Dental World^®

PIERRE FAUCHARD ACADEMY

President’s Message

September/October • 2006

and some are due to internal alterations that have thrust the Academy even more into the forefront of International Dentistry. And there is still room for further change, i.e., expansion of a well-recognized Web site, and increased involvement in affiliated regions of the world.

This is a time of challenge for organized dentistry everywhere, and PFA is no exception. Commitment and involvement on committees, attendance at meetings, participation in projects and service activities--all have suffered a downward trend over the past decade and more. An International Fellowship reflects all this in a global context, which certainly does not make it any easier. How does such a group find common ground among its Fellowship; develop cohesive interests; obtain better understanding of the uniqueness of each region?

If I could wave a magic wand, make it happen, I would want Trustees and Section Chairs in each region to come together and discuss what they could do, as agents of change and collegiality, to bring their respective areas closer. Finding it most worthwhile to foster collaboration, to work together on humanitarian projects that could improve oral health conditions, and recognize the capabilities of the Fellowship in general, these are among the first steps in this context and must be encouraged by the leadership of the Academy. How can we call ourselves a premier international honor dental Fellowship if we do not live up to the maxims of the Academy which we supposedly promulgate and support? PFA can only grow if the selection and induction of new Fellows is made with this in mind as an imperative.

So, now it is time for me to step down from my bully pulpit, to let the new President, Dr. William Winspear of Australia, put his imprimatur on the PFA ship of state, and for me to let go the reins of power and prestige. As I stated in the beginning, it has been one h--- of a year, and I will be forever grateful that you gave me and my dear wife, Sheila, the most wonderful opportunity to serve you as your President.

THANK YOU ! THANK YOU ! THANK YOU !

Dr. Martin Naimark, past PFA President (1992-1993), passed to his reward on 23 July 2006. All our sympathies to his family, though we know that such a generous, giving individual is enjoying his eternal peace and benefits of a life well spent in the behalf of service to his fellow man.

Marty and Wilma Naimark with past President George Higue

Past PFA President (1993-1994) and immediate past Foundation President Carl Lundgren noted that Marty and he were closely involved with the reshaping of the Academy on a number of issues. "Marty was a brilliant performer and never hesitated to be right there helping to make decisions. He was easy to get along with and a fine gentleman. I will miss seeing him."

Past PFA President Gary Lowder (2002-2003) remembers Dr. Naimark as a kind and gentle man with clear purpose and vision for the PFA. “There is a special empty spot in my heart as I ponder the lives of great and kindly men like Marty. That spot is and ever will be filled with the memories of their goodness.”

The PFA Annual Awards Banquet will be held on Tuesday this year because of the shifting of the ADA Meeting to the beginning of the week. At that time, the PFA officers will present special awards to those highly respected and nominated individuals, honoring them for their dedication and commitment to our profession. The Awards designated for this year are:

Dr. Rex Ingraham

The highest PFA Award presented in the United States is the PFA Gold Medal. This year, the Medal will be presented to Dr. Rex Ingraham of Glendale, California.

PFA’s Distinguished Service Awards will be presented to past PFA President and retiring Hall of Fame Chairman Dr. H. Raymond Klein and to past PFA President and immediate past Foundation President Dr. Carl Lundgren.

PFA’s Dental Trade & Industry Award is presented to honor an outstanding leader in the dental industry for contributions to dentistry. Only one plaque per annum is awarded upon recommendation of the Awards Committee and with the approval of the Academy Board. This year’s award will be presented to Dentsply Corporation of Canada, with their Vice President of Professional Relations George R. Rhodes accepting on their behalf.

Dentsply Corporation implemented a Student Clinician Program, which provides an opportunity for dental students to participate in a national clinical research competition.

Dentsply’s George R. Rhodes

This is managed by the Canadian Dental Association, sponsored by Dentsply International, and held in conjunction with CDA’s annual conference. Its purpose is to stimulate ideas, improve communication, and increase student involvement in the advancement of the dental profession. This program is now offered in 35 countries on six continents. Student participants are selected by the Deans and dental faculties of accredited dental schools. Most of the students’ expenses are underwritten by Dentsply.

George Rhodes is responsible for the management and direction of Dentsply’s varied professional relations activities internationally. He joined Dentsply in 1973. In 1977, he was promoted to Manager of the Corporate Public Relations Department. His responsibilities increased over the years, and he was promoted to his present position in 1992. George Rhodes earned his undergraduate degree in English from York College of Pennsylvania and a Masters Degree in Public Relations from The American University.

