EIGHTH DISTRICT
Members Get Educated Kevin Hanley, D.D.S. The Grapevine Banquet Center in Depew was the site of the Eighth District’s all-day fall seminar. Dr. Ron Kaminer presented “A Week in the Life of a Restorative Dentist: Direct and Indirect Restorative Dentistry.” Dr. Kaminar simplified every aspect of restorative dentistry, from diagnostics, to direct and indirect restorative dentistry, to communication skills and a productive hygiene department. Participants learned the essentials of a successful dental practice, essentials they were able to bring back to their practices and implement immediately. The day was informative and fun-filled, and participants earned 7 hours of MCE. “Infection Control for the Dental Team” was the topic of discussion on Sept. 30, when the Eighth District sponsored an evening lecture at Templeton Terrace, located on the waterfront in downtown Buffalo. Dr. Terrence Thines presented the threehour course. Participants earned 3 hours of MCE and fulfilled their four-year requirement for infection control. The Buffalo Niagara Dental Meeting was back this year after being cancelled last year due to the pandemic. This in-person meeting took place Nov. 3-5 at the Buffalo Niagara Convention Center. Speakers from around the country discussed a myriad of topics, all related to dentistry and the dental team. On Thursday evening, Nov. 4, the Remember When party was held. The reunion dinner dance, celebrating five-year reunion classes, took place the following evening. This meeting is always a great way to get outstanding continuing education,
interact with exhibitors and catch up with classmates and friends. On Nov. 12, the Eighth District presented the Rick Fink Memorial Lecture, an all-day seminar devoted to “Actions and Algorithms for Medical Emergencies: How to Save a Life (Including Your Own).” The presentation by Dr. Daniel Pompa took place at Salvatore’s Italian Garden in Depew. Dr. Pompa reviewed up-to-the-minute actions for dealing with medical emergencies, while challenging preconceived or outdated ideas. Attendees learned simple, non-invasive, critical tests that can reduce overall risks. Clearly delineated indications for emergency drug use and proper dosages were discussed, as well as how to assemble and maintain an ideal emergency drug kit. Attendees earned 7 hours of MCE. This lecture is held in memory of Dr. Rick Fink, a past president of the Eighth District, who died in 2007. Dr. Fink championed continuing education in the district, knowing the importance of it in the professional development of dentists and dental personnel.
Christmas is Coming The Eighth District is once again sponsoring a Children’s Holiday Party at the Brookfield Country Club in Clarence. This year, the party will take place on Saturday, Dec. 4. It is rumored that Santa will be in attendance, with gifts for all the young partygoers. This party is always a big hit with members and their children. It’s great to have it back on the schedule after last year’s scaled-down function due to the pandemic.
Becky Herman
SEVENTH DISTRICT
Component
SEVENTH DISTRICT
New Executive Director at Helm H. Bradley Davidson, D.D.S. It is with great pleasure that we announce that Becky Herman joined the Seventh District Dental Society and Monroe County Dental Society as our new executive director on Oct. 25. She rose to the top of an extensive list of candidates and was the unanimous choice of both the search committee and the Board of Directors. Ms. Herman is only the third permanent ED of the Seventh District in the past 50 years, so we are eager to work with her as we begin this new era. She replaces our own Dr. Andrew Vorrasi, who graciously came out of retirement to serve as interim ED while the search process was underway. Following a long, effective and certainly consequential career at the local, state and national levels, Dr. Vorrasi found yet another way to use his unique skills to the benefit of his colleagues. We will forever appreciate his dedication and his wit and wisdom. Ms. Herman brings more than 25 years of experience in developing and implementing innovative strategies for successful recruitment, fundraising and communications programs. Nineteen of those years were in dental education and healthcare administration. Since 2015, she has served as director of recruitment and community outreach for NYU Langone Dental Medicine Postdoctoral Residency Programs. In this role, she engaged and supported lead-
The New York State Dental Journal NOVEMBER 2021 37 ●
