Letter from the President
John F Kennedy said, “ change is a law of life”. As we start 2011 in the Fourth District, we are faced with many changes. We have a new District office, a new Executive Director and a change of officers. I consider it an honor and privilege to be selected to serve as President of the Fourth District Dental Society during this time of change.
As I look back over my own career in dentistry, we have seen many changes in the profession. When I entered dentistry, a “ One Write System” was considered progressive. We now have computers, faxes, internet and paperless office possibilities. When I entered residency and practice, McSpadden Compactors and chloropercha were in vogue. Now the realm of endodontics includes electronic apex locators rotary instrumentation, Resilon obturation and operating microscopes. Socket preservation, ridge augmentation, plastic periodontal procedures, osseointegrated root form dental implants and all-ceramic prosthetic restorations are all relatively new to the profession. Mandatory CE, Ethics course, Infection Control Training and Smoking Cessation Courses are examples of the changes which our profession has seen. What will be the changes of the future?
We are blessed to be a chosen member of this wonderful profession. We are able to meet and treat marvelous patients. We can receive instant gratification for the procedures which we perform, have a sense of accomplishment and are challenged with a lifetime of learning. The competition to gain entry to our chosen profession has become keener than ever. H. Barry Waldman, a professor at SUNY Stony Brook, recently published an article in the NYSDA Journal asking each of us to examine if we would be rewarded with entry into dental school if we were to apply today.
We are truly privileged to be allowed to practice dentistry. Being a dentist is not a right, it is a privilege. The privilege carries with it responsibilities and obligations. We have the responsibility to practice ethically and provide our patients with quality service. We are responsible for learning new techniques, procedures and the use of new materials.
I suggest that we also have an obligation to the profession of Dentistry. Albert Schweitzer said, “ you must give something to your fellow man. Even if it is a little thing, do something for others---something for which you will receive little or no pay, but the privilege of doing it.”. Membership in the dental society provides many benefits. To fulfill our member benefits requires many volunteers working together on the board, or on one of our committees. If you would like to “give something to your fellow man” consider serving on a committee or assisting at one of the many district functions.
Dr. G. Kirk Gleason has served our District for four years as Executive Director, and has provided the District with many more years of dedication and service in other positions. He has had a tremendous impact on our profession locally, statewide and nationally. Dr. Gleason’s “ footprint” and “glove print” will be on the District for years to come. Kirk has agreed to return to a position he held thirty years ago to serve as Newsletter Editor and to continue to provide guidance and consultation to the district. Please join the District Officers, Board members and me in thanking Kirk for his countless contributions to the Fourth District.
Having been our Assistant Executive Director for four years, Ms. Nancy Hess began her responsibilities as our Executive Director January 1st. During her tenure, Nancy has re-vitalized the district office, been instrumental in introducing technology to the office, has had a tremendous impact on the Saratoga Dental Congress and has left her mark on recruiting and maintaining membership. Please welcome Nancy to her new position and give her your support.
Once again our Fourth District Calender will be full with Board and committee meetings, CE courses, the Saratoga Dental Congress, a Golf Day and a Fall Meeting at The Sagamore . You may access the District website at www.4thdds.org for dates, times and other information. Please take part in the many opportunities which are made available. As we start a new decade, 2011 promises to be a great year for the Fourth District Dental Society.
Wayne S. Harrison, DDS