Joe Harris, DDS

PFA: Doing a World of Good

Education, philanthropy, and mentorship are the foundations on which our Academy stands. Fellowship in the Pierre Fauchard Academy is a testament in itself to one's own standing in the most honorable of professions. Acceptance to the Academy is by invitation only, and those invited have demonstrated a true dedication to maintaining the highest of professional standards. But membership in the PFA is not just an affirmation of one's achievements; it is also a vehicle by which we can accomplish and fulfill the duties expected of us as health care professionals.

As health care providers, we are obliged to perform philanthropic endeavors in our communities. A certain percentage of our work should be performed pro bono publico for those who truly deserve our assistance.

As self-regulated professionals, we are obliged to take an interest in guiding the neophytes of dentistry. By mentoring dental students and recent graduates, we strengthen our profession. We all benefit from the flow of information. Many times the "Old Guard" learns as much if not more from interacting with these young mavericks.

As doctors, we are obliged to advance the science of our specialty and to pass on our findings to our colleagues. Continuing education is not a luxury; it is truly an obligation.

The beauty of the Pierre Fauchard Academy is that every Region and every Section operates in an autonomous fashion. The aforementioned goals are developed, initiated, directed, and accomplished by the Fellows in their particular locales. Any particulars that may be influenced by cultural factors are easily dealt with by those who know best.

Even though, for many Fellows, the strength of the Academy is found at the local level, I encourage you to reach out to PFA members around the world. We are truly an international organization with almost 8000 members worldwide. In my travels as a PFA representative I have been amazed by the Fellows I have met. The quality of our members is equaled by no other organization. Their dedication to dentistry is boundless, and their service to their patients and community is the purist example of altruism.

Please take advantage of our wonderful organization and its benefits, which can be reaped both near and far.

Joe Harris, DDS
Vice President of the Pierre Fauchard Academy