24 minute read
Component News
FOURTH DISTRICT
Outstanding Moments from 2024
Crystal Arpei-McHugh, D.D.S., M.S.
BRONX COUNTY
Closing the Year on a High Note
Don Safferstein, D.D.S.
The Bronx County Dental Society ended 2024 with a high-spirited Holiday Party. Thanks to our sponsors—MLMIC, DDS Match, Kuraray Dental and Bank of America—for helping us have a great evening.
Preparing for the New Year
Mark your calendars for the following events.
February 25: Dinner lecture with Dr. Larry Holtzman on “Digital Workflow for Implants with 3D Printing.” This evening will be sponsored by Nobel Biocare/Envistaco.
March 20: Job Fair for all dental residents looking for opportunities and older dentists looking for associates or forming an exit strategy.
April 8: Dinner lecture with Dr. Lauren Levy on “Dental Sleep Medicine 101.”
A Sad Farewell
The Bronx County Dental Society mourns the passing of our longtime member and friend Dr. Madeline Ginzburg. Madeline was a leader throughout her dental career and lived a life of giving back to her profession and community.
Madeline graduated from Cornell University in 1975 and went on to the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine. After graduating with a D.M.D. in 1979, she entered the GPR program at Penn. She opened her own dental practice in Riverdale and practiced there for over 30 years.
Madeline became the first female president of the BCDS in 2013. During her tenure, she developed the Mentor Program for NYSDA and served as its director. Madeline was a volunteer faculty member of the Columbia University School of Dental Medicine and recipient of the prestigious Pierre Fauchard Academy membership award.
Madeline was a constant presence at Give Kids A Smile and other community education events. She served on the Community 8 School Board and sponsored local school initiatives.
Madeline was married to Dr. Joel Delfiner for over 40 years. The pride of her life were her children—Leslie, Alexandra and Matthew—and her grandchildren—Samara, Hudson, Tessa, Hazel and Rowan.
May her memory be a blessing.
SUFFOLK COUNTY On Air
Devin J. Klein, D.D.S., M.S.
On Nov. 20, Suffolk and Nassau County Dental societies were at Connoisseur Media studios to record a 30-minute interview on dentistry on Long Island for their Island Outlook program. It aired on Dec. 15 on five stations—97.5 WALK-FM, 98.3 WKJY-FM, 103.1 The Wolf-FM, 94.3 The Shark-FM and 104.7 WHLI-FM.
Full Agenda
We had a great turnout and a wonderful time at our last General Membership Meeting of 2024 on Nov. 13. We honored our veterans, heard from NYSDA President-Elect Dr. Maurice Edwards, recognized new members and handed out CE awards. And we heard a great lecture, delivered by Dr. David Scharf. All of this was made possible with the support of our sponsors: Healthfirst, Dentaquest, MLMIC, Straumann, Garfield Refining, Rivkin Radler and Long Island Speech.
New Dentist Outing
A nice time was had by all at our Nov. 6 new dentist event at the Stateroom in Patchogue. Dr. Publio Silfa presented “Emotional Dentistry and Digital Smile
Design.” Attendees enjoyed a hot buffet and drinks, made possible by our new dentist sponsors, TargetRock Wealth Management, Bank of America Practice Solutions, MLMIC and Straumann. Watch for our new dentist mentorship event coming in early 2025 and other new dentist events.
Of and For Women
The 2024 edition of the Long Island Women’s Dental Symposium, Scrubs and Stilettos, was a standout event at the Heritage Club in Bethpage. We had 14 women speakers, including Brooke Fukuoka, D.M.D., FSCD, who provided the lead course on Specialty Care Dentistry.
