
25 minute read
Component News
SUFFOLK COUNTY
Summer Luncheon
Natalia Elson, D.D.S.
It was a wonderful privilege to engage the Stony Brook School of Dental Medicine’s Class of 2028 (46 students in all) over lunch on Aug. 7. We were joined by our president, Dr. Steven Feigelson; NYSDA Trustee Dr. Guenter Jonke; SCDS Past President Dr. Jeff Seiver; and SCDS Board Member Dr. Rekha Reddy. All shared information about their professional journey and why ADA membership has been and continues to be important to them, as well as providing an overview of organized dentistry.
Special thanks to SCDS staff member Carol Deerwester, who worked with Stony Brook staff Daniella Zajac and Noe Escobar to arrange the luncheon. The future is bright for dentistry.


Come September
Members benefitted from a great, informative and engaging lecture delivered by Dr. David Rice on Sept. 18. More than 60 dentists were on hand for the event in our fully renovated facility. A big thank you to Dr. Rice, and special thanks to our sponsors—MidCape Dental Lab, Henry Schein Dental, TD Bank Healthcare Practice Solutions, DDS Match, Garfield Refining and QOptics—for supporting the event.
Later in the month, on Sept. 27, Suffolk and Nassau County Dental societies hosted a wonderful practice management lecture delivered by Dr. Roger Levin.
And in October
On Oct. 2, about 60 members assembled for an excellent, engaging lecture by Dr. Brian Goodacre. This wrapped up our 2024 Seminar Series and continued to provide outstanding feedback on our new venue. Special thanks to our sponsors, Nobel Biocare/Envista, Mid-Cape Dental Laboratory, Henry Schein Dental and TD Bank Healthcare Practice Solutions Group. We hope to see all members at our 2025 Seminar Series Events.
On Oct. 9, we were pleased to bring a fantastic hands-on endodontics course taught by Dr. Anne L. Koch to Long Island. She provided members with a full day of instruction. Her presentation was fun, engaging and informative, with a one-on-one feel. Thank you Real World Endo and Brasseler for their support.
A reminder to members: Compliance Day is Dec. 4. Get your mandated courses in one day! Check it out at SuffolkDental.Org/Calendar.
Don’t Miss a Thing
Be sure to like/follow us on social media as 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.
FOURTH DISTRICT
Help is on the Way
Crystal Arpei-McHugh, D.D.S., M.S.
The University of Vermont (UVM) has partnered with Hudson Headwaters Health Network (HHH) to support our North Country patients. Their dental residency program will have rotations through counties in the Adirondacks, including Warren, adding needed support and services to the region.
Shredding Success
The first-ever shredding event at the 4th District office in Clifton Park on Sept. 27 was nearly at capacity. The event ran from 9 a.m.-noon. This free event translated into almost $200 in savings for each member who participated. We expect to make this an annual benefit for our members.
Welcome, New Dentists
Our annual new dentist meeting took place on Oct. 9 at the Mill on Round Lake. Although attendance at the meeting was down, the energy and atmosphere were electric. We are excited to welcome this next group of leaders to the society.



Golf and Learn
At our annual Golf Outing on Sept. 20, 70 members also completed the mandatory Infection Control continuing education requirement. Thank you to Hudson Headwaters and to Debra Galatioto for sharing her expertise and course information to help participants meet this licensure requirement.
Our fall golf tourney has become a staple for members. And each year we seem to add another foursome or two.
Well-represented
The Fourth District sent two delegates and alternates to represent our members, local interests and the state agenda at the annual meeting of the ADA House of Delegates. Thank you Drs. Korkosz, Cocozzo, Milza and Galati for volunteering their time, energy and expertise over the long weekend.
THIRD DISTRICT
Annual Meeting
Paula Tancredi, Executive Director
This year’s Annual Meeting was one of our best. Held at 677 Prime in Albany on Sept. 26, it began at 4 p.m. with presentation of the mandatory updated Child Abuse Reporting continuing education course, a benefit to all district members.
Immediately following the course, the meeting was called to order and all nominations were confirmed. A vote was taken and our new officers were installed. They are: Dr. Mohamed Bayoumy, president; Dr. Lauren Heisinger, president-elect; Dr. Christopher Arena, vice president; Dr. Olivia Turner, secretary and treasurer.
The Third District thanks Kendra Zappia for her leadership as president in the past year. She now moves to the position of immediate past president. Congratulations and a big thanks to all. During the meeting, newly elected President Dr. Mohamed Bayoumy presented the Downes-Ripp Achievement Award to Dr. Steven Essig. This award is given in recognition of a member’s untiring commitment to dentistry or accomplishments of special note that contribute to the betterment of the dental profession. Dr. Essig served the Third District as vice-president in 2005, president-elect in 2006, and president in 2007. He recently retired from his position on the NYSDA Board of Trustees.

