|
President’s Message
|
||
|
Our dream or vision of what we wish to create in our life and the world around us represents the driving force behind our actions. When we are clear in our intentions about the fulfillment of those dreams, that driving force fuels the reality of the legacy of our lives.
As Fellows of the Pierre Fauchard Academy, we are living in the fulfillment of the dream or vision of Dr. Elmer S. Best. He dreamed of excellence, service, and integrity within the profession and the research literature it produced. I have personally witnessed those qualities in the lives of the Fellows of the Academy whom I have met, and I am continually reminded of the goodness in the hearts of dentists worldwide. That awareness of goodness and excellence within the members of the profession of dentistry can be a driving force to maintain those same high standards in our own practice of dentistry. Whatever dream or vision we hold in our hearts and minds is reflected in our actions and will ultimately become our own legacy. In the early 1970s, singer Karen Carpenter sang these words in her recording Look to Your Dreams. “Look to your dreams. Do they still seem worthwhile? Do they still seem in style? Are you glad they’re still there? |
Once conceived, once believed, fantasy’s reality’s childhood. Look to your dreams and tomorrow may be better for you and me. The future may say, ‘blame blind yesterday for taking dreams away.’ Look to your dreams. They could mean more than they seem.”
A successful businessman, Dexter Yaeger, defined success as “the progressive fulfillment of your own worthwhile dreams.” I suppose that we all are seeking some form of success in our lives. How that looks in the end will most likely depend on our ability to identify our own dreams or vision and then progressively fulfill it through our actions and efforts. To do so requires an inherent trust in the goodness of life and the hope that all service has worthwhile purpose. That trust is basic to life. Many call it faith. Whatever you wish to call it, it is the ultimate fuel for our actions. Another successful facilitator and business leader, Steven Covey, says: “Compelling trust is the highest form of human motivation.” I wish for us all the progressive fulfillment of our own worthwhile dreams. |
|
|
Gary Lowder, DDS
President |
||
|
|
Calendar 2003 | |
|
24 May 26 May 31 May 18 September 18-21 September 24-27 September 11 October 23 October 24 October 23-26 October 24 October 25 October 26 October 25-29 October |
Canadian PFA Breakfast, Jasper Park Lodge, Alberta Chile Section Meeting Korean Section Meeting, Seoul, Korea Australasia Section Breakfast Meeting, Skyline Terrace Convention Centre, 7 a.m., Sydney 91st FDI World Congress, Sydney, Australia New Orleans Dental Conference, New Orleans 34th Annual Meeting of the Japan Section, Shizouka City, Japan ACD Convocation ICD Convocation PFA Annual Board & Foundation Meeting, San Francisco PFA Board Meeting PFA Awards Luncheon, Presidents Reception Foundation Board Meeting: morning and afternoon session Foundation Board Meeting: morning session PFA Board Meeting: afternoon session Academy Dinner Party 144th ADA Session, San Francisco (Have your PFA Event date put here. E-mail Editor Brophy at PFADWJMB@aol.com) |
|
Executive Board Meeting
|
||
Salt Lake City, Utah, 8 March 2003 |
||
|
Immediate past President Scott Welch opened the early morning meeting with the Invocation.
President Gary Lowder discussed the group’s mission to build on the legacy of the past and establish a foundation of compelling trust. Dr. Lowder noted that our liabilities as leaders are to rise to a higher level of responsibility and accountability. Trustees’ Approval Dr. Lowder then reported that the formal mail ballot of the Board of Trustees was unanimous in favor of holding the Executive Board Meeting in place of the Constitutional decreed Interim Board of Trustees Meeting. Dr. Shira’s Funeral President Lowder was the Academy’s representative at Dr. Shira’s funeral. He discussed the warm reception at Dr. Robert Shira’s funeral by the General’s family. Dr. Lowder had opportunity to speak at the funeral and read Dr. Shira’s “Celebrate Life” passage in the book Legacy. Past PFA President Shira’s funeral was magnificent and dignified, as befitted this great man. New Orleans Meeting Minutes The Minutes of the Annual Board of Trustees Meeting in New Orleans (2002) were accepted, with discussion, but no changes. Dr. Lowder stressed the need for the Trustees to travel in their regions to attend the PFA Section events. President-elect Kevin Roach, who is going as a Delegate from Canada, will represent PFA at the FDI Congress in Sydney, Australia, at this Autumn’s meeting. |
Central Office Report
Secretary/Treasurer Richard Kozal reported for the Central Office. They have sent out 31 Distinguished Service plaques and one outgoing Chairman’s plaque since the New Orleans Meeting. Outstanding Student Certificate recommendation letters have been sent to all the U.S. and Canadian dental schools. Updated membership lists and delinquent members lists have been sent to all the Section Chairs. PFA Web Site The Web site has been updated with a new look. More pages have been added, including the up-to-date membership list and articles on the history of dentistry. Arrangements are being designed for linking the main PFA Web site with Section Web sites. Treasurer’s Report All the Academy bills are current. The Board then reviewed the financial statement to date with the Academy’s accountant, Dan Jonker, who explained it line item by line item. Two large expenses last year ran over budget, the new pamphlets and legal expenses. Otherwise, the Academy would be in the black. The Executive Board will then work on drawing up the 2003-2004 budget for the San Francisco Meeting presentation and approval by the Board of Trustees. The goal for this year is to recruit 600 new members to balance the retirements and those going to Life status. The Leadership Conference was postponed indefinitely. The Hall of Fame induction ceremonies have been delayed to save the expense. Free copies of our publications to libraries will cease, and the libraries and dental schools will be advised to download them off our Web site. All dues income goes through a bank lock box that sends daily statements to the Central Office, which are then entered into the Central Office main computer for crediting and sent on to the accountant. The office staff can be kept to a cost minimum due to the lock box processing. To bill and collect individual Section dues, which vary from Section to Section, would require expansion of the staff to handle this complex task, resulting in increased overhead and additional costs for lock box usage. |
|
| Executive Board Meeting Continued... | ||
|
|
||
Executive Board Conference Calls Quarterly conference phone calls continue to keep the Executive Board informed about the Academy’s financial status. PFA is filed with the State of Nevada as a not-for-profit foreign corporation operating in the State of Nevada. The current PFA pamphlet has had its inserts updated for use in recruitment. This pamphlet is available upon request from the Central Office. Section Chair’s Caucus The tremendous input from the Section Chair Caucus, exchange of ideas, and addressing questions to PFA Officers directly has demonstrated to be more informative in focusing on their individual approaches to running their Sections from individuals who are actually doing the job, that the Board felt a Leadership Conference might not be needed. Instead of a Leadership Conference run by the International Officers speaking from their positions to mostly the same active Section Chairs, the officers felt that more was achieved by having the Section Chairs address the Officers with their needs and suggestions. So for the time being, the Leadership Conference has been tabled to concentrate on the Section Chairs’ concerns. FDI Membership Discussion ensued about the value of continued membership in the FDI. We are Associate Members at their annual Congress and have no vote. The contacts that are made there and the PFA Meetings can be accomplished without FDI membership and the expense of sending representatives. Many of our Officers already attend for other organizations and can handle that representation. It was unanimously agreed to drop our membership in FDI for the near future. President-elect Kevin Roach will represent us at the FDI Congress in 2003 at Sydney, and in India in 2004. PFA International Dental Museum The PFA Dental Museum was discussed as more dental materials have been donated. With the increased space to be available (at no charge) in the new UNLV Dental School, the museum will be able to expand. This is all coming about as a result of the general dental feeling that our century or so of dentistry in the New World has significant meaning and impact on our populations. We are seeing it evolve and develop as we speak from the jungles of Central America to the top educational institutes in the United States and Canada. Founders and leaders of this development have only recently died, like our Dr. Robert Shira. PFA realizes the necessity of preserving that heritage now if we are to be able to collect such artifacts from our immediate history to continue to educate future generations. PFA’s founding mission was to provide the profession with accurate up-to-date scientific and technological discoveries. By extension of that mandate, it has become essential to demonstrate where we came from to get to today. The general public has increased its awareness for their need for dental treatment and prevention. They have become more than silent partners in wanting to know what we are doing. Our mission in that area is to educate ourselves and the public of whence we came and where we are. This demonstrates our