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President’s Message
What Will the Future Bring? |
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What will the next century hold for our profession and the Pierre Fauchard Academy—where will we go in the next millenium? What will the practice of dentistry be like 50 years from now? What will the Academy be doing?
These are all good questions, of course, but none of us knows the answers. Most of us recognize how far technology has come in the practice of dentistry since we graduated from dental school in the late 1940s and ’50s. Again, we have a vague idea of what dentistry was like during the first half of this century. If our life and profession progress with as much advancement during the next century as they have in this century, the end result is almost inconceivable for us to comprehend. How can things get any better for esthetic dentistry than porcelain veneers and the bonding technique in general? But I am sure it will. This holds true for all phases of dentistry. The insurance industry or third-party payment is a major force outside of our profession that has a tremendous effect upon our practice—our fees and the reimbursement of our fees. However, dental insurance has made dentistry more affordable for millions of people. Organized medicine has sanctioned the foundation of a union to level the playing field with HMOs and PPOs and so on. Will dentistry follow? Probably so, although the merits of this remain to be seen. One alarming effect here is the erosion of the patient-doctor relationship; this is sacred and should remain so. But as we all know, money talks and patients opt for a cheaper treatment plan regardless of the treating doctor. Patients will not change too much; they will still hurt, still have their fears. However, some diseases may have a drastic effect on how we treat patients. The advent of AIDS has left an indelible mark on the way we practice. Ethics is an area of great concern. The longer you live, the more you are aware of the fact that in this world, right is not always right, and wrong is not always wrong. The gray area seems to get wider: actions are taken under the guise of advertising that lessen our professionalism. Having lived through both worlds, I would say that “advertising” has had a deleterious effect on the profession. |
This is the etiology of some of our ethical dilemmas. Can ethics be taught or is this something that is ingrained in you from birth? On the end of each tooth is a human being—one of God’s creatures. It is our ethical responsibility as professionals to be fair and kind, and to render the best treatment that our talents allow. Sometimes I think that if we all were kind and fair with our patients, we would not need peer review and ethics committees!
During the next century, I see the Academy continuing to grow. Our diversity and internationality will increase. Regardless of the language we speak, we all have a common goal: to relieve pain and to improve our patients’ oral health. Each Fellow should always be aware of his or her responsibility to the Academy. Remember: you will get out of the Academy only what you put into it. The Foundation of the Pierre Fauchard Academy should experience tremendous growth. This will enable the Foundation to be an effective force in awarding grants for worthwhile projects. If our Fellows respond to the Foundation and if our investments are prudent ones, there is no limit to future growth. It is mind-boggling to think about the funds that will be available in just 50 years for research, humanitarian grants, and other projects. We will continue to be the leader among foundations within our profession. Someone once said that the past is history, the present is the moment, and the future is imagination. For the Fellows of the Academy, the moment should be precious. Today is something that will be gone tomorrow and lost forever. Do what you do, do it well, and be true to yourself and your patients. If we (the profession) do this, dentistry will continue well into the 21st century as the most respected profession. Good luck! See you in Hawaii at the President’s Luncheon. |
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Dr. James E. Long
President |
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Vernetti to receive PFA Gold Medal
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Fellow James P. Vernetti has been nominated and selected by the Academy’s Board to receive the 1999 Pierre Fauchard Academy’s highest U.S. Award, the Gold Medal. The event will take place at the Awards Luncheon in Honolulu during the ADA Annual Session; the Luncheon will begin at 11:30 a.m. in the Sheraton Waikiki on 9 October 1999.