Announcements
Other big news at the Third District includes the birth of Dr. Greg Vallecorsa’s daughter Ahna on Sept. 13. Congratulations.
And it was with a heavy heart and sincere regret that we announce the passing of Dr. Michael Lozman on Oct. 11 in Albany. Born Nov. 22, 1937, Dr. Lozman had been a practicing orthodontist in Latham since 1971. Among the several leadership roles he held are president of the New York State Society of Orthodontics and the Third District Dental Society; member of the Dental Society of the State of New York Board of Governors; member of the New York State Board for Dentistry; and the first dentist to serve on the three-member panel of the New York Regents Review Committee. He was deeply involved in several charitable efforts over the years, including the Capital District Jewish Holocaust Memorial. He worked on restoration of numerous Jewish cemeteries in Eastern Europe, and he was recently appointed to the U.S Commission for the Preservation of America’s Heritage Abroad by President Biden.

SECOND DISTRICT ADA HOD
Alyson Buchalter, D.M.D.
On Saturday, Oct. 19, the American Dental Association opened the annual meeting of its House of Delegates. As usual, it was an unprecedented event. Members of our tripartite from across the nation gathered in New Orleans to discuss, debate and decide the direction the ADA will move in with regard to issues that affect all members. Top of mind was workforce and ways the ADA, NYSDA and the SDDS can help with staffing.
During the four days of meetings, discussions and debates, votes were taken on ADA policies regarding dental loss ratio, CODA, license portability, veteran’s dental care, social media, dental plan yearly maximums and much more. Having clear policy aids the ADA as it advocates for legislation to help us in the daily conduct of our practices.
The SDDS thanks its delegates and alternate delegates who were part of the ADA 2nd Trustee District caucus (NYSDA). Thank you to Drs. John Demas, Paul Teplitsky, Alyson Buchalter, Trisha Quartey-Segaille, Valerie Venterina and Kirstin Wolfe for generously giving your time, energy and, most importantly, your extraordinary passion to help our members.
Congratulations to our own Emma Guzman. She was brilliant as a speaker at SmileCon, the ADA annual convention, held at the same venue as the HOD. Dr. Guzman’s presentation, “Thriving Together: Creating Empowering Connections,” showed attendees how to foster meaningful connections and inspire those around them.
Steven Gounardes
SDDS’s own Dr. Steven Gounardes has done it again. Already the recipient of many awards and accolades, Dr. Gounardes was further honored when NYU School of Dentistry presented him with its public service award for his many years of leadership in organized dentistry. Of course, his colleagues at the SDDS were not surprised, as we are well aware of the treasure we have in Steve. Congratulations!

CE
SDDS continued its extraordinary 2024 CE program. A highlight of that program was the presentation on Sept. 27 in Staten Island when Dr. Kenneth Kurtz delivered talks on two topics. He first spoke on “Dental Implant Intervention for Syndromic and Non-Syndromic Childhood Partial Edentulism.” There was a wonderful discussion of aggressive vs. non-intervention for that population. He then presented “Implant-Retained Cantilevers: A Bridge Too Far?” All who were present said they appreciated the depth and breadth of the content.

