THE CAPITAL CIT
DISTRICT 4 REGENT’S MESSAGE
Dr. Michael Conte
Happy New Year to all of you and you loved ones. I cannot believe it has been 23 years since I received Fellowship in the International College of Dentists. I have never forgotten the immense sense of honor I had the day I walked across that stage to receive this Fellowship. Today, I am very happy and proud to serve the USA – District 4 as its Regent. District 4 is a unique region with 11 constituencies including New Jersey, District of Columbia, Maryland, Puerto Rico, US Virgin Islands, Air Navy Veterans Administration and the Public Health Service. constituent areas are led by Deputy Regents, each of whom is a edicated leader who is instrumental in aligning their constituencies mission of the International College of Dentists. This past October 2024 ICD Annual Meeting and Convention, District 4 had an amazing 34 individuals from the 11 constituents receive Fellowship.
greatest honors bestowed on an ICD fellow is the ability to nother. So please take a moment and consider nominating a ou feel is worthy of fellowship.The nomination process is simple found on the ICD- USA website, reach out to any of the leaders the production of the newsletter and they will be happy to assist
The USA Section of the International College of Dentists:
Recognizes and promotes excellence in leadership with an emphasis on
Provides support and respect to our peers. oral health needs and education throughout the United States and the world. Fosters an atmosphere of collaboration.
The International College of Dentists USA Section will be known as the leading honorary dental organization committed to improving global oral health.
Brrr, what a winter it has been so far These long cold days have been more exciting than one might think Before going into more detail, I would remiss in mentioning the success of our Annual Convocation ceremony in Nashville, TN this past September. A wonderful time was had by all as demonstrated by the great shown further into the pictures newsletter. We had a strong showing for the modest size of our District Let’s keep this enthusiasm going The process to nominate a colleague for Fellowship has become more streamlined. There are many within our District that are deserving so please consider their nomination
Moving into the Fall, November had us meeting jointly with ACD and enjoying an informative presentation from our featured speaker Dr A Palatta We were so grateful for his knowledge that he shared on the topic of strengthening compassion for both ourselves and our patients. If you missed this gathering another joint ICD/ACD dinner for Fellows and guests is on the horizon this Spring. Please watch your inbox for more information on this upcoming event.
Finally, some proud moments to share from the recent DC Dental Society awards meeting where Fellow Dr G Thomas was presented with the Sterling V Mead award. This award truly recognizes his distinguished contributions to our profession as well as his devotion to organized dentistry. Congratulations!
In addition, ICD along with the DCDS Foundation awarded scholarships to three deserving Howard Dental Students. Those recipients were Cydney Nicole Abigail Gibson (D2), Imari McCullough (D3) and Morghan Gray (D4). Congratulations to these amazing students. We wish you much success in your future dental careers.
In Fellowship, Kim Menhinick, DDS, MS Deputy Regent
Dr Margaret Culotta-Norton
ICD Global Council Meeting
November 29 – Dec 1, 2024
Greater NY Dental Meeting
The International Council, the governing body of the ICD, convened at the Greater NY Dental Meeting on November 29-December 1, 2024 for their annual meeting. Thirty International Council members participated representing 16 Sections from around the world. This was a wonderful opportunity for ICD leaders to engage with Fellows around the world to share reports of their Sections’ activities, recruitment and retention successes and challenges with each other.
The Council meeting was part of a larger four-day ICD International Congress, consisting of the Council meeting and orientation, a large ICD Global Convocation Ceremony where over 50 new Fellows were inducted, an Educational Program, as well as several memorable social events
One of the highlights of the meeting was that the Council endorsed and launched a program called the Global Oral Health Leadership Institute (GOHL) with the goal of bringing systemic and sustainable solutions to oral health problems on local, regional and global levels It is a yearlong intensive program which combines practical exercises, deep dive discussions and actionable insights into global oral health challenges. The 2025 program has approximately 20 very competitive participants from around the world who will join a very diverse alumni group for the exchange of ideas and best practices. Henry Schein is a partner with ICD in this endeavor. The 2026 class applications will open soon, so if you are interested in Global Oral Health, check out this program on the ICD website.
