Component News

NASSAU COUNTY

Past Presidents in New Roles

Congratulations to NCDS past president Fabiola Milord, who was installed as president of the Long Island Academy of Odontology during a ceremony June 15 at Verdi’s in Westbury. At the same event, NCDS past president Binod Verma was installed as the organization’s editor.

Members Recycle Unfortunately, our summer membership event scheduled for Aug. 25 had to be postponed due to low registration. However, on Sept. 13, we held our first in-person Board of Directors meeting in over 18 months, since the beginning of the pandemic. Then, on Sept. 18, we hosted our first recycling event at our headquarters. Dentists from Nassau and surrounding areas brought their paper charts to be shredded, their X-ray films to be recycled and their electronics to be destroyed and recycled. Also on hand was Garfield Refining, which purchased dental scrap metal to be recycled. This full-service event was sponsored by Garfield Refining and MLMIC.

Members Meet and Learn Our General Membership meetings on Oct. 4 and Nov. 8 will be held in-person. They will take place at the Jericho Terrace in Mineola.

And, finally, our women’s dental conference “Scrubs and Stilettos,” cosponsored by the Suffolk County Dental Society, will be a live event at a new venue, The Heritage Club at the Bethpage Golf Course. It should be bigger and better than ever!

All of our continuing education courses will remain virtual at least through the end of the year. Please check our website, www.nassaudental.org, to view, and register for, all upcoming events and courses.

Fabiola Milord and Binod Verma celebrate installations as officers of Long Island Academy of Odontology with, from left, Aleyda Grullon, LisaSedotto, Gene Porcelli (in back), Howard Baylarian, Diana Geroy, Dr.Milord, Michael Shreck, Al Granger, Meena Verma, Dr. Verma, CharlieHanna, Grace Korpi-Hanna.

NEW YORK COUNTY

New Dentists Get Social

Mina C. Kim, D.D.S.

Our New Dentist Committee held a successful (and much sought-after) in-person social just as COVID restrictions started to lift at the end of June. The “welcome back” event on June 24 took place outdoors on a lovely terrace overlooking the Hudson on a perfect early summer night.

The venue, Classic Car Club of Manhattan, a large warehouse filled with some of the world’s finest cars, was part of the appeal. So many dentists felt the need to reconnect in real life after the stress of the past year, limited opportunities to meet up and so much time spent on Zoom meetings, they filled a waitlist. Many attendees stayed well past the end of the event to linger over drinks, happy to be connecting in person again.

The support of Corporate Friends MLMIC and Straumann, as well as Hands Online LIVE, Ignite DDS and Tend, was instrumental in the success of the event.

Gear Up for the GNYDM

After participating in a virtual meeting in 2020, dentists, lecturers and exhibitors are eager to meet again in person at the Greater New York Dental Meeting, the largest dental meeting in the U.S., Nov. 26 to Dec. 1. NYCDS is excited to have its former president James Doundoulakis serve as general chair of this year’s meeting.

Education has always been a hallmark of the GNYDM. There are over 350 seminars, hands-on workshops, essay and scientific poster sessions planned, featuring hundreds of the world’s most respected educators. As an added bonus, there are more than six hours of free continuing education courses offered daily.

June social proved popular with new dentists, many of whom welcomed opportunity to meet in person with colleagues.

As in past years, there will be many exhibitors on hand, ready to demonstrate their products and services. The 2021 GNY- DM is a fully vaccinated event—proof of vaccination is required. Visit www.gnydm. com to learn more and to register to attend—for free!

Continuing Education

Responding to the popularity of the programs, NYCDS will continue offering continuing education webinars after Labor Day. The webinars are given without charge to ADA members. We welcomed the return to in-person continuing education on Sept. 29 with a Basic Life Support course taught by Marc Reilly of Rescue Resuscitation.

The NYCDS CE program was enhanced in July and August with a series of popular webinars sponsored by Benco Dental. Topics included “Improving Indoor Air Quality Through Effective Aerosol Control,” “Respiratory Protection: Ensuring Your Safety in the Fight Against Covid-19” and “Intelligent Dentistry: Secrets of the Top 10%.” Join us on Sept. 30 for “Introduction to 3D Printing,” the final webinar of the series.

Upcoming webinars include an exciting opportunity to hear international practice management speaker Dr. Roger Levin, who will share “8 Powerful Strategies to Ensure a Thriving Practice.” Anyone who has attended Dr. Levin’s lectures in the past knows that this one-hour webinar is not to be missed.