This joint Nassau and Suffolk County Dental Society event honored NYSDA Vice President Dr. Amarilis Jacobo and featured lectures by Dr. Chanelle Small, Dr. Michele Equinda, Dr. Natalia Elson, Dr. Vera Tang, Dr. Stacy Spizuoco, Dr. Nicole Teehan, Dr. Monica Bebawy, Michele Gabriel, Patricia Ribeiro Wolfson, Dr. Sarah Khan, Dr. Sheeba Kurian, Kimberly Kellar and Dr. Nicole Bell. None of this would have been possible without the unwavering support of our sponsors, Heartland Dental, Bank of America Practice Solutions, Pulpdent, TD Bank Healthcare Practice Solutions Group, Garfield Refining, Long Island Speech Centers, DDSMatch.com, Carestream and the Law Offices of Alan C. Stein, PC.
Don’t Miss a Thing
We continue to make a significant push to better communicate and connect with our members in methods that more easily integrate with their lifestyle. You can find us on Facebook, X, Instagram, LinkedIn and, even, Spo-
tify, in addition to our traditional www. SuffolkDental.org presence. Be sure to like/follow us.
THIRD DISTRICT
Education Assistance
Paula Tancredi, Executive Director
On Dec. 5, Dr. Robert H. Hill II, chairperson of the Scholarship Committee and namesake of the Robert H. II Dental Clinic at Hudson Valley Community College, awarded scholarships to student recipients.
Congratulations to first-year students Anastasia Lewitinn-Barker and Rekha Gauchan and second-year students Gina Tumminello and Kymanni Stevens. Each received a $400 scholarship from the Third District Dental Society to continue their education in the field of dental hygiene in good academic standing.
Ulster-Greene Dental Study Club
Thank you to Dr. Mario Catalano for reforming the Ulster-Greene Dental Study Club. The Study Club sponsored its first CE course in June, and had its first official meeting on Oct. 15 at the Wiltwyck Golf Club in Kingston, with over 40 dentists in attendance. Attendees enjoyed happy hour, dinner and a two-credit CE course in periodontics. Anyone not able to attend the updated mandatory child abuse reporter course presented at the Third District Annual Meeting could follow up with the course offered by Ulster-Greene Dental Study Club on Dec. 9. Both courses were offered free to Third District members.
All Ulster-Greene Dental Study Club courses are presented free to members of the Third District practicing in Ulster or Greene counties; they are discounted to all other members. For more information regarding the Study Club, contact the Third District at director@third-district.org.
Preparing for a Practice Transition
The Third District Dental Society once again partnered with Henry Schein and TD Bank to meet with doctors to discuss practice transition. The event, held at Common Roots in Albany, was well-received.
Upcoming
The Third District Dental Society is again partnering with the Fourth District for three CE courses. They are:
• January 31. “Newer than New: Surprising Changes and Dental Inflation Busters.”
• March 7. Oral Surgery Panel via Zoom.
• March 31. A Pediatric Dental Refresher for the General Dentist.
For more information and to register, visit https://www.third-district.org/copyof-2025-ce-courses-in-person.
SEVENTH DISTRICT
District Event Brings in $500,000 for MCC
Becky Herman, Executive Director
Seventh District Dental Society members, with the support of EDPAC, organized and held a highly successful event with Sen. Jeremy Cooney this summer. Members shared concerns about issues impacting dentistry and the Rochester community, including access to care and utilization, workforce shortage and insurance complexities.
When Monroe Community College (MCC) came to Sen. Cooney asking for help, the senator took what he learned at this meeting and successfully worked to secure an additional $500,000 of state funding to support the college’s Dental Studies Program, which graduates dental assistants and hygienists. The money will be used to begin the first phase of the modernization of the current dental studies teaching clinic to include a design build study and an upgrade to the dental chairs and teaching equipment.
The ultimate goal of the modernization and future expansion of the MCC dental studies teaching space is to expand the program to address dental hygiene and dental assisting workforce shortages in Monroe County. This is the true value of grassroots advocacy!
Seventh District Donates to Local Charities
Each year, representatives from various counties in the Seventh District nominate a local charity to receive a yearend contribution. The district believes in acknowledging and supporting charitable organizations that contribute to the betterment of the communities in which our dentists live.