The other highlight of the meeting was that the Global International College of dentists is now classified under the US tax law as a 501(c)(3) public charity This new status does not change the mission, core values or objectives of the College, but it does offer more tax benefits to ICD donors, including corporate companies and foundations Due to this new classification, the Council endorsed a multi-year capital campaign to raise funds towards ICD priority areas, including the Global Visionary Fund programs which are humanitarian in nature, the GOHL Institute (leadership and global oral health), a modern membership platform that will service all Fellows and improve the College’s financial reserves for sustainability
At the conclusion of the meeting Dr Ian Doyle from Canada was installed a President along with Dr Julio Rodriguez from the USA as President Elect, Dr. Mauro Labanca from Italy as Vice President, Dr. Keith Suchy from the USA as Treasurer and Dr. Dov Sydney from Isreal as Editor. Dr. Argirios Pissiotis from Greece is the Immediate Past President. He served the College with distinction. We congratulate them all.
The 2025 International Council Meeting will be held in Milan, Italy October 23-25. We would love to have some of our local members join us at this meeting, so plan ahead!
In Fellowship,
Margaret Culotta-Norton, DDS USA International Councilor
Guest Presenter: Anthony Palatta, DDS, EdD, Acc.
Dr. Anthony Palatta joined us for the Fall Joint ACD/ICD meeting in Washington DC. Dr. Palatta is a healthcare education consultant and coach who aims to strengthen compassion in healthcare by guiding educators and learners towards the cultivation and implementation of a person-centered approach to working together and for delivering care. He specializes in helping leaders in health professions education identify key drivers in the system that are creating barriers to effectively achieving institutional well-being. Along with the camaraderie and wonderful dining experience at Chef Geoff’s, Fellows enjoyed the presentation and opportunity to practice breathing techniques to add to their everyday lives. Deputy Regent- DC, Dr. Kim Menhinick introduced 2024 ICD Inductees and presented 20 and 25 Years service pins to Fellows. ACD DC Chairman, Dr. Nancy Tilkin, introduced 2024 ACD Inductees.
Dr. Menhinick presents DC Fellows with 25th year pins!
Dr. Menhinick presents DC Fellows with 20th year pins!
Dr. Anthony Palata
Dr. Esther Childers
Fellow Esther Childers concluded her tenure on faculty with Howard University College of Dentistry with distinction and honor. She served as Chair of the Department of Oral Pathology and retiring at the rank of Professor. Dr. Childers’ interest in neoplastic and nonneoplastic diseases of the oral and maxillofacial region has led many publications and recognition for her work. She retired from the US Army Dental Corps as a Colonel and was Chair of the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology at the Armed Forces Institute of Pathology, where the mission was providing expert diagnostic consultations, education, and research.
Since joining the faculty at HUCD, Dr. Childers expanded her interest to include cancer education and cancer research training, with a focus on recruiting and preparing minority researchers and educators. She received many awards, accolades, and high remarks for her teaching from the students at Howard. Faculty, Staff, and former students joined Dr. Childers held a retirement luncheon in her honor. Congratulations on an exceptional contribution to the country and the education of future oral health professionals!
Dr. Childers receiving the “Distinguished Faculty Award” from Howard University 2024
Retirement celebration for Dr. Childers
SERVING OTHERS
Fellow had a busy season collaborating with va h organizations to serve communities in need. In July 2024, he led a group of Howard dental students to Jamaica with Zion Care International. Nearly 600 patients were serviced in West Moreland. Zion Care International (ZCI) is a non-profit organization founded by Rev. Dr. Craig Brown in 2010. ZCI is the outreach arm of Zion Care International Churches. One of ZCI’s fundamental principle, is to provide first-class care to impoverished, underserved, communities around the world.
Jamaica Mission
In September of 2024, he participated with Hope for Tomorrow to service residents in Fairfax, VA. Over 200 patients were serviced. Established in 2005, Hope for Tomorrow is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization based in Rockville, MD. Hope for Tomorrow’s mission is to provide healthcare, human services, infrastructure build outs and educational assistance to the disadvantaged communities. Hope for Tomorrow organizes and runs numerous programs to serve those in need.
SERVING OTHERS
Breaking Ground, Breaking Barriers
Fellow Cheryl Lee-Butler along with the Global Women on Wellness celebrated the ground breaking of Malahk Academy in Ghana West Africa. The school will officially open in 2025. Organizing partners for the school stated, “this project will go beyond building a school; it aims to integrate a truth-based educational system that fosters loving, peaceful individuals who positively impact the world”. Malahk Academy will partner with Titans of Africa to promote oral hygiene awareness and missions in Ghana.