Dr. James Vernetti of Coronado, California, is a lecturer, teacher, author, and community leader who represents the best example of a professional man. He graduated from the University of Southern California and practiced in Coronado for nearly 40 years starting in 1937; he took time off from his practice to serve in the Army and retired at the rank of Lt. Colonel. During his four decades in practice, he was an associate professor at Loma Linda University. After retirement from practice, he became a full professor at the University of Texas Dental School. Dr. Vernetti’s list of honors is extensive. The PFA California, Southern Section presented him with their 1983 Outstanding Member Award. He is a Life Member and was our 1994 essayist for the George Hollenbach Memorial Lecture. He was 1975 President of ACD and received their 1993 Geis Award. A Fellow in ICD, he is the subject of one of their Dental Leaders Video series. He was President and Secretary of ADI in the early 1980s and received their Hillenbrand Award in 1989. He was the Founder and Charter President of AGD’s San Diego Chapter, which honored him by naming its annual Dentist of the Year Award after him. He served as President of the Academy of Gold Foil Operators in 1958 and received their Distinguished Member Award in 1988. He is a Charter Member of the Academy of Operative Dentistry and received their 1988 Award of Excellence. Dr. Vernetti was President of the San Diego County Dental Society (1950–51) and received their 1975 Outstanding Member Award. He was honored with the 1995 ADA International Humanitarian Recognition. |
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First Annual Loader-Espinach International Lecture
Costa Rica PFA Chairman Mario Rodriguez Cordero hosted the first annual Loader-Espinach International Lecture in January in San José’s Corobici Hotel; over 120 attended. Dr. Poul Holm Pedersen gave an all-morning seminar, “New Perspectives in the Treatment of the Elderly: Geriatric Dentistry.”  Dr. Poul Holm Pedersen giving Loader-Espinach Lecture04 Dr. Francisco R. Miranda B. |
During the luncheon that followed, Dr. Pedersen received the First Annual Loader-Espinach Award from Chairman Mario Rodriguez Cordero, who also gave an address on how this event came into being.
The weekly newspaper, Semanario Universidad, did an article covering the lecture and PFA’s part in its sponsorship.
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PFA Award Winners Announced
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| Dr. Francisco Miranda B. to receive Elmer Best Award Dr. Francisco Raul Miranda Baena of Mexico has been selected to receive PFA’s highest award, the Elmer Best Memorial Award, on Wednesday, 27 October, at the French Embassy during the FDI Congress in Mexico City. Past ADA President David A. Whiston will accept the PFA President’s Award at our Annual Awards Luncheon in Hawaii on Saturday, 9 October, at the Sheraton Waikiki Hotel during the annual ADA Session. |
Dr. Whiston is past President of the West Virginia Alumni Association, National Capital Chapter. He received the West Virginia University School of Dentistry Distinguished Alumnus Award and is a member of the Academy of Distinguished Alumni of West Virginia University. PFA Dental Trade & Industry |
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From the Office of Congressman Charles Norwood
Dr. Charlie Norwood (R-Ga.), a PFA Fellow from Georgia, provided us with an update on dental interest bills in the U.S. Congress. Dr. Norwood writes that there have been seven major health care bills introduced in Congress this year. Five of them are patient protection bills and two are about the availability of insurance. Dr. Norwood has sponsored one of each. The Republican leadership in the House will not be bullied by President Clinton, notes Congressman Norwood; thus, Republicans are seeking bipartisan support for their health care legislation. These bills come from the Commerce Committee; Committee Chairman Tom Bliley (R-Va.) has asked Dr. Tom Coburn (R-Okla.) and Dr. Norwood to write both a managed care reform bill and an availability bill. These bills were submitted to the Committee and did get bipartisan approval. However, they must pass some tests, such as staying free from massive political changes, and address the standard of patient care and liability. If these bills are altered, thereby failing in their intended goals and ceasing to be meaningful, “I will walk away and introduce the bills we came up with myself. Although it will be more difficult to get them passed,” Dr. Norwood says, “better no bill than a bad bill.” The two bills proposed go hand in hand, politically, because they appeal to two different groups in Congress. One group strongly supports patient protections; the other group wants to increase the availability of health care insurance. Only together can they pass a bill into law. However, “the insurance companies are gearing up. They are again enlisting business groups as their stooges to |
