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I have given that statement a great deal of thought with respect to the challenges of life as they can affect our actions. Even our best intentions and most worthwhile projects can be slowed by fear and uncertainty. The progress of a good cause could be slowed by the fears that it might not get the approval we hoped for. Perhaps everyone will not accept our efforts as genuine and beneficial to all concerned. The courage to act comes from within. Encouragement from without, though beneficial in fueling the forward motion of any worthwhile intention, may be slow in coming, or may not come at all. I am sure that almost all great leaders faced the fears that accompanied the decisions, which ultimately made them great, and with uncommon courage took the risk of following their conviction to fulfill the vision of the possibilities that they wanted to become realities. |
Each of us faces fear daily in our roles as decision makers, caregivers, diagnosticians, researchers, etc. Clarity of purpose, vision of a better reality, and intent to create our own concept of the best we can be for others and ourselves all contribute as the building blocks to the foundation of our legacy to the world. We each have a contribution to make. Many have already made great contributions to the profession of dentistry, which is one of the reasons we enjoy Fellowship in the Pierre Fauchard Academy. Daily introspection as to our progress toward the fulfillment of our own worthwhile dreams will keep us moving forward in spite of the fears that confront our efforts for good. I offer my encouragement to “feel the fear and do it anyway” with respect to the worthwhile goals and accomplishments in which you are involved. Stop wringing your hands, roll up your sleeves, take a few deep breaths, and move forward … whatever the good goal may be. |
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July/August • 2003 |
Gary Lowder, DDS
President |
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| ADA President T. Howard Jones and ADA Executive Director James Bramson have called on the dental community to collaborate with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on the possible use of smallpox as a bioterrorism weapon. It is likely that dental personnel will be called on to provide assistance in the immediate aftermath of a significant bioterrorism attack, particularly if the medical community is overwhelmed. Should the threat of a smallpox attack become a reality, dentists will be asked to provide surveillance, to monitor the spread of the disease, and to administer smallpox vaccinations. The ADA is recommending that every office maintain a “Bioterrrorism” file in each office for this possibility and to include future updates. CDC Director Dr. Julie Louise Gerberding asks the dental community if they can recognize a case of smallpox? Can you advise patients about smallpox vaccinations? Can you manage a patient with smallpox vaccination adverse reactions? Additional information can be found at the CDC Web site www.CDC.gov/smallpox Webster’s Dictionary defines smallpox as “a contagious viral disease of humans, formerly common, now eradicated.” Those of us born before the late 1950s have had the vaccine as attested by the scar on our upper left shoulder. But, like polio, when the disease was determined by the medical community to be eradicated, many physicians stopped recommending the vaccination. All of the U.S. Service personnel being sent overseas are now being vaccinated for smallpox. There is even some question arising as to whether those vaccinated a half century ago need to have it done again. “Bioterrorism” is not even a word in the computer Spellcheck. That is how recently the term has come into being. Smallpox eradication was a lauded worldwide victory over this disease that killed up to 30% of those infected with it. Now those who plan suicide terror bombings have dug up the ghost of diseases past to cripple the world and many innocent people along with their cowardly, immoral actions. |
You are already aware of the attacks with anthrax. There are reasons to believe, if given the opportunity, terrorists have been developing smallpox as another weapon of mass destruction. Every nation and all of its health professionals need to be aware of the possibility that international terrorism is not just bombings or missiles aimed at your town, but the insidious release of diseases. In the late 1970s, your editor was the representative for Loyola University Medical Center to an international conference on preparedness of the Chicago area health facilities in the event of a nuclear holocaust. After a three-day conference covering the use of hospital, medical, and dental facilities for the wounded, the conclusion was that even if we were prepared, there were not enough beds or chairs to accommodate all those who needed treatment. There were not enough health professionals, including dentists, to handle the situation. Again, we are faced with the same possibility. But the determination is that in this case the onslaught would be slow in building, like the SARS epidemic in some areas of the world, until it reached pandemic proportions. If we are prepared, many lives can be saved. While it is not mentioned in the CDC release, it would seem that the first line of defense is to have yourself, your family, and all your personnel inoculated with the vaccine. Then be informed about the generalized systemic symptoms you would be able to recognize in your patients as differing from chicken pox, herpes zoster, impetigo, contact dermatitis, erythema multiforme, and herpes simplex. Then refer them to their physician for confirmation and follow-up treatment. Also not noted in either news release is, when in doubt about any contagious disease in your office, do a thorough sterilization process as well as cleaning of such overlooked items as doorknobs, writing implements used, keyboards, and phones. Scheduling such for the personnel as a safety drill not only protects you all, but demonstrates your office’s commitment to total public safety. |
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Bay Cliff Health Camp
A Section Chairperson’s Program |
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| by PFA Past President M. David Campbell and Janet Campbell, past PFA First Lady |
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 Dr. David and Janet Campbell In 2002, the Foundation of the Pierre Fauchard Academy funded a grant of $3500 to the Bay Cliff Health Camp for Children in Big Bay, Michigan, through Section Chair Virginia Merchant’s request. Dr. Donn Kipka, a general dentist in nearby Marquette, and a PFA Fellow, is the volunteer Dental Director for the camp. The dental facility has three treatment rooms and is a well-equipped facility. The Foundation grant enabled Dr. Kipka to purchase a much needed dental unit light and supplies for the dental clinic. |
This one-week program allowed the PFA volunteers to do dental treatment on well over 50 campers and some staff members.
