ADA News

Malcolm Gladwell: The staff writer for the New Yorker and best selling author will speak at annual session.

Orlando, Fla.—The 2010 Opening General Session and Distinguished Speaker Series, set for Oct. 9, offers annual session goers a chance to celebrate the work of an ADA humanitarian and hear the insights of a New York Times best-selling author.

ADA dentists, team members, families and guests should plan to start their annual session experience by attending this free event at the Orange County Convention Center from 8-9:30 a.m.

Dr. Terry Dickinson, Virginia Dental Association executive director and founder of the Virginia Missions of Mercy project, will receive the 2010 ADA Humanitarian Award. Since he founded the Virginia MOM a decade ago, more than a dozen states have launched MOM programs, and there could be 20 programs operating nationwide by the end of 2010.

The ADA Humanitarian Award recognizes dentist members who have distinguished themselves by outstanding, unselfish leadership and at least a 10-year commitment to their fellow human beings in the field of dentistry, through the dedication of extraordinary time and professional skills to improve the oral health of underserved populations in the United States and abroad.

Next, best-selling author and social commentator Malcolm Gladwell will take the Distinguished Speaker Series podium.

Mr. Gladwell has been a staff writer with The New Yorker magazine since 1996. From 1987 to 1996, he was a reporter with the Washington Post, where he covered business and science before serving as New York City bureau chief.

He received a National Magazine Award, and in 2005, he was named one of Time Magazine's 100 Most Influential People. He is the author of three New York Times bestsellers, “The Tipping Point: How Little Things Make a Big Difference,” “Blink: The Power of Thinking Without Thinking” and “Outliers: The Story of Success.”

Born in England, Mr. Gladwell grew up in rural Ontario and graduated from the University of Toronto, Trinity College, with a degree in history. He now lives in New York City.

Attendees are encouraged to bring their copies of Mr. Gladwell’s books, since he will be available for a book signing following the Opening General Session.

For more details or to register, log on to www.ada.org/goto/session.

An easy-to-read digital edition of the 2010 Preliminary Program is accessible with a standard Web browser and can also be downloaded to a computer desktop or a link can be sent via e-mail.

Those who prefer a print copy of the preliminary program may request one by calling 1-800-232-1432 (toll free, U.S. only) or 1-312-440-2388, or e-mailing annualsession@ada.org.