21 minute read
Component News
BRONX COUNTY
Welcome, Residents
Don Safferstein, D.D.S.
On Aug. 15, the Bronx County Dental Society and NYSDA cosponsored a get together with the new residents of our
five area hospitals. It was an evening of drinks, appetizers and great conversation. Mostly, it was great to welcome so many young dentists to the Bronx and talk to them about the importance of organized dentistry.
Thank you to the event sponsors, MLMIC and Bank of America.
Dinner and Learning
The Bronx has a full schedule of fall dinner lectures. They include the following:
• September 10: Dr. Jefferey Hoos. “If You Can Do Composites Correctly, You Can Do Full-Mouth Reconstruction.” Sponsored by Kuraray Dental.
• October 15: Michele Gabriel of DDS Match. “Important Steps to a Seamless Transition.”
• November 12: Dr. Dennis Bohlin. “Making a Difference-Substance Misuse and Your Patients “
EIGHTH DISTRICT
Gaining Members
Kevin J. Hanley, D.D.S.
The Steer Restaurant was the venue for Senior Sign-up Day in April. Fourth-year dental students in attendance heard about membership in the American Dental Association and its importance in their professional lives. Current members of the Eighth District’s Executive Council were on hand to give personal testimony about this importance and to encourage the students to join. At the end of the evening, 105 students became members, a banner day for the Eighth District!
Guild Meets for Brunch
The Guild of St. Apollonia held its annual appreciation brunch on April 28 at St. Leo the Great Church in Amherst. Members and their families attended Mass in the morning, followed by a catered lunch in the parish hall. Sister Mary Johnice from Response to Love Center shared the story of the inspirational mission work she performs daily at the Center. Fourth-year dental student Ramses Tamara Guerra received the Guild’s annual student service award.
The Guild of Apollonia is a group of Western New York dentists who provide needed care to those who don’t have the financial resources to afford it.
Members Recognized for Service
Three members of the Eighth District were honored by various organizations for their contributions to dentistry and their communities.
The Pierre Fauchard Academy presented Dr. Joseph Gambacorta with its Distinguished Service Award at its luncheon during the recent NYSDA House of Delegates meeting. Dr. Gambacorta was recognized for his work in RAM outreach both nationally and internationally and for his academic support at the University at Buffalo School of Dental Medicine. This is well-deserved recognition of Dr. Gambacorta, who served as a driving force behind such missions at the dental school.
Another outstanding member of the Eighth District, Dr. Frank Barnashuk, received the prestigious Dr. Mark Feldman Distinguished Service Award during the NYSDA House of Delegates meeting for his significant contributions to NYSDA and organized dentistry. The district congratulates both Dr. Gambacorta and Dr. Barnashuk and thanks them for their work on our behalf.
Buffalo Business First honored Dr. Elizabeth Kapral on June 13 with its Excellence in Healthcare Award, presented at the organization’s awards luncheon at Salvatore’s Italian Gardens in Depew. Dr. Kapral is director of Special Needs Dentistry at Erie County Medical Center in Buffalo. She has received multiple HRSA grants, totaling over $3 million to address workforce challenges in dental care for vulnerable patients.
In 2023, Dr. Kapral and her dental team opened the ECMC Center for Dental Care at 800 Hertel Ave., Buffalo. This center operates within a multidisciplinary facility focused on meeting the needs of patients with disabilities, significantly expanding ECMC’s impact on the community. Dr. Kapral also chairs the New York State Special Needs Task Force. Congratulations to Dr. Kapral for this well-deserved recognition.
Golf Outing
On Monday, June 17, the 2024 William C. Knauf Jr. Memorial Golf Tournament was held at Diamond Hawk Golf Course in Cheektowaga. The morning began with a CE lecture by Dr. Sebastiano Andreana titled “Implant Therapy and the Edentulous Patient.” Following the lecture and lunch, 98 golfers teed up for the tournament.
Like most of the summer, the weather was hot and humid, but everyone appeared to be having a wonderful time playing the challenging course. Following golf, dinner and prizes finished off the great day of camaraderie. The team of Drs. Chris Kacalski, Rob Kacalski, Mike Piazza and Mr. Joe Piazza were the Men’s overall champions in the scramble competition. The Senior’s overall champion was the team of Drs. Robert Reszel, Ron Chmiel, Scott Seier and Gregory George. Triumphant in the Super Seniors Division were Drs. Timothy Seel, Joseph Rutecki, Richard Lynch and David Stasiak. The Women’s overall champion was the team of Drs. Catherine Grogan, Patricia Starring, Frances DePlato and Alyssa Tzetzo. The Mixed team of Drs. Chester Gary, Rick Redmin, Frank Sindoni and Ms. Julia Gengo won that division.
