Dr. Joseph C. Harris

As I reach the midpoint of my term, I can report progress in the Academy's affairs. The most encouraging points for me as the Academy's President are witnessing first hand the commitment, effort and dedication shown by our local Section Chairpersons. The direction taken by each Section is unique and distinct, however the common element demonstrated by the successful Sections is that strong leadership equals a strong Section. This issue of the Dental World will begin a series of articles written by the leaders of the Academy's most active and vibrant Sections--with the purpose of giving a view of their philosophy and methodology they used to achieve success for PFA.

Final preparations are being made for the Academy's annual meeting, which will take place in San Francisco in October in conjunction with the American Dental Association's annual session. It is during these meetings that Academy "business" is tended to. The Executive Board and Board of Trustees finalize Old Business as well as create a blueprint for future activities. A summary of the meeting minutes will be available for your perusal on the President's Newsletter page on the PFA website.

Please keep in mind that our Annual Meeting is not all work and no play ... many fun activities also will take place during our event. Our prestigious Awards Luncheon, Section Chair Caucus, President's Reception, PFA Ladies Luncheon and President's Dinner Party provide many opportunities for PFA Fellows to network with each other. The truly international flavor of the Academy can make for some interesting and promising bedfellows (no pun intended). I hope that those of you who are planning on attending the ADA session will try to participate in some of our functions. Your Officers and Staff will gladly take you by the hand and give you an intimate view of our beloved Academy. I encourage you to visit the Academy's website (www.fauchard.org) to keep abreast of all the latest news regarding the annual meeting as well as all other PFA business.

I have the grand privilege of announcing to the Fellowship that the Academy's newest Section had its inaugural meeting on February 2, 2011. Thanks to the hard work and planning of PFA Fellow Dr. Dominique Caron, Dubai (UAE) has become the latest nation to join the ranks of the Academy. Twenty-six Fellows were inducted by Dr. Caron and PFA Immediate Past President Hubert Ouvrard. Dr. Caron will be receiving a Distinguished Service Award for his valiant efforts in this area.

Remember that we, the Officers and Staff of the Pierre Fauchard Academy, are ever cognizant that our duties and responsibilities are guided by our Mission Statement. You, the Fellows of the Academy, are the reason we work so diligently to maintain and improve the Academy. All plans, actions and implementations occur with you in mind. We encourage feedback from the "ranks" and it is the Board's greatest desire to receive discourse from you.

Dr. Joseph C. Harris
International President of the Pierre Fauchard Academy