From the Desk of the Foundation President

Beautiful Honolulu in Hawaii was the location for our most recent Foundation Board meeting. The weather was perfect, the food was delicious and the Board meeting was a very fruitful one. We were in session Saturday and Sunday morning. The evaluation of grant requests, dollar wise and priority wise, was a very challenging and time consuming process. This past year has been a rough one for our portfolio--therefore limiting the dollar amount that we have available to dispense. The 2009 Grants Committee received 43 grant applications requesting a total of $395,850. Thirty-two grants were approved for support totaling $158,850. The Foundation scholarship program gave out $117,000 to 76 students in the US and around the world. I feel the Board showed excellent stewardship with the funds available.

Our Executive Director, Laura F. Doyle, is in the process of setting up a data base which will enable us to track the use of credit cards as a method of payment through the Web site and over the phone. Donated funds will go directly to the Foundation office as opposed to going to the Academy and then to the Foundation. We are very excited about this. Due to the great efforts of the Academy President, Dr. Steve Hedlund and also the work of Mrs. Judith Kozal and Mrs. Laura Doyle, the Foundation enjoys a very harmonious relationship with the Academy which enables both groups to better fulfill our mission to help others.

Our fundraising efforts have been very successful this year, but we still have a long way to go. The year 2010 will be an exciting one for the Board as we do things a little differently than has been done in the past. We are looking forward to having Laura on board for her first full year. I realize that by the time you read this epistle Santa Claus will be back home at the North Pole and the New Year's baby will be out of diapers. On behalf of your Trustees, I hope your Holiday Season was a very happy one.

Remember, it is not what we "Say" but what we "Do" that counts.

Dr. Jim Long
President of the Foundation of the Pierre Fauchard Academy

From the Desk of the Foundation Executive Director

In 2009, I joined the Foundation as the new Executive Director. I am so proud to be a part of an organization whose mission is to safeguard, increase and administer funds for the improvement of the oral health of the citizens of the worldwide Sections of the Pierre Fauchard Academy. The Foundation has as their purpose to advance the field of dental health through such activities as scholarships, the provision of needed services to the public, continuing education, faculty development, and the support of other charitable projects in dentistry.

What impressed me most about the organization was when I attended my first Board of Trustees meeting. It quickly became evident that this is a group that cares passionately about the mission of their organization. It is not just another charity to them, it is an important cause that does make a difference in people's lives and their Foundation plays a key role in providing that care.

The Foundation Funded 33 Projects for the year 2010

Smiles Forever Foundation. Smiles International Foundation. Walla Walla Mobile Dental Program. Himalayan Dental Relief Project. Thousand Smiles Foundation. Street Angels Society. These are only 6 of the dental health care projects receiving support in 2010 as a result of Foundation of the Pierre Fauchard Academy grants. The Foundation gave out $150,000 to thirty three worthy projects enabling less fortunate people from around the world to have an opportunity to receive much needed oral health care in 2010. In addition, the Foundation gave out 76 student scholarships to 57 third-year US dental students and 19 international dental students.

The Foundation Continues to Provide Scholarships in 2010

The Foundation of the Pierre Fauchard Academy is proud of the fact that since the inception of the grants and scholarships programs the Foundation has granted scholarships to 1,208 dental students totaling $1,800,000. In addition, the Foundation has provided more than $2,900,000 to programs around the world serving the dental needs of those less fortunate. This represents a total of $4,700,000 funded by the Foundation.

The Foundation Needs Your Continuing Generous Support

In the past several years, the Foundation had the luxury of growing not only through your generous support but also realized growth through investment income. As we are all too aware, the dramatic loss of investment income has had an impact on the Foundation's ability to fully fund the many grant requests.

Your colleagues have contributed $50,000 in 2009 towards supporting the 2010 grants and scholarships program. (For a listing of 2009 donors, go to http://fauchard.org/foundation/contributions.html) The Board of Trustees of the Foundation would appreciate your help in raising additional funds in 2010. Newly established donor categories are as 
follows:

Contributor up to $99 Shira Fellow $1000

Supporter $100 - $499 Benefactor $1001 - $4,999

Sponsor $500 - $999 Patron $5000 or more

Please consider making your 2010 tax deductible donation to the Foundation so that we can continue to support dental students and help those less fortunate around the world with dental care.

Go to http://www.fauchard.org/foundation/ and click on DONATE NOW to make your donation ONLINE by credit card, or you can download the Foundation donation form, fill it out, and send in with your donation by check. And, of course, you can call the Foundation at 703-597-8847 to make your international donation by credit card.

Thank you for helping us to help others! It is through your generous support that we can continue to support these important grant programs and scholarships.

Laura Fleming Doyle, CAE
Executive Director, Foundation of the Pierre Fauchard Academy

International News

FRANCE

PFA President Elect Dr. Ouvrard attends Paris Meeting

The French section of the PFA met on Monday October 19th, 2009 in Garançière Dental School of Paris 7 University. The meeting was attended by the Academy's President Elect, Dr. Hubert Ouvrard.

Dr. Robert Garcia, Dean of the Dental School was inducted as the new French Section Chairman by Dr. Ouvrard. Dr. Garcia and Dr. Ouvrard awarded the Dental Scholarship Award to three students: Pierre-Marie Voisin from Paris, Camille Tavera from Paris, and Miss Klingler from Strasbourg Dental School.