profession’s commitment to improving their health constantly through improved research and adapting better technology. For example, the newly completed Marquette University Dental School (Wisconsin) has included various period dental operatories on display. Dr. Brobert Ibsen of Den-Mat has funded a turn of the century dental office that will be placed in the new dental school. The administrators of Marquette Dental School have the vision to see, as well, how important it is to demonstrate visually the progress the profession of dentistry has made on the public’s behalf. As an international organization, we are the ONLY such organization to begin this collection progress worldwide. We ask all our members to consider donating such ancient dental materials to the PFA Museum and we will cover the shipping costs. Please contact the Central Office before doing so. National Dental Museum The Harris Dental Museum in Baltimore has offered to do a site honoring the life of Dr. Robert Shira for a sizeable donation. It was felt that Dr. Shira’s life and his contributions to the entire profession merited their attention on its own, and they would be remiss not to honor him on behalf of the entire profession. San Francisco Annual Meeting Secretary/Treasurer Richard Kozal has filed with the ADA arrangements for the PFA Meetings during their annual Session. He has requested that we be housed at the San Francisco Marriott, the ADA headquarters hotel for the Board of Trustees Meetings for the Academy and Foundation from 24 October through 26 October. This will include the President’s Luncheon on Saturday 25 October, the President’s Reception that evening, and the no-host President’s Dinner on Sunday evening 26 October. This schedule of events and housing hotel information will be forthcoming from the Central Office, subject to the ADA Housing Committee’s approval. Nominating Committee Dr. Kevin Roach of Canada, as President-elect, will become President for 2003-2004. Dr. Michael Perpich was nominated for President-elect. Dr. Howard Mark was nominated for Vice President |
Awards Committee Report The Awards Committee report from Trustee James Englander was discussed. The manner of having past award Gold Medal recipients nominating candidates was suggested for change to approval by the Awards Committee and to allow the Board of Trustees to also nominate candidates, particularly when there is no clear cut choice. The PFA Gold Medal is given to a U.S. resident for outstanding contributions to the progress and standing of the dental profession. This Award, the Academy’s highest honor in the United States, is presented annually at the President’s Luncheon. The Elmer S. Best Award, the Academy’s alternate highest honor, is presented to an outstanding professional outside the United States. The nominee must have unanimous approval of the Awards Committee and two thirds vote of the Board of Trustees. The Award is usually presented in or near the country of the awardee at a special event. The Dental Trade and Industry Recognition Award is presented to an outstanding manufacturer that additionally contributes to the dental profession in philanthropic ways. The Awards Committee, with the approval of the Executive Committee and the Board of Trustees, also recommends additional awards such as Distinguished Service, Honorary Fellowship, and Appreciation Awards when the occasion arises. Constitution and Bylaws Vice President Michael Perpich discussed integrating the suggestions of the Academy’s attorney, Jon Howe, to streamlining the Constitution and Bylaws to unify the changes. One of those suggested changes was to rename the Secretary/ Treasurer’s position to Secretary General. Another was to rename the former Memorial Luncheon, which had been changed to the Awards Luncheon, now to be called the President’s Luncheon. This is held on Saturday at noon during the annual meeting and the ADA Session. The agreed changes will be incorporated into our documents, submitted to Trustee Mark Howard for checking, then to attorney Jonathan Howe for legal approval, and then submitted to the Board of Trustees at the annual meeting in San Francisco for adoption. Long-Range Plan Trustee Howard Mark has drawn up a comprehensive long-range plan for the Academy, which has covered every aspect of improving our organization. Nothing was left out. The Executive Board at this meeting—and their dedicated activities between meetings—has begun to implement the more immediate suggestions from that plan. International Dental Hall of Fame While the decision was to postpone some of the members already recommended due to the expenses—for right now—applications for future inductees are still being accepted by Chairman and past PFA President Ray Klein. Dr. Ray Klein and International Trustee Pierre Marois have arranged to have our Hall of Fame established at the ADA Headquarters Building Library (Chicago) with a television format that can call up the plaques and that person’s biography. Drs. Klein and Marois reported excellent cooperation with the ADA over this matter, particularly with ADA Executive Director Dr. James Bramson and staff person Carol Overman. Secretary General Richard Kozal visited the site when he attended the Chicago Dental Society’s Mid Winter Meeting last February. He gave a glowing report of its format and location. You can view the site yourself on-line at http:// www.ada.org/prof/prac/issues/library/catalog.asp. There is a picture of the site with a bust of Pierre Fauchard. To the right of that bust is the computer/monitor to go through the Hall of Fame. You may make the trip by clicking on the picture. Foundation Report The Executive Board has requested funds from the Foundation for various programs. President Lowder will write a grant request letter to the Foundation for their approval. Past PFA president and Foundation Public Relations Chairman filed a report that the Foundation has awarded $97,500 in student scholarships and $204,104 in project grants for 2002. That brings the total dating from its 1996 initiation to 150 grants awarded and more than 500 dental scholarships amounting to $2,224,000. A list of those awarded this year will appear under Foundation News. Dr. Barrett’s New Orleans presentation to the Academy Board of Trustees of his plan to try and raise $3 million to increase the Foundation’s principle, had as yet to be approved by the Foundation Board, according to Foundation President Carl Lundgren. The Academy did appoint three Trustees to help out on the project when it has been established by the Foundation. Closing President Gary Lowder gaveled down the meeting’s end in late afternoon after a full day of hammering away at the issues PFA was facing. Many items were thoroughly discussed and action commenced in preparation for presentation to the Board of trustees in San Francisco’s Meeting. |
|
|
Membership
By Trustee Charles Eller |
||
| The world situation seems to be so unsettled, and yet there are organizations, such as ours, who try to do their part in assisting where the needs are physical, not political. We are the world’s largest philanthropic dental organization, a service academy in the truest sense, of nearly 8000 members. Our Foundation has distributed nearly $2.25 million in grants for worthwhile dental projects worldwide since 1996. Membership recruitment is always a challenge. Each of us does his job differently, but sometimes it is good to share what works for one Section and what does not. We look for leaders in our local dental societies and deans of dental schools for qualified prospective members. Many dentists have never considered membership and are only vaguely aware of PFA. But if asked, they begin considering the option. Serving in positions of dental leadership is fleeting. But Fellowship in a service Academy is ongoing. Organized dental leadership positions are confining to their exacting duties, while membership in PFA is as creative as the individual desires to become. Dental leadership is defining in time and effort, whereas PFA projects are selective for available time and effort. To Section Chairs, we are approaching the Spring and Summer months in the northern hemisphere where we can plan activities indoors and outside. Give the Academy one hour a month of your time, set yourself a goal, and then exceed it. The Central Office, our Web site, the new pamphlet can all be aids in keeping our membership viable and growing. |
Motivation appears to be a universal problem in any organization. Our top leaders in the Academy must be the main source for this motivational effort. They are young and enthusiastic. They are encouraging in all efforts and carry a heavy load for PFA. They stand ready to help out in all areas that you as a Chairperson, or even as a member, wish to conceive and execute a project. The resources are available. The track record is proven. All that we need is your taking up the challenge to build membership, to create a dental project to serve the public, and to carry out together the goals you have set for your group. And all you need to do is ask. Ask the PFA leaders. Ask the Central office. Ask your colleagues to join you in one of the world’s greatest dental service organizations serving the world. By working, one person at a time, we multiply those simple efforts until they are magnified by all the Fellowship globally. Through our combined efforts, perhaps we can make our world a little less unsettled. |
|
by Arvid Saunaitis, CDT
President, Kromex Dental Laboratory
Compared with other technologies that have been replaced with new innovations, partial dentures or removable bridges will soon become a thing of the past because the knowledge to construct them will no longer exist. Unlike the need for full dentures, which has been reduced by root canals and fluoride, the demand for partial dentures is on the rise.
