23 minute read
Component News
SECOND DISTRICT
SDDS Awards Academic Excellence
Second District’s Awards Committee had a very busy month, once again providing two $250 awards to two graduating students from the Tottenville High School dental assisting program, two $500 awards to two hygiene students graduating from the CUNY College of Technology Dental Hygiene Program and four $500 awards to four students from the CUNY College of Technology Restorative Dentistry Program.
From Tottenville, the awards went to seniors Tristan Ryan and Nicholas Ho, both for clinical and academic excellence in dental assisting.
From the Restorative Dentistry Program at CUNY—NYCCT, the awards went to: Melissa Lee, graduating student, for academic excellence; Genesis Rosario Lara, graduating student, for technical proficiency; Shani Yanowitz, for academic excellence for first-year student; and Dorothy Wong, for technical proficiency for first-year student.
From the Hygiene Program at CUNY—NYCCT, the awards went to: Cassy May, graduating student, for academic excellence, and Le Van La, graduating student, for professionalism.
Loan Forgiveness Program
Second District came through in a big way for its younger members with its Loan Forgiveness Program. Members, up to five years out of dental school, are invited to apply for a grant from the Loan Forgiveness fund to help relieve the astronomical dental school debt they have. In the eight years of its existence, the program has awarded 134 recipients with over $1.3 million in grants. The grants are sent to the banking institution holding the recipient’s note, to be applied to the loan principle. This year, 18 new recipients received $10,000 each.
Each year, the Awards Committee examines its available funds and determines the number and size of the grants it can award. The committee is chaired by past SDDS and NYSDA President Dr. Craig Ratner. He is assisted by Drs. Emma Guzman, Christopher Bowers, Tricia Quartey-Sagaille and Kirstin Wolfe, and staff coordinator Christine Terrio.
ED Named Honorary Member
Congratulations to Executive Director Bernie Hackett, who was awarded Honorary Membership in the American Dental Association. It was presented to him by ADA President Dr. Brett Kessler at the Annual Meeting of the NYSDA House of Delegates in May in Uniondale, Long Island. Mr. Hackett has been ED since 1991. He is retiring at the end of this year.
A Rainy Affair
The annual Richmond County Dental Society Golf Outing was held on a very wet May 22 at the Richmond County Country Club. Thirty golfers braved the inclement weather and soggy course but, as they say, a bad day on the golf course is always better than a good day at work.
Congratulations to Mike D’Anna, Ron Leader, Brian Perrone and Terry Craven, who walked away with 1st Place gross honors, and the team of Bryan Pieroni, Grant Bried, Chris Zissler and Jerry Zagury, who earned 1st Place net honors. The long-drive winner was Ron Leader. Closest to the pin went to Grant Bried.
Many thanks to outing sponsors Align Tech, Zimvie, Tru Abutment, Smile IT and DLG.
BRONX COUNTY
Amarilis Jacobo Installed to NYSDA Office
Don Safferstein, D.D.S.
Bronx County Denal Society congratulates all NYSDA’s new officers, installed at the Annual Meeting of the Association’s House of Delegates in May in Uniondale. Kudos to our own Dr. Amarilis Jacobo, now president-elect of the Association.
CE Courses Set for Fall
You’ll want to mark your calendars for the following upcoming CE courses.
BCDS will offer CPR training on Tuesday, Sept. 16. The class will meet at 6 p.m. at Maestro’s Caterers.
And on Tuesday, Oct. 28, we will host Dr. Joshua Gindea for a presentation entitled “2005 and Beyond.”
SUFFOLK COUNTY
Signing Day
Devin J. Klein, D.D.S., M.S.
Our annual Signing Day on April 16 was another great success, as 100% of the Stony Brook Class of 2025 (47 members) signed up to become ADA members. A big shout-out and thank you to Drs. Devin Klein, Claudia Mahon Vazquez, Ivan Vazquez, Patrick Lloyd, Guenter Jonke, Patricia Swanson, Jeff Seiver and Joseph Graskemper, who were there to lend their support.
We must also thank Daniella Zajac, Carol Deerwester and 2026 DDS candidate Lasya Anantuni, who arranged the event with support from the New York State Dental Association, which sponsored the luncheon.
The ADA joiners all received a chairside instruction manual, an overview of organized dentistry and some fun questions/answers with giveaways.
Give Kids A Smile
Our April 26th Give Kids A Smile event at the LI Aquarium saw 130 volunteers deliver donated dental care to more than 200 underserved children. A very big thank you to our Ultimate Diamond Sponsor Healthfirst and our Diamond Sponsor Henry Schein without whom this event would not be possible.
