2009 News Archive

Rapid City, S.D.—The 28th Medical Group of the U.S. Air Force Dental Corps held the Ellsworth Air Force Base Dental Seminar here Aug. 7-8, inviting South Dakota Dental Association dentists an insider's look at the base and B-1 Lancers, the Air Force's strategic bombers.

The ADA Board of Trustees conferred honorary membership on Linda Tarrson, Jim Marshall and Dr. Thomas Prince, Oct. 2, for their dedication to the profession of dentistry.

In his address to the House of Delegates Friday, ADA President John S. Findley zeroed in on three "overriding concerns" that have commanded the Association's attention in recent years: health care reform, the Association itself and the future.

The 2009 House of Delegates on Friday declared the following trustees elected: 3rd District Trustee Charles Weber, 4th District Trustee Maxine Feinberg; 5th District Trustee Don Seago and 9th District Trustee Dennis Engel.

Presenting a 45-minute crash course in all that's new and high-tech for the dental office, Drs. Paul Feuerstein (the gadget guy) and Gregory Zeller (the software guy) showcased 150 High-tech Products on One Stage at the Live Operatory Center on the exhibit floor.

Armed with a course outline and a four-page handout grid, more than 700 dentists and team members attending the course, To Commemorate the 150th Year of the ADA: 150 Useful Clinical Tips in 150 Minutes, reaped the benefits Dr. Gordon Christensen’s product reviews and workflow tips.

At Friday’s opening session of the 2009 House of Delegates, two candidates were nominated for ADA treasurer and three candidates were nominated for speaker of the ADA House. Elections will be held Monday.

The ADA held its sixth House of Delegates mega topic discussion Friday, examining what impact and role the ADA and the profession have in an environment of changing life sciences and the new health care landscape.

The first step in deciding whether to proceed with a crown-lengthening procedure is to see if you can talk yourself out of it, Dr. Jon Suzuki told a full house attending his live patient demonstration yesterday at the Hawaii Convention Center.

"Aloha, y'all," said ADA President John Findley, mixing an island greeting with the hospitality of his native Texas to welcome members and guests to Wednesday's Opening General Session of the ADA's 150th Annual Session.

The 21st annual Golden Apple Awards, presented by the ADA to recognize dental society activities and excellence ­in leadership, were announced in September.

Two award-winning Brazilian dentists will present a combined continuing education course on Sunday at the ADA annual session.

Sharing stories and insights as both an educator and a colleague from a small town Ohio private practice, Dr. Gary DeWood encouraged his audience to visualize where they want to go so they can take steps to get there.

The ADA Council on Ethics, Bylaws and Judicial Affairs has awarded the grand prize in the 2009 Student Ethics Video Contest to a group from the University of Illinois at Chicago College of Dentistry.

Teacher. Leader. Researcher. Mentor. Who could choose one word to describe Dr. Harold Slavkin?

The Association "believes it is imperative that individuals and families have access to quality benefits and dentists," ADA officials told the Senate Finance Committee as that panel began considering health care reform legislation.

Dr. Kenneth L. Kalkwarf, this year's recipient of the ADA Distinguished Service Award, had a difficult decision to make during his earliest days in dental education.

The ADA's efforts with insurers on behalf of members are resulting in more accurate explanation of benefits language, dentists say.