The reason that people lose their teeth is not always neglect. Accidents, sports injuries, genetics, prosthesis work done by cheap, less-than-quality laboratories are some of the other reasons. An improperly designed partial that fails to take in the biophysics of the oral cavity can be as damaging.
Unlike a fixed bridge that requires the reduction of healthy teeth and the stress that is put on them to absorb the shock of the entire bridge span in mastication, a partial denture shares the shock with the edentulous ridge and the clasped teeth. Today, the partial can be made thinly and small without exposing any unsightly metal. By relining the partial every year and a half to two years, the partial can last longer and cost only a fraction of a bridge.
But the exacting construction of partials involves some very complex procedures. Each procedure is usually handled by a technician familiar with only one part of the construction process. The technician that oversees the entire process from start to finish is the department head or laboratory owner. For a technician to reach that level of expertise requires talent, dedication, and a minimum of five working years under the supervision of an experienced technician. Unfortunately, most of such experienced technicians have reached the retirement age. The dental technology schools in the United States that still remain open, do not even have such instructors on their staff. Before the level of talent leaves the industry, the knowledge they possess must be passed on to the next generation of technicians.
Various dental, government, and outside organizations must take immediate action if this technology is to survive. I have authored several articles in dental magazines, even the Chicago Sun-Times, calling attention to this problem. The only response generated has been from the general public. No one else seems to care.
The dental manufacturers claim to have educational programs in place and demonstrate little concern. Having been in this industry for the past quarter of a century, I can only say that an expensive, short training course by companies that are only interested in selling their products is definitely not the solution.
For further information on this problem and what you can do to help, contact the Forum for Prosthetic Dentistry at 773/436-9440. Think of the alternative.
Editor’s comment: Arvid Saunaitis presents a very real problem facing dentistry, and through us, the public we serve. NHS has already determined that there will be a shortage of dentists by 2005. Now we will be also facing a shortage of qualified lab technicians that we depend on for our living. As the population is expanding and the desires of the general public are growing, the pool of dental purveyors will be shrinking. Technology has improved for us to serve the public better and faster; however, there are just so many stressful hours in the day that one dentist, one technician can put in.
If our professions do not step up to help answer these problems, then we leave it to the government or private for-profit companies to determine the direction these solutions will be taking. One such solution will be expanded duties in both fields to unqualified individuals to fill the void, or reduce the service to those who cannot afford the increased expense as demand will outstrip supply, driving costs and fees up. Is this what we want?
The Legacy Continues…
Dr. Robert Shira’s legacy continues on with your donations to his requested final act of humanity, the PFA Foundation. The Foundation thanks all those who remember this wonderful leader. He may have been a two-star general with the Army, but he was five stars to the Academy and Foundation. Send your remembrances into Foundation Executive Director Shig Kishi, 1441 Avocado Avenue, Suite 508, Newport Beach, CA 93660.
• Becker, Dr. Norman – Massachusetts Section Chairman
• Kort, Dr. William – past PFA President
• Osborn, Joan
• Roach, Dr. Kevin and Anne, PFA President-elect
To date, $7870 have been contributed in Dr. Shira’s name.
by Dr. Shig Ryan Kishi
Foundation News
As of this April, 128 applications have been mailed out. The total 2002 applications were 93. Due to the economic recession, the Foundation has received an unprecedented number of grant application requests, and even more faxes and requests for information and guidelines.
Six of this year’s requests are from Section Chairs.
Usually about one third of those applications are returned completed. About one half of those are ineligible. That would leave about 21 for Board review. Actually, this is ahead of last year’s requests. Just a reminder that the grant application deadline is 1 June 2003 for consideration by the Board in San Francisco. The Foundation has approximately $130,000 for distribution at this year’s meeting for 2003.
Award recipient Satoru Morikawa holding presented certificate next to bemedaled Trustee Mamoru Sakuda and other dignitaries
Dr. Michel Lubin, on behalf of Paris’ Mobile Dental Clinic Association, expressed the Association Board’s appreciation for the Foundation grant presented them by International Trustee Pierre Marois and President Andrè Robert of the Conseil National de l’Ordre des Chirurgen Dentistes in a reception ceremony to purchase a new mobile dental health care bus to serve the poor of Paris.
India
Section Secretary/Treasurer T. Samraj reports presenting the Foundation Scholarship Award to Ms. R. Varna of the Government Dental College in Trivandram. Dr N. Subramanian, President of the India Dental Association Trivanandram Branch, made the presentation with Dr. T. Rameaj.
Student R. Varna receiving award from Dr. N. Subramanian with Dr. T. Samraj present
Meikai University School of Dentistry presented the Foundation’s Scholarship Award in the Dean’s Room to student Satoru Morikawa. PFA International Trustee for Japan Mamoru Sakuda and PFA Japan Section Executive Board member Dr. Hirokazu Hashimoto were on hand for the presentation along with Professor Hiroshi Nakajima, Associate Dean for Academic Affairs. Dean Toshikazu Yasui expressed his appreciation and opportunity that we helped provide to one of his students to aid in developing the student’s future career in dentistry.
Switzerland
Chairman Roland Soellner presented the Foundation Scholarship Award to the University of Basel Dental School student Mrs. Photini Mengisopoulos at a ceremony with the other dental students and faculty present. Professor Carlo Marinello gave the address concerning the structure and goals of the Academy and of the Foundation. Chairman Soellner outlined the importance of a “role model” in the PFA to motivate the younger generation to become dentists of high quality. Professor Dr. Jurg Meyer, SSO Magazine Editor for the Swiss Dental Organization, was also present at the awarding and organized the press part in which a whole page was dedicated to this PFA event.
Foundation News
Indiana
Section Chair David Matthews of Ft. Wayne presented the Foundation Scholarship Award to Indiana University School of Dentistry student David C. Swiderski last January with Associate dean of Student Affairs Margot L. Van Dis and Dean Lawrence I. Goldblatt in attendance.
L-R, Associate Dean Margot Van Dis, Chair David Matthews, recipient David Swiderski, and Dean Lawrence Goldblatt
Iowa
PFA International Trustee Steve K. Hedlund presented this year’s Foundation Scholarship to University of Iowa School of Dentistry student Marc Welge of Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Student Marc Welge receives Scholarship Award from Trustee Steve Hedlund
Pennsylvania
Dean Raymond Fonseca of the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine, and Dean-designate Marjorie Jeffcoat presented the Foundation Scholarship to Student scholar Andrea Woods last February.