Thank you to our presiding chair, Dr. Kirsten Wolfe, and Dr. Paul Albicocco from the Entertainment Committee for helping make the program a huge success.
GNYDM is 100
In a few short weeks, the Greater New York Dental Meeting will commence its 100th annual meeting! In addition to the many amazing CE programs and four days of exhibit hall fun, there will be a host of special events to commemorate this milestone year. As always, preregistration is free. There are many CE packages for you and your office staff to choose from.
Thank you to the SDDS members who serve on the Organization Committee: Drs. Saad Butt, Charles Mistretta, Natalie Mohadjeri and Steven Gounardes; our immediate past general chair, Dr. Richard Oshrain; and all the active members of the Advisory Committee, themselves past general chairs; as well as all the past OC members who continue to work hard for the meeting as troubleshooters. Their tireless work is the secret sauce that continues to make the GNYDM the amazing event it is.
Our appreciation extends as well to all who have volunteered to help at this year’s meeting, as well as to the current general chair, Dr. John Young from NYCDS, our partner in the meeting, for leading this year’s celebration. The meeting will take place at the Jacob Javits Convention Center Nov. 29-Dec. 4.

EIGHTH DISTRICT
CPR Recertification
Kevin J. Hanley, D.D.S.
On Nov. 4, the Erie County Dental Society offered a course for those needing recertification in CPR training. It took place at the Eighth District office. Attendees renewed their certification for another two years and earned 4 MCE hours.
Alumni Host Dental Meeting
The University at Buffalo Dental Alumni Association hosted its annual Buffalo Niagara Dental Meeting on Nov. 6-8. The Program Committee outdid itself this year, with many lectures covering a host of different topics.
On the opening evening, everyone was invited to attend and check out the exhibit floor, browsing the booths, catching up on the latest in dental technology and enjoying musical entertainment provided by Central Groove. The remaining days were packed with dental lectures and demonstrations.
On the next-to-last evening, the “Remember When” celebration was held so all alumni of UB School of Dental Medicine could meet and reminisce about their years of learning. The meeting ended with the annual Dinner Dance, recognizing all five-year reunion classes. Honored at the dinner was Dr. Marshall Fagin, who received the organization’s Honor Award. Dr. Brendan Dowd was recognized with the UBDAA’s Distinguished Service Award.
Brian Novy Presents Memorial Lecture
The Eighth District will hold its annual Dr. Rick Fink Memorial Lecture, an allday seminar, on Friday, Dec. 6, at Salvatore’s Italian Gardens in Depew. Dr. Brian Novy will lecture on “Codependent Cariology” and “Offensive Dentistry.”
The first lecture will help dentists understand why telling their patients to brush, floss and rinse with a fluoride mouthwash is only the first level of defense against caries. Dr. Novy’s discussion of CAMBRA, caries management by risk assessment, will provide dentists with a myriad of treatment options to fight decay. His presentation on “Offensive Dentistry” will demonstrate how the science of clinical cariology is having an impact on restorative techniques and technology. Salivary diagnostics and bioactive materials bring much more to the fight against caries.
Here Comes Santa
The Eighth District is again hosting a holiday party for members and their children. The party will take place on Saturday, Dec. 7, at Transit Valley Country Club in East Amherst. This is always a popular event for members and their families. Santa is expected to make an appearance, with gifts for all children in attendance.
It promises to be another wonderful time in the Eighth District, as long as you have all been nice this year!
President’s Installaton
The Eighth District and Erie County Dental societies will hold a joint President’s Installation Dinner on Saturday, Jan. 25, at the Roycroft Inn in East Aurora. This promises to be a great evening of celebration and camaraderie for all in attendance. Hope you’ll be there.
NINTH DISTRICT
Summer of Transition
Monica Barrera, D.D.S.
Like other components throughout the country, the 9th staff spent the summer readying for the changeover from Aptify to Salesforce, making it a busy time, in contrast to previous years, when summertime meant reorganizing the office or updating files and the like. This year, we spent the time taking Zoom training courses and figuring out ways to deal with life manually during a shut-down period and what turned out to be an extended stretch while bugs and fixes were being worked out.
We want to thank our members for their patience and understanding and their help identifying some of the issues they encountered.
Shredding Day
As we have for the past couple of years, the summer is also when the 9th provides its members with HIPAA-compliant paper shredding. This year’s event took place on June 22 at association headquarters. This member benefit has been very well-received, and we plan to continue to provide the service at least once annually.
Members Recognized
Our first big event after the “Go-Live” on Sept. 10 was our General Meeting on Sept. 18. There were snags but, nevertheless, it was a huge success. A renewed look at a venue we haven’t frequented in the past few years revealed a forgotten gem. Our members on the other side of the Hudson enjoyed the easier commute, and attendance was near pre-pandemic numbers. Dr. Salierno, guest speaker, was well-received. He even commented about how much fun he had doing the presentation.

