letters to the editor issue 6, may 2013
letters to the editor Dr. Jennings — I want to congratulate you on this article in the WSDA News, and tell you that I think your comments hit the bullseye. As a past director of WDS and chairman of the board of that organization, I can assure your readers that indeed the founders whom I had the privilege to know created WDS to be a good steward for dental health. While I was involved, our mission was to treat our customers as we would like to be treated. We considered that purchasers were not the only ones. Our subscribers and our dentists were equally important and all customers deserved our respect and support. Most certainly our paid staff were never hired to feather their own nests with large salaries at the expense of any of the customers. Truly the company has been hijacked, and there are too many dentists who do not recognize the power they have to straighten out the problem by discontinuing their membership. — Dr. John Barrett Dr. Jennings — I read your letter in the WSDA News April
2013, and it is refreshing to hear someone stand up and call WDS on their crass behavior. It is clear they do not care about the providers at all. I can not understand our profession’s inability to stand up and walk away from this abuse. If they did WDS would be changing their tune. I doubt that will happen, however, and that is what WDS is banking on. Thank you for the article — maybe it will make a difference. — Dr. Daniel J Gallacher Dr. Jennings _ How are you? Great article on WSDA News about WDS! — Dr. Miki Suetsugu Dr. Jennings — Thank you very much for your editorial in the April WSDA News. I think you were bang on. — Dr. Tim Hess Dr Jennings — I believe there is a hierarchy at WDS, and that it takes awhile for the slime at the top to ooze to the bottom. — Dr. Mel Trenor
Dr. Jennings — I have been thoroughly impressed by the skill and professionalism of Dr. MacInnes. I first came to him with my family after another dentist insisted that I had to have a crown replaced. He assessed the tooth was causing me no concerns, that it was structurally sound. It has been well over five years later and today I asked about that same tooth, but Dr. MacInnes again put the patient first and told me that the tooth is fine. I guess what I really want you to know is that honesty, integrity, and consistent professionalism never go out of style. Dr. MacInnes is not an average dentist, he’s top nothch. He has completely improved the dental health and wellness of our entire family. We really appreciate him for repeatedly doing the right thing and for his commitment to being the best dentist, but also for treating his team around him really well. I used to work for Merck, where our founder stated: “Put the patients first, and the profits will follow.” I believe this serves as a great reminder to the industry, and Dr. MacInnes clearly leads by example. Please find some way to recognize him for his efforts. — With gratitude, Keith Dougherty and family
3 6 · th e wsda ne w s · issue 6, may · 2013 · www.wsda.org