Monroe County Dental Society (MCDS) Board member Dr. Katie Strong and her husband dropped off gifts for an adopted family at the Rochester YWCA. The YWCA provides direct services, empowerment programming and advocacy to support women and families experiencing housing insecurity. MCDS Board member Dr. Steven Damelio purchased toys and sporting equipment for the Boys and Girls Club of Rochester, an after-school youth program for young boys and girls in the city of Rochester.
Cayuga County dentists and Seventh District Board members Drs. Theresa Casper-Klock and Michael Keating delivered a check to the Brian Bisgrove Home of Courage and Champions for Life. The Bisgrove Home offers children with life-altering conditions and illnesses and their families a quiet retreat from daily life.
Livingston County selected the Teresa House to receive its charitable contribution. Teresa House, a two-resident bedroom home, offers a comfort care ministry to residents who are nearing the end of a terminal illness.
Camp Good Days & Special Times was the recipient of the Steuben County year-end donation. The organization provides free year-round programs and weeklong summer camping events for children and families who have been touched by cancer or sickle cell anemia.
Scholarship Luncheon for Area Dental Students
Monroe County Dental Society hosted its annual scholarship luncheon for area dental students. This year, students applied from the University at Buffalo, University of Pittsburgh and Case Western Reserve University. The county provides financial grants to deserving second-, third- and fourth-year dental students who had been legal residents of Monroe County prior to entering dental school.
A committee of diverse member dentists from various specialties speak with students about the profession, practicing in the Seventh District and the benefits of being involved in organized dentistry, in the hope they will return to practice in the county.
Many students have formed bonds with our committee members that last throughout their careers.
Livingston County Hosts Annual Meeting
Dr. Carlo Ercoli presented on “Anterior Implants: The Crossroads of Treatment Planning, Esthetics, Biomaterials Selection and Digital Technology” during the Livingston County Annual Meeting, held at Peppermint’s Restaurant in Avon.
Dr. Xiomara Restrepo-Jaramillo was elected 2025 President during the business meeting held prior to the lecture. Thank you to Dr. Rosemeire Santos-Teachout, outgoing president, for her years of service to the county.
Open Mic Night
Great conversation and plenty of laughs were had at the third new dentist/resident event held in 2024. Members and friends attended Open Mic Night at the Lovin’ Cup in Rochester in mid-November.
Thank you to our sponsors: Bryan Gray, CPA; DDSmatch; Vision Financial; and Walsh Duffield.
NINTH DISTRICT Going Virtual in 2025
Monica Barrera, D.D.S.
It’s hard to believe it’s 2025 already. How time flies when you’re scheduling fullday meetings, CE courses, new dentist socials and shredding days!
In the 9th District, we’ve fully embraced the virtual era for most of our CE courses and committee meetings. The convenience has been a game changer, allowing more members to participate, while saving the district money on utilities and catering— because who really misses those questionable buffet dinners?
This has also made our in-person events all the more cherished. General meetings, Frills & Drills, new dentist gatherings and the like have seen attendance return to near pre-pandemic levels. After all, nothing beats catching up with colleagues over a handshake and a smile—or a good cup of coffee.
Looking Back on 2024
In 2024, we continued our popular June shredding days, in partnership with MedXWaste/Legal Shred, our trusted company for HIPAA-compliant disposal of patient records. This well-attended event has quickly become a must outing for members who appreciate the chance to declutter responsibly.
The 9th also hosted several highly successful Give Kids A Smile (GKAS) events, spreading dental health awareness and good cheer. Our partnership with the Virginia Road School has allowed us to educate their over 300 children on oral health. We’ve also been to two HeadStart programs to screen and educate their students. If there’s one thing we’ve learned, it’s that nothing brightens a room like a child’s smile— and maybe a sugar-free lollipop.
The installation of the 9th’s 2025 President was the crowning moment of our final General Meeting in 2024, held at the Westchester Country Club in Rye.