Dr. John Constantine was celebrated as this year’s D. Austin Sniffen Award recipient. Dr. Paul Patella presented him with a plaque and warm accolades.
Dr. Patella was himself recognized, along with other 9th leaders who completed their tenures in a variety of positions with the association. Also in line for recognition were the executives who will be leading the 9th in the coming year.
This all took place on Nov. 20 at the Westchester Country Club in Rye. At this meeting, Dr. Randy Huffines delivered a lecture on “Autoimmune Diseases and Dentistry.”
Giving Kids Smiles
In mid-October, we staged an extremely successful GKAS event at B’Above in Peekskill, at the invitation of B’Above who hosted last year’s GKAS event. We’ll be adding this location to our annual list, as they are welcoming and thankful and there are so many students there in need.
Also on the Calendar
Finally, on Nov. 7, the 9th provided the updated mandated Child Abuse course. A webinar, it was presented by the Center for the Prevention of Child Abuse of Poughkeepsie.

On Nov. 14, the 9th hosted a new dentist event, “Ask Me Anything,” at the Sleepy Hollow Hotel in Tarrytown. This was both an instructional and social get-together, an opportunity for members who are new to the profession and those more experienced to meet each other in a relaxed setting, where newer dentists could “Ask Anything” of a specialists’ panel in preparation for careers in general dentistry or a specific specialty.
NEW YORK COUNTY
Lecture Offers Glimpse into Future
Andrew S. Deutch, D.D.S.
At the Sept. 9th General Membership Meeting, members eagerly came together to hear from Maxine Feinberg, D.D.S., on “Dental AI: It’s Here Like it or Not!” Dr. Feinberg, a New Jersey periodontist and chief strategy officer at Velmeni, an AI software company, delivered an eye-opening presentation on the future of dentistry.
Best known for her leadership as a past president of the American Dental Association and the first woman to serve as president of both the New Jersey Dental Association and the New Jersey State Board of Dentistry, Dr. Feinberg shared her forward-thinking perspective. She explained how artificial intelligence and machine learning are reshaping the profession, from diagnosing pathologies to improving patient communication and even assisting with surgeries.
Attendees were inspired by the possibilities AI holds for the next era of dental care.


Members Schooled on Ethics and Legal Considerations
On Sept. 26, the NYCDS Ethics Committee hosted an insightful program, “Ethical Quandaries: Get Expert Guidance on Situations That Have or Can Occur.” The event featured two distinguished speakers: Dr. Paul Teplitsky, chair of the New York State Dental Association’s Council on Ethics, and Lance Plunkett, NYSDA General Counsel. During the hour-long session, the committee delved into key ethical and legal challenges faced by dental professionals, offering valuable perspectives on how ethical obligations and legal frameworks intersect in dentistry. Attendees gained practical guidance for navigating complex situations that can arise in their practices.
Planning for Retirement Dentists nearing the mid-point of their careers gathered on Oct. 9 for an informative program hosted by the New York County Dental Society. The event, “Thinking About Selling Your Practice and Retirement? Ideas for the Mid-Career Dentist,” was open to members and nonmembers and offered guidance to dentists with 20 to 30 years of experience.
Our expert speakers, Mark Epstein from Epstein Practice Brokerage, LLC; Mitchell Brill, JD, MSFS, CFP, CAP, from Altium Wealth Management; and David J. Goodman, CPA, MST, from PKF O’Connor Davies, shared practical advice on how to prepare for a successful transition and make the most of life after dentistry, proving it’s never too early to start thinking about your future beyond the dental chair.
Attendees were also treated to a wine tasting, during which they learned about selections from Italy and Spain.