Dean Raymond Fonseca, recipient Andrea Woods, and Dean-designate Marjorie Jeffcoat
Wisconsin
Chairman Glenn Maihofer reports continued outstanding success with their mentorship program with the Wisconsin Dental Association and the Marquette University School of Dentistry with more than 300 participants. They provide opportunities beyond the chairside preceptorship with functions planned every month, such as sports outings. At their recent Marquette Golden Eagles basketball outing they had 125 participants. This is their eighth year of the program. The Foundation Scholarship Award, which went to student Jason Guerrero at one of their functions, is another example of relating the PFA activities and demonstrating our concern for those in our profession.
As Fellows of the Pierre Fauchard Academy, we are living in the fulfillment of the dream or vision of Dr. Elmer S. Best. He dreamed of excellence, service, and integrity within the profession and the research literature it produced. I have personally witnessed those qualities in the lives of the Fellows of the Academy whom I have met, and I am continually reminded of the goodness in the hearts of dentists worldwide. That awareness of goodness and excellence within the members of the profession of dentistry can be a driving force to maintain those same high standards in our own practice of dentistry. Whatever dream or vision we hold in our hearts and minds is reflected in our actions and will ultimately become our own legacy.
In the early 1970s, singer Karen Carpenter sang these words in her recording Look to Your Dreams. “Look to your dreams. Do they still seem worthwhile? Do they still seem in style? Are you glad they’re still there?
A successful businessman, Dexter Yaeger, defined success as “the progressive fulfillment of your own worthwhile dreams.” I suppose that we all are seeking some form of success in our lives. How that looks in the end will most likely depend on our ability to identify our own dreams or vision and then progressively fulfill it through our actions and efforts. To do so requires an inherent trust in the goodness of life and the hope that all service has worthwhile purpose. That trust is basic to life. Many call it faith. Whatever you wish to call it, it is the ultimate fuel for our actions.
Another successful facilitator and business leader, Steven Covey, says: “Compelling trust is the highest form of human motivation.”
I wish for us all the progressive fulfillment of our own worthwhile dreams.
President
|
|
Calendar 2003 | |
|
24 May 26 May 31 May 18 September 18-21 September 24-27 September 11 October 23 October 24 October 23-26 October 24 October 25 October 26 October 25-29 October |
Canadian PFA Breakfast, Jasper Park Lodge, Alberta Chile Section Meeting Korean Section Meeting, Seoul, Korea Australasia Section Breakfast Meeting, Skyline Terrace Convention Centre, 7 a.m., Sydney 91st FDI World Congress, Sydney, Australia New Orleans Dental Conference, New Orleans 34th Annual Meeting of the Japan Section, Shizouka City, Japan ACD Convocation ICD Convocation PFA Annual Board & Foundation Meeting, San Francisco PFA Board Meeting PFA Awards Luncheon, Presidents Reception Foundation Board Meeting: morning and afternoon session Foundation Board Meeting: morning session PFA Board Meeting: afternoon session Academy Dinner Party 144th ADA Session, San Francisco (Have your PFA Event date put here. E-mail Editor Brophy at PFADWJMB@aol.com) |
|
Executive Board Meeting
|
||
Salt Lake City, Utah, 8 March 2003 |
||
|
Immediate past President Scott Welch opened the early morning meeting with the Invocation.
President Gary Lowder discussed the group’s mission to build on the legacy of the past and establish a foundation of compelling trust. Dr. Lowder noted that our liabilities as leaders are to rise to a higher level of responsibility and accountability. Trustees’ Approval Dr. Lowder then reported that the formal mail ballot of the Board of Trustees was unanimous in favor of holding the Executive Board Meeting in place of the Constitutional decreed Interim Board of Trustees Meeting. Dr. Shira’s Funeral President Lowder was the Academy’s representative at Dr. Shira’s funeral. He discussed the warm reception at Dr. Robert Shira’s funeral by the General’s family. Dr. Lowder had opportunity to speak at the funeral and read Dr. Shira’s “Celebrate Life” passage in the book Legacy. Past PFA President Shira’s funeral was magnificent and dignified, as befitted this great man. New Orleans Meeting Minutes The Minutes of the Annual Board of Trustees Meeting in New Orleans (2002) were accepted, with discussion, but no changes. Dr. Lowder stressed the need for the Trustees to travel in their regions to attend the PFA Section events. President-elect Kevin Roach, who is going as a Delegate from Canada, will represent PFA at the FDI Congress in Sydney, Australia, at this Autumn’s meeting. |
Central Office Report
Secretary/Treasurer Richard Kozal reported for the Central Office. They have sent out 31 Distinguished Service plaques and one outgoing Chairman’s plaque since the New Orleans Meeting. Outstanding Student Certificate recommendation letters have been sent to all the U.S. and Canadian dental schools. Updated membership lists and delinquent members lists have been sent to all the Section Chairs. PFA Web Site The Web site has been updated with a new look. More pages have been added, including the up-to-date membership list and articles on the history of dentistry. Arrangements are being designed for linking the main PFA Web site with Section Web sites. Treasurer’s Report All the Academy bills are current. The Board then reviewed the financial statement to date with the Academy’s accountant, Dan Jonker, who explained it line item by line item. Two large expenses last year ran over budget, the new pamphlets and legal expenses. Otherwise, the Academy would be in the black. The Executive Board will then work on drawing up the 2003-2004 budget for the San Francisco Meeting presentation and approval by the Board of Trustees. The goal for this year is to recruit 600 new members to balance the retirements and those going to Life status. The Leadership Conference was postponed indefinitely. The Hall of Fame induction ceremonies have been delayed to save the expense. Free copies of our publications to libraries will cease, and the libraries and dental schools will be advised to download them off our Web site. All dues income goes through a bank lock box that sends daily statements to the Central Office, which are then entered into the Central Office main computer for crediting and sent on to the accountant. The office staff can be kept to a cost minimum due to the lock box processing. To bill and collect individual Section dues, which vary from Section to Section, would require expansion of the staff to handle this complex task, resulting in increased overhead and additional costs for lock box usage. |
|
| Executive Board Meeting Continued... | ||
|
|
||
Executive Board Conference Calls Quarterly conference phone calls continue to keep the Executive Board informed about the Academy’s financial status. PFA is filed with the State of Nevada as a not-for-profit foreign corporation operating in the State of Nevada. The current PFA pamphlet has had its inserts updated for use in recruitment. This pamphlet is available upon request from the Central Office. Section Chair’s Caucus The tremendous input from the Section Chair Caucus, exchange of ideas, and addressing questions to PFA Officers directly has demonstrated to be more informative in focusing on their individual approaches to running their Sections from individuals who are actually doing the job, that the Board felt a Leadership Conference might not be needed. Instead of a Leadership Conference run by the International Officers speaking from their positions to mostly the same active Section Chairs, the officers felt that more was achieved by having the Section Chairs address the Officers with their needs and suggestions. So for the time being, the Leadership Conference has been tabled to concentrate on the Section Chairs’ concerns. FDI Membership Discussion ensued about the value of continued membership in the FDI. We are Associate Members at their annual Congress and have no vote. The contacts that are made there and the PFA Meetings can be accomplished without FDI membership and the expense of sending representatives. Many of our Officers already attend for other organizations and can handle that representation. It was unanimously agreed to drop our membership in FDI for the near future. President-elect Kevin Roach will represent us at the FDI Congress in 2003 at Sydney, and in India in 2004. PFA International Dental Museum The PFA Dental Museum was discussed as more dental materials have been donated. With the increased space to be available (at no charge) in the new UNLV Dental School, the museum will be able to expand. This is all coming about as a result of the general dental feeling that our century or so of dentistry in the New World has significant meaning and impact on our populations. We are seeing it evolve and develop as we speak from the jungles of Central America to the top educational institutes in the United States and Canada. Founders and leaders of this development have only recently died, like our Dr. Robert Shira. PFA realizes the necessity of preserving that heritage now if we are to be able to collect such artifacts