Following those important presentations will be the Installation of Officers for the 2006-2007 year. Immediate past President will be Dr. Howard Mark of Connecticut. PFA International President will be Dr. William Winspear of Australia. President-elect will be Dr. James A. Englander of Wisconsin. Dr. Charles Eller of California will be installed as PFA Vice President. PFA International Trustees installed will be Drs. Karyn Stockwell of Georgia, Joe Harris of Michigan, and Daniel Castagna of California.

Georgia Section Report

President Howard Mark and Dr. Joseph Dufresne
outside a dental van

Chair Karyn Stockwell reports holding their 4th Annual PFA Leadership Conference and Convocation last February at the Ritz-Carlton Reynolds Plantation in Greensboro, Georgia. The Conference kicked off with participation in the ADA’s “Give Kids a Smile” project using four mobile dental vans at two elementary schools. The vans were donated by Dr. Mark Shurett. Twelve Fellows plus the Georgia Scholarship recipient, Dr. Amber Lawson, provided dental treatment ranging from prophylaxis and sealants to stainless steel crowns and extractions--treatment valued at $23,800 to serve kids who would otherwise have gone untreated. PFA International President Howard Mark was present to encourage everyone in this outstanding project.

Fellow Shirley Fisher, assisted by her husband
Robert Fisher, provided treatment

That Friday evening, Fellow Robin Reich hosted a dinner buffet and wine tasting at her home to socialize and get to know one another, as well as meet their new inductees, their PFA Trustee Robert Hart of Florida, and PFA International President Howard Mark of Connecticut.

Foundation Scholarship recipient, Dr. Amber Lawson,
treating a patient

Saturday morning, a half-day course on Oral Medicine was presented by the Medical College of Georgia School of Dentistry along with Fellows Wayne Herman and Joseph Konzelman as presenters.

L-R, Trustee Robert Hart, Chair Karyn Stockwell, hostess Robin Reich, event co-chair Carol Wolff, and President Howard Mark

Trustee Robert Hart assisting President Howard Mark inducting Dr. Charles Smaha into Fellowship

The afternoon offered a skeet-shooting tournament, as February in Georgia is not always conducive for golf.

Formal attire was the dress for the evening Gala Awards and Induction Dinner. The ceremonies were presided over by PFA President Howard Mark, International Trustee Robert Hart, and Section Chair Karyn Stockwell, with some 85 Fellows and guests in attendance. Fourteen new Fellows were inducted into the Academy.

L-R, Fellows Joseph Konzelman, President Howard Mark, Chair Karyn Stockwell, and Fellow Wayne Herman

The new members were Drs. Becky Bays Carlon, Brian Carpenter, H. Byron Colley III, Hugh Flax, Daniel Hodges, Kenneth Hutchinson, Anthony Joyce, Dave Lee, Stuart Loos, Jane Martone, Alston McCaslin VI, Peter Shatz, Charles Smaha, and David Zelby.

Dr. Lee Hawkins was presented the Georgia Section’s PFA Distinguished Service Award for his outstanding contributions to dentistry as a clinician, as a leader on the local, State, and national levels, for his service to his community, and as a past PFA Section Chair.

Dr. Gary Holmes, assistant Professor of Oral Rehabilitation at the Medical College of Georgia School of Dentistry, received the Georgia Section’s Second Excellence in Dental Education Award. This award recognizes clinical excellence and encourages junior faculty to stay in academic dentistry. The award was originated by Fellow Frank Caughman.

Also honored at this event was Dr. Mark Shurett for his continued generosity over the past four years in supplying the mobile dental vans, personnel, and supplies for the “Give Kids a Smile” project.

The Foundation Scholarship recipient Dr. Amber Lawson was applauded for her attendance and participation in their program. The new member sponsors were also recognized.

Georgia Dental Association President Fellow Richard Weinman gave greetings with Medical College of Georgia School of Dentistry Dean Fellow Connie Drisko giving a talk.

The Saturday evening events were brought to a conclusion with entertainment by a barbershop quartet of Fellows and the magical illusions of Bill Clary.

Sunday morning wrapped up the conference with a Breakfast Business Meeting. President Mark addressed the group on the state of the Academy and the Foundation. Plans for the year 2007 were discussed, committees designated, and the new Georgia PFA letterhead logos were unveiled.

Dr. Lee Hawkins receiving Distinguished
Service Award from Chair Karyn Stockwell

Chair Karyn Stockwell and Frank Caughman
present Excellence Award to Dr. Gary Holmes

L-R, Project Chair Drew Ferguson, Dr. Mark Shurett,
and Section Chair Karyn Stockwell

PFA Barbershop Quartet of Fellows Anthony Joyce,
Phil Miller, Joseph Konzelman, and ringer John Phillips