One of the clinic patients was a wheelchair-bound quadriplegic Central Michigan University student who is completing his degree in Computer Science. He does his written work by spending as much as 15 hours a day at a computer, using a typing stick held between his teeth. Our PFA volunteers repaired the second set of veneers to his front teeth. Each camper has a unique story of challenges to overcome! PFA is not the only group that volunteers to benefit Bay Cliff Health Camp. One evening during the Camp Independence session, the local Harley-Davidson Chapter from Marquette rolled into camp on their “Hogs.” The campers were delighted to see those bikes. The bikers joined the campers, encouraged them to sit on the bikes, passed out hugs and smiles … and one more thing … passed out a check for $80,000! The local chapter of the Harley Riders has been doing this for many years. And each year their donation to the camp is larger.  Dr. Cheri Newman and student Tiffany Chimelak with patient Stephanie Newman, RDH, wrote, “Each of us volunteered with the idea of being able to help others. But each of us was helped instead. Little did we know when we first met the campers in wheelchairs and walkers that they would be our teachers. You see, these campers were ‘differently-abled,’ not disabled. Each person we encountered taught us a valuable lesson, something we could take home with us. In these campers we saw strength, where others might see weakness. We saw drive and determination, where others would assume dependence. Yes, it is true that we went there to help their physical well-being by cleaning and restoring their teeth. But they helped our emotional well-being by filling holes in our hearts. They offered us love, friendship, and joy, all the while teaching us a very important lesson: Never take for granted the ability you have. And never assume your ability is limited. I thank YOU, members of the Pierre Fauchard Academy, for the opportunity to be changed, to grow, and to be part of the family of friends that I will never lose.” Janet Campbell noted, “It truly was an exciting experience for all of us. Because of our involvement, two more dentists have volunteered for next year. Dr. Newman, a PFA member, is returning, as are the chairside assistants and the RDHs. The young woman who was a chairside assistant for Dr. Campbell lived with the Campbells for seven years while she went back to school to take all her prerequisites, then four years of dental school and graduated at age 39. She is going to take a week of her vacation to volunteer there.” |
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 The dental staff: L-R, RDH Stephanie Newman, Dr. Cheri Newman, Dr. M. D. Campbell, RDH Kristy Dorland with two seated patients |
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PFA President’s Award
The PFA President annually selects this distinguished Award. This year, President Gary Lowder selected ADA President T. Howard Jones for this Award. However, due to his conflicting schedule of our Awards Luncheon and Dr. Jones running the ADA Session in San Francisco, President Lowder took this opportunity to present his President’s Award in Dr. Jones’ home State during Georgia Section Chair Karyn Stockwell’s Leadership Weekend last February. In making the presentation, PFA President Gary Lowder stated, “I have found no greater example of an attitude of service and self-sacrifice for the good of the profession than Howard. And I acknowledge him for his devotion to the betterment of organized dentistry. Imagine leaving your practice for significant periods of time each week for over a year and devoting yourself to representing thousands of other dentists throughout the country. Howard’s attitude is not one of personal gain or notoriety. He is very unassuming. Yet he does have a keen awareness of the needs of the private practicing dentist and is willing to speak out for them. Georgia can be justly proud of Howard and the way he reflects the goodness of its dental community. As President of the Pierre Fauchard Academy, I thank him for his Fellowship and example.”  ADA President T. Howard Jones receiving the PFA President’s Award from PFA President Gary Lowder |
Elmer S. Best Award
Professor Dr. Gunnar F. Carlsson was presented the Elmer S. Best Award by PFA President Gary Lowder on Saturday, 21 June 2003, in the Kaisersaal Room, Berlin, Germany. After the Best Medal presentation, Horst-Wolfgang Haase, owner of the International Quintessence Publishing Group, hosted a party at his house. Also in attendance were PFA International Trustee Pierre Marois of Paris and PFA German Chairman Frank Braun. Awards Luncheon |
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From the Desk of Past PFA President Martin Naimark… To Dr. Robert Shira—in perpetuity Dear Bob, We first met many years ago. You were campaigning for the Presidency of the American Dental Association. The meeting was held in Lansing, Michigan, and you were meeting with the officers of the Michigan Dental Association. |
The end result, you were elected President of the ADA. You served with distinction, added to the many awards that you earned nationally and internationally. As teacher, scholar, and a dear friend to many, your contributions to dentistry were acclaimed worldwide. Your humor, quips, your ability to hold the attention of audiences made you always at ease with an appreciative audience. You were the ultimate personality. How do I come by these words? I was your roommate on many occasions when we attended many meetings together. We will meet again in Heaven. Eternally your Friend, Marty Naimark |
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PFA Annual Meeting Schedule
San Francisco, California 24–26 October 2003—San Francisco Marriott Hotel |
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Friday, 24 October 8 am–9:30 am, ADA Opening Session—Moscone West Building 10 am–11 am, PFA Executive Board Session, Pacific H Room 10 am–11:30 am, Section Chair Caucus, Pacific J Room 11:45 am–noon, Section Chair Caucus report to PFA Board, Pacific H Room noon–1:30 pm, PFA working lunch, Pacific H Room 1:30 pm–5 pm, PFA Board Meeting, Pacific H Room Saturday, 25 October 7:30 am–11:30 am, Foundation Board Meeting, Pacific H Room 11:30 am–2 pm, PFA Awards Luncheon, Salons 14 & 15 2:30 pm–5 pm, Foundation Board Meeting, Pacific H Room 6:30 pm–8 pm, President’s Reception, Pacific J Room Sunday, 26 October 8 am–5 pm, Foundation Board Meeting, Pacific H Room 1 pm–5 pm, Academy Board Meeting, Pacific Room 6:30 pm–10:30 pm, PFA Dinner Party, Nob Hill Room A |
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| All Section Chairs are invited to attend the Academy Board Meetings, the Section Chair Caucus, the Awards Luncheon, the President’s Reception, and the no-host Sunday Dinner Party. ALL Reports for the meeting packet MUST be received at the Central Office no later than 5 September to be included in the meeting agenda packet. Those reports received after that date will not be a part of the official meeting agenda packet. |
Spontaneous oral reports during the meeting will not be allowed. Anyone wishing to address the Board verbally will need to inform the Central Office by 1 October to be placed on the agenda. NO EXCEPTIONS! | |
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ADA Response to FDA Dental Amalgam Review |
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| In recent months, concern over the use of the traditional silver-mercury amalgam has been raised again by certain Congressmen in the United States interested in banning its use. On 9 May 2003, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced in the Federal Register that they will be establishing a panel to review the dental literature on the use of amalgam. The National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, along with the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, will cosponsor the review. The stated purpose is to determine whether any published studies in peer-reviewed scientific literature provide any evidence related to the health effects in using dental amalgam in patients. The review will search literature from 1 January 1996 up to 1 June 2003. Comments have been made that the time frame is too confining and that significant studies may predate 1996 and should be considered as well. While the FDA has stated that “an independent group will conduct the review,” questions have come up about who will be doing the review, their qualifications, how they are selected, and the methodology that will be used. These questions have been asked in order that the scientific community may have an opportunity to comment. While selecting reviewers with “no potential bias or conflict of interest” is worthy, it also excludes knowledgeable individuals who have previously been involved in such studies and reports, thus denying the expertise the agency would need to make an accurate evaluation. ADA Executive Director James B. Bramson has announced that the ADA has issued comment that the Review Board should contain qualified dental experts that are familiar with the material and its clinical use. It is possible that anti-amalgam groups could use this opportunity to place inappropriate restrictions on the use of amalgam. |