charge Capitol Hill and pressure members of Congress into not supporting patient protections.” Dr. Norwood writes, “We can win this battle if we beat back the insurance companies.” The proposed availability bill has medical savings accounts, healthmarts, tax credits for individuals, and associated health plans. Most current plans have no or limited dental coverage. Healthmarts will offer a wide range of plans from which the patient can choose. Tax credits will allow individuals to secure coverage under state-regulated plans. Associated health plans will allow small businesses to pool together under ERISA or select from at least two state-controlled plans. With a good managed care reform bill, proper standards will regulate ERISA. The Education and Workforce Committee of OSHA is holding hearings on banning certain powdered latex gloves because of allergic reactions to the powder. The ban is unnecessary since there are already powder-free latex gloves on the market. “The insurance companies are coming after me personally. In their first broadside to Congress, they took pains to drag my name through the mud. Comes with the territory.” Dr. Norwood continues, “However, I am also concerned about what the insurance companies are doing in my next campaign. My 1996 opponent, a trial lawyer, was narrowly defeated by me. This time, he has the support of the insurance companies, labor unions, and his fellow trial lawyers who contributed a quarter of a million dollars to his previous campaign against me. My 10th District is a tough one being evenly divided. I will need your prayers, your vocal support to your Congressmen for me, and a little of your personal $upport. “Let me hear from you at P.O. Box 499, Evans, GA 30809. I truly value your input.” |
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Hall of Fame to Honor
L.D. Pankey Hall of Fame Chairman H. Raymond Klein, past PFA President, has scheduled our Hall of Fame presentation for Sunday, 24 October, at the Sonesta Hotel on Key Biscayne, Florida. The L.D. Pankey Alumni Association is meeting then to celebrate the opening of their new facility in Key Biscayne. President Herb Blumenthal and Vice President Yvonne Hanley feel sharing this prestigious award with the 200 or so attendees as well as with the Pankey family would bring more honor to this recognition of Dr. Lindsey D. Pankey’s work.
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The approved document will then be prepared for placement on our Web site. Any Fellow on the globe can then access an up-to-date copy of the Constitution and Bylaws immediately at any time of day or night. The Business & Finance Committee has completed its audit of the first quarter. All Academy bills have been paid to date and are current. Foundation donations to July of this year from the United States total $20,084, with $2,425 coming from Life Members. The Central Office has processed 39 new Life Members; two special award certificates for Northern California and for Idaho have been prepared; 22 Dentist of the Year plaques have been mailed; 31 Fellowship invitations have been sent to German nominees, with eight replies so far; 393 Fellowship Certificates were mailed; five outgoing Section Chairmen’s plaques have been completed; 68 student awards have been sent; and Dental World has been sent to 94 libraries and 90 Life Members. International final dues statements and 400 U.S. final notices have been mailed. The Mentorship pamphlet is being revised and reprinted for distribution. |
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Foundation News
From the Desk of the Executive Director Dr. Shig Ryan Kishi |
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The Foundation has received 36 grant applications, of which 20 have been reviewed and mailed to the Grants Evaluation Team. Sixteen applications were returned because they failed to meet the Foundation criteria. If all 20 were accepted, the amount would be $165,550. Grant applications have been mailed to 78 prospective applicants.
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All 54 U.S. dental schools have selected recipients for dental student scholarships. Internationally, all Sections but one have submitted student names.
