Down But Not Out Calling Leaders

As the pandemic has affected our ability to host in person meetings, we continue to offer live and recorded short programs on our YouTube channel. You may sign up and view the existing programs at redsdentists org. After the program a brief quiz will confirm your attention and your CE credit will be on its way. Take a look and sign up! We also continuing to look for dental education programs to present to our membership and beyond through our YouTube channel on our website. If you or someone you know is interested in putting on one or more short programs of an hour or two, please contact the REDS office at info@redsdentists.org. We have many talented people who are part time professors at UCSF, UOP or who instruct at the SRJC dental programs. Until there is a change in the “New Normal,” we will continue to pursue online programming of interest to our membership and their staff.

The pandemic does not diminish our need for leaders. The REDS Board of Directors is always looking for members to be part of this tradition and the solution. Be a voice of members in our community by bringing your concerns to the attention of the entire membership. If you would like to help on committees or to join our executive team, please contact Martin Van Tassell at info@redsdentists.org Our next ballot is soon upon us for 2021.

Martin Van Tassell Executive Director

I remember when this time of year included wondering what the next round of Apple products and software would bring. I am starting to wonder less about that. Don’t get me wrong, I remain a true geek until the end, but I cannot ignore the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

REDS had a full calendar of events planned for 2020. Beyond our February offering, we were shut down. But we were not shut out. REDS turned its conference room into a television studio with multiple cameras and lights. Utilizing a number of local luminaries in dental education from our own backyard, we were able to put on over a half dozen (and counting), 1-2 hour programs; many of which were clinical. We continue to look for speakers that will be able to present to our own members and beyond. You may review and receive credit for those programs by going to our website redsdentists.org We have been offering as many CE credits online as we did in our in person events.

We do not know what 2021 will hold. We may see some of these changes become the norm. Video conferencing, working at least part time from home, will likely prove themselves to be cost effective alternatives to air flights and hotels stays. Just like the automobile, changing the landscape on where and how we live. Now the most important question to ask a realtor is, what is the bandwidth here?

As for dentistry, we know that vigilant infection control procedures will allow members to attend to the oral health needs of their patients. In person relationship between a dentist and patient will not change anytime soon. But never take your eye off of Elan Musk. You never know what he might dream up.

Shred-A-Thons continue to be a popular service to members. The importance of keeping a lean office, it also decreases the amount of flammable materials inside of an office. Our last event show here was on Friday August 28th.