n Dr. Bramson’s reply to the FDA, the ADA has submitted a bibliography of peer-reviewed journal articles published from 1996 to mid 2003 concerning the effects of dental amalgam on humans. That data supplied was a cross search from the MEDLINE and the Toxnet databases. More than 400 articles were produced on the physical and biological properties of dental amalgam. But the ADA noted that prior studies to the 1996 date exist and have stood the test of time. These should be included as well. These articles were the subject of the prior 1993 federal agency reviews, and those in 1997. These were included in the 1994 Swedish review, the 1995 Canadian review, the 1996 World Health Organization review, and the combined 1997 Canadian and WHO review. Dr. Bramson noted that significant studies should not be excluded just because they fall before the 1996 time limit. The ADA supplied the bibliography but with the understanding that it did not endorse them. In fact, the ADA is on record as challenging a number of the studies on scientific grounds. But in the spirit of neutrality, the ADA supplied the entire list without screening out the ones they objected to. That is why the ADA questions the level of integrity of the planned FDA review to include appropriate screening criteria. The ADA requested the FDA to publish the scientific methodology or protocol, which the ADA would expect to include such factors as background, objectivity, inclusion criteria, search strategy, quality assessment criteria, data extraction, and analysis. Anyone wishing to provide comments to the FDA should send such to: Dockets Managements Branch (HFA-305) Food and Drug Administration 5630 Fishers Lane, Room 1061 Rockville, Maryland, 20852 Or contact them at: http://www.FDA.gov/dockets/ecomments |
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PFA Dental Museum |
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The PFA Dental Museum, currently located at the Community College of Southern Nevada, has been opened for tours by interested individuals and patients awaiting their dental appointments. But recently other organizations have scheduled visits. A group of Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts working on their Dentistry Badges toured the facility hosted by Dr. Tyree Davis of UNLV’s Miles for Smiles Program and the UNLV School of Dentistry. About 40 scouts were involved in the program on dental history offered by our museum. They were amazed to learn that George Washington’s teeth were not made of wood, but actually hippopotamus ivory. They viewed an authentic set of false teeth from the 1790s, dental office displays from the 1940s and 1960s, early instruments, old reference books, a treadle-power dental drill circa 1871, and the collection of colorful posters. This was an eye-opening experience for the Scouts to see the evolution of our profession and its rich heritage. CDA Carole Brew, who aided in the tour’s explanations, was quite pleased with the young kids’ reactions. Secretary/Treasurer Richard Kozal noted that the Museum has been incorporated in the State of Nevada as a tax-deductible organization. And as Museum Curator, he wants to thank all the contributors to this worthwhile cause while the history of dentistry in this country is still available. |
Museum Contributors: Drs. Joseph Morganelli, Raymond Rawson, David Kozal, Richard Kozal, Jon Staley, Nicholas Saccone (past PFA President), Paul Dolin, George Higue (past PFA President), James Ridlen (past CDS President), Chester Bochenek, Carl Lundgren (past PFA President), Jerry Rabeck, Raffaele Suriano (past Loyola Dental School Dean), Frank Amaturo (past Loyola Dental School Associate Dean), James Brophy III, James Long (past PFA President), Bertram Moldauer (Guatemala/Belize Chair), Ivan Moldauer, B. G. Smith, Baxter Sapp, William Scheer, Michael Grossman, Richard Glenner, Samuel Wexer, Jack Gottschalk, John Hyson, Jr., M. David Campbell (past PFA president), R. L. Morrison, Robert Ibsen of Den-Mat Corp., RDH Mary Ann Haag, RDH Barbara Nelson, RDH Linda Simpson and RDH Karen Mulcahy. |
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| The Legacy Continues… While it approaches nearly a year since General Robert Shira has retired from our presence, donations to the Foundation in his name are still being received. Please continue this legacy that this great man was so dedicated to, right up to the moment of his demise. Send your contributions to Foundation Executive Director Shig Kishi, 1441 Avocado Avenue, Suite 508, Newport Beach, California, 93660. Even if you have contributed before, continue the legacy again in Dr. Shira’s memory. Thank you to Dr. H. Burton McCauley of Baltimore, Maryland, for continuing to remember. |
PFA Adds Another Book Over the decades, the Pierre Fauchard Academy has undertaken the publication and/or sale of books that have been considered worthy for our profession, but have limited general public appeal. One of the first was Legacy by the late PFA Editor Cliff Loader and Foundation Executive Director Shig Kishi, which has recently come into prominence with the passing of Dr. Robert Shira and his passage in this collection of dental philosophies of life. The second publication was the English version of The Life and Times of Pierre Fauchard, which was originally published in French by Dr. Andre Besombes and then translated into English by our own past President, and current Foundation Treasurer, George Higue. Through Dr. Higue’s generosity, this work has been donated to most English-speaking dental school libraries. Some copies are still available. The third work was assembled by Mrs. Mitch Nakayama and called The 25th History of the Japanese PFA Section. Copies are still available. The newest addition to our book club is How It Evolved/ Dentistry’s Pursuit for Excellence by Dr. Richard A. Glenner. This work is an account of dentistry’s evolution of equipment, instruments, supplies, and the techniques used in dental offices. This illustrated volume is the companion to the author’s previously published book, The Dental Office. The 8-1/2" 11 format is softbound or comes in a CD-ROM format. The price is $30, including shipping and handling. It may be ordered from PFA, P.O. Box 80330, Las Vegas, Nevada, 89180-0330. Make checks payable to the Pierre Fauchard Academy. |
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Minority Dentists Honored The Samuel Harris National Museum of Dentistry in Baltimore, in association with the Smithsonian Institute, is currently hosting an exhibit “African Americans in Dentistry” at the Museum’s Saccente Gallery now through August. National Dental Association President Roosevelt Brown, in opening the exhibit, hailed it as “a timely addition to the history of American dentistry. The exhibition highlights the major contributions of African Americans to dental practice, education, public health, and research.” Chief consultant on this projects was USC’s Professor Emeritus Dr. Clifton Dummett, whose recent book NDA II: The Story of America’s Second National Dental Association was the inspiration for the exhibit. Both the exhibit and the book were underwritten by the NDA Foundation in partnership with Colgate-Palmolive Company. |
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Central Office Report by Secretary/Treasurer Richard A. Kozal |
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The first quarter’s end report has 4290 dues statements mailed, 541 second notices to U.S. Members, 338 International dues statements sent out, and letters to 1297 Life Fellows.