A big shout-out to our other sponsors, including the NYS Dental Foundation, Lions Club (Mattituck), Catholic Health Services (St. Charles Hospital) and the American Dental Association. And huge thanks to our member volunteers and supporters, including Stony Brook School of Dental Medicine, Hygiene Care Center at Farmingdale College, Eastern Suffolk BOCES, Long Island Head Start, Bixhorn Technical Center and the Sunrise Hi Railers.
Greater Long Island Dental Meeting
The Greater Long Island Dental Meeting (GLIDM) on April 27 was by all accounts a wonderful event, attracting more than 150 people. The feedback from attendees and exhibitors was positive. The educational offerings were top-notch, the food and overall experience outstanding.
Nassau and Suffolk County Dental societies, sponsors of the meeting, thank all the attendees, as well as the exhibitors, who help make the meeting possible: They include Adin Implants, Altfest, Augma Biomaterials, Brasseler USA, Carestream Dental, Dexis, Doral Refining, Garfield Refining, General Refining Corp., Hiossen, Inventory Sight, Jim O’Brien Architecture & Interiors, Law Office of Alan Stein, MLMIC, Neoss, NSK Dental, Orascoptic, Orion Dental Solutions (Creodent), Philips, Precision Dental, Reads, Pulpdent, Rivkin-Radler, LLC, The Smilist, Total Dollar Insurance, TruAbutment and US Dental Practices.
We are already hard at work planning the 2026 meeting, which we expect will return to its original two-day format. Stay tuned for more information.
SCDS Demonstrates What is Possible! Want to know what we did to buck the national and state active licensed dentist market-share trend? Email us at Contact@SuffolkDental.Org or call us at (631) 232-1400. (Note: the 2024 yearend datapoints are unavailable owing to a Salesforce/Fonteva issue.)
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, Spotify, in addition to our traditional www. SuffolkDental.Org presence.
SEVENTH DISTRICT
Dentists Impacting Communities around the Globe
Becky Herman, Executive Director
Dr. Rosemeire Santos-Teachout Brings Compassion and Care to Guatemala.
In a powerful testament to the life-changing work dental professionals can do beyond the office, Dr. Rosemeire Santos-Teachout recently led a transformative mission to Guatemala, delivering critical dental care to underserved communities.
Joining forces with Women Physicians & Dentists in Christ (WPDC) and the Christian Medical & Dental Associations (CMDA), Dr. Santos-Teachout’s team partnered with Advancing the Ministries of the Gospel (AMG) to serve the villages of Cubulco and Chirramos. Despite the rugged journey, including a heart-pounding 90-minute ride clinging to the back of a truck loaded with supplies, their commitment never wavered.
Dr. Santos-Teachout led the dental team, joined by one hygienist and one dental student. Together, they provided compassionate, hands-on care to 30 patients, many of whom needed two to five extractions each. In addition to oral surgery, they provided vital hygiene education and services.
“This was the most impactful mission I’ve ever experienced,” said Dr. Santos-Teachout. “We didn’t just bring care, we brought hope. If sharing our journey inspires other professionals or encourages donations, I would be truly grateful.”
Dr. Sean McLaren Provides Much Needed Care in Honduras
For the fifth straight year, Dr. Sean McLaren, provided much needed dental care to children in remote villages of Honduras. His mission entailed treating 30 patients a day with no power, X-
rays or handpieces. Dr. McLaren joined students from Duke University on this trip, making a global impact through compassionate care.
At the Seventh District Dental Society, we are proud to celebrate our members’ dedication and leadership. Drs. Santos-Teachout and McLaren exemplify the spirit of our Smile Bright, Community Right campaign, proving that when dental professionals come together, we can change lives, one smile at a time.
New Fellow
Dr. Matthew Valerio, president of the Seventh District Dental Society, chair of its Ethics Committee and delegate
to the NYSDA House, was inducted as a fellow into the Pierre Fauchard Academy during the NYSDA HOD meeting in May in Uniondale.
District Members Attend NYSDA HOD
Seventh District members generously shared their time and insights at the 2025 NYSDA House of Delegates meeting in May in Uniondale. They joined fellow delegates and colleagues from across the state to address important issues, help shape policy and elect future leaders.
Among those recognized at the meeting was Dr. Theresa Casper-Klock, who received a plaque marking her dedicated service as a NYSDA Trustee for the last four years. Dr. David Ramjattansingh was elected to serve as trustee for the next four years.