Dr. Renuka Bijoor’s inauguration was a celebration of leadership and vision, with enthusiastic support from the Executive Committee and membership. Her call for suggestions to grow and strengthen the 9th District and the dental profession at large was met with applause. Kudos to Dr. Bijoor and our stellar team of executives and committee chairs for their tireless efforts.
The 2024 NYSDA House of Delegates Annual Meeting, hosted by the 9th, was an astounding success, with the final act, our drone show, still being talked about! The 9th District pulled out all the stops with sponsored events, including a golf outing and a dinner/ cocktail party. The meeting took place at the Turning Stone in Verona.
Coming Your Way in 2025
Our March General Meeting will return to the Villa Borghese in Wappingers Falls, a venue favored by members from all corners of the district. Even Westchester members are fans of the reverse commute and, perhaps, the Villa’s desserts.
The 2025 Frills & Drills event is set for May 21, with several new dentist events planned throughout the year.
Stay tuned for updates as venues are finalized. These gatherings are fantastic opportunities for younger members to connect with seasoned colleagues, share laughs and, maybe, even swap a few dental war stories.
Open to Ideas
Our committees, Board and executives remain as active as ever, tackling the needs and concerns of our members. Study groups are hard at work bringing courses closer to home for local members, and our CE courses continue to thrive as webinars, offering the mandated courses needed for relicensure.
Remember, if you attended a course that knocked your socks off— or at least your lab coat—let Diane at headquarters know. She’s always on the lookout for great ideas to benefit all 9th members. After all, sharing knowledge is like flossing—good for everyone and highly recommended.
NEW YORK COUNTY
Recognizing Leaders within the Profession
Egidio Farone, D.M.D.
The evening lecture at our November General Meeting was delivered by Dr. James Burke Fine, recipient of the prestigious Henry Spenadel Award, which honors individuals or organizations for significant contributions to advancing the dental profession. The award was presented by Awards Committee Chair Richard Rausch.
Dr. Fine’s lecture, “Strategies for Predictable Minimally Invasive Surgical Therapies Utilizing Bone Cement,” offered members valuable insights into innovative approaches to minimally invasive periodontal surgery. His engaging presentation left attendees impressed and inspired by the topic.
President Suchie Chawla presented NYCDS Past President David Shipper with the Mark Mintzer Award for Service, honoring his outstanding dedication to NYCDS and the dental community through leadership and volunteerism. While accepting the award, Dr. Shipper shared his passion for NYCDS and organized dentistry.
As part of the leadership updates, Drs. Mina Kim and Gabriela Lee were thanked for their service on the Executive Committee and Board of Directors. Members also approved the following 2025 slate of officers: President Vera W. L. Tang, President-Elect Andrew S. Deutch, Vice President Egidio A. Farone, Secretary Jaskaren Randhawa and Treasurer Ada S. Cooper. Drs. JoAnna Pufnock and Gregory Shank will serve on the Board of Directors, and Dr. James Jacobs will serve as NYSDA Trustee starting in June.
New Dentists Mix Banking & Cocktails
New dentists gathered at the New York County Dental Society for “Demystifying Banking for New Dentists,” an event hosted by Bank of America. Attendees gained valuable insight into the loan process from experts Rob Malandruccolo and Jarrett Mathews. To cap off the evening, mixologist Kevin Falatko led a cocktail-making session, teaching participants how to craft creative drinks. The event combined practical banking tips with a fun, hands-on mixology experience.
NYU Fall Networking Night at NYCDS
On Nov. 13, NYCDS paired with NYU College of Dentistry Alumni Affairs to host a networking event for dental students. This event was designed to connect current New York University dental students with experienced dentists from various specialties, as well as NYU alumni. Attendees enjoyed an evening of speed networking sessions and conversations about dental careers. They left the event with valuable insights into residency experiences, career paths and strategies for success in dentistry.
GNYDM 100th Anniversary
The Greater New York Dental Meeting celebrated 100 years as the largest dental convention and event in the United States. The meeting registered 37,631 attendees, including 13,470 dentists, 2,803 dental students and residents, and 2,226 dental hygienists from 148 countries. Dental professionals explored thousands of exhibit booths, had access to more than 245 seminars, 250 scientific poster sessions and free educational programs at the all-new Main Stage.