New Fellowship Certificates were prepared for 111 members from Georgia, Maryland, Illinois, Kentucky, Utah, Guatemala, India, and Korea. The PFA Data-Base Programmer has completed the huge task of updating and cleaning the PFA membership roster files. The time and expense involved will result in a substantial savings to the Academy’s Dental Abstracts/Dental World subscription mailing costs, as well as dropped/deceased/moved without forwarding address members no longer to receive these publications. The ADA Housing packets for the annual meeting in October have been mailed out to all the Board members. The March Executive Committee Meeting Report has been mailed out to the Board as well. |
All the PFA business accounts are up to date and current. The 2003 Budget has been finalized and the 2002 Financial Report reviewed. While revenues increased in 2002, PFA expenses were also up.
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Section Chair Caucus
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The Meeting of Section Chairs attending the ADA annual Session and the PFA Meetings has grown in the two years Dr. Maddox has chaired the Caucus. In recent years, the wealth of information derived from this session has helped to drive international policy at the Board level. The contributions of the Chairs has been so great in their participation that the Executive Board has recommended that the Leadership Conference, held every three years, be tabled and that all efforts be concentrated on the recommendations from the Section Chair Caucus.
This year, the Caucus will be held on Friday morning, 24 October 2003, at 10 A.M. in the Pacific J Room of the San Francisco Marriott Hotel. Immediately after the Caucus, the Meeting Chairman will address the PFA Board of Trustees with their recommendations and comments. As a guide to those topics discussed last year, we present Dr. Maddox’s report and subsequent explanations by the appropriate officers. There were eight major areas of interest: dues, mentoring programs, annual meetings, new member induction, new member recruitment, PFA Foundation, organizational publicity, and information sharing between Sections. Section Dues Section dues structures were discussed and compared. Some Sections have no additional dues, but a “pay as you go” format for their affairs to those charging up to $40 a year. The average was $25 per annum. The Chairs asked if the Central Office could collect these dues when the international dues statements are mailed out. Secretary/Treasurer Richard Kozal responded that due to the variance in the dues from Section to Section, depending on their individual needs, that to do so would be horribly complicated and expensive. Different dues envelopes would need to be printed for each Section, a computer program formatted for each Section’s mailing list, a separate bank lock box (and cost) for each Section, and then a compilation of the dues collected to separate out the International dues from the Section dues, and checks issued (with what regularity) to each Section for their dues. The expense of doing this was investigated several years ago and found to be far more costly than each Section’s handling their own mailings and keeping in personal touch with their own members. It is easier to decline Section dues to an impersonal statement than one from a friend, or the cost of both dues resulting in a Fellow deciding to drop membership. In parcels, the dues seem less of a burden to pay than one greater sum. |
Mentoring Program
All reporting Sections had some active mentoring program running in their areas–some PFA sponsored, others PFA co-sponsored; but most were run separately with PFA participation. Annual Section Meetings Every Section reporting had annual meetings at least. Some were co-hosted with ICD and/or ACD. Those that stood alone have organized programs and induction of new Fellows. A few had a second meeting encompassing a continuing education session hosted by the Section or in conjunction with a local dental school program. Those Sections holding no meetings were not found to be very active, had a low membership, and were not involved in any dental projects. Induction of New Members A formal Fellowship Induction was discussed either like ICD and ACD do, or at the Section level. Standardization of a Ceremony was debated. But many Sections had already established traditional ones for themselves that were servicing their local history and cultures. Limited requirements, such as the presentation of certificates, awarding of the PFA pins, and the beribboning medal ceremony, were discussed. However, the Chairs did think that a standard Invitation Letter could be developed and should be used. New Member Recruitment Debate ensued between the “exclusiveness” of PFA Fellowship as an honor organization and the need for members to participate in Section projects, attend meetings, provide a supply of active officers, and bolster the international roles sponsored by the Academy. A high percent of members made the honor less so, while fewer members provided less capability to do mentoring or other service projects. The best solution determined by the Caucus was to have a Membership Development Officer that would identify qualified candidates without being limited by a certain percent of the overall dental community. Everyone agreed that they continued to need new members as the lifeblood of the organization, and that qualified younger members would be groomed for offices to enhance the Section organization with their energy and their own contacts. |
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Section Chair Caucus
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Publicity for the Organization Publicity about PFA was discussed so more dentists would be aware of all the good that we do and desire to become members. The Editor noted two ways to accomplish this. The first is to appoint a Section Editor who would be responsible for doing local news releases about their Section activities to their area’s dental publications. That editor would be better aware, and have the contacts, to get them in print—even in local newspapers. The second method is for more Sections to notify the Editor in advance of an activity or event so it can be reported ahead of time in Dental World, and then to follow up with pictures and copy after the event. If the event is significant with enough copy and pictures, it would be run as a feature article, like last year’s Canadian Dental Association’s 100th Anniversary or the Guatemala Chairman’s dental service project in the rural areas of his country. PFA Foundation The PFA Foundation grant process for Sections was discussed. Though a “fast track” grant application had been developed for Section Chairs to use that was easier to complete than the regular form, many Sections had not applied for any grants. Of those who had, some have applied for several and often were rewarded. Some restrictions were placed on Section grants, such as that the project needs to be sponsored by the Section and a majority of those participating had to be PFA members. This was to avoid a good cause from getting around the formal paperwork and project reporting by applying through the Section Chair. |
They suggested that such projects be reported in Dental World, but as the attending Editor pointed out, such projects have been reported regularly such as the Massachusetts CHIPs Program and the Special Olympic projects sponsored by Kentucky, Connecticut, and other Sections. All they need to do is have an idea for a program, organize it, and apply to Foundation Executive Director Shig Kishi for the Section Chair form. This is no guarantee that their project, if it does not meet the Foundation guidelines, will be accepted, only that it will be considered priority for acceptance above other grant requests. Section Information Sharing The Chairs stressed the importance of the Section Chair Caucus held at the annual ADA Session, where many would be attending anyway. Sharing of ideas stimulated other attending Chairs to conceive of projects or events for their Sections. Editor Brophy also noted that reporting such activities in Dental World stimulated other Chairs not in attendance, or inactive, to think about doing a similar project in their areas. Chairman Raymond Maddox thanked Editor Brophy for his participation in the Caucus. The general feeling was that everyone benefited from the time spent sharing information and from the discussions. |
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Foundation News President’s Interim Status Report by Dr. Carl Lundgren, Foundation President |
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First of all, we still miss Bob Shira, his friendship, and his calm leadership. He has been an inspiration to me and to all of us. He cannot be replaced. But it is up to us to try to continue his legacy with our Foundation in the best manner that we can.
