Component News

SUFFOLK COUNTY

New Leadership

William Bast, D.M.D.

On January 8, our 2022 leaders were installed. They are: Dr. Craig E Smith, president; Dr. Radha Sachdeva-Munk, president-elect; Dr. Steven Feigelson, vice president; Dr. William G. Bast, secretary; and Dr. John Guariglia, treasurer.

Congratulations to all of the new officers! Come celebrate with us at our Gala on April 9 at the Hamlet Golf and Country Club in Commack.

Stony Brook Four-Week Ethics Course Each Wednesday from 8-10 a.m., starting Feb. 2, Kevin Henner led a team of volunteer members in delivering a dental ethics course at the Stony Brook School of Dental Medicine. Coordinated and supported by Stony Brook faculty Dr. Steven London and Dr. Robert Iovino, the four-week course attracted 40-plus fourth-year students.

This year’s volunteer dentists included Drs. Ivan Vazquez, Dimitrous Kilimitzoglou, John Lagner, Anthony Maresca, Martin Dominger, Paul Markowitz, Guenter Jonke, Patricia Hanlon, Kerry Lane, John Guariglia, Claudia Mahon-Vazquez, Nick Vittoria, Peter Pruden, Paul Leary, Scott Firestone, Lauren Heisinger, Craig Smith, Steven Snyder and Robert Peskin.

It’s wonderful to see their practical knowledge being shared with up-and-coming professionals.

Whole New Everything On Feb. 16, our newness was unveiled: our new, branded website, our new logo, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram accounts. Be sure to check them out! But wait, there’s more. The building housing our headquarters office was purchased by Damianos Realty Group, who are upgrading the site, and we’ve a new address—well, a new suite number. We are still at 150 Motor Parkway in Hauppauge, but our suite has been renumbered to 123.

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, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn and, even, Spotify, in addition to our traditional www.SuffolkDental.Org presence.

Fourth-year students, Stony Brook School of Dental Medicine, receive instruction in ethical principles during four-week course presented bySCDS volunteers.

SECOND DISTRICT

SDDS Members Honored for Journalistic Excellence

Alyson Buchalter, D.M.D.

Three SDDS members were honored in February by the International College of Dentists for excellence in dental-related journalism. They are: Stuart Segelnick, Shalom Benzaquen and Jeffrey Galler.

Dr. Stuart Segelnick The SDDS is proud to congratulate our past president and current editor of the Second District Dental Society Bulletin, Dr. Stuart Segelnick, for his multiple recent achievements and honors. This past October, Dr. Segelnick was installed as president of the American Association of Dental Editors and Journalists (AADEJ). The AADEJ is a national organization dedicated to improving communication within the dental profession and elevating the standards of dental journalism.

In February, the International College of Dentists (ICD) presented him with its 2021 Newsletter Award, given to the editor of an English language newsletter that demonstrates overall quality of graphics, design and content. The SDDS congratulates Dr. Segelnick and The Bulletin for winning this award for the second time!

Dr. Segelnick, a Brooklyn periodontist, takes his editing duties very seriously. He has been the editor of the SDDS Bulletin since 2015 and is also editor of the Northeastern Society of Periodontists Bulletin. He has coedited five books on dentistry. In addition to this year’s awards, he was the recipient of the ICD Journalism Silver Scroll Award in 2016 and the ICD Journalism Newsletter Award in 2019.

Dr. Shalom Benzaquen Dr. Segelnick and the SDDS Bulletin also won the ICD Dental Journalism 2021 Humanitarian Service Award. The award was given for publishing an article that exemplifies “serving others” in the August-September 2020 Bulletin. That article was written by then-Kingsbrook Jewish Medical Center Dental Resident Dr. Shalom Benzaquen. In it, he described his experiences during a two-week mission to Uganda with the Build Your Smile Dental Foundation.

With support from the SDDS, Dr. Benzaquen traveled to Kabale Uganda, where he and his colleagues treated over 2,000 patients. It is quite the honor for an international organization to single out Dr. Benzaquen and his article for recognition.

We enjoyed seeing Dr. Benzaquen at the Zoom awards ceremony from his current home in Rochester, NY. He is enrolled in the Eastman Institute for Oral Health, Prosthodontic Residency Program and is now a member of the Seventh District Dental Society. We at SDDS wish him every continued success.

Dr. Jeffrey Galler The ICD presented Dr. Jeffrey Galler with its 2021 Outstanding Cover Award. Dr. Galler, who practices in Brooklyn, is editor of the Journal of the American Academy of Clear Aligners. The winning cover appeared on the Summer 2020 issue—“The Summer of Success (in Dentistry).” The cover has four hand-drawn caricatures depicting the state of dentistry in March, April, May and June 2020, respectively. They depict the shock of the pending pandemic, being downcast with fear for our practices during the months we had to remain closed, dentistry rising to the occasion when preparing to reopen and, finally, dentistry bouncing back, once again caring for our patients.