Following the scholarship presentation three new PFA Fellows were inducted by Dr. Garcia: Dr. Olivier Nedelec from Paris, Dr. Jean-Christophe Loir from Villejuif, and Dr. Xavier Riaud from Saint Herblain.

Dr. Robert Garcia hosted a fine cocktail party after the ceremony to all in attendance. A pleasant time was had by all, and most importantly, the future of our Academy in France was the main topic of discussion.

ITALY

The Italian Pierre Fauchard Academy's Fellows met in Bologna on November 19, during the XXVIII International Congress of A.I.O.P. (Accademia Italiana di Odontoiatria Protesica).

We had the pleasure to award grants and scholarships. An Italian PFA Grant for "Worthy Early Graduate Dentist" was given to Dott. Paolo Castellarin, his school's leader, who is a young dentist with special qualities like integrity, imagination, initiative, and good communication skills. This grant will help him support his new practice with a donation of a brand new volume by Michael Cohen entitled "Interdisciplinary Treatment Planning: principles, design,and implementation". Also given was a free Continuing Education Attendance in a Department or in a private dental practice.

Another Italian PFA Grant for "Worthy Dental Student" went to Ms. Annamaria Toschetti, her school's leader, with special qualities like Dott. Castellarin. To support this student's efforts, we donated an important and fundamental book, a really didactic large volume much in demand from Italian students: "Protesi Totale e Overdenture su Impianti. Procedure step by step" (offered from Quintessenza Italia).

We made a selection among five candidates of a worthy and disadvantaged Dental Student with the requested qualities to receive the prestigious acknowledgement of The International P.F.A. Foundation Dental Student Scholarship Program. After the official ceremony, and the giving Fellowship certificates, pins, and keys, we had the pleasure to accept four new Fellows.

Andrea Pantarotto, PFA Section Chair - Italy

JAPAN

Three students received the PFA Foundation Scholarships during a ceremony held in July, 2009 by the PFA Japan Section.

AUSTRALIA

The PFA Australasian Section remains active and supportive of all dental schools throughout the Commonwealth, New Zealand and Fiji. Undergraduate Awards of Merit are issued each year to students acknowledged by their respective Heads of Schools and the Gordon Rowell Prize for Undergraduate Excellence and the PFA Foundation Scholarships continue attract nominations by outstanding students. The profile and acknowledgement of the Academy continues to rise. The calibre of our current Inductees and the increase in Western Australian PFA Fellows in particular, ensures the position of the Academy within the dental profession in Australasia.

Our next induction will take place in conjunction with next Australian Dental Congress, to be held in Brisbane, Queensland in March 2010. The Academy looks forward to 2010 and its continued position as a pre-eminent dental honor society committed to the profession and its students in this region.

USA News

MICHIGAN

Pierre Fauchard Foundation 2009 Scholarship Recipients

The Pierre Fauchard Scholarship is given annually by the PFA Foundation to each dental school. The Foundation requests that the scholarship be given to an outstanding student who demonstrates promise for leadership within the profession and has financial need.

Angela Cergnul was chosen as the Pierre Fauchard Academy Foundation Scholarship recipient at the University of Detroit Mercy School of Dentistry for 2009. Angela is currently a DS4 student at UDMSD. Angela is from Midland and is a graduate of Central Michigan University. She was a Camp Independence volunteer in both 2008 and 2009.

Ashly Mclean is currently a fourth year student who is the 2009 recipient of the PFA Scholarship at the University of Michigan. Ashly is from Madison, WI, and received her BS from the University of Wisconsin, majoring in psychology and biology. Before entering dental school, she earned an MPH at the UW-Madison School of Medicine and Public Health. In addition to fulfilling her academic responsibilities she has served as a representative on the Curriculum Committee for two years and been a strong contributor to various service missions at the UM School of Dentistry.

The Pierre Fauchard Academy Student Award is given annually to a graduating student at each dental school.

Dr. Brian Anderson was the recipient of the Pierre Fauchard Academy Award for 2009. Brian, a 2009 graduate of the University of Detroit Mercy School of Dentistry, is originally from Ishpeming. He earned his BS degree from Northern Michigan University. He volunteered for Camp Independence at Bay Cliff Health Camp in both 2007 and 2008. He is now practicing in the Upper Peninsula.

Allen Robinson was an accomplished student who received the 2009 PFA Award to recognize his service, leadership, professionalism and participation in research at the local and national level. His activities as a leader in the School as President of the Student National Dental Association, as an American Student Dental Association class representative, and as a scholar of the Gateway Future Faculty Organization gave him the opportunity to be a mentor for others and make a positive impact on the learning environment.

He also participated in international outreach efforts to Jamaica. Allen was accepted to the Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Program at Harbor UCLA Medical Center and is currently in the first year of specialty training in Los Angeles, CA.

 

GEORGIA

On August 19th at the Welcome Back Assembly at MCG School of Dentistry, Awards Chair, Dr. Jimmy Cassidy presented the $1000 GA PFA Research Scholarship to Ryan Bloomquist, a sophomore involved in research in bone biology, bone regeneration techniques and tooth development, and the National PFA Scholarship to senior, Brandon Esco both of these students will be invited guests at the February conference.