The Costa Rica Section presented their Loader-Espinach Award this year. |
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Canada
International Trustee Kevin Roach reported that Secretary/Treasurer George Peacock of the College of Dental Surgeons of Saskatchewan in Saskatoon and Dr. Keith Hamilton presented the Foundation Scholarship Award to student Stephan Piche at the Saskatoon Dental Society Meeting last June.  L-R: Student Stephan Piche receives scholarship award from Dr. Keith Hamilton |
Uruguay
On behalf of Chairman Roy Cooper, PFA Section Secretary Dr. Roberto Dominguez presented the Foundation Scholarship Award to University of Montevideo Dental School student Virginia Moreira at their annual Awards Ceremony.  Secretary Roberto Dominguez presenting Award to Virginia Moreira |
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United States
California, Southern Section The San Diego Children’s Dental Health Center acknowledged our Foundation’s grant in their recent report for 1998 that noted that their donated services dentists see 600 to 700 visits from indigent children a month. At their annual Meeting last April in Anaheim, Chairman Charles Eller presented the Foundation Scholarship Awards to dental students John Nelsen of Loma Linda, Garrett Nelson of UCLA, and David Yammand of USC. Massachusetts Tufts University School of Dental Medicine student Hidemi Oka received the Foundation Scholarship Award at their sixth annual Senior Awards Luncheon in May, |
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Calendar of Events
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8–14 October 1999—Honolulu
ADA annual Session 8–10 October 1999—Honolulu Hawaiian Academy & Foundation Meetings 9 October 1999—Honolulu Awards Luncheon Installation of Officers 24 October 1999—Key Biscayne, Florida Hall of Fame Presentation 26 October–2 November 1999—Mexico City FDI World Dental Congress 26 October 1999—Mexico City |
28 October 1999—Mexico City
World Congress B 27 October 1999—Mexico City Elmer Best Ceremony 25–27 February 2000—Chicago Academy Board Meetings 26 February 2000—Chicago 4th Leadership Conference 14–18 October 2000—Chicago ADA annual Session 29 November–2 December 2000—Paris FDI World Dental Congress 13–17 October 2001—Kansas City ADA annual Session |
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Hawaii Meeting Schedule
All Section Chairmen are especially invited to attend the Academy Board Meetings, the President’s Reception, and the no-host Fellowship Dinner. |
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Schedule—Sheraton Waikiki Hotel
Friday, 8 October PFA Board Meeting 7:30–11:30 am, Hilo Room Saturday, 9 October Foundation Board Meeting 7:30–11:30 am, Oahu Room Awards Luncheon 11:30 am–2:00 pm, Honolulu Room Installation of Officers/Foundation Board Meeting 2:30–5:00 pm, Oahu Room |
Saturday, 9 October cont'd
Section Chairman’s Caucus 2:30–3:30 pm, Waialua Room President’s Reception 6:30–8:00 pm, Niihau Room Sunday, 10 October Foundation Board Meeting 8:00 am–noon, Hilo Room Academy Board Meeting 1:00–5:00 pm, Hilo Room Fellowship Dinner (no host) 6:30–10:30 pm, Kahuku Room |
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Creo en Pierre Fauchard,
Padre de la Odontologia Moderna by Adolberto Torres, Merida, Venezuela |
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Creo en el Odontologo, imprescindible servidor, concebido por largos años de sacrificio y estudio. Nacio en la Universidad, Padecio bajo el poder de profesores inicuos, fue calificado injustmente, se sintio muerto y sepultado, pero resucito con esfuerzo, subio al paraninfo a obtener el Titulo, y esta sentado a la derecha del sillon dental donde ha de ayudar a dentados y endentulos.
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Creo en la derecho a la salud, en la facultad de odontologia, en la consulta odontologia, en las restauraciones dentales, y en la vida eterna de la Universidad Publica. |
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Section News
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International Trustee Bernardo Levit has sent his annual Friendship Day greeting from Buenos Aires to all Fellows.
 Happy FriendshipDay from Argentina |
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Chairman Bertrand Mauldauer and PFA Editor Brophy held a dinner meeting in San Ignacio, Belize, on the Guatemala border, to discuss various Academy and Foundation programs for Central America. Dr. Mauldauer is a second-generation dentist; his father was one of the first dentists in British Honduras (now Belize). Dr. Mauldauer is donating some of his old dental equipment to a dental museum in Nevada; our Secretary/Treasurer Richard Kozal is arranging the donation.
Dr. Yvonne Mauldauer, Chairman Mauldauer’s son, also attended the meeting and practices with his father in both Belize and in Guatemala. The Drs. Mauldauer receive their issue of Dental World via the Academy Web site long before the mail catches up. The gracious doctors supplied Editor Brophy with extracted teeth from their practice for use in his archeological dental research project comparing modern teeth to 1,000-year-old teeth that have been excavated, and for burial to test the soil’s effects on teeth. |
Dr. Brophy is staff archeologist for the College of Lake County in Illinois at their Maya ruin site in south central Belize.