Banking and Mixology Fun
The program “Demystifying Banking for New Dentists: A Bank of America Perspective” on Oct. 24 gave new dentists insights into lending options and financial growth strategies. Bank of America shared tips on securing loans, choosing the right lender and expanding practices.
After the informative session, members were invited to mix their own cocktails and connect with peers. Bank of America showed everyone that banking and cocktails can mix, leaving attendees with valuable information into lending and new cocktail-making skills.
Celebrating 100 Years of The Greater NY Dental Meeting
The New York County and Second District Dental societies come together to host the Greater New York Dental Meeting Nov. 29-Dec. 4 (exhibit dates: Dec,1-4) at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center, New York City.
This year, GNYDM is proud to offer a greatly expanded 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. Staff members can also take advantage of the many educational opportunities available.
With over six hours of free CE daily, the education program is an experience not to be missed! Register today to attend and sign up for courses and programs at www.gnydm.com.

Volunteer for Give Kids A Smile
Join NYCDS for Give Kids A Smile on Feb. 7, as we plan to make this year our biggest and most impactful year yet! As we embark on the event’s 11th year, we’ll be bringing together dentists, team members and volunteers to help provide dental care to over 1,600+ underserved children.
It’s just a half-day commitment, but the impact on both the kids and volunteers is lasting. Sign up to volunteer today!
Special Olympics Dental Clinic
Special Olympics is New York’s largest sports organization for people with intellectual disabilities. If you are looking for an
opportunity to give back to the community, then consider signing up for Special Olympics on Dec. 7. Together, we can make a difference, and it all starts with you!

Upcoming Continuing Education Schedule
Winter 2024-2025
12/11 Basic Life Support/CPR
12/18 ACD Lecture (virtual)
1/15 ACD Lecture (virtual)
1/22 Clinical Applications of Diagnostic Imaging Using CBCT (virtual)
1/27 HIPAA and Cybersecurity Essentials for Dentists
1/30 Mitigating Miserabl-odontics
2/12 Lazing is Amazing
2/19 ACD Lecture (virtual)
2/26 Basic Life Support/CPR
2/28 Infection Control and PostExposure Prophylaxis
2/28 Update on HPV and Oral Cancer
Spring 2025
3/3 Unleashing the Future: Metahumans and Artificial Intelligence in Digital Dentistry
3/7 Immediate Implant Placement and Restoration “The Esthetic Zone”
3/12 Dental Sleep Medicine: A View from 30,000 Feet, with Dr. Eugene Stantucci (virtual)
3/19 ACD Lecture (virtual) Visit www.nycdentalsociety.org for the latest course and registration information. Also, make sure to follow us on social media platforms (@nycds622).
FIFTH DISTRICT
We Remember and Honor
Pam Quinn, R.D.H., MSEd
The Fifth District has lost an important advocate, colleague and friend. Pamela P. Quinn, R.D.H., MSEd, took ill suddenly while giving a lecture on infection control at the Central New York Dental Conference on Sept. 12. She was taken to Upstate University Hospital and died two days later with her family by her side.
Those who worked with and knew Pam well were devastated to learn of her passing. Her death is a great loss to the Central New York dental community. She was a mainstay at most of our Board meetings, always happy to give an update on the status of the dental hygiene programs she oversaw and expertly answering questions from our governors and officers.
Pam graduated from Onondaga Community College (OCC) with a degree in dental hygiene in 1975. She loved being a hygienist and worked in private practice for several years. She returned to school to fulfill her dream of teaching, receiving her BSEd in 1992 from SUNY Cortland. She began her career at Broome Community College, where she was coordinator of freshman clinics and instructor of infection control, medical emergencies and dental materials. She was also the co-developer of the dental assisting program leading to New York State certification.
In 2001, Pam was offered the position of assistant professor and department chair for the dental hygiene program at OCC. At the time, the program needed immediate attention, as the pass rates on the clinical and written boards were at an all-time low. She successfully turned the program around and the following year, it saw a huge increase in pass rates. As time went on, students recorded a 100% pass rate on both the clinical and written exams. Pam was able to convince the college to change the GPA requirements for incoming students. The difference was significant. Even though the program was successful, it, unfortunately, closed in 2004 and was transferred to a joint program in Rome between SUNY Canton and Mohawk Valley Community College (MVCC).

