James Galati family at home in Rexford, Saratoga County. From left: son, Dominic; daughter Alexa; wife, Kelli; daughter Gia; Dr. Galati.
Niki Rossi Photography
The Challenges are Many, but There’s Reason for Optimism NYSDA’s newest president is determined to not only help the Association withstand its current trials, but to overcome them and succeed. A conversation with James E. Galati, D.D.S., 142nd president of the New York State Dental Association In describing James Galati’s coming term as president of the New York State Dental Association, several words come to mind. They are: challenge, advocacy, inclusion and change. Galati assumes the office of the Association’s top elected official cognizant of the many obstacles NYSDA and its members have encountered in the past few years, not the least of which has been the ongoing COVID pandemic, which has tested and continues to test the professional and personal resources of practitioners. Adding to an already wrought situation, according to Galati, are possible Congressional interference in dental benefit programs, licensure delays, workforce shortages and ballooning student debt. But Galati, who says he tries to remain optimistic, sees challenges, especially those inherent in pursuing a career in dentistry, as “stepping stones to use on the path to success.” Which is not
14
JUNE/JULY 2022
●
The New York State Dental Journal
to say he expects his colleagues to muddle through on their own. That’s where the advocacy comes in, led by the ADA and NYSDA, who, Galati points out, have been instrumental in fighting off and helping to resolve these challenges. Galati vows that under his leadership that advocacy will continue and be strengthened by more aggressive outreach to members, especially new members, who, he says, need help from organized dentistry getting established and succeeding in their careers. Presidential Mantra NYSDA’s new president is passionate about inclusion, reaching out and connecting with the diverse groups that make up an everincreasing percentage of the dental profession. He has pledged to expand and enhance the Association’s newly formed Diversity,