from our immediate history to continue to educate future generations. PFA’s founding mission was to provide the profession with accurate up-to-date scientific and technological discoveries. By extension of that mandate, it has become essential to demonstrate where we came from to get to today. The general public has increased its awareness for their need for dental treatment and prevention. They have become more than silent partners in wanting to know what we are doing. Our mission in that area is to educate ourselves and the public of whence we came and where we are. This demonstrates our profession’s commitment to improving their health constantly through improved research and adapting better technology. For example, the newly completed Marquette University Dental School (Wisconsin) has included various period dental operatories on display. Dr. Brobert Ibsen of Den-Mat has funded a turn of the century dental office that will be placed in the new dental school. The administrators of Marquette Dental School have the vision to see, as well, how important it is to demonstrate visually the progress the profession of dentistry has made on the public’s behalf. As an international organization, we are the ONLY such organization to begin this collection progress worldwide. We ask all our members to consider donating such ancient dental materials to the PFA Museum and we will cover the shipping costs. Please contact the Central Office before doing so. National Dental Museum The Harris Dental Museum in Baltimore has offered to do a site honoring the life of Dr. Robert Shira for a sizeable donation. It was felt that Dr. Shira’s life and his contributions to the entire profession merited their attention on its own, and they would be remiss not to honor him on behalf of the entire profession. San Francisco Annual Meeting Secretary/Treasurer Richard Kozal has filed with the ADA arrangements for the PFA Meetings during their annual Session. He has requested that we be housed at the San Francisco Marriott, the ADA headquarters hotel for the Board of Trustees Meetings for the Academy and Foundation from 24 October through 26 October. This will include the President’s Luncheon on Saturday 25 October, the President’s Reception that evening, and the no-host President’s Dinner on Sunday evening 26 October. This schedule of events and housing hotel information will be forthcoming from the Central Office, subject to the ADA Housing Committee’s approval. Nominating Committee Dr. Kevin Roach of Canada, as President-elect, will become President for 2003-2004. Dr. Michael Perpich was nominated for President-elect. Dr. Howard Mark was nominated for Vice President |
Awards Committee Report The Awards Committee report from Trustee James Englander was discussed. The manner of having past award Gold Medal recipients nominating candidates was suggested for change to approval by the Awards Committee and to allow the Board of Trustees to also nominate candidates, particularly when there is no clear cut choice. The PFA Gold Medal is given to a U.S. resident for outstanding contributions to the progress and standing of the dental profession. This Award, the Academy’s highest honor in the United States, is presented annually at the President’s Luncheon. The Elmer S. Best Award, the Academy’s alternate highest honor, is presented to an outstanding professional outside the United States. The nominee must have unanimous approval of the Awards Committee and two thirds vote of the Board of Trustees. The Award is usually presented in or near the country of the awardee at a special event. The Dental Trade and Industry Recognition Award is presented to an outstanding manufacturer that additionally contributes to the dental profession in philanthropic ways. The Awards Committee, with the approval of the Executive Committee and the Board of Trustees, also recommends additional awards such as Distinguished Service, Honorary Fellowship, and Appreciation Awards when the occasion arises. Constitution and Bylaws Vice President Michael Perpich discussed integrating the suggestions of the Academy’s attorney, Jon Howe, to streamlining the Constitution and Bylaws to unify the changes. One of those suggested changes was to rename the Secretary/ Treasurer’s position to Secretary General. Another was to rename the former Memorial Luncheon, which had been changed to the Awards Luncheon, now to be called the President’s Luncheon. This is held on Saturday at noon during the annual meeting and the ADA Session. The agreed changes will be incorporated into our documents, submitted to Trustee Mark Howard for checking, then to attorney Jonathan Howe for legal approval, and then submitted to the Board of Trustees at the annual meeting in San Francisco for adoption. Long-Range Plan Trustee Howard Mark has drawn up a comprehensive long-range plan for the Academy, which has covered every aspect of improving our organization. Nothing was left out. The Executive Board at this meeting—and their dedicated activities between meetings—has begun to implement the more immediate suggestions from that plan. International Dental Hall of Fame While the decision was to postpone some of the members already recommended due to the expenses—for right now—applications for future inductees are still being accepted by Chairman and past PFA President Ray Klein. Dr. Ray Klein and International Trustee Pierre Marois have arranged to have our Hall of Fame established at the ADA Headquarters Building Library (Chicago) with a television format that can call up the plaques and that person’s biography. Drs. Klein and Marois reported excellent cooperation with the ADA over this matter, particularly with ADA Executive Director Dr. James Bramson and staff person Carol Overman. Secretary General Richard Kozal visited the site when he attended the Chicago Dental Society’s Mid Winter Meeting last February. He gave a glowing report of its format and location. You can view the site yourself on-line at http:// www.ada.org/prof/prac/issues/library/catalog.asp. There is a picture of the site with a bust of Pierre Fauchard. To the right of that bust is the computer/monitor to go through the Hall of Fame. You may make the trip by clicking on the picture. Foundation Report The Executive Board has requested funds from the Foundation for various programs. President Lowder will write a grant request letter to the Foundation for their approval. Past PFA president and Foundation Public Relations Chairman filed a report that the Foundation has awarded $97,500 in student scholarships and $204,104 in project grants for 2002. That brings the total dating from its 1996 initiation to 150 grants awarded and more than 500 dental scholarships amounting to $2,224,000. A list of those awarded this year will appear under Foundation News. Dr. Barrett’s New Orleans presentation to the Academy Board of Trustees of his plan to try and raise $3 million to increase the Foundation’s principle, had as yet to be approved by the Foundation Board, according to Foundation President Carl Lundgren. The Academy did appoint three Trustees to help out on the project when it has been established by the Foundation. Closing President Gary Lowder gaveled down the meeting’s end in late afternoon after a full day of hammering away at the issues PFA was facing. Many items were thoroughly discussed and action commenced in preparation for presentation to the Board of trustees in San Francisco’s Meeting. |
|
|
Membership
By Trustee Charles Eller |
||
| The world situation seems to be so unsettled, and yet there are organizations, such as ours, who try to do their part in assisting where the needs are physical, not political. We are the world’s largest philanthropic dental organization, a service academy in the truest sense, of nearly 8000 members. Our Foundation has distributed nearly $2.25 million in grants for worthwhile dental projects worldwide since 1996. Membership recruitment is always a challenge. Each of us does his job differently, but sometimes it is good to share what works for one Section and what does not. We look for leaders in our local dental societies and deans of dental schools for qualified prospective members. Many dentists have never considered membership and are only vaguely aware of PFA. But if asked, they begin considering the option. Serving in positions of dental leadership is fleeting. But Fellowship in a service Academy is ongoing. Organized dental leadership positions are confining to their exacting duties, while membership in PFA is as creative as the individual desires to become. Dental leadership is defining in time and effort, whereas PFA projects are selective for available time and effort. To Section Chairs, we are approaching the Spring and Summer months in the northern hemisphere where we can plan activities indoors and outside. Give the Academy one hour a month of your time, set yourself a goal, and then exceed it. The Central Office, our Web site, the new pamphlet can all be aids in keeping our membership viable and growing. |
