The American Dental Association is facing challenges "unlike any other year," the ADA board of trustees said in August after voting on the 2021 budget proposal.
In the annual summary of anticipated revenue and expenses, the board stated that 2021 "will be a period of great uncertainty and change" and has called for "rapidly adjusted operations in the current year, while anticipating the need to continue making changes."
For 2021, the board is recommending an operating budget of $128.8 million and a 1.5 percent dues increase, which would amount to an $8 increase from 2020 and help offset a projected $5.9 million deficit.
"The economic fallout of COVID-19 has created a need for fiscal discipline and focus as the ADA, just like most dental practices, will have reduced revenue this year and likely next year as well," said ADA President-elect Daniel Klemmedson, DDS, MD. "The strategic plan promotes focus through goals that sustain our core strengths and priorities (membership, financial sustainability and organizational capacity). Our fourth goal — advancing the health of the public and success of the profession — provides the critical incentive to advance our profession even in challenging times."
The draft also recommends cuts to association travel and a reduction in ADA staff.
"I am confident that the Association will continue to maintain financial sustainability as we remain committed to the ADA's mission to serve the profession and the public," said ADA President Chad Gehani, DDS.