In honor of 100 years of GNYDM, the Javits Center was decked out with festive balloons, stilt walkers, a marching band and a Broadway matinee featuring famous performers from hit musicals Jersey Boys and Mama Mia.
Special Olympics Special Smiles
On Dec. 7, a group of NYCDS members, NYU dental students and local high school students volunteered at Special Olympics Special Smiles. During the event, 58 athletes were screened, identified for urgent dental concerns and received comprehensive oral hygiene instructions.
A heartfelt thank you to all the volunteers for their dedication and support in making this event a success!
Give Kids A Smile
This year, NYCDS’s Give Kids A Smile event will take place on Feb. 7. Join us in making it our biggest and most impactful yet! GKAS brings together dentists, team members and volunteers from across the dental community to provide essential oral care to underserved children. Sign up today at www. nycdentalsociety.org, or call (212) 5738500 for more information.
Winter/Spring Continuing Education
• Feb. 12: Lasing is Amazing! 9:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
• Feb. 26: Basic Life Support/CPR Certification Course 9:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
• Feb. 28 Infection Control and PostExposure Prophylaxis 9:30 a.m.1:30 p.m.
• Feb. 28: Update to HPV and Oral Cancer 2-5 p.m.
• March 3: Unleashing the Future: Metahumans and Artificial Intelligence in Digital Dentistry 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
• March 7: Immediate Implant Placement and Restoration “The Esthetic Zone” 9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
• March 12: Dental Sleep Medicine, a View from 30,000 Feet 7-9 p.m. (Zoom)
• March 21 Cutting Edge Technology with Digital Design and Real-World Cosmetic Dentistry: Faults, Failures, and Fixes 9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
• April 4: Be Your Own Prosthodontist 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
• April 23 Innovations in Aesthetic Dentistry: Everything You Need to Know About Veneers 9:30 a.m.4:30 p.m.
• April 24 Workshop on Veneers 9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
• May 1: Better, Faster, Stronger: Tips to Up Your Game 4-7 p.m.
• May 2: Please Doc, Not Another Crown! Modern Full-Coverage Alternatives 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
• May 14: Basic Life Support/CPR Certification 9:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
• May 16: Practical Oral Pathology 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
• May 21: Contemporary Implant Removable Protheses: A Clinical Update 9:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
• May 22: Workflows for Conservative Cosmetic Dentistry 6-8 p.m. (Zoom)
• May 30: Sleep Apnea: Wake Up to the Problem 9:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. New courses are added regularly, so be sure to visit www.nycdentalsociety.org for the latest schedule.
SECOND DISTRICT
Installation and Awards Luncheon
Alyson Buchalter, D.M.D.
Congratulations to Dr. Paul Teplitsky, SDDS 2025 President. On Jan. 5, an impressive event took place at the University Club in Manhattan. Close to 200 people, SDDS members, invited dignitaries, friends and family, gathered to celebrate his installation and that of our line officers: President-Elect Dr. Valerie Venterina, Vice President Dr. Phyllis Merlino, Secretary Dr. Cherry Libramonte and Treasurer Dr. Joseph Merola.
Following a moving invocation, delivered by Dr. Charles Mistretta, Dr. Tricia Quartey-Sagaille, our immediate past president, accompanied by her best helper—her son, Kendrick—gave inspiring welcoming remarks.
Dr. Teplitsky was escorted to the podium by his wife of 40 years, Joanne, where he took the oath of office, delivered by our installing officer, Dr. John Demas. True to form, Dr. Teplitsky gave a moving yet funny acceptance speech highlighting his path to the SDDS presidency. He thanked the many colleagues, who he credited (blamed?) for bringing him to this moment. Most importantly, he thanked his wife for encouraging and supporting him in his journey to this day. He also spoke of the importance of our transition to the next generation of leaders.