Dr. Shalom Benzaquen treats patient in village school site in Kabale region of Uganda.

Congratulations to all of these winners. You remind us, once again, of why the SDDS has reason to be proud of its members!

NINTH DISTRICT

Webinars Continue in Spring

Olga Lombo-Sguerra, D.D.S.

The Ninth District will present its spring CE courses as webinars on Zoom. This format has been well-received by members, based on the number of registrants we’re seeing for each course. Evidently, at the end of a long workday, members are happy to head home for dinner and still get their MCE credits toward relicensure.

CPR Take Two Our CPR courses are again being offered by the American Heart Association in two stages—an online module, followed by an in-person skills assessment at the Blythedale Children’s Hospital in Valhalla, rather than at headquarters. The ability of the hospital to host more registrants while keeping them socially distant made it a logical venue.

Taking it Live With new protocols in place in the state, due to the decline in Omicron cases and seemingly more comfort with in-person events, we’re looking forward to our first, in-person event of 2022—our March General Meeting. It’s set to take place in Dutchess County, at the Villa Borghese, a venue that has quickly become a member favorite. With the number of registrations coming in daily, we anticipate a terrific turnout.

Women’s Conference Back On Our executives and committees have continued to meet virtually to ensure our association’s business moves forward. Dr. Renuka Bijoor has been instrumental in planning our “Frills and Drills” event, which was postponed last fall and is now taking place April 6 at The Manor in Pleasantville. If you haven’t registered yet, you may do so on the Ninth’s website (www.ninthdistrict.org).

We are all looking forward to this celebration of women in dentistry. Keep an eye on your inbox, as we will be sending more details as the event draws closer.

On hand to greet students at Signing Day March 1 at Touro College of Dental Medicine, Hawthorne, are, from left: Renuka Bijoor, NinthDistrict Secretary-Treasurer and member, NYSDA and ADA councilsMembership and Communications; Heather Relation, NYSDA MembershipConcierge; Chelsea Jankow, NYSDA Marketing Manager.

Study Groups Back in Business Our study groups are resuming lectures. The Dutchess County Dental Society, the Southern Westchester Dental Forum and the Yonkers Dental Society have all scheduled Zoom lectures this first quarter of 2022. Dutchess County has, however, decided to postpone its April 27th all-day, in-person event. It will announce and post updates to their website (www.dcdsny.com) as they become available.

Get in Touch As always, please feel free to reach out to your Ninth District staff for help, advice or to share your thoughts and concerns so we can be sure all of our members’ needs are met and voices heard.

Here’s to a healthy and productive 2022!

EIGHTH DISTRICT

Lifesaving Instruction

Kevin J. Hanley, D.D.S.

The Erie County Dental Society presented the course “Basic Life Support for Health Care Providers” Feb. 7 at the Eighth District office. The course fulfilled the state requirement for CPR re-training. Participants completed both a skills test and written test for certification, good for two years. They also earned four MCE hours.

Ski and Learn Forty members of the Erie County Dental Society attended the society’s annual Ski Day at Holimont Ski Club in Ellicottville. Dr. Joshua Grant presented “Immediate Implant Provisionalization” to those in attendance. The lecture was divided into two parts—the first following breakfast and the second during lunch. Attendees enjoyed time on the slopes between parts one and two and following lunch. Two MCE units were earned by those in attendance.

Dine and Learn Over 60 dentists attended the Erie County Dental Society’s evening meeting on Feb. 23 at Santora’s Italian Garden Restaurant in Williamsville. Dr. Vladimir Frias presented “Endosseous Implants for Head and Neck Cancer Patients.” Attendees earned two MCE units for participating.

District Hosts NYSDA Officer NYSDA President-elect James Galati visited the Eighth District during the district’s Executive Council meeting Feb. 8 to introduce himself and discuss important issues facing NYSDA in the coming year. The members present gave Dr. Galati a warm Eighth District welcome.

As the first order of business, Dr. Galati installed our officers for 2022. They are: Dr. Joseph Gambacorta, president; Dr. Joshua Hutter, president-elect; Dr. Robert Bocchiecho, vice president; Dr. Joseph Rumfola, secretary; and Dr. Joseph Modica, treasurer. During his presentation which followed, Dr. Galati shared his plans for his presidential term and fielded questions from the audience.

President-elect visits are always appreciated by members, as they help give a face to a name and allow for interactions with NYSDA officers in a comfortable environment. The Eighth District joins in wishing Dr. Galati good luck in the coming years.

Officers Installed Over Brunch The Erie County Dental Society held its previously postponed Installation Brunch on March 13 at The Mansion on Delaware. Dr. Mary Beth Dunn, a past president of the Eighth District, was master of ceremonies and installed the following new officers: Dr. Kathleen McMahon-Wahler, president; Dr. Matthew Walla, vice president; Dr. Amanda Cryan, secretary; Dr. Martin Gorkiewicz, assistant secretary; and Dr. Darren Forcier, treasurer. Dr. Peter D’Arrigo was presented with the 2022 Frank J. Stone Award.