It was another very successful day and tournament. Next year’s tournament will take place in June at Fox Valley Country Club in Lancaster.
Safe Behind the Wheel
The Eighth District will hold another safe driving course on Sept. 4 at the district office. This course is not your grandparents’ boring driving course; it is a serio-comic exploration of what it means to be a safe driver. Ray Ammerman, with the Safe Driver Academy, will present the course. Having taken the course two years ago, I can personally vouch for its value. Mr. Ammerman presents the information in a format guaranteed to keep all participants involved and entertained.
Attendees will receive a certificate entitling them to a 10% discount on their auto insurance for the next three years. I heartily recommend you attend this course.
FOURTH DISTRICT
Salute to Graduates
Crystal Arpei-McHugh, D.D.S., M.S.
The Fourth District Dental Society congratulates the 2024 graduates of Hudson Valley Community College School of Dental Hygiene, particularly Shane White, recipient of the Gerard A. Ripp Memorial Award, and Isabella Sypek, winner of the Dr. Mark A. Bauman Scholarship.
The Gerard A. Ripp Award, presented by the Hudson-Mohawk Section of the American College of Dentists, was created in 2000 to honor local oral surgeon and HVCC instructor Dr. Gerard Ripp. It is presented to the students who demonstrate leadership, scholastic performance and great potential to contribute to the dental hygiene profession.
The winner of the Bauman Scholarship, presented by the Fourth District, is chosen for exhibiting traits that mirror those displayed by the late Dr. Bauman, including leadership, interest in and high standards for the profession, and compassion and care.
In the House
The Fourth District was well-represented at the annual meeting of the NYSDA House of Delegates May 31-June 2 at Turning Stone Resort and Casino. Taking part in proceedings were delegates Drs. Christina Cocozzo, Fred Wetzel, John Milza and Jennifer Kluth and alternate delegates Dr. Rachel Hargraves and Diana Sandu. Also attending from the Fourth were NYSDA Trustee Dr. Adrienne Korkosz, NYSDA Immediate Past President James Galati and Executive Director Lisa Hicks.
Vets Program Making Difference
The New York State Dental Foundation’s annual Brunch and fundraiser, held June 1 during the NYSDA House of Delegates meeting, celebrated the early successes of Salute Vets With a Smile, a new program to connect veterans with free dental care. At the brunch, the foundation recognized the dozens of volunteer dental heroes who are already providing free care to veterans in need of treatment.
The Fourth District acknowledges and thanks all its members who are helping to promote this program. Their participation has resulted in close to 100 connections being made.
SUFFOLK COUNTY Seminar Engages
Natalia Elson, D.D.S.
On May 15, we hosted Seminar Series Event #2 with Dr. Amanda Seay, presenter of “A Journey Through Esthetic Dentistry.” We had 60 people in attendance in our fully refurbished venue. Feedback was outstanding, and we thank Dr. Seay for sharing her knowledge and expertise in such a kind and engaging way. We’ll do our best to have her back.
Dr. Amanda Seay leads members on “Journey through Esthetic Dentistry.”
Great Day for Golf
We had a beautiful day and a great time at our 24th annual golf outing on June 12 at Willow Creek Golf and Country Club. More than 70 golfers and volunteers enjoyed the day that included a barbeque lunch and dinner banquet.
A huge thank you to all our sponsors, including Tangredi Endo, Damianos Realty Group, Henry Schein Dental, MLMIC, Premier Endo, Rivkin Radler, Straumann, Fuoco Group, Joe Schwan CPA, Nappi’s Nook, Dr. Peter Pruden, TD Bank Healthcare Practice Solutions and Spot Pal. And, of course, thank you to our golf committee, its chair Tony Maresca, and the volunteers who put in a huge effort to deliver a great outing. They are Carol Deerwester, Patricia Hanlon, Fran McHugh, Terry Sanders, Chris Vazquez, Claudia Mahon-Vazquez, Ivan Vazquez, Vincent Verderosa and Nick Vittoria.