The ACD Mentoring Lecture Program returned on Sept. 22 with another series of webinars on diverse topics for residents and new dentists.

Visit www.nycdentalsociety.org for the latest course and registration information.

BRONX COUNTY

Dr. Robert Yeshion

Laurence Schimmel, D.D.S.

The Bronx County Dental Society mourns the passing of Dr. Robert Yeshion. Bob served as president and executive director of the BCDS and was a lifelong proponent of organized dentistry. He was a friend and mentor to many of us. In his eulogy to Dr. Yeshion, Gordon Gaynor said:

“His encouragement and lack of self-interest led to many successful practices in the neighborhood. Bob was the CEO, our mentor and advisor. His philosophy was always to do what served the interests of his patients best, and he was dearly loved by them. After 20 years of establishing a highly successful practice, Bob expanded his vision of helping people when he became active in the BCDS. He quickly moved up the executive ladder to become president. Bob served on every committee and represented the society on the state and national levels….He was such a strong presence in our lives. I loved him like a brother, and I knew that he would always be there for me, as I would be for him. I speak for his friends and colleagues here today when I say that our lives have been enriched by this exceptional man. “

New Website

We are thrilled to roll out our new website www.bronxcountydentalsociety.org/

The site is designed to be a resource for member dentists, as well as the public we serve. It features a “Member Center,” full of resources for BCDS members. All information is updated constantly by the ADA and NYSDA to keep you informed in real time. Other features include a “Public Resource Center” for the general public and “Find A Dentist” tool that enables patients to search for ADA member dentists by zip code and specialty.

Upcoming Lectures

The BCDS, will offer cardio-pulmonary resuscitation with defibrillator training Oct. 5. This continuing education course will take place at Maestros caterers in the Bronx. Please contact Joy at bronxdental@ optonline for more information. On Oct. 14, Dr. Richard Lipscomb Jr. will present the lecture “Better Preps, Less Stress: Creating Readable, Workable C+B Margins.” This will be part of the BCDS remote lecture series, offered via Zoom. To register, please contact Joy at bronxdental@optonline.net

Services (DDS) program in 2007 and its long-time support to help people with disabilities or who are elderly or medically fragile and have no other access to dental care. During these ever-challenging times, DDS is especially thankful to the dentists of New York State, who have donated over $11.6-million worth of comprehensive treatment for 1,848 people. It appreciates the dentists who continue to provide care to vulnerable patients who have no other resources for the treatment they desperately need. Anyone interested in helping a patient is asked to visit the site WillYouSeeOne.org.

NINTH DISTRICT

New Beginnings

Olga Lombo-Sguerra, D.D.S.

Sometimes we’re tested not to show our weaknesses, but to discover our strengths!

As we near the one-and-a-half-year mark of the COVID-19 pandemic, which has disrupted our lives, we continue to strengthen our partnerships with our executives, our committee leaders and our members, creating avenues for sharing ideas and information to bolster the profession and our association.

The Ninth District is planning a full slate of CE courses for the fall—both inperson and virtually—to accommodate the wishes of our speakers and members. CPR courses offered through the AHA will continue as an online education module, followed by an in-person, hands-on skillsassessment at district headquarters.

Our thanks to President Roberto Rodriguez and Renuka Bijoor, chair of the Membership & Communications Committee, who helped pave the way back to in-person events with a Ninth District Social June 24 at the St. Andrew’s Golf Club. The small size and outdoor venue created the perfect atmosphere to alleviate any anxiety about the gettogether, which was a resoundingly positive and welcome opportunity to once again be together with colleagues and friends.

Donated Dental Services Dental Lifeline Network is grateful for the New York State Dental Association’s partnership in developing a Donated Dental Annual Meeting Update Our NYSDA Delegates, Alternate Delegates, Trustee and our executive director attended the NYSDA House of Delegates meeting

Aug. 13-15 at the Westin Hotel in Jersey City, NJ. At this first in-person meeting for many attendees, the Ninth District submitted a resolution addressing virtual card payments as reimbursement for treatment by insurance companies. It was passed by the House. Also, our very own Anthony Cuomo, a past Ninth president, was installed as NYSDA Vice President. We all extend our congratulations to Dr. Cuomo!