Motivation appears to be a universal problem in any organization. Our top leaders in the Academy must be the main source for this motivational effort. They are young and enthusiastic. They are encouraging in all efforts and carry a heavy load for PFA. They stand ready to help out in all areas that you as a Chairperson, or even as a member, wish to conceive and execute a project. The resources are available. The track record is proven. All that we need is your taking up the challenge to build membership, to create a dental project to serve the public, and to carry out together the goals you have set for your group. And all you need to do is ask. Ask the PFA leaders. Ask the Central office. Ask your colleagues to join you in one of the world’s greatest dental service organizations serving the world. By working, one person at a time, we multiply those simple efforts until they are magnified by all the Fellowship globally. Through our combined efforts, perhaps we can make our world a little less unsettled. |
|
|
From the desk of the Executive Director…
by Dr. Shig Ryan Kishi |
||
As of this April, 128 applications have been mailed out. The total 2002 applications were 93. Due to the economic recession, the Foundation has received an unprecedented number of grant application requests, and even more faxes and requests for information and guidelines. Six of this year’s requests are from Section Chairs. |
Usually about one third of those applications are returned completed. About one half of those are ineligible. That would leave about 21 for Board review. Actually, this is ahead of last year’s requests. Just a reminder that the grant application deadline is 1 June 2003 for consideration by the Board in San Francisco. The Foundation has approximately $130,000 for distribution at this year’s meeting for 2003. |
|
WFrance Dr. Michel Lubin, on behalf of Paris’ Mobile Dental Clinic Association, expressed the Association Board’s appreciation for the Foundation grant presented them by International Trustee Pierre Marois and President Andrè Robert of the Conseil National de l’Ordre des Chirurgen Dentistes in a reception ceremony to purchase a new mobile dental health care bus to serve the poor of Paris. India Section Secretary/Treasurer T. Samraj reports presenting the Foundation Scholarship Award to Ms. R. Varna of the Government Dental College in Trivandram. Dr N. Subramanian, President of the India Dental Association Trivanandram Branch, made the presentation with Dr. T. Rameaj. Student R. Varna receiving award from Dr. N. Subramanian with Dr. T. Samraj present |
Switzerland Chairman Roland Soellner presented the Foundation Scholarship Award to the University of Basel Dental School student Mrs. Photini Mengisopoulos at a ceremony with the other dental students and faculty present. Professor Carlo Marinello gave the address concerning the structure and goals of the Academy and of the Foundation. Chairman Soellner outlined the importance of a “role model” in the PFA to motivate the younger generation to become dentists of high quality. Professor Dr. Jurg Meyer, SSO Magazine Editor for the Swiss Dental Organization, was also present at the awarding and organized the press part in which a whole page was dedicated to this PFA event. -- Japan Meikai University School of Dentistry presented the Foundation’s Scholarship Award in the Dean’s Room to student Satoru Morikawa. PFA International Trustee for Japan Mamoru Sakuda and PFA Japan Section Executive Board member Dr. Hirokazu Hashimoto were on hand for the presentation along with Professor Hiroshi Nakajima, Associate Dean for Academic Affairs. Dean Toshikazu Yasui expressed his appreciation and opportunity that we helped provide to one of his students to aid in developing the student’s future career in dentistry. Award recipient Satoru Morikawa holding presented certificate next to bemedaled Trustee Mamoru Sakuda and other dignitaries |
|
The Last Strive to Save a Dying Dental Art
by Arvid Saunaitis, CDT President, Kromex Dental Laboratory |
||
| Compared with other technologies that have been replaced with new innovations, partial dentures or removable bridges will soon become a thing of the past because the knowledge to construct them will no longer exist. Unlike the need for full dentures, which has been reduced by root canals and fluoride, the demand for partial dentures is on the rise. The reason that people lose their teeth is not always neglect. Accidents, sports injuries, genetics, prosthesis work done by cheap, less-than-quality laboratories are some of the other reasons. An improperly designed partial that fails to take in the biophysics of the oral cavity can be as damaging. Unlike a fixed bridge that requires the reduction of healthy teeth and the stress that is put on them to absorb the shock of the entire bridge span in mastication, a partial denture shares the shock with the edentulous ridge and the clasped teeth. Today, the partial can be made thinly and small without exposing any unsightly metal. By relining the partial every year and a half to two years, the partial can last longer and cost only a fraction of a bridge. But the exacting construction of partials involves some very complex procedures. Each procedure is usually handled by a technician familiar with only one part of the construction process. The technician that oversees the entire process from start to finish is the department head or laboratory owner. For a technician to reach that level of expertise requires talent, dedication, and a minimum of five working years under the supervision of an experienced technician. Unfortunately, most of such experienced technicians have reached the retirement age. The dental technology schools in the United States that still remain open, do not even have such instructors on their staff. Before the level of talent leaves the industry, the knowledge they possess must be passed on to the next generation of technicians. Various dental, government, and outside organizations must take immediate action if this technology is to survive. I have authored several articles in dental magazines, even the Chicago Sun-Times, calling attention to this problem. The only response generated has been from the general public. No one else seems to care. |
The dental manufacturers claim to have educational programs in place and demonstrate little concern. Having been in this industry for the past quarter of a century, I can only say that an expensive, short training course by companies that are only interested in selling their products is definitely not the solution. For further information on this problem and what you can do to help, contact the Forum for Prosthetic Dentistry at 773/436-9440. Think of the alternative. Editor’s comment: Arvid Saunaitis presents a very real problem facing dentistry, and through us, the public we serve. NHS has already determined that there will be a shortage of dentists by 2005. Now we will be also facing a shortage of qualified lab technicians that we depend on for our living. As the population is expanding and the desires of the general public are growing, the pool of dental purveyors will be shrinking. Technology has improved for us to serve the public better and faster; however, there are just so many stressful hours in the day that one dentist, one technician can put in. If our professions do not step up to help answer these problems, then we leave it to the government or private for-profit companies to determine the direction these solutions will be taking. One such solution will be expanded duties in both fields to unqualified individuals to fill the void, or reduce the service to those who cannot afford the increased expense as demand will outstrip supply, driving costs and fees up. Is this what we want? The Legacy Continues… Dr. Robert Shira’s legacy continues on with your donations to his requested final act of humanity, the PFA Foundation. The Foundation thanks all those who remember this wonderful leader. He may have been a two-star general with the Army, but he was five stars to the Academy and Foundation. Send your remembrances into Foundation Executive Director Shig Kishi, 1441 Avocado Avenue, Suite 508, Newport Beach, CA 93660. • Becker, Dr. Norman – Massachusetts Section Chairman • Kort, Dr. William – past PFA President • Osborn, Joan • Roach, Dr. Kevin and Anne, PFA President-elect To date, $7870 have been contributed in Dr. Shira’s name. |
|
Section News |
||
| Australasia Dr. Mark Sinclair has announced that they will be holding their PFA Section Breakfast and Induction Ceremony at Sydney’s Skyline Terrace at the Convention Centre from 7 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. on 18 September 2003. The event will take place during the FDI Congress Meeting held in Sydney. Please contact Dr. Sinclair at Suite 3 Level 1, 90 Keppel Street, Bathurst, NSW, Australia. E-mail MarkSin@ix.net.au or call 001/161-263313699. Canada International Trustee for Canada Barry Dolman reported hosting their Annual Fellowship and Awards Ceremony in Alberta, Canada, at the Jasper Park Lodge this May 24th, for breakfast starting at 7 a.m. to honor Dr. Perry Tester and Dr. George Peacock with Distinguished Service Awards. PFA President Gary Lowder and PFA President-elect Kevin roach will be in attendance to help initiate 17 new Fellows into the Academy along with Canadian Dental Association President Tom Brenneman, the PFA Western Canada Section Chair. Pfiser Consumer Healthcare is graciously sponsoring the event, permitting individual contributions to be used for support of the PFA Foundation. Chile Chairman Jaime Koifman hosted their annual meeting on May 26 to induct ten new Fellows. International Trustee Bernardo Levit will be in attendance to assist. France International Trustee Pierre Marois of Paris was recently honored by the Dental Service of the American Hospital in Paris for his dedication to organizing and promoting the image of American Dentistry in France. “We all love him for his kindness, wise advice, and brilliant personality,” states Dr. Jean-Luc Prouvost of the American Hospital. Chief of the Department, Professor Jean-Francois Tecucianu, also a PFA Fellow, presented him the Honor Award with the assembly applauding. Included in the attendance were such great professionals as Drs. Claude Levy, Henry Frajder, Edouard Cohen, Mark Shulman, Depres Curely, Jean-Louis Reynaud, Vinh N’guyen, Pierre Raygot, Jean-Luc Pineill, and Eric Edwards. |