This interim progress report is a new approach to our changing world–one that I think is necessary to cope with a slow economy that is impacting the role of philanthropies, including us. Changing times have resulted in one resolution being offered here for voting by the Foundation Board at this time, before the award judging time arrives.  Dr. Carl Lundgren Revised Grant Evaluation Team Format Under the direction of Foundation Vice President Fred Halik, some fresh and good changes in procedure are in place. The new onslaught of applications, which has quadrupled, will require a great deal of additional time by all concerned. The Executive Director has routinely, through the years, required that all grant applications provide us with an after-grant review of how the money was spent. In some cases, we do not receive a satisfactory report. Before we will send an application to any organization that we have given a grant to, and we have not received a satisfactory accounting, we will not send them an application form until their satisfactory accounting report is in our hands. In our history, perhaps the most complete report has come from the Costa Rica people regarding the line items relative to the Loader-Espinach Award. Every application must contain their overall budget and a separate line item budget of how they expect to use the money. This way we can evaluate it. Every request will be in competition with the others on an equal basis, according to merit. I do not like to do this, but this year we will need to be much more draconian in our awarding process by cutting down on the individual amounts, rejecting some repeats, and setting aside many of those which are less meritorious than others. In our grant evaluations, up to now, we have been voting yes, no, or defer. The recommendation to “defer” is no longer a viable choice because of the large number of applications that we now have to process. And such is the new resolution. Board Consideration Changes Each year, as conditions change and we mature, we find ourselves making adjustments in our format for grant evaluations. This year, we will be considering some additional changes, which will be reported to you if accepted by the Foundation Board. Fund Raising Perspectives All organizations’ fundraising programs have experienced the same problem—sharply diminished returns. The Academy’s dues connected Foundation donation collections are down. Major donors have pulled in their horns to save the bottom line. Dental philanthropies are all going after the same donor pool. We have a lack of manpower and resources to conduct a full-scale fund-raising effort, but a limited effort is indicated. |
Investment Strategy
The PFA Foundation continues to function very well. We rank very high in assets among the world’s dental philanthropies. The investment program that was developed in 1994 will continue strongly for many years to come. Most of the money returns are over 7.5%, with the overall return exceeding 6%. Starting out with a little over $5 million in 1994, the total market value now exceeds $7.3 million, even though we have given away $2.25 million in the last seven years. There is no investment program on the horizon that begins to rival what we have achieved. Our income is guaranteed with virtually no effort and no overhead that would require continually shifting portfolios. By comparison, many other charities have suffered crippling stock market losses over the last four years. Our Executive Director and our Treasurer function very thoroughly and professionally. We have one part-time employee, while other organizations have several paid people and a rented office. Our last year’s ratio of operating expenses to total budget was a very respectable 23%. We are quite frugal, because any dollar frivolously spent by the Foundation or by the Academy takes away funding from some painful mouth. We need to look scrupulously at every figure. We take our fiduciary responsibility very seriously to carry out the legacy of Dr. Brenes-Espinach. Keep in mind that our 2003 budget includes what we awarded to the Academy last Fall. We pay that grant in the year following the Autumn Meeting. Therefore, the Academy grant shows up in the 2003 budget. This arrangement can be changed if the Foundation Board wants to, by directing that the payment be made in the same year as it is awarded. What that would do is give us more flexibility as we approach the total grants package budget each year. Budget vs. Huge Requests for Awards This Year In 1994, when we originally set up the Foundation enlarged format, we decided to devote a third of the grants to dental scholarships and two thirds to service projects. That resulted in 81 scholarships of about $1200 each. The requests for “grants-at-large” awards were very modest, so we increased the scholarship awards to $1500 each. And the overall balance of requests permitted it. In 2001, the requests and the awards came out reasonably even after the September 11, 2001, disasters. In that year, we had a large carryover. In 2002, the ADA News gave us no publicity at all, so the demand on our funds was low. So the awards came out about even. In 2003, the situation drastically changed. The publicity in the ADA News had an unfortunate title applied by their staff. It read “Pierre Fauchard Grants for the Taking.” We now see the specter of our requests having increased fourfold to over 140 petitions for applications, eight of them being from PFA Sections. This will sorely test our Grant Evaluation Team. The Foundation Board will also be challenged in a way never before seen by us. It is easy to foresee that in subsequent years there will be an exponential increasing number of requests as we become better known. Each year, we consider and change some of our format and this year is no exception. In 2001, the ADA Foundation’s Harris Fund for Children’s Dental Health Grant Program awarded a total of $136,425. There were 29 awards with the maximum award being $5000. Some of the grant seekers were awarded less. Their awards were supported by a variety of dental manufacturers. This year, there are already an astounding 300 applications. That means that for every successful applicant, nine will get turned down. And their committee must judge every one of them! With hard times, the application pool has expanded rapidly and will probably increase continually. |
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| President’s Interim Status Report... |
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Waiting List A couple years ago, the Foundation Board voted to have a maximum of 14 Board Members (past PFA Presidents). This was decided in order to keep our overhead down and to keep the Board size manageable. This has resulted in the formation of a waiting list consisting of a pool of past PFA Presidents waiting to serve on the Foundation Board. Currently, there is one name on the list. Costa Rica As you know, we recently completely freed ourselves from any involvement with property that had belonged to Dr. Brenes-Espinach. Everything has been cashed out, legally completed. We need not be further concerned with that part of the will. |
