Past president urges support for dental education
Need is great, urgent, Dr. Haught tells ADA House
|
Posted Nov. 8, 2006 |
By James Berry Dentistry's educational system, the backbone of the profession, could soon be in crisis unless dentists themselves pitch in to help.
 |
| |
 |
| |
Call to action: Dr. Haught addresses the ADA House of Delegates Oct. 20 in Las Vegas. (Photo by Lagniappe Studio)
|
That call to action was at the heart of Dr. Richard Haught's remarks to the ADA House of Delegates Oct. 20. A past president of the ADA (2004-05), Dr. Haught is co-chair of "Dental Education: Our Legacy—Our Future," a nationwide initiative to boost awareness of the challenges facing the profession's educational system.
Faculty shortages, rising costs, outdated facilities and equipment, and limited resources to embrace diversity are chief among the "serious and complex challenges" confronting dental schools, Dr. Haught told the delegates.
"If we don't address these issues, we'll encounter a crisis in the next 10 years that will jeopardize the future of our profession and adversely impact the health of our communities," he added.
Dr. Haught's co-chair in the initiative is Dr. Cecile Feldman, dean, University of Medicine and Dentistry New Jersey, New Jersey Dental School. The honorary chair is Dr. Arthur A. Dugoni, president of the ADA Foundation, which is spearheading the initiative.
The effort currently involves 71 partner organizations—and counting—including dental schools, specialty groups and others. The long-term objective: partners collectively raising more than $1 billion by the year 2029.
"Our goal moving forward is that every dentist in America, as well as organizations that understand the importance of oral health, will join in this effort," said Dr. Haught, urging the delegates to support the initiative and to encourage others to do the same.
"The time has come for us to financially support dental education, because it is our legacy and it must be our future," he said. "It is time for us to give back to the profession that has served us so very well."
To learn more about this collaborative project or to make a donation to one or more of the partners involved, visit www.ourlegacyourfuture.org  or call 1-312-587-4716.
|