Guatemala Chairman Bertrand Moldauer inducted two new Fellows from the Universidad de San Carlos School of dentistry, Drs. Garrick Morales and Roberto Wehncke, joining Drs. Ramiro Alfaro, Augusto Hurtarte, Estuardo Mata, and Estuardo Zachrisson. His Section was also instrumental in inducting Dr. Alex Fleury of Brazil and Dr. Ines Velez of Columbia. India Secretary/Treasurer T. Samraj writes that the India Section was first founded in 1975, but went inactive about 1980. During their Golden Jubilee, the PFA Section became active again in 1986 and has built a strong 440 membership base that increases every year with their own newsletter. As India gets stronger as a country, so does the mission of PFA within it. The Academy is very proud of the Section’s commitment to excellence. Japan International Trustee for Japan Mamoru Sakuda announced that the 34th Annual Meeting of the Japan Section will be held 11 October 2003 in Shizuoka City at the foot of Mt. Fuji. A full schedule of activities has been planned. Korea Dr. Kim, Hong-ki will hold their annual meeting in Seoul, Korea, on 31 May 2003. |
|
|
Section News- United States
|
||
| California, Southern Section Dr. Carl Lundgren, past PFA President, current PFA Foundation President, was installed as President of the 5700 member USA Section of the International College of Dentists (ICD). Dr. Lundgren has been an outstanding leader in the Academy for decades. Now he is sharing his genius for leadership with the ICD for the large USA Section, and still daily works on the Foundation’s programs. He is another great humanitarian leader that has arisen from the quality aspects of real ethical dentistry who unceasingly works for the betterment of all humanity through his profession. All of PFA, and certainly ICD, are proud to have this leader in our ranks.  Dr. Carl Lundgren Florida Fellow Ivan Moldauer of Belize will be graduating with his degree in endodontics from Nova School of Dentistry this summer and will commence studies for his masters in education at NSU. Dr. Moldauer was one of the coordinators for last year’s Guatemala PFA Dental Mission that serviced many needy patients in the Antigua area. Drs. Moldauer and Levitt presented a table clinic at the Miami Mid Winter Meeting on Halitosis, which won first prize. Their $100 prize was donated to the PFA Foundation. Kentucky Chairman Karl Lange reports inducting nine new Fellows into his Section in a combined meeting with ACD and ICD during the annual session of the Kentucky Dental Association’s Meeting. They emphasize their primary service project of helping out in the Special Olympics/Special Smiles Program which has been an outstanding success for several years now. This is a co-sponsored project with the Kentucky Dental Association and both of their dental schools. The PFA Section, with a grant from our Foundation, has become a major sponsor of the event. Dr. Lange also notes that their project for children at the Kentucky State Fair last year had 750 volunteers placing 1976 sealants on 602 people and screened 1573 children during the four days of the Fair. Missouri Chairman James Kulild held their Section Meeting at the Midwest Dental Conference in Kansas City this March. Dean Michael Reed of the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Dentistry, a PFA Fellow, discussed the grant application process for their section. They presented their retiring Chairman’s Appreciation Plaque to Dr. Jim Dryden in appreciation of his two-year service as Missouri Section Chairman.  Chair Jim Kulild presents plaque to retiring Chair Jim Dryden Georgia Chair Karyn Stockwell hosted their first annual Leadership Conference and Convocation. PFA President Gary Lowder addressed the group about the Foundation and its grant process. Trustee Bob Hart of Florida discussed the achievements of those grant projects and played Trustee Charles Eller’s video on the California programs. Fellows from the Medical College of Georgia and the Ben Massell Clinic expressed interest in filing for a Foundation grant. The kickoff was a partnership program with the Tender Care Clinic of Green/Morgan/ Putnam County to provide basic preventative and treatment services for needy children on a Friday in conjunction with the ADA’s “Give Kids a Smile Project.” After volunteering for a couple hours in one of three mobile dental vans, the Fellows would then join the rest of the group at the Ritz Carlton Plantation for their “Welcoming Reception,” some golf, and sociable interaction. On Saturday morning, Dr. Gary Lowder gave a presentation on “How we can step up as Leaders in our Profession and World” for four AGD CE credits. The afternoon was spent in leisure pursuits. Saturday night, Dr. Lowder and Trustee Bob Hart inducted new Fellows at the dinner. Sunday morning was a members-only meeting and breakfast. Registration for this weekend event was $400, but encompassed many events. The funding helped to put out a four-page classy newsletter. Chair Karyn Stockwell introduced her District Chairs as Drs. John Harrington for Central, James Reynierson III for Eastern, Joe Dufresne for Northern, Kent Percy for Northwestern, W. Gregory Evans for Southeastern, Kent Simmons for Southwestern, and John Vollenweider for Western. This was an outstanding event for the Section’s Fellowship to get involved and enjoy the weekend. |
Massachusetts
Dr. Minoru Horiuchi of Boston, past PFA President, current Foundation Trustee, was installed as President of the 8800-member International College of Dentistry that has 80 Sections worldwide. He is PFA’s 2002 Gold Medal recipient, the highest honor PFA can bestow. He is a humble man of great talent and skill. Both organizations are proud to call him Fellow as one of the top 3% professionals in the world.  Dr. Minoru Horiuchi (photo courtesy of Dr. Gary Herbeck) Chairman Norman Becker hosted their annual PFA Breakfast Meeting during the Yankee Dental Meeting to induct new Fellows and present their Distinguished Service Award to Karen Rafeld, Assistant Executive Director of the Massachusetts Dental Society. ADA Trustee Ed Mehlman attended along with past PFA president Min Horiuchi.  Chairman Norman Becker presenting award to Karen Rafeld Nevada Dr. Joel F. Glover, a PFA Fellow from Reno, was elected as the ADA’s 14th District Trustee. He is a graduate of Northwestern Dental school. He has been President of the Nevada Dental Association, the Northern Nevada Dental Society, the Nevada State Board of Examiners, the American Association of Dental Examiners, and the Reno South Rotary Club. He is a Fellow in PFA, ICD, ADI, and ACD. West Virginia Chairman Bob Hornbrook held their annual meeting this May at the Robert C. Byrd Health Sciences Center in Morgantown to present their Distinguished Service Award and the PFA Dental Student Merit Award. Ohio Chairman Al Uveges with the help of his District Chairs, Drs. Walter Buchsieh, David Pelok, Karl Schneider, and Joe Crowley, inducted 11 new Fellows at their annual meeting with 117 Fellows in attendance. Dr. Ronald Occhinerro received their Distinguished Service Award. Past ADA Journal Editor Larry Meskin gave a presentation on the “Future of Dentistry.” They also made plans for a continuing education course at their North Coast District meeting, which will be a social gathering for senior dental students invited from both Ohio Dental Schools. Indiana Chairman David Matthews continues to stress mentorship in their successful program with their dental school. This year they added six new Fellows to their ranks. Pennsylvania Fellow Charles Weber, past President of the Valley Forge Dental Association, has been selected as President-elect of the Pennsylvania Dental Association for 2003-2004. Dr. Weber practices in West Chester, Pennsylvania, and has been active in many civic and community activities. He has served as a Pennsylvania Delegate to the ADA, past President of the Chester and Delaware County Dental Society, Chief of Dental Staff for the Chester County Hospital, and is a Fellow in PFA and ICD. Wisconsin Chairman Glenn Maihofer hosted their annual meeting in Green Bay, home of the Packers, this May during the Wisconsin Dental Association’s Annual Session. They presented their Distinguished Service Award. Dr. Maihofer also noted that the new dental school opened last August, so if you are visiting in Milwaukee, please give him a call to arrange for a tour. One of their other programs this January was providing oral health screenings for 238 children at the dental school. Seventeen volunteers in this “Give Kids a Smile Program” worked with 108 of the students and the Marquette staff. Local dental supply houses supplied the materials. |
|
Sincerely, by James R. Hayward
As I write this on a plane from Atlanta to Washington, DC, I am sitting beside ADA President Howard Jones. We are both going to the Hill to work on legislation.