We have finally been successful in keeping the separation of the Loader-Espinach Award, as well as any other grants to them, despite the previous co-mingling. Our Board approved a separate grant to be paid over time for the upgrading of the previously supported multimedia system. After some delay on their part, they signed off on the contract agreement for this year’s initial new commitment. We sent them $20,000 in March of 2003. Web Page The PFA Web page is now among the most outstanding of all the dental organizations. The Academy Central Office has the capability of keeping very current with changes as they occur. Great care must be taken by the Academy to make additions only where it will be cost effective. Dental World is giving publicity to all Sections that take the trouble to send in material. This is published on our Web site. |
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Calendar 2003 |
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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 |
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) |
| From the desk of the Executive Director… by Dr. Shigeo Ryan Kishi |
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| As of the Foundation’s 2 June 2003 deadline for grant applications, we have received 70 for consideration this year. In 2002, we had received 38. This year, there were an unprecedented 150 requests for applications compared with last year’s high of 93 requests. Only eight were from Section Chairs. To reinforce Foundation President Carl Lundgren’s comments, there is much work to be done this year at our annual meeting in San Francisco. We have already begun the process. The Foundation Board has approved a new grant application from the Costa Rica School of Dentistry to maintain and support the Data Processing Center Video Unit in the amount of $37,500 over the next four years, subject to the proper legal and Foundation documents being filed in a timely manner. The Loader-Espinach Prize funded every year at $7500 was decided to be presented every other year, based on the Costa Rica Section’s response that $15,000 was excessive for doing it every other year, rather than every year. The next Award will be in 2004. Donations made on behalf of Dr. Robert B. Shira have reached over $7870. |
Letters to the Deans of the Dental Schools were sent out requesting that they submit the name of the student they select to receive the PFA Foundation Scholarship Award by the 1 May 2003 deadline. Four schools have not responded: the University of Colorado School of Dentistry, the Howard University College of Dentistry (which did not respond last year), the University of Puerto Rico School of Dentistry (which did not respond last year), and the University of Alabama School of Dentistry. Non-U.S. dental schools not responding by the deadline were Costa Rica, Mexico, Israel, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, Korea, Ireland, Philippines, Spain, Uruguay, Taiwan, and Italy. The Foundation Executive Committee declined the request of the National Museum of Dentistry for $50,000 to fund a one-year exhibit honoring Dr. Robert Shira. The Academy members’ donations to the Foundation for 2003 stand at $19,740. The Executive Committee approved a three-year payment for its dishonesty insurance policy through Travelers Insurance Company. This was done to insure that the annual premium would remain at today’s rate. The officers and directors insurance policy will renew on 27 May 2003. Treasurer George Higue has sent out the 2002 Financial Report of 57 pages itemizing every transaction the Foundation had last year to the Board. |
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Foundation Section News |
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France
 L-R: Dean Boy-Lefevre, Emilie Huguet, Chair Hubert Ouvrard, and Trustee Pierre Marois |
International PFA Trustee Pierre Marois presented the Foundation Scholarship Award to the University of Paris 7 Dental School student Emilie Huguet with French Chairman Hubert Ouvrard, Dental School Dean Marie-Laure Boy-Lefevre. Emilie Huguet was chosen for her high scholarship and her activity in organizing school events and congresses. She was the student representative to the Faculty Board and was a leader in the National Association of Students in dental Surgery. |
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| India Chair Asha Verma hosted their annual induction meeting with all their officers present. |
L-R: seated Secretary/Treasurer T. Samraj, Chief Guest Jean-Marie LaFont, Section Chair Asha Verma, and Dr. R. K. Bali, President of the Dental Council of India, with the student scholarship winners standing with Editor V. P. Jalili on right |
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United States
California Loma Linda University School of Dentistry’s Awards Committee Secretary LaDean Gregg reports presenting the Foundation Scholarship to Elizabeth Park by Dean Charles J. Goodacre. PFA Fellow, Dean Emeritus Judson Klooster first presented Elizabeth with notification of her selection in the Awards Chapel.  L-R: Dean Emeritus Judson Klooster presenting notification to Elizabeth Park Georgia Chair Karyn Stockwell planned an outstanding event of such varied dental activities that the Leadership Weekend was a microcosm of all of dentistry. Using a three-chaired mobile dental clinic, the Georgia Section kicked off “Give Kids a Smile” with PFA fellows participating, including MCG senior dental student Rhoda Joiner, who was our PFA Foundation Scholarship Award recipient.  Scholarship recipient Rhoda Joiner being assisted by PFA Fellow Jim Reyneirson, with Fellow Richard Weinman in background |
Illinois Past PFA President William Kort attended the Honors Day Program at the University of Illinois College of Dentistry to present the PFA Student Awards. The PFA Senior Certificate was presented to Greg Schardt, who has been accepted into the University of Illinois’ orthodontic program. Greg’s father is on the faculty there, and Dr. Kort greeted both of them at the Omicron Kappa Upsilon Dinner that evening. The Foundation Scholarship Award was presented to Reshma Dhake, Class President, by PFA past President William Kort. Nebraska The University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Dentistry’s Assistant Dean for Student Affairs M. L. Pudwill sent a letter thanking the Academy and the Foundation for the opportunity to participate in the Dental Student Scholarship Program. Dean John W. Reinhardt presented the Foundation Scholarship to Kristin Fornander at their 17th annual Professionals’ Day Awards Ceremony last March. The PFA Scholarship Award was prominently listed in their program.  L-R: Recipient Kristin Fornander with Dean John Reinhardt |
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Section News
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Argentina
PFA International Trustee Bernardo Levit and PFA Fellow Ivan Moldauer presented a table clinic at the Miami Winter Meeting and Dental Expo. Their work titled “A Comprehensive Approach for the Treatment of Halitosis” was awarded first prize for demonstrating a new method for the treatment of this condition. The monetary award that was presented to the doctors was donated to the PFA Foundation.  L-R: Committee Judge Dr. John Tabak, Dr. Ivan Moldauer, Trustee Bernardo Levit, and Dr. Samuel Dorn, President of the American Association of Endodontists Philippines Chair Diampo Lim hosted their annual Convocation Dinner in conjunction with the 94th Philippine Dental Association annual meeting.  L-R: Dean Diampo Lim, PFA Trustee Mamoru Sakuda, Vice Chair Hermogenes P. Villareal |
Guatemala