 L-R: Editor Brophy, Chairman Bertrand Mauldauer, and Dr. Yvonne Mauldauer |
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Dr. Anthony H. L. Tjan, professor emeritus of restorative dentistry at Loma Linda University, received the 1998 Michinosuke Nakayama Memorial award from Section President Dr. Katsumi Masuda at their annual meeting last October in Kobe. Then PFA President Shig R. Kishi presented a gold medal to Dr. Tjan. The Nakayama Award
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is presented by the Japan Section to recognize individuals who have made an outstanding contribution to dental materials research and development, and is their highest award.
This achievement was reported in Loma Linda’s spring issue of SCOPE. |
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California, Southern Section
Chairman Charles Eller hosted their annual Meeting during the CDA Scientific Session last April at the West Coast Anaheim Hotel; there were 177 attendees. Past PFA Presidents Shig Kishi, Carl Lundgren, and George Higue were all present.  Foundation Treasurer George Higue and Chairman Charles Eller Dr. Al Solnit of USC received their Honor Award from Fellow Rex Ingraham (the 1978 Award recipient). Dr. Solnit is a USC graduate and served the school for 26 years as Operative Instructor, Associate Professor and Chairman of the Department of Dental Anatomy, and Professor in Restorative Dentistry. The Section’s “Teacher of the Year” Awards were presented to Dr. David Anderson of Loma Linda, Dr. Robert Duell of UCLA, and Dr. Lynette Kagihara of USC. Thirty-one new Fellows were inducted: Donna Arase of Arcadia, Jim Back of Bonita, Vasiliki Bazos of Redondo Beach, James Chen of Santa Ana, Jerry Clements of Torrance, Michael Copp of Coronado, Robert Curreri of Laguna Hills, Ron Dinning of Santa Barbara, Alan Felsenfeld of Marina del Rey, Mark George of Orange, Viviane Haber of Glendora, Roland Hansen of Mammoth Lakes, Louis Herbers of Upland, Bruce Johnson of Poway, Thomas Lee of Porter Ranch, Philip Maldonado of Covina, James Mebust of Coronado, Ellen Miyashiro of La Jolla, Alex Namikas of Ventura, Bao Nguyen of San Diego, Dan Patrick of San Diego, Frank Pavel of San Diego, Joseph Renzi of Santa Ana, Jay Solnit of Beverly Hills, Norman Sperber of San Diego, Dan Tan of Loma Linda, James Thompson of San Diego, Fred Tsutsui of Torrance, Nerendra Vyas of Fontana, Shane White of Los Angeles, and James Withers of Manhattan Beach. Fellow Ron Chuka of Santa Ana chairs their successful Mentorship Program. His mission statement is “To introduce and to motivate any willing student—by example—towards professionalism and excellence in private practice environments.” Fellow Roy T. Yanase was honored by the Japanese-American Dental Society for his leadership and dedication to their organization. Fellow Andrew Severson is the ACD Chairman for Southern California. PFA Southern California Editor William Mihram of Santa Ana publishes a quarterly color newsletter for their PFA Section called PerSpecTive. It is an excellent communications tool for keeping members informed locally as well as internationally. Iowa Past PFA President Larry Barrett and his wife Lois have established the Iowa PFA Educational Fund Award, named after former University of Iowa School of Dentistry Dean John Montgomery and Dr. James McLeran.  L-R: Lois and Larry Barrett, recipient Michelle Bergstrom, and Dean John and Shirley Montgomery The fund grants a scholarship award to a student or faculty member to aid them in furthering their education. This year’s presentation was to senior Michelle Bergstrom of Bloomington, Minnesota, who is planning to specialize in endodontics. Mississippi  L-R: President Long, recipient Michael Perry, and Dean J. Perry McGinnis, Jr. International President James Long presented our PFA Student Award to University of Mississippi Medical Center dental student Michael M. Perry during their Dental School Honors Day. Michael Perry also received the American Academy of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology Award, the American Academy of Periodontology Award, the Quintessence Publishing Company Research Achievement Award, and the Trustmark National Bank Award. Mississippi continued next column --> |
Mississippi continued ....
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Chair Christine Benoit, Trustee Robert Friedman presenting award to Dr. Raymond George