Indiana AIR – Leadership Development for Dentists

What Is AIR?

Indiana AIR Leadership Program is the award winning leadership development program for Indiana dentists sponsored by the Indiana Dental Association.

About the Program

The Indiana AIR (Acceptance, Inclusion, Respect) program seeks promising leaders, who are members of racial, ethnic, gender and/or sexual orientation groups that have been traditionally underrepresented in leadership, to participate in this educational experience. The mission of Indiana AIR is to cultivate leaders who strive to create a receptive and inclusive dental association in recognition and appreciation of the changing landscape of dentistry. Indiana AIR will provide a diverse group of dentists with education, experience, exposure to opportunity and the confidence to be successful leaders in their practice, their communities and the dental profession.

Who Should Apply?

Indiana AIR seeks promising leaders, who are members that have been traditionally underrepresented in leadership, to participate in this practical educational experience. Ideal candidates demonstrate potential for leadership within their practice, profession or community, but will not have held high-level leadership positions in organized dentistry. Membership in the IDA is not required; however, we ask that candidates be either currently practicing dentistry in the State of Indiana or attending the Indiana University School of Dentistry.

Dentists and dental students interested in the program must complete the application by June 1 in order to be considered for admission for the following year. Applicants will be notified by July 1. A current CV and two letters of reference are required to complete the application process.

Apply Online

What is the Program Format, Expenses?

Six to ten participants will be accepted for the two-year program. Participants will attend leadership training over three sessions at the IDA level for the first year. Topics will include, but are not limited to, effective leadership characteristics, conflict resolution, decision-making, leadership communication, strategic thinking, and leading policy and finances of leadership development. The second year of the program participants develop and complete a group leadership project involving at the dental community. Participants also attend the Midwest Dental Assembly for both years of participation in the program. AIR training provides attendees 27 hours of continuing education credits in areas of leadership and practice management. Program expenses are fully sponsored by the Indiana Dental Association and total over $2,000 per participant.

When Does the Program Meet?

2024-25 Indiana AIR Leadership Training weekends occur in Indianapolis. Dates are September 20-21, 2024; January 24-25, 2025; and April 25-26, 2025.

AIR Application

A current CV and two letters of reference are required in order to apply to the Indiana AIR Program.

Your Name (required)

Your Email (required)

Mailing Address (required)

City, State, Zip (required)

Office Phone (required)

Cell Phone (required)

Please share your reasons for applying to the Indiana AIR Leadership Program. Please include your thoughts on your strengths as a leader, what leadership skills you want to develop further. What you hope to achieve from the Indiana AIR Leadership Program. (required)

Please list any prior or current volunteer activities (include community, not for profit, and dental), including any leadership roles held and the time periods of involvement. (required)

Please discuss an issue of social or political concern that impacts the dental profession or your community. Why is this issue important and what could be done to resolve the issue at the local, state, or national levels? (required)

Are there any additional comments you would like to share?

Current CV or resume (optional)

Two letters of reference (optional)