Chairman Bertram Moldauer hosted an Induction Ceremony to bring in two new Fellows into the Academy. New Fellow Dr. Roberto Wehncke is the Director of Oral Health for the Department of Sacatepequez (Guatemala). Dr. Wehncke discussed plans for the construction of a new dental facility to provide basic services for the San Miguel Duenas community in Antigua. New Fellow Dr. Garrick Morales Bravetti is the General Manager and owner of GMB Industries of Guatemala, which is dedicated primarily to the import and export of dental materials into Central America. Dr. Morales has sponsored several dental missions to El Estor, a Guatemalan province in the Department of Izabal.  L-R: New Fellow Dr. Garrick Morales accepting PFA Certificate from Chair Bertram Moldauer Associate Professor Cecilia Campoverde, Director of the Guatemala Project for the Department of Social Work at Florida Atlantic University in Boca Raton, thanked the Academy and Chairman Bertram Moldauer on behalf of the people of El Triunfo, Guatemala, for organizing a dental mission at their one-room clinic. The people of El Triunfo are working with “Transport,” an organization that offers free transportation of donated goods to Guatemala. Australasia Trustee William Winspear and PFA President-elect Kevin Roach will be attending the FDI Congress in Sydney this September and will officiate at their Academy Breakfast on Thursday, 18 September, in the Skyline Terrace at the Sydney Convention Centre. The breakfast will commence at 7 A.M. until 8:30 to induct some 25 new Fellows. The cost is AUD$40. For more information e-mail Dr. Mark Sinclair at MarkSin@ix.net.au |
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| Canada President-elect Kevin Roach and Canadian Trustee Barry Dolman hosted their annual Induction Ceremony for new Fellows on Saturday, 24 May 2003, at the historic Jasper Park Lodge, located in a UNESCO World Heritage site in Alberta, Canada. PFA President Gary Lowder and Dr. Tom Brenneman, Western Canada PFA Chair and CDA President, also presided over the installation of some 27 new Fellows. Installed were Drs. Harry Ames, Monty Audenart, Col. Scott Alan Becker, Ron Bell, Jean Bodnar, James Bonar, Hugh Campbell, Peter Degiacomo, Jan Doyle, John Gryfe, Wayne Halstrom, Nelson Hui, Gord Johnson, Randy Lang, Shawn Lee, Marjorie MacDonald, Vipin Mithia, Thomas O’Brien, Donald Russel, John Scott, Keith Snelgrove, Leon Stein, Bryan Tompson, Robert Turnbull, Jeffret Williams, Gordon Wong, and Maurice Wong. Dr George Peacock from Regina, Saskatoon, current Registrar of the College of Dental Surgeons of Saskatoon, was honored with Canada’s PFA Distinguished Service Award. Dr. Perry Trester from Vancouver, British Columbia, past President of the British Columbia Dental Association, past member of the Canadian Dental Association Board of Governors and Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeon educator, was honored with Canada’s PFA Distinguished Service Award. |
Also attending were Canadian Dental Association past Presidents George Sweetnam, Richard Sandilands, Bryun Sigfstead, along with CDA President-elect Louis Dube, JCDA Editor John O’Keefe, British Columbia PFA Section Chair Evelyn McNee, Atlantic Chair Gary MacDonald, Ontario Chair Aldo Boccia, and PFA Fellow James Richardson, President of the Academy of General Dentistry. The Pfizer Consumer Healthcare helped to sponsor the event and provided additional material support along with contributions from Drs. E. J. Rajczak, R. V. Glover, Don Bonang, W. Beaton, Scott Noprquay, Ron Smith, Don Allan, S. Fremeth, Wayne Barro, Chantal Charest, Alex Lieblich, Jim Brass, Robert Carmichael, W. MacPhee, Marguerite Neelands, Cary Letkemann, Greg Homenick, J. L. Hornibrook, E. Ambrose, Donald Butler, Lionel Hastings, A. Camarda, Norman Roy, F. A. Irwin, Melanie Wood, V. B. Shaffner, David Psutka, R. Wainwright, Mel Hawkins, R. F. Evans, Arlene Dagys, R. Odland and Elgin Thompson. Fellow Diane Legault of Quebec was elected to the Quebec National Assembly. |
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| United States South Carolina Past President-elect Gordan B. Stine has received another honor by his inclusion in the 2003-2004 edition of America’s Registry of Outstanding Professionals, which is a national registry of worldwide decision makers that recognizes professionals who have achieved outstanding success in their respective fields of endeavor. |
Tennessee Chairman Reuben Pelot held their annual luncheon meeting during the Tennessee Dental Association’s annual session. Some 40 Fellows and guests were in attendance to honor Dr. Robert B. Alley with their Outstanding Dentist of the Year Award. Tell us what your Section is doing! Submit Section news items and photographs (preferably in black-and-white) to Dental World Editor Jim Brophy. His contact information appears in the Officers box on the last page. |
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California, Southern Section Trustee Charles Eller hosted their 33rd annual Awards Luncheon and Convocation last April in Anaheim during the California Dental Association’s annual Spring Session. President Gary Lowder attended. The Section’s Pierre Fauchard Honor Plaque Award was presented to honor Dr. Richard A. Simms, who earned his dental degree from Howard University in 1953 and his masters degree in orthodontics from Loma Linda University, where he became a Professor in orthodontics. Dr. Simms has served as 1st Vice President for the ADA as well as on numerous ADA Boards and Councils. The California Association of Orthodontics elected him President as well as Editor for their publications. He also has served 13 years on the Board of Trustees for the Los Angeles County Museum of Art and for Art Museums at Long Beach and UCLA. He is a Fellow of ICD, ACD, and OKU. Thirteen new Fellows were inducted at that convocation—Drs. Oded Bahat of Beverly Hills, Alex Chan of Cerritos, Ernestina Avalos-Figueroa of Aliso Viejo, James F. Flores of Newport Beach, Arthur T. Forrest of Chino, Ronald D. Robin of North Hollywood, Robert Rosenfeld of Solana Beach, Abdol Semeni of Los Angeles, Ronald G. Shrader of Riverside, Richard G. Stevenson III of Valencia, Mark Taira of Los Angeles, Robert Bruce Walter of Redlands, and Ting-Wey Yen of Long Beach. |
Dr. Roger S. Kingston gave a presentation on “The Foundation Grants in Action.” The 2003 Foundation Scholarship Awards were presented to Elizabeth Park of Loma Linda University, Alan Tang of UCLA, and Kimberly Foon of USC. Teachers of the Year Awards were presented to Drs. Mike Fitzpatrick and Mike Francis of Loma Linda, to Dr. Russell Nishimura of UCLA, and to Dr. Leslie M. Kaneko of USC. The 2002 Grant Awards were acknowledged as the Roybal-Allard Children’s Dental Center of East Los Angeles operated by Dr. Naomi L. Bement, the Valley Community Clinic of North Hollywood, MEND (Meet Each Need with Dignity) POCOIMA operated under Dr. David Campbell, St. Leo’s Medical-Dental Clinic of North San Diego operated by Drs Bobbitt and Roger Kingston, and the Thousand Smiles Cranio Facial Surgery & Dental Care Mission operated by Drs. Tanaka and Jim Vernetti. The Section Officers are Chairman Charles Eller, Vice Chairman Hans S. Sjoren, past Chairman Steven Ferriot, and Editor William L. Mihram. |
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Georgia  Seated L-R: ADA President T. Howard Jones, PFA President Gary Lowder, PFA Trustee Robert Hart with new Fellows |