We’ll do it again next year. You won’t want to miss it.
Residents Invited to Lunch
Later in the month, on June 25, a busy day unfolded for new dental residents. And, as always, we were there to support them. We were honored to host a luncheon at the Stony Brook School of Dental Medicine for 36 of the 38 new dental residents. Our leadership team was there, too, including Drs. Jimmy Kilimitzoglou, Matt Hanna, Jeff Seiver and Patricia Swanson, as well as longtime faculty and SCDS member Dr. John Foti.
The residents hailed from communities across the United States. Some said they wanted to stay on Long Island or elsewhere in New York State, while some said they were looking to return to their home states.
At the same time as the event at Stony Brook, other SCDS leaders—Drs. Claudia Mahon-Vazquez, Ivan Vazquez, Patria Hanlon, Keri Logan, John Damaskos and Scott Goldstein—were meeting with five of the six dental residents at St. Charles.
Both groups of residents were provided with an overview of organized dentistry and the value of ADA membership. We appreciate the support of the American Dental Association and the New York State Dental Association in helping us provide the lunches and create a positive experience.
A big shoutout to Carol Deerwester (SCDS), Lynda Reynolds (SBSDM) and Daniella Zajac (SBSDM) and all our volunteer dentist leaders for their help in making these events possible.
Summer Social
We had a great time July 31 at Top Golf. More than 30 new dentists were joined by several SCDS leaders for a fun summer social event, sponsored by TargetRock Wealth Management, Bank of America Practice Solutions, Straumann and MLMIC. SCDS President Dr. Steven Feigelson, President-Elect Dr. Bill Bast, NYSDA Trustee Dr. Guenter Jonke and NYSDA Secretary-Treasurer Dr. Paul Leary were all on hand, as were our New Dentist Chair Dr. Devin Klein and Membership Chair Dr. Hailey Taylor.
Make it a Day of Learning Compliance Day is Dec. 4, a chance to get your mandated courses taken care of in one day! Check it out at SuffolkDental.Org/Calendar.
SECOND DISTRICT
Summer Means FUN at SDDS
Alyson Buchalter, D.M.D.
This summer has been packed with member-oriented, fun-filled events. In July, we learned shuffleboard is not just for senior citizens. That was when our New Dentist Committee hosted a “Summer Fun Night,” a social event at the Royal Palms Shuffleboard Club to encourage camaraderie and networking among our newest members. Known for its food trucks, DJs, markets, concerts and, of course, shuffleboard, it was inevitable that Royal Palms would be the venue for a fun time.
Invitees included new dentists and residents from across Brooklyn and Staten Island. Over 30 dentists attended. We want to thank Henry Schein for its generous sponsorship. Thank you also to our New Dentist Committee Chair Theressa Eliscar-Hewett and Dr. Stephanie Sagar, a member of the SDDS BOT, for organizing the event. Of the evening Dr. Sagar said, “It was a great summer night to bring new dentists and residents together while experiencing a new game.”
Who knew shuffleboard was so much fun?! Events like this show how much the SDDS values its new dentists. The summer fun will continue with a Pizza Day and Family Fun Day. Pizza
Day is being organized by Dr. Sager for new dentists, who will be invited to take part in a master class in pizza making. Attendees will learn new recipes while networking with new friends. Watch your email for the invite.
Family Fun Day will cap off the summer. It will bring together members and their families for a day of excitement, laughter and bonding. The venue, Urban Air Adventure Park, promises a “safe place for the whole family to jump, soar, race, climb and play.” How can it be anything but fun!
Dr. Segelnick Published in JADA
The SDDS is proud of our own Dr. Stuart Segelnick. Not only was his article “Orally Dissolving Buprenorphine for Opioid Use Disorder Linked to Caries” published in the July 2024 issue of the Journal of the American Dental Association, but it was also the cover story. We at SDDS have always known how special Dr. Segelnick is, but now he has gained national attention. As he completes his term as the SDDS Bulletin’s award-winning editor and moves onto his new role as editor of the NYSDA Journal, we at the SDDS are delighted to call him one of our own!
NINTH DISTRICT
A Swell Event
Monica Barrera, D.D.S.
Congratulations to Dr. Anthony Cuomo, past president of the Ninth District, who completed his term as NYSDA President at the conclusion of the Association’s House of Delegates meeting in June.