General Meeting In-Person Our March General Meeting, held virtually, was well-attended. We were, however, be in-person again for our September General Meeting, Sept. 22 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Suffern. Dr. Paul Zhivago presented his highly anticipated lecture “How is Digital Technology Revolutionizing the Art and Science of Dentistry?” Attendees received 7 MCE credits in a forum through which members can interact with colleagues and vendors.

Member Resources The ADA, NYSDA, our executives and delegates continue to work tirelessly to provide guidance and resources for our members. We hope that most of our members are vaccinated and that they continue to offer support to patients regarding an important community issue.

Our September Bulletin, containing relevant information for members, will be available soon. We are grateful to our advertisers and sponsors for their continuing support and welcome any comments and ideas for upcoming issues. In fact, we encourage you to reach out to headquarters with questions or concerns. We’re here for you!

Welcomed return to social outing, hosted by Membership and Communications Committee, enjoyed by, from left, Monica Barrera, TinaCho, Paul Kim, Yan Chen.

Gathered on rooftop for cocktail party at Annual House Meeting are, from left, Gary Scharoff, Daniel Doyle, Paul Kim, Paul Albicocco (SecondDistrict), Michael Smith, Stephen Ossen, John Constantine, DuraidSahawneh.

Installation of new officers is highlight of House Meeting. Immediate Past President Craig Ratner, at lectern, introduces, from left, SpeakerSteven Gounardes, Vice President Anthony Cuomo, President-Elect JamesGalati, President Kevin Henner.

EIGHTH DISTRICT

Good to See Everyone

Kevin J Hanley, D.D.S.

Things are finally getting back to normal here in the Eighth District. The Zoom meetings are occurring less frequently. In-person meetings are beginning to be held. In September, the district’s Executive Council will meet in person for the first time in over a year. It certainly has been a long, strange trip we have been on this past year and a half.

The first big event held this summer was the annual William Knauf Golf Tournament and CE Day, which took place June 14 at the Niagara Falls Country Club. About 100 golfers teed up in the yearly competition for golf supremacy in the Eighth.

The morning began with the traditional CE opportunity. This year, Raymond Miller, the district’s guru on forensic dentistry, gave a stimulating lecture on “21st Century Forensic Odontology.” Forensic odontology has historically been used in victim identification and bitemark analysis. Emerging dental technologies are changing the methods used in victim identification and solving cases which, in the past, would have been inconclusive. Bitemark analysis is undergoing increased scrutiny in courtrooms for its admissibility and reliability. Dr. Miller spoke concisely about these controversies. And he explored the history and science of forensic dentistry, as well as its future, including the changing role of dentistry.

Following the lecture, lunch was served and then a shotgun start to the golf tournament. It was a beautiful day to play golf, with sunny skies and low humidity. In the end, the overall champion was Carl Embury, who carded an 81 over the challenging layout. The Men’s Scramble was won by David Bourque, Matthew Bourque, Jim Mantzanis, and James Mantzanis. Catherine Gogan, Patricia Starring, Lauren Boyczuk and Alyssa Tzetzo won the Women’s Division. The Mixed Team Division was captured by the team of David Croglio, Elizabeth Kapral, John Nasca and Robert Buhite. The Senior Division victors were Leon Kantor, Robert Reszel, Scott Seier and Greg George. The team of Roger Anderson, Marshal Fagin, Mark Wendling and Michael Cassese won the Super Senior Division. Following golf, participants enjoyed a delicious buffet dinner. It was a terrific day, and one long in coming. The 2020 tournament was cancelled due to the pandemic. It was terrific to see everyone out there, enjoying themselves after a tumultuous year.

Document Disposal The district held a “Shred Event” in June at the district office. Members were invited to bring any documents they wanted shredded, including films needing to be destroyed. Many members took advantage of this event to dispose of sensitive documents, including old patient charts. The district is looking into making this a yearly event, as Lincoln Archives, the shredders, said members filled their truck to capacity, at 8,060 pounds.

SUFFOLK COUNTY

The Year So Far

Patricia Hanlon, D.M.D., for Howard Schneider, D.D.S.

Our New Dentist Summer Social took place July 21, one of many fun and engaging new dentist events planned for 2021. Seen at the social, fromleft, Rehka Reddy, Noreen Doherty, Farnaz Hadaghian, New Dentist ChairLauren Heisinger, Tony Makrides (purple shirt) of Neodent, Craig Smith,Parandis Nejati, Dhaval Shah, Devyn Fleishhacker.

