hours long long and award more credits for them.

Let us know of any suggestions you may have.