The 9th District hosted events at this year’s meeting, held at the Turning Stone Resort and Casino in Verona. We are grateful to our delegates, alternate delegates, executives, our executive director and his executive assistant for their hard work in making the event a tremendous success. Not only did the 9th District collect a generous donation for EDPAC, our Golf Outing, Dinner and the highly praised drone exhibition were celebrated by attendees as some of the best events ever. We also want to thank our sponsoring vendors and the NYSDA staff, whose assistance and direction were paramount to the week’s success.
We want to take a moment to remember another past president, Dr. Stuart Coleton, who also was an important NYSDA leader, serving on the Association’s Board of Governors, numerous councils and as our first trustee. His leadership and mentoring will be missed.
Occasions for Learning
Our next full-day General Meeting will take place on Wednesday, Sept. 18, at the Crowne Plaza in Suffern. Christopher Salierno, D.D.S., will present “Think Like a CEO”; attendees will receive 7 MCE credits.
Our first two General Meetings of 2024 were well-attended, and the speakers were highly praised by attendees. The March meeting featured “Opportunities and Challenges for the GP in Periodontally Challenged Patients,” by Salomon Amar, D.D.S., Ph.D. The May meeting had Dr. Yongkun Kim discussing “Minimally Invasive Reconstructive Dentistry in an Era of All-on-X: PatientCentered and Occlusion-Driven,” which members found incredibly powerful and useful for their practices.
Proper Disposal
The 9th District continued its new Shredding Day tradition, providing a HIPAA-compliant method for discarding patient records. It was held again in the parking lot of District headquarters in Hawthorne. Members are already asking when and where the next one will be. This sought-after benefit is well-appreciated by our members.
Answers, Please
In keeping with our focus on strengthening the association and organized dentistry, the 9th is planning a new dentist “Ask Me Anything” event for Oct. 10 at the Sleepy Hollow Hotel. The evening will feature a panel of new and established dentists, as well as company representatives, all prepared to provide insights into career paths and life after dental school and answer questions from attendees.
Additionally, we held a summer “Health is Wealth” wellness event on July 31 at the Hudson RiverFront Park in Tarrytown. This event was for all members, new dentists, residents and Touro Dental students, along with their spouses, partners and children. The evening included fun activities, picnic food, standing yoga, a clown and music at the beautiful scenic Hudson River Park.
Special thanks to our cosponsors, Feldman Kieffer, M&T Bank, Torch Dental and Westchester Myofunctional Specialties.
Plans are underway for a winter new dentist event. Stay tuned!
Finishing out the Year
Among our members’ favorite events each year are the Give Kids A Smile programs taking place around the 9th District. The years of the pandemic, 2020 to 2022, were difficult for all of us, especially underserved children in need of oral healthcare. So far, this year, we have held three events; a fourth, which will include screenings for the children at B’Above in Peekskill, is planned for Oct. 16.
To finish our calendar year, our Annual Meeting will take place on Wednesday, Nov. 20, at the Westchester Country Club in Rye. Dr. Randy Huffines will present “Autoimmune Disease and Dentistry.”
Count on Us
As always, our executives, committees and headquarters’ staff are ready, willing, and able to help. We welcome your advice, thoughts and concerns, to ensure that all our members’ needs are met and voices are heard.
Remember, coming together is the beginning; keeping together is progress; working together is success!
SEVENTH DISTRICT
EDPAC Reception
Becky Herman, Executive Director
Drs. Aaron and Abigail Rosen hosted an EDPAC-sponsored reception in their home on June 20 to introduce Seventh District members to Democratic State Senator Jeremy Cooney of Rochester. Attendees spoke with Sen. Cooney about challenges and opportunities impacting patients and dental teams in the Rochester community.
Take Me Out to the Ballgame
Seventh District members enjoyed a fun and relaxing night at Innovation Field cheering on the Rochester Red Wings when they took on the Lehigh Valley IronPigs on July 24. The event was sponsored by M&T Bank.
A Night of Country Music
New dentists and residents came out to listen to the Jack Thomas Band, network, and mingle with friends and colleagues Aug. 15 at the Blue Barn Cidery in Hilton. Thanks to event sponsors BMG-CPA, DDSmatch, GRB, Vision Financial Group and Walsh Duffield, attendees enjoyed great food and specialty ciders while learning about important office services available in the region.
SMS Text Services Now Available
In August, we will begin offering text services to members who opt-in to receive messages about events and upcoming activities. This is one more tool to engage with members in the hopes of increasing event participation and enhancing member communication. Sign-up today.