Dr. Teplitsky has played a very active role in our society. He joined the SDDS Board of Trustees in 2017 and has served on multiple SDDS committees. He has been a delegate to both the NYSDA and ADA House of Delegates. For two terms, he has been SDDS’s representative to the NYSDA Council on Ethics and currently serves as council chairman. From 2019 through 2023, Dr. Teplitsky was SDDS’s appointee to the Greater New York Dental Meeting’s Organization Committee and continues to volunteer as a troubleshooter for the meeting.
The SDDS was proud to acknowledge our newest life members: Drs. Yakov Eisenberger, Michelle Giumenta, Keith Landsman, Bruce Lish, Marina Magid, Phyllis Merlino, Constantine Pavlakos, Stuart Segelnick, Paul Teplitsky, Alfred Witko and Leonard Zhukovsky.
This luncheon continued Second District’s tradition of recognizing those whose efforts on behalf of the SDDS are truly appreciated. We thanked Drs. Natalie Mohadjeri and Marc Gainor for their years of service on the Greater New York Dental Meeting Organization Committee. Also: Dr. Man-Sing Chung, for his hard work on the NYSDA Peer Review Council; and Drs. Mitchell Mindlin, Raymond Flagiello, Ronald Turchak and Stuart Segelnick, for their years as members of the SDDS Board of Trustees. Dr. Segelnick was also recognized for his 10-year tenure as editor of our Bulletin.
A highlight of the afternoon was when the SDDS acknowledged Dr. Tricia Quartey-Segaille for her remarkable tenure as 2024 president. Her time in office was marked by her great leadership, navigating us through a complicated year. It cannot be said enough: Thank you, Tricia, from all of us!
GNYDM Marks 100th Anniversary
They did it again! The 2024 Greater New York Dental Meeting continued the upward growth of the meeting since the COVID shutdown. With over 38,000 attendees, the GNYDM continues to be this country’s preeminent dental conference. Congratulations to the following SDDS members serving on the Organization Committee: Drs. Saad Butt, Charles Mistretta, Natalie Mohadjeri and Steven Gounardes, along with our immediate past general chair, Dr. Richard Oshrain. Your hard work was very evident.
Thank you also to our New York County Dental Society partners, including this year’s general chair, Dr. John Young, for their efforts and dedication.
In 2024, the GNYDM celebrated its 100th Anniversary. A highlight of the celebration was a free Broadway matinee at the Javits Center starring the casts of Jersey Boys and Mama Mia. Attendees raved about the performance. As usual, the GNYDM hosted several alumni events from dental schools around the region, as well as the everpopular Pre-Dental Conference, linking the next generation of dental students with schools of their dreams.
The Sunday morning ribbon-cutting featured entertainers on stilts. The International Reception was bigger than ever. Also, in honor of its 100th Anniversary, the meeting held daily giveaways for attendees. A highlight of the meeting is always the Saturday night cocktail reception. Dignitaries from around the world and country mingled with members of SDDS and NYCDS over good food and fun. A special surprise for the 100th Anniversary was a fabulous performance by professional singers and dancers at the reception, a gift from our friends at the Marriott Marquis.
The meeting’s success is dependent on its hundreds of volunteers. Thank you to all who volunteer their time and energy. You are the special ingredient that makes the GNYDM successful.
Pizza
On Nov. 21, SDDS and our New Dentist Committee held a unique and fun event called “Pizza Making and Practice Planning!” True to the title’s promise, an in-depth discussion of ways to grow a practice and career was combined with pizza making. SDDS members received advice from bankers, attorneys, practice marketers and real-estate professionals about strategies and tips for starting or expanding their practice. This was combined with the fun of pizza making alongside their peers aka— new friends!
Runners
The SDDS has a serious group of runners. Congratulations to Dr. Cherry Libramonte for completing this year’s New York City Marathon—the first of many—and to Dr. Richard Oshrain for being a medalist in the Long Beach, NY, 2024 10K Turkey Trot. SDDS is proud of both of you.