Newly installed NYSDA President Kevin Henner of SCDS addresses the NYSDA House at its annual meeting in August in Jersey City.

SCDS was prominent presence at NYSDA House of Delegates. Contingent included, from left, Paul Markowitz, Guenter Jonke, DimitriosKilimitzoglou, Nick Vittoria, Radha Munk, Steven Snyder, Kevin Henner,Patricia Hanlon, Craig Smith, Kerry Lane, Lauren Heisinger, Paul Leary,Ivan Vazquez, Claudia Mahon-Vazquez, John Guariglia, Scott Firestone,Martin Dominger, Bill Panzarino. Other members of delegation were SharonPollick, Chris Salerno, ASDA representative Diana Kim.

SCDS President Patricia Hanlon and Claudia Mahon-Vazquez lunched with dental residents from St. Charles in June. They are, from left, Dr.Mahon-Vazquez, Ryan Davis, Travis Mackey, Dr. Hanlon, Nicole Trepeta.

SCDS’s Steven Snyder, recipient of the NYSDA Distinguished Service Award.

Guenter Jonke, SCDS, at far right, is sworn in as NYSDA Trustee for four years. Past President Payam Goudarzi administers oath to Dr. Jonke andother new trustees Maurice Edwards of New York County and TheresaCasper-Klock of Seventh District.

SECOND DISTRICT

SDDS Hosts In-Person NYSDA House

Alyson Buchalter, D.M.D.

NYSDA held its first in-person House of Delegates meeting since the start of the CO- VID-19 pandemic Aug. 13-15 at the Westin Hotel in Jersey City, NJ. The Second District Dental Society was the proud host of this event. And a true event it was! The opportunity to see and interact face-to-face with our colleagues was like a breath of fresh air.

The traditional pre-meeting golf outing took place on Thursday at the Richmond County Golf Course. Participants were treated to amazing vistas of the New Jersey Highlands and Atlantic Ocean while enjoying the challenging course. At dinner, golfers enjoyed great food and outstanding gift bags. The SDDS used the opportunity to showcase the Staten Island Greenbelt and the best of the borough. Despite the extreme heat, all appeared to be having a great time.

Speaker of the House, SDDS’s own Steven Gounardes, ran a superb meeting. The business of the House was dispatched in his usual efficient and orderly fashion. Honors and accolades were bestowed on many. Paul Albicocco, chair of the SDDS Local Arrangements Committee, forgot he was not on Zoom and delivered an opening speech to the House in typical, for him, style—in his pajama bottoms!

Friday night, the SDDS hosted a cocktail party on the roof of the waterfront Hyatt Hotel. Attendees were blown away by the views. All of lower Manhattan, from the Javits Center and the Vessel to the Statue of Liberty and the Freedom Tower, were on display. Selfie was the word of the evening. We delighted in the opportunity to relax and socialize with each other in a COVID-safe environment, the first time in over two years.

Saturday night we celebrated the presidency of Craig Ratner. To say he led us through challenging times is a major understatement. He worked tirelessly to get our offices reopened sooner than many other businesses. He and the other leaders of NYSDA convinced Gov. Cuomo what we all know: dentistry is essential! Craig guided the Association though the pandemic in many ways, including improving NYSDA’s ability to communicate with members through email blasts, online content and webinars. SDDS is very proud of his accomplishments. Thank you, Craig!

To honor Dr. Ratner, NYSDA hosted a banquet onboard “The Cornucopia,” a luxury, chartered yacht. Those who took the cruise were awed by breathtaking views as they sailed through lower Manhattan and around the Statue of Liberty. Per Dr. Albicocco’s promise, the weather was perfect. Everyone there, including typically jaded New Yorkers, was beyond words, impressed.

The SDDS wants to take this opportunity to thank Dr. Albiccoco and his team, consisting of Michael D’Anna, John Halikias, Phyllis Merlino, Mitchell Mindlin and Brian Peroni. We also owe many thanks to members of the SDDS staff—Christine Terrio, Stephanie Carter and Executive Director Bernard Hackett—as well as NYSDA staff, including Jenna Bell and her team, for making this amazing weekend happen without a hitch.

It cannot be said enough: A good time was had by all!

Second District Caucus gathers in Jersey City for NYSDA House of Delegates Annual Meeting.

Craig Ratner, at center of photo, is surrounded by SDDS members, friends, family at rooftop cocktail party, one of several events atHouse meeting honoring his presidency.