I am still Chairman of the Subcommittee that has jurisdiction over OSHA. OSHA Director Jim Hurshaw is doing very well and we have become friends. I did a surprise General Inspection of OSHA Headquarters the other day. I wanted to remind the bureaucrats that we are watching their every move, and I wanted them to know how we feel when they just show up in our dental offices flashing the ID’s. I guess I should be ashamed of myself, but it felt good to turn the tables.
We have dropped our Patient Protection Bills for the 108th Congress. We divided the old bill into two new bills. HR 597 is about patient protection and external review. Bill HR 596, the ERISA Corrections Act, is about liability. The HR 596 is a short, two-page bill that simply states that ERISA does not pre-empt State causes of action in medical necessity determinations. This bill will probably never see the light of day. This was the contentious part of the Patient Protection Bills that kept it from passing into law. Supreme Court Justice Shouter’s position has made the need for a liability bill less with each court decision.
For the last eight years, I have argued that an insurer that makes medical decisions that harm or kills a patient should be held accountable in State Court. I believe we need to repeal ERISA’s absolute pre-emption of State suits. But the insurance industry fought me tooth and nail for those eight years. Now, it appears, the courts are doing what I was unable to win through legislation. The Supreme Court chipped away at ERISA in cases like Pegram vs. Herdrich, and in Rush vs. Moran. Federal District Courts sent cases back to the States in Bui vs. AT&T, and in Isaac vs. Seabury. In February, the Second Federal Circuit Court did the same in Cicio vs. Vytra, stating that medical cases involving necessity are not pre-empted by ERISA. And such cases should be heard in State Courts.
While these cases do not have the force or clarity as an Act by Congress does, they do lead to the same outcome. Patients are going to be able to hold their HMO accountable in State Court.
The fight is not over yet, but it is certainly going in our direction.
We did pass a Tort reform Bill out of Commerce Committee that limits non-economic damages to $250,000. The House has yet to pass the Bill as of this writing. The problem is: will we get the 60 Senate votes to make it law? Call your Senator now.
Amalgam fillings are being attacked on many fronts, including here in Washington, DC. There is a bill to outlaw amalgam fillings. Congressman Dan Burton is pushing this bill, and he is chairman of this subcommittee. But he has allowed three congressmen who are dentists to attend the hearings and participate. We all defend the dental profession’s position very well and give the committee’s witnesses a thorough going over. When people use bogus science to push public policy, it is a dangerous thing. We will stay alert on this issue and keep you informed. It is well worth having a dentist in Congress.
So if you want to help, call Beth Blalock at 706/738-8400 for information on how you can join our Capitol Club. Thank you all for your generous support in the past. And thank you for your continued support for the tomorrows as the fight for our profession continues in the political arena.
Charlie Norwood
PFA Fellow
AWe stand at attention to review the monumental achievements of our beloved Major General Robert B. Shira—educator, editor, administrator, clinical specialist, and humble humanitarian.
Bob had important gifts of detailed daily organization for his time and wisdom in delegation of tasks. He could spot talent for a task and then give free reign to that individual with confidence of success. Micromanagement was not his style. His selected residents at Letterman Hospital on the West Coast and Walter Reed Hospital in Washington became fine leaders in their specialties.
Dr. Shira was keen to diagnose problems in organizations.
When assigned to Europe to command all the Army Dental Clinics (1964-1967), his personal visits inspired junior officers to improve the quality of care for the troops. In 1965, as President-elect of the American Society of Oral Surgeons, he had long-distance duties. Its headquarters in Chicago had floundered through a series of unfit executive secretaries. Bob and a small committee appointed a very young publishing editor, Bernard J. Degen, who served the Society for 25 years as it developed into the prestigious American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons.
While in Europe, General Shira observed the advanced surgical procedures in the dental specialty there. In 1966, Bob arranged a postgraduate course at Walter Reed Army Medical Center for the specialty. Featured on the program was Professor Hugo Obwegeser of Zurich. The orthognathic surgery of that program opened new vistas for all who attended. General Shira also assigned resident training for promising officers to attend famous European surgery centers. Many of these men became leaders of maxillofacial surgery.
Membership in professional organization always found Dr. Shira rising to the top in pivotal roles of leadership. He served them all with distinction. Only a few are cited here, which include the American Dental Association (1975 President), the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons (1965 President), the American Board of Oral Maxillofacial Surgeons (1975 President), the Pierre Fauchard Academy (1985 President), the Pierre Fauchard Foundation (President until his death in 2002).
Like Kurt H. Thoma, Dr. Shira had a long career with C. V. Mosby as Editor-in-Chief of the popular “Triple O” Journal (1961-1993).
Dr. Shira was a popular teacher and lecturer on the major dental programs in all the States in this country and many international dental meetings. His friendships in Latin America resulted in a large personal bequest to the Pierre Fauchard Academy, which established its Foundation. Bob guided this resource to direct improvements in dental school education in this country and abroad, as well as fund many national and international dental projects.
When he retired from active military service after 33 years, he had attained the highest rank ever in the U.S. Army Dental Corps. Bob was asked to take on another career challenge in formal dental education. His talent was requested as Dean of Tufts University School of Dental Medicine (1971-1979), and thereafter as Provost of Tufts University and Vice President for Health Affairs. After he retired from academic administration in 1993, the Robert B. Shira Lecture was instituted at Tufts in 1996.
The military and academic awards bestowed upon Dr. Shira are too numerous to list. He was awarded honorary degrees from six distinguished universities in this country, and many citations abroad.
Bob was a loving father, grandfather, and great grandfather to a family that he and his beloved wife Eileen had established. She preceded him death. Their wonderful married daughters, Mary Ann Irvine, Sharon Lou Swanson, and Linda Kay O’Hara are reminded with pride of their father’s superlative careers, countless friends, and cherished memories. He left his profession and the world a better and more compassionate environment for us all. We thank him for these collective memories of his greatness, and as “Taps” sounds, we can say, “General, all is well, safely rest, God is nigh.”
But as we lay him to rest with full military honors in Arlington National Cemetery, the legacy he had begun all through his life continues on…