History of SOMSA

JAWS Society was founded in 2004 by Scott Graham, MHA, FAADOM, FACMPE. In 2004, with just 12 people present from all over the country, the first organizational meeting was held in San Francisco. As a collective, we established the JAWS Society — Joining Administrators With Support. As an organization, we were able to establish a strong support structure for OMS administrators across the country. Whether it was helping with common questions and concerns, providing educational resources and training, or creating a network for professional relationship development, JAWS Society was exactly what this industry needed. With 2021 beginning our 15th year, we have taken what we learned as JAWS and continued those practices as SOMSA — Society of OMS Administrators.

But we’ve grown to over 300 members nationwide from practices of all sizes, just by word-of-mouth! Our membership is growing, and so is the range of services we offer. Our first annual meetings were a few people getting together to discuss common issues, and our presentations were conducted by our members.

Our annual conferences now feature key opinion leaders in all aspects of dental practice management such as coding and billing, office dynamics, and practice marketing. Our locations now accommodate a vendor hall, social and networking events, and opportunities to explore our host city. Our 2021 conference was in St. Petersburg, Florida, and this year’s conference is in sunny Scottsdale, Arizona.

We’re now a thriving network of like-minded professionals, with diverse outlets for information and advice, such as webinars, newsletters, and forums where you can connect in real time with other members.

Our responsibilities in running a successful OMS practice are endless. It is our responsibility as administrators/managers to make sure that every day runs smoothly, efficiently, and harmoniously.

SOMSA leadership

Board of Directors

President
Jill Dunnam,
Fort Worth Oral Surgery, Fort Worth, TX

Vice-president
David Nye,
Center for Oral & Maxillofacial Associates, Aiken, SC
Secretary
Donna Kotsios,
Nortwest Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, The Woodlands, TX
Treasurer
Julie Simpson,
Southwest Florida Oral & Facial Surgery, Fort Myers, FL
Committee Liaison
Nicole Toombs,
Village Pointe Oral Surgery, Omaha, NE
Past President
Audra Lansdown,
Brazos Valley Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, College Station, TX
Executive Director
Linden Tucker

Past presidents of SOMSA

2023—Present
Jill Dunnam*
2021—2022
Audra Lansdown*
2019—2020
Lynn Howard*
2017—2018
Dana Leach
2015—2016
Keith Miller*
2012—2014
Susan Rust*
2011
Monique Corcoran
2009—2010
Ruben Martinez
2006—2008
President and Founder: Scott Graham*
*Indicates current SOMSA member

Committee chairs & Regional Directors

Benchmarking Committee
Audra Lansdown, Interim Chair,
Brazos Valley Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, College Station, TX
Conference Committee
David Nye,
Center for Oral & Maxillofacial Associates, Aiken, SC
Education Committee
Kate Gero,
McNally Brothers Oral Surgery, West Springfield, MA
Marketing Committee
Michelle Flynn,
Sierra Foothills Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, Roseville, CA
Membership Committee
Denise Boyette,
Eastern Shore Oral, Facial & Implant Surgery Center, Fairhope, AL

Regional Directors

  • Eastern Region: Joshua Zissman, The Oral Surgery Group in Southampton, PA
  • Southern Region: Nancy Hancock Davidson, Marietta, GA
  • Midwestern Region: Crystal Dieter, Premier Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, Janesville, WI
  • Western Region: Tara Hart, Castle Rock Oral & Facial Surgery in Castle Rock, CO
Sponsorship Committee
Nicole Toombs,
Village Pointe Oral Surgery, Omaha, NE
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Everyone is just like me -

serious about quality and committed to excellence.
- SUSAN STRITTMATTER, NORTHERN TEXAS FACIAL & ORAL SURGERY