Volunteers Aid Vets
Thank you to Seventh District members who have volunteered to provide free dental treatment to one or more veterans in need of essential oral healthcare through the New York State Dental Foundation’s Salute Vets With A Smile program. Members who have volunteered in 2024 include: Drs. Vincent Badali, Lindsey Cody, Michael DeLucia, Alaina Doiron, Geoffry Hallstead, William Hurtt (USN veteran), Lynne Meriwether, Anthony R. Mesolella, Nicholas Nicosia, Xiomara Restrepo, Mark Roman, Steven Spoto, John Pier Sullivan (USN veteran), as well as one person who prefers to remain anonymous.
NEW YORK COUNTY
Equinox Experience Enjoyed
Andrew S. Deutch, D.D.S.
New dentists enjoyed a private cycling class at the luxury, members-only fitness club Equinox on June 11. After the intense workout, they recovered with post-workout refreshments at nearby Cask Bar & Kitchen. It was a great way to do something healthy and connect!
Rooftop Outing for a Cause
Do good while having fun? That’s exactly what took place on July 18 at a rooftop fundraiser for Camp Bronx, an organization that helps underprivileged children in the Bronx enjoy the many valuable experiences of sleepaway camp. New dentists and others enjoyed a beautiful night featuring hibachi chefs, drinks and music, all in support of making a difference in the lives of low-income Bronx children.
Marketing Influencer Wows Members
Members had a special opportunity to hear from best-selling author, marketing strategist, social media coach and registered dental hygienist Minal Sampat on Aug. 7. Ms. Sampat, the founder of Marketologist, an online marketing training program and a hugely popular marketing expert, with a heavy focus on dental marketing, delivered her lecture via Zoom. Her marketing strategies have been featured in the industry press and on Forbes.com seven times in the last three years. NYCDS was thrilled to have Ms. Samat share her marketing insights with members.
A Slice of Fun and Connection
New dentists turned out in large numbers on Aug. 19 to sample a variety of delicious pizzas and refreshments at a local “old school” pizza restaurant. This al fresco event in late summer is a great way for members to reconnect with colleagues and recap summer vacations and more. We were glad to welcome many new members too! Much appreciation to MLMIC Insurance for its sponsorship of this event, which has become a beloved tradition.
Mark Your Calendars
New York County & Second District Dental Societies
Meeting Dates: November 29th – December 4th
Exhibit Dates: December 1st – December 4th
JACOB K. JAVITS CONVENTION CENTER 11th AVE BETWEEN 34th & 39th STREET
For 2024, the Greater New York Dental Meeting is proud to offer a greatly expanded World Implant Expo, Annual Global Orthodontic Conference, 3D Printing Conference, Oral Health Symposium, Pediatric Summit, Women’s Program, Public Health Program, Special Needs programs and Dental Laboratory Education. Your staff can also take advantage of the many educational opportunities available. With over six hours of free CE daily, the education program at the GNYDM is an experience not to be missed! Register today to attend and sign up for courses and programs at www.gnydm.com.
Continuing Education
Our fall and winter schedule has a mix of new courses and returning favorites, including several required courses. Plan your schedule now.
Please Note: The ADA is transitioning to a new system from Sept. 3-9. We anticipate opening registration for fall courses and events by Sept. 10. To learn more about the transition, click this link: ADA Transition.
Check out the offerings on our upcoming schedule below. 9/18 ACD Lecture
9/19 New Dentist CE Program
9/25 Mandatory Prescriber DEA Education Renewal
9/26 Special Ethics Program
9/30 Effective Management of TMJ Disorders
10/9 Infection Control for the Dental Practice
10/9 Preparing for Retirement Well In Advance
10/16 ACD Lecture
10/16 Basic Life Support/ CPR Certification Course
10/18 Lecture 1: Workflows for Conservative Cosmetic Dentistry
10/18 Lecture 2: Smile Design Simplified
10/23 OSHA-Mandated Update for Dentists and Staff
10/30 Speed Learning: 6 Speakers, 6 Hours, 6 Credits 11/1 Innovations in Aesthetic Dentistry
11/20 ACD Lecture
12/11 Basic Life Support/ CPR Certification Course 12/18 ACD Lecture
Visit www.nycdentalsociety.org for the latest courses and registration information.