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Chair Karyn Stockwell hosted their First Annual Leadership Conference and Convocation Weekend at the Ritz Reynolds Plantation “Where new traditions are created” in Greensboro. A half-day continuing education program was given by Louan Lowder called “The Ladder—Stepping Up Professionally and Personally.” Saturday evening’s dinner highlight was the presentation by PFA President Gary Lowder of the PFA President’s Award to ADA President T. Howard Jones. President Lowder and Trustee Robert Hart assisted in investing 23 new Fellows—Drs. Frank Caughman, William Clance, Jr., Jonathan Dubin, David Fagundes, Shirley Fisher, Greg Goggans, Joe Hair, Wayne Herman, Kathy Huber, Wiulliam Miller, Logan Nalley, Jr., Michael Pruett, Matthew Smith, Jr., James Talbot, Robert Towe, Robert Vaught, Richard Weinman, Russell Wright, Bert Yeargan, and Michael Yurgalavage. | Last March, Chair Karyn Stockwell hosted their annual Breakfast Meeting at the Hinman Dental Meeting where along with past Chairman Lee Hawkins they inducted three new members. |
 L-R: New Fellows Gary Stough, Dan Patterson, and Jack Newman with Section Chair Karyn Stockwell Also welcomed were PFA visitors Drs. Debbie Juruaz and Marybeth Shaffer from Ohio, Carroll Player from South Carolina, and United Kingdom Section Chair Rash Patel. Georgia Chair Karyn Stockwell has set a new level for outstanding activity on behalf of the Academy and her Section. |
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| Pennsylvania Past PFA president Nicholas Saccone calls our attention to the election of Fellow Charles Weber as President-elect of the Pennsylvania Dental Association. Dr. Weber has served as President of the Dental Society of Chester and Delaware Counties, of the Second District Valley Forge Dental Association, and ADA Delegate from Pennsylvania, among his many other offices and chairs. He is also Chief of Dental Staff for the Chester County Hospital and a Fellow in PFA and ICD. |
Illinois Section Chair Chris Baboulos co-hosted their annual Luncheon Meeting at McCormick Place last March in Chicago with ICD and ACD during the 138th annual MidWinter Meeting of the Chicago Dental Society. |
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| Massachusetts Chairman Norman Becker states that their Section’s sponsored program “Toothprints” has become an overwhelming success. In this CHIP program, children simply bite into a wafer designed to register their bite in the event of some future tragedy. Drs. Dennis Sherman and Joseph DiMartinis have joined with Rollo the Clown and McGruff, the “take the bite out of crime” dog to register Massachusetts’ children in this project. Dr. Ray Rawson, forensic dental pathologist for Las Vegas, had noted in his PFA lecture tour in Europe several years ago how important bite registrations are in solving such crimes where bite marks are found. More and more prominence is given to dentistry in identifying postmortem individuals and in crimes where unique tooth patterns are discovered and recorded. |
 L-R: Dr. Dennis Sherman with patient and Rollo the Clown |
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PFA Section Secretary/Treasurer Gary Westerman announced hosting their annual Luncheon Meeting with Section Chair Francis J. Cavlovic presiding on Friday 25 April during the 135th annual Session of the Nebraska Dental Association. New Fellows inducted were Drs. John Ahlschwede of Central City, Sandra S. Larson of Lincoln, Scott L. Morrison of Omaha, James P. Murphy of Norfolk, Jerrold A. Remmenga of Elwood, Bob Roesch of Fremont, and George H. Schlothauer of Gering. Guests attending were Drs. Bob Arnold from Watertown, South Dakota, Larry Gjerstad from Minot, North Dakota, and Kathryn Kell from Davenport, Iowa. The Foundation Scholarship Awards were also presented to Creighton University Medical Center School of Dentistry’s Jennifer Enos and to UNMC School of Dentistry’s Marty Killen. The PFA Senior Student Awards were presented to Creighton’s Andrew Dreyer and to UNMC’s Kristin Fornander. |
 L-R: Chair Francis Cavlovic, student awardees Andrew Dreyer, Jennifer Enos, Kristin Fornander, Marty Killian, and Drs. Mike Pudwill and Gary Westerman Chairman Francis Cavlovic giving the Invocation mentioned the great contribution of the late Dr. Robert Shira. He also noted that we keep Dr. Benton Kutler in our prayers. The current membership is 45 active Fellows. The Membership Committee consists of Drs. Francis Cavlovic, Roger Gerstner, and Gary Westerman. |
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| Soft Drinks Beverage of Choice for Teens by the North American Academy of General Dentistry |
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In prior generations, soft drinks, soda pop, colas—whatever you called them—were reserved for a treat. In today’s society, this is not the case for teenagers. They cannot escape the onslaught of a $60 billion-a-year marketing campaign, soft drink machines everywhere, and consumption messages that entice an implied value in their consumption. Many schools across the United States and Canada have placed soft drink machines near their cafeterias as a drink alternative to wholesome dairy products. True, many contain fruit juices fortified with vitamins … and sugar. Schools have succumbed to this for the added revenue and due to teen demand. The machines outside the locked lunchrooms assure access by the students before and after school classes. This has made these sugar and acid containing beverages the drink of choice. Remember when the water fountain was the only choice? Soft drinks by teens have increased 1100% over the past 20 years. Dairy purchases by teens have decreased by 30% over the same time. While the largest risk of consuming too many soft drinks is still tooth decay, we are now learning that osteoporosis, obesity, and diabetes also head the list of concerns to a teenager’s fast-paced lifestyle. Fifteen percent of American adolescents, ages 6 to 19, are overweight. Being overweight puts teens at an increased risk of hypertension and elevated cholesterol leading to heart disease, type II diabetes, osteoporosis and tooth erosion. This is an important link between one’s oral condition and one’s overall health. |
Check this out yourself. Read the ingredients on the soft drink cans. Coke contains “high fructose, corn syrup, sucrose, phosphoric acid, and caffeine.” Dr. Pepper has the same contents. Pepsi’s Mist also has “citric acid, potassium citrate, ascorbic acid, and calcium disodium EDTA.” Coke’s Sprite has “high fructose, corn syrup and/or sucrose, citric acid and sodium citrate.” 7 Up’s Hawaiian Punch contains “less than 2% juice” but “high fructose corn syrup, citric acid, ascorbic acid and sugar.” Several parent organizations have begun to realize that such availability of these products means less control they have over a child’s nutritional diet. Their ready availability at institutions of learning gives an implied approval, even competition to the school’s own cafeteria’s planned food offerings by their dieticians. These parent groups are demanding the removal of such machines from their area schools with some success. As health professionals, we have an excellent opportunity to get involved. Talk to the local PTAs about your concerns. The American Academy of General Dentistry will work with you on preparing an oral health story. Contact their Public Relations Manager Susan Urbanczyk at 312/440-4308 or online at Susanu@AGD.org for more information. This is a simple project that can be handled by a single dentist for the good of a great many in their formative years. That is what our profession is about. |
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