The SUNY Canton program was housed on the former Griffiss Air Force Base, where it occupied an old dental clinic. Pam took on the challenge of making this unique space work and produced an excellent class of graduates. In addition, the program offered dental services to vets, as the Veterans Administration was housed in the same building. This program closed in 2015, as the VA needed the clinic space for other medical purposes.
Never one to sit idle, in 2019, Pam received her MSEd from SUNY Cortland to further her teaching career. In February of 2020, she travelled to El Salvador as a member of a medical/dental team. During the COVID pandemic, Pam provided vaccinations for the Onondaga County Health Department, assisted and consulted with dental offices in writing their respiratory protection programs, provided OSHA-mandated training, and conducted fit testing for the use of N95 respirators.
Recently, Pam had been working closely with the Fifth District to start a new program at MVCC in Rome. She was hired by MVCC as a consultant to develop the proposed program. Over the last few years, she had invested numerous hours into the design of the clinic, developing the curriculum, and working on applications with SUNY, the New York State Education Department and CODA.
We owe Pam a great debt of gratitude for all her hard work and dedication to the profession. She will be sorely missed by all, but especially by those who worked with her daily and found her to be always cheerful, kind, respectful and dedicated to whomever she worked with. She was the possessor of endless energy and a brilliant smile. It is heartbreaking knowing she will never get to see the end result of all her hard work. To celebrate the opening of the new dental hygiene program in its beautiful state-of-the-art clinic will be bittersweet. Pam will be missed but remembered and honored as one of the most significant dental professionals to come from Central New York.
SEVENTH DISTRICT
MCDS Unveils New T-shirts
Becky Herman, Executive Director
The Monroe County Dental Society unveiled new T-shirts in September. Shirts will be distributed to members during upcoming events and activities to create a sense of unity and comradery in the county.
Thank you to Crane Dental Lab, DDSmatch, GRB, J&L Dental, Morganstern DeVoesick, RTG Lab, Urgent Dental Care, Walsh Duffield and Bryan Gray, CPA.
Annual Meeting Features Presentation on Composites
Dr. Jeffrey Hoos presented “If You Can Do Composites Correctly, You Can Do Full Mouth Reconstruction” on a beautiful Friday in September at the Rochester Yacht Club. Thank you Kuraray for sponsoring the speaker and Bryan Gray, CPA, Clear Correct, DDSmatch, GRB, RTG Lab, Straumann, TD Bank, Vision Financial and Walsh Duffield for their sponsorship of the event.

Rochester Dental Study Club Hears from Aaron Sigona
Dr. Aaron Sigona presented “In Office Sedation and General Anesthesia” to the Rochester Dental Study Club in late September. Monroe County Dental Society (MCDS) members receive three two-hour CE events offered via Zoom free with their membership.
Dr. Sigona moved back to the Rochester area this summer and has been busy educating the community about the services he provides.

Jamie Collins Offers Wideranging Lecture
Jamie Collins, R.D.H.-EA, B.S., presented “Diverse Health Perspectives: Vaping, Autism Spectrum, and Diabetes Management” during the Monroe County Dental Society’s Annual Meeting on Oct. 11. The county changed its event format to include a four-hour afternoon lecture with happy hour to follow at the Irondequoit Country Club.
Thank you to our sponsors Benco Dental, Bryan Gray, CPA, Crane Dental Lab, Davie Kaplan, DDSmatch, GRB, Mercer Advisors, Morganstern DeVoesick, RTG Lab, Urgent Dental Care, Vision Financial and Walsh Duffield.

Diverse Perspectives and Lasting Impressions
Over 65 district members, Eastman Institute for Oral Health faculty and residents, and Rochester community members participated in our first diversity, equity and inclusion event, “Diverse Perspectives and Lasting Impressions in the Rochester Community” on Oct. 28 at the Eastman Institute for Oral Health. The event featured keynote speaker Dr. Adrienne Morgan, vice president for equity and inclusion and chief diversity officer at the University of Rochester, along with four Seventh District members: Dr. Rosemeire Santos-Teachout, moderator and DEI 7th District Representative; Dr. Alexis Ghanem; Dr. Josue Padilla; and Dr. Eduardo Torrado.


Speakers shared personal and professional stories of resiliency, triumph, challenges and successes working in private practice, as faculty members and as volunteers in their churches, dental organizations and on mission trips.
Thank you to NYSDA and Dental Directions for their support of the event.