MCDS Presents Awards to Graduates
Dr. Taylor Squires, Monroe County Dental Society President, and Ms. Andrea Hughes, Seventh District Dental Society Communication/Event Manager, participated in the Monroe Community College (MCC) Dental Studies Program Pinning Ceremony. They presented the Dental Hygienist Award to Skylar Lyon, for her hard work, academic excellence and leadership and a Dental Assistant Award to Dominique Fulton, for excellence in patient care. Each received a certificate and monetary award.
Dr. Jay Skolnick, Seventh District Dental Society and MCDS past president and a current MCC Dental Studies Program faculty member, presented the Stevenson Award on behalf of the New York State Dental Foundation.
Tripartite Event for Residents and Residency Program Faculty
Representatives from the American Dental Association, the New York State Dental Association and the Seventh District Dental Society came together to host a special event at the Eastman Institute for Oral Health (EIOH). The nearly 90 people in attendance included residents and residency program faculty, along with EIOH Director and Vice Dean for Oral Health in the School of Medicine and Dentistry Dr. Eli Eliav. They shared ideas, concerns and brainstormed opportunities for engagement and collaboration in organized dentistry. Tripartite representatives emphasized the importance of organized dentistry and the many benefits of membership.
All enjoyed a catered dinner in the EIOH lobby following presentations and discussion.
Social and Leadership Development Program Planned
Join us Aug. 18 from 6-9:30 p.m. when we launch our new “Spark Connections” Mentorship & Leadership Development Program, designed to bring together new dentists and residents with seasoned dentists to foster the growth of future leaders by providing them with guidance, support and knowledge from our more experienced professionals.
The program will be followed by an all-member social—an evening of great food and drinks, conversation and networking to celebrate summer in Rochester.
Thank you to our sponsors: Bryan Gray, CPA; Empire Dental Administrators; Genesee Regional Bank; Henry Schein; Morganstern DeVoesick; Patterson Dental; RTG Lab; Straumann; Vision Financial Group; and Walsh Duffield.
Register today at https://www.7dds. org/resources-faq-pages/events/allmember-resident-summer-social.
County Hosts Oral Pathology Lecture
The Monroe County Dental Society hosted a dynamic, insightful and humorous lecture, “Lumps & Bumps in the Mouth: Mastering the Fundamentals,” presented by Dr. Samson Ng on May 2 at Comedy at the Carlson. Attendees left with a deeper understanding of oral pathology and what to look for in their patients’ mouths.
Thank you to our generous sponsors: DDSmatch, Empire Dental Administrators, Genesee Regional Bank, Jim Casper & Associates, RTG Lab and Walsh Duffield.
Foundation Spotlights HPV Prevention at Annual Brunch
On Saturday, May 31, Foundation friends and supporters gathered for the Annual Brunch during the NYSDA House of Delegates meeting.
This year’s event spotlighted the dental provider’s role in the prevention of HPV-related cancers. Foundation Trustee Dr. Liz Kapral spoke about some of the work being done to raise awareness about the importance of HPV vaccination in New York State, including the Foundation’s “9 to Thrive” HPV prevention campaign, featuring continuing education for the dental community and an HPV-prevention toolkit.
Oral cancer survivor Mandy Hughes delivered a moving and courageous keynote address that left a lasting impression on everyone in attendance, reminding attendees that behind every statistic is a person, a family and a future worth protecting.
A highlight of the morning was a special surprise tribute to Dr. Maria Maranga, who was honored for her 12 years of dedicated service to the Foundation’s Board of Trustees. In recognition of her leadership and unwavering commitment to veterans’ initiatives both statewide and nationally as chair of the ADA Foundation’s Give Vets a Smile program, Dr. Maranga was presented with an American flag that had been flown over the U.S. Capitol in her honor.
Thanks to the generosity of sponsors, dedicated trustees and supporters, the event raised over $40,000 in vital funds to support the Foundation’s oral health initiatives.
The Foundation will bring the 9 to Thrive: HPV Vaccination for Cancer Prevention course to the Greater New York Dental Meeting on Sunday, November 30, and to Rochester on Friday, February 27, 2026.
FOURTH DISTRICT
Congress Features Presentations and Award
The Fourth District hosted its annual Saratoga Dental Congress in early May. We were pleased to have NYSDA President Dr. Maurice Edwards attend our Business Meeting to kick off the event.
Honored at this year’s meeting with the Robert A. Smith Award was Dr. Loren Baim, for her impactful and continuous work in our district and her dedication to the New York State Dental Foundation. Congratulations, Loren. We admire your service and commitment to the dental profession and are honored to count you as a member of the Fourth District.