District Celebrates its Presidents 500 Pearl was the venue for the Eighth District Dental Society’s 2022 President’s Reception on March 26. Dr. Brendan Dowd, a past president of NYSDA and currently the ADA Trustee-Elect, was master of ceremonies for the reception. Music was provided by Central Groove, a band comprising members of the Eighth District.

It was a fun evening, as district members and guests celebrated past presidents and the new incoming officers.

NEW YORK COUNTY

GKAS NYC Promotes Oral Health in East Harlem

Suchie Chawla, D.D.S., M.D.

We are proud to report that underserved children in District 4 East Harlem schools received critical oral hygiene awareness education early this year in a safe way. Three unique and engaging educational oral health video presentations created by our Give Kids A Smile NYC Steering Committee for lower, middle and upper school children, were part of the teaching curriculum in late February/ March. We were also back in the community

with our livestreamed Parent Workshop to reinforce good oral habits and provide guidance to parents on how they can help their children have good oral health.

In addition, we held an oral health poster contest again, since it was so popular last year. Sorely needed school-related prizes were awarded to one grand prize winner and three honorable mention winners from each school. These awards were made possible by a generous grant from the New York State Dental Foundation and Henry Schein.

NYCDS Member Completes ADA Diversity Program Dr. Stacy Spizuoco was one of a select group of dentists who participated in the ADA’s most recent leadership training program known as the Institute for Diversity in Leadership. Dr. Spizuoco has a private practice in Manhattan and has volunteered as a clinical instructor at Columbia College of Dental Medicine. She is actively involved with the humanitarian outreach World of Smiles.

Hundreds of dentists have been enrolled in the program since its inauguration, and institute alumni have gone on to serve as volunteer leaders at local, state and national levels of the ADA, as well as other dental associations and service organizations.

Congratulations to Dr. Spizuoco for being a part of this special program training future leaders!

Stacy Spizuoco

NYCDS Golf Outing Returning, to New Venue After an almost three-year hiatus, New York County Dental Society will host its Sixth annual Golf Outing for the benefit of the NYCDS Fund.

The event will take place at the Westchester Hills Golf Club in White Plains on Tuesday, June 21. This year, the registration fee is $275, which includes a round of golf on a beautiful, newly renovated course; a sumptuous brunch; an open-bar cocktail hour; raffles; and a fantastic buffet dinner. There will be a putting contest, in addition to other contests, during the round—with prizes.

Further details about the Golf Outing, including registration, will be forthcoming.

Humanitarian Outreach New York County Dental Society was pleased to sponsor the ACD Mentoring Lecture “Humanitarian Outreach: Program Development and Participation” on Feb. 16. The popular program focused on the development of an international outreach initiative in the Dominican Republic that provides comprehensive care for thousands annually. Important to the discussion were the ethics and professional obligations of healthcare providers who participate in outreach. The challenges, rewards and joy that come with participation were also discussed.

The NYCDS members who founded World of Smiles, Inc., Drs. James Hudson, Yakir Arteaga and Jerry Halpern, were joined by Dr. Owen Insel, chief resident of oral and maxillofacial surgery, who has participated in the outreach in La Romana. Dr. Hudson was awarded the Mark Mintzer Award for Service in 2021.

CE Highlights We are pleased to return to in-person continuing education, while also offering virtual courses, to fit a variety of schedules. Registering for CE courses is easy: go to www.nycdentalsociety.org; or call our education staff at (212) 573-8500. Upcoming courses are listed below.

• April 7: “Medications/Injection Options for Orofacial Pain Problems.” Part 3 in Orofacial Pain Lecture Series, with Dr. Donald Tanenbaum. (virtual)

• April 20: “Pediatric Sleep Apnea and Craniofacial Development.” Part of the ACD Mentoring Lecture Program, with Dr. Rebecca Binder. (virtual)

• April 21: “Elusive Medical Problems and Orofacial Pain.” Part 4 in the Orofacial Pain Lecture Series, with Dr. Donald Tanenbaum. (virtual)

• April 27: “Basic Life Support/ CPR Certification Course,” with Marc Reilly, Rescue Resuscitation. (in-person)

• May 4: “Contemporary Implant Removable Prostheses,” with Dr. Kenneth Kurtz. (in-person)

• May 11: “Basic Life Support/ CPR Certification Course,” with Marc Reilly, Rescue Resuscitation. (in-person)

• May 18: “Hands-On Course on Indirect Posterior Dentistry,” with Dr. David R. Rice. (in-person)

• May 18: “Peer Review: Facts, Findings, and Dispelling Myths.” Part of the ACD Mentoring Lecture Program, with Dr. Egidio Farone. (virtual) Visit www.nycdentalsociety.org for latest courses and registration information.

Students who have benefited from the services of World of Smiles Inc.