Dr. Steven Hedlund

My father graduated from the University of Iowa's Journalism school which, at that time, was one of the best programs in the country. Unfortunately, I did not inherit his writing skills, which I could use right now. It is somewhat frightening to know that what you are writing may be read by hundreds of people. I am going to give it my best effort and hope for a journalism miracle.

I would first like to say that it is a great honor and privilege to serve as your President of the Pierre Fauchard Academy. Though this is something that I never expected to do I am glad that that I have the opportunity to serve as your President.

I would like to thank Dr. Chuck and Mrs. Gloria Eller for the fine year they had as your President and First Lady. Chuck was the face of the PFA to our Latin, European and Asian Fellows. No one could have been a better ambassador.

I must also comment about the fine work the PFA Foundation is doing. The Foundation has a new Executive Director, Laura Doyle. With her addition and the leadership of Jim Long and the Board, I see great things happening.

The PFA Board of Trustees had its annual meeting in conjunction with the ADA Convention in Hawaii. The Board worked diligently during their time in Hawaii, culminating in the President's banquet on the last evening of the meeting. Trustee Karyn Stockwell led the discussion at the Section Chair Caucus where many ideas and problems were shared.

Two weeks after the Hawaii meeting I traveled to Kyoto, Japan, to attend the 40th anniversary meeting of the Japanese Section. I was the first President to attend a Japanese meeting, and my wife and I were treated with unbelievable hospitality. It was great to meet so many PFA members and see my old friend Dr. Sakuda. Our hosts were Dr. Keishi Matsumoto and his wife Kiako. The Matsumotos were wonderful hosts and took great care of us.

From Japan we flew to Buenos Aires, Argentina, to attend the Argentina Section meeting where I presented the Academy's Elmer Best Award to Dr. Jose Carlos Elgoyhen. Twenty-seven new members were inducted into the Academy in front of a standing room only audience. My thanks go out to Norberto Montheil and Ernesto Acuña for organizing this wonderful meeting. I would like to congratulate Dr. Rossi as the new Section chair for Argentina. We thank Norberto and Ruthie for their hospitality and wish them well.

Look for changes in Dental World. The Academy wants to upgrade the look and design of our publication. Because of this transition Dental World was not included in the Jan/Feb issue. We also will reduce the number of Dental Worlds from six to four issues. There will be more to come on this subject at a later time.

I have been told that Busy Hands are Happy Hands. I am amazed at the amount of time this job requires but to have a great organization it takes a lot of work and your Officers and Trustees are willing to have Busy Hands.

Sincerely,
Steven K. Hedlund, DDS
President of the Pierre Fauchard Academy

Waikiki Beach in Honolulu, Hawaii. (See article on 2009 Annual Meeting in Hawaii)