Saratoga Dental Congress speakers Dr. Tracey Nguyen (“Airway Management”) and Dr. Susan McMahon (“Cosmetic Dentistry”) presented to large audiences. Also well-attended was the Cancer Prevention Summit at the City Center, sponsored by the New York State Dental Foundation.
In Service to the House
Thank you to this year’s 4th District delegates and alternate delegates to the Annual Meeting of the NYSDA House in Uniondale for their time and commitment. They include Drs. Adrienne Korkosz, Fred Wetzel, Michael Breault, John Milza, Jennifer Kluth, Rachel Hargraves, Christina Cocozzo and Edmund Wun.
Hygiene Award
Each year, the Fourth District honors a hygiene student attending Hudson Valley Community College with its Dr. Mark Bauman Scholarship for their leadership, high professional standards and demonstration of patient compassion and care. Congratulations to Audra Arnold, the 2025 scholarship winner.
Golf and Learn
The Fourth District’s annual Golf Tourney and CE is set for Friday, Sept. 19, at Hiland Park Golf Club. A risk management program will be offered in the morning. Call (518) 371-1114 to register.
Fourth District delegates and alternate delegates to Annual Meeting of NYSDA House take break from proceedings for group photo. They are, from left, Drs. Adrienne Korkosz, Fred Wetzel, Michael Breault, John Milza, Jennifer Kluth, Rachel Hargraves, Christina Cocozzo, Edmund Wun.
NEW YORK COUNTY
New Dentists Celebrate Ocho de Mayo
Egidio Farone, D.M.D.
Bank of America held a special event for new dentists May 8 at NYCDS Headquarters. Recognizing the financial challenges faced by dentists early in their careers, Bank of America met with young professionals to provide them with valuable guidance and resources.
Robert Malandruccolo and Jarrett Mathews from Bank of America led an insightful presentation focused on essential banking and financial services tailored specifically to new dentists. Attendees left equipped with practical tools and the confidence to make informed decisions and build a strong foundation for their professional futures.
To add a festive touch, expert mixologist Kevin Falatko crafted a signature cocktail, “Garden Glow,” inspired by Ocho de Mayo (Eighth of May). After the presentation, participants enjoyed a hands-on experience creating their own versions of the drink, wrapping up the evening on a lively and engaging note.
Dental Communities celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month
Members of the New York County Dental Society, New York State Dental Association, Asian American Dental Society and Ivoclar gathered May 19 to celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. The evening brought together dental professionals eager to connect and enjoy excellent food while honoring the Asian American dental community.
NYCDS President Dr. Vera W.L. Tang delivered an impactful address, in which she highlighted the unique oral health disparities within the Asian American community, especially among older adults. Her remarks inspired thoughtful discussion among attendees. Later, hygienist Carly Zenobi delivered her presentation, “Varnishes for Caries Prevention and Biofilm Focused Care,” explaining how targeted biofilm management can improve both oral and overall health.
The night was filled with camaraderie, learning, and a shared commitment to support one another and advance oral health within the community.
NYCDS President Hosts Advocacy Event
NYCDS President Dr. Vera Tang inspired a group of enthusiastic NYU and Columbia students at the “Classroom to Capitol” advocacy awareness event. The students shared firsthand experiences from recent ADA and NYSDA lobby days, bringing their stories of advocacy and impact to life.
Joining the conversation were Dr. Michael Shreck, District 2 Representative on the ADPAC Committee, and Dr. Tang, who represents the American Academy of Periodontology on the ADPAC Committee. Together, they described the critical role organized dentistry plays in shaping legislation and advancing the future of the profession. The event sparked inspiration and highlighted the power of collective voices in driving meaningful change.
Special Olympics Long Island Region Games
On May 3, volunteers brought healthy smiles to the Special Olympics Long Island Region Games. Athletes received screenings, fluoride varnish and oral hygiene tips. These services are especially important because people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) often have extra challenges maintaining oral health. For many, limited motor skills, sensitivities and certain medical conditions make daily care harder and raise cavity risk. Regular fluoride use through toothpaste, water or professional treatments is especially important for them.
With misinformation about fluoride spreading, confusion is growing. Some caretakers refused fluoride for their athletes, worried about possible side effects. Past President Mina Kim notes, “It’s important to educate patients about fluoride’s benefits, since reducing access will cause the most harm to children, low-income families and people with disabilities.”
2025 House of Delegates
NYCDS past president Maurice Edwards was installed as president of the New York State Dental Association during the Annual Meeting of the NYSDA House of Delegates in May in Uniondale. His election to the post speaks to his longstanding dedication to organized dentistry and his continued leadership within the profession.
Following his installation, Dr. Edwards delivered a powerful speech that reinforced his commitment to the mission of the Association and genuine belief in the strength of its members. Dr. Edwards’s vision for NYSDA and NYCDS centers on renewed collaboration and shared purpose. He believes that by learning from our challenges, we can become stronger and more connected than ever before.
We look forward to witnessing the positive impact of his leadership and can’t wait to witness his accomplishments in the year ahead.
Meeting Dates:
November 28th – December 3rd
Exhibit Dates:
November 30th – December 3rd
JACOB K. JAVITS CONVENTION CENTER 11th Ave Between 34th & 39th Street
The only major dental meeting with no preregistration fee returns this year. The Greater New York Dental Meeting (GNYDM) has big plans in store, featuring some of the most highly regarded educators in the field of dentistry. Choose from full-day seminars, halfday seminars and hands-on workshops. But that’s not all. In 2025, GNYDM will also offer attendees access to the 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. Attend the GNYDM with no registration fee!
Upcoming Continuing Education Schedule
• 7/23 9:30 AM – 1:30 PM Risk Management Course, by MLMIC (InPerson)
• 8/05 9:30 AM – 1:30 PM Basic Life Support/CPR Certification Course (In-Person)
• 9/11 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM The Next Dimension: Cosmetics, Digital Dentistry, CBCT, 3D Printers and More. How Dentists Thrive Today, with Dr. Susan McMahon (In-Person)
• 9/12 9:30 AM – 4:30 PM Veneer Planning and Preparation: Setting up for Successful Cosmetic Enhancement. Workshop with Dr. Susan McMahon (In-Person)
• 9/17 9:30 AM – 4:30 PM Intuitive Endodontics. Workshop with Dr. Anne Koch (In-Person)
• 9/25 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM The Good, the Bad & Compliance: Ignorance of HIPAA Can Mean Massive Penalties, with Dr. Lorne Lavine (Zoom)
• 10/10 9:30 AM – 4:30 PM Minimally Invasive Posterior Restorations. Workshop with Dr. Amelia Orta (InPerson)
• 10/17 9:30 AM – 12:30 PM Modern Approach to Integrating OAT for Sleep Apnea into Dental Practice, by Dr. Maria Sokolina (In-Person)
• 10/20 9:30 AM – 1:30 PM Basic Life Support/CPR Certification Course (In-Person)
• 10/22 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM OSHAMandated Update for Dentists and Staff; What You Need to Know to Comply with the Law, with Dr. Peter Mychajliw (ZOOM) New courses are added regularly so be sure to visit https://www.nycdentalsociety.org/ for the latest course schedule.
NINTH DISTRICT
Revamped Schedule
Monica Barrera, D.D.S.
Now that we are at the end of our spring CE course presentations, we’ve switched gears and incorporated some fun and beneficial events into the schedule. On June 4, the 9th hosted its annual Advocacy awareness was theme of “Classroom to Capitol” event held to introduce NYU and Columbia dental students to power of the collective voice in driving meaningful change.
“Frills & Drills Social” celebrating all dentists. It took place at the beautiful St. Andrew’s Golf Club in Hastings-onHudson, where the scenery is almost as good as the hors d’oeuvres.
Less than two weeks later, the 9th hosted its annual “Shredding Day.” Operating from the parking lot of the association’s headquarters, Legal Shred helped members dispose of their files in a HIPAA-compliant manner. This member benefit is greatly appreciated and anticipated by members, who filled every available time slot.
And then there is our “Health is Wealth” summer wellness event, which will again be held at the Hudson River Park in Tarrytown. In this beautiful setting, we welcome members, residents, Touro students and their families to enjoy the amazing cuisine of the Latusion food truck; standing yoga, led by Dr. BJ Mistry; and music along the scenic Hudson River.
Reach Out
Association executives, the Board and Nominating Committee all continue to meet to address issues within the 9th and the profession. We invite members to reach out to us to discuss their concerns. A venue for an exchange of ideas is the September General Meeting, which will take place at Westchester Manor in Hastings-on-Hudson.
Catching up at Frills & Drills are, from left, 9th Board member Timothy Leung, President-Elect Bharat Joshi, Gemini MasterPatel, New Dentist Committee Chair Lana Hashim.
Our leaders want to hear from members. Perhaps there’s a committee you wish to join? Talk to us; we’re always interested in adding new people. And, as always, please feel free to reach out to association staff for help, advice or to share your thoughts and concerns, so we can be sure all our members’ needs are met.