The state of the arts facility with 40 well equipped learning classrooms, sports facility, science labs, cafeteria, organic gardens, and a clinic will be located in the suburbs of Accra. Malahk Academy is designed to provide a holistic learning experience. Fellow Lee-Butler is currently planning her permanent move to Ghana where she can devote her expertise, love, and vision for this awesome project.
Dr. Cheryl Lee-Butler
LEADERSHIP
Fellow Dr. Cheryle Baptiste was installed as the101st President of the National Dental Association during the Presidential Inaugural and Scholarship Gala held at MGM National Harbor. She began working in the dental industry when she was 12 years old, helping out at her father’s practice where she began to learn the basics. There, she developed a passion for improving patients’ health, confidence, function, and oral aesthetics through dentistry. She practices in Washington DC- Friendship Heights community.
The National Dental Association (NDA), founded in 1913, has served the marginalized and oppressed since its inception. As an organization comprised of a racial minority population within the dental profession who have frequently faced discrimination and bigotry, we stand in solidarity with all other populations that have historically suffered similar indignities and recognize that a broad diversity of experience, perspective and identity across race, gender, sexual orientation is essential to establishing an equitable healthcare system and a just society.
GOHL Institute Celebratory Dinner
DC Fellows Margaret Culotta Norton (International Councilor-USA) and Reginald Salter attended the celebratory dinner announcing the Global Oral Health Leadership (GOHL) Institute in December at the Harvard Club of New York. GOHL was formerly known as the Senior Dental Leadership Program managed by the Global Child Dental Fund (GCDF), a U.K.-based charity. The International College of Dentists, with the generous support of Henry Schein, has relaunched the program as ICD Global Oral Health Leadership (GOHL) Institute. this initiative will further the development of emerging healthcare trailblazers globally. The one-year program includes strategic leadership skills to implement solutions for improving oral health and systemic wellness worldwide.
Excerpt from an ICD press release: “The ICD's management, the GOHL Institute will maintain its rigorous process of selecting an annual cohort of international participants for the full-year program to further advance its aim to empower next-generation leaders in achieving impactful and sustainable improvements to oral health, strengthening prevention and wellness models of care, and ultimately enhancing populations' overall health”.
Fellows-Dr. Margaret Culotta Norton, Dr. Reginald Salter, and Dr. Carol Summerhayes (Henry Schein, Inc.)
Dr. Reginald Salter, and Dr. Julio Rodriguez (ICD International Council-President Elect)
LEADERSHIP
Fellow Sana Augustus ascended to the office of President of the Middle Atlantic Society of Orthodontists! She will be marked in history as the first black female president for MASO since its founding in 1952. MASO is a regionally constituent organization of the American Association of Orthodontists covering MD, DC, PA, DE, NJ, PR, and the Virgin Islands. Fellow Augustus is from Silver Spring, MD. Soon after completing her orthodontic residency, Fellow Augustus served as an Assistant Clinical Professor of Orthodontics at Howard University College of Dentistry for several years while working as an associate in private practice. She is the proprietor of SPA Orthodontics located in her hometown.
Congratulations to ICD Fellow- Dr. George Thomas on receiving the Sterling V. Mead Award. The award is given annually to an member of the DC Dental Society who has made distinguished contributions to the dental profession and/or has devoted their life to organized dentistry. Dr. Thomas had a distinguished career as a Professor of Pediatric Dentistry at Howard University, serving over three decades. He was Chair of the Department of Pediatric Dentistry. Fellow Thomas has an equally distinctive tenure in the International College of Dentists serving as Deputy Regent for DC and Vice Regent for District 4.
The U.S. Army appointed ICD Fellow Peter Tan as a new Civilian Aide to the Secretary of the Army (CASA) during an investiture ceremony led by the Secretary of the Army, Christine Wormuthon on Nov. 16 at the Pentagon. Dr. Tan was an Army ROTC early commission field artillery officer and attended the University of Notre Dame. He retired after 36 years as the Reserve Regional Dental Commander for the Pacific and Europe, where he was a commander for the Army Reserve Medical Command and the 807th Medical Command. He was also the DIMA Dental Corps Chief, the highest-ranking Reserve Dental Corps officer at the Office of The Surgeon General and the Pentagon. Fellow Tan retired as an oral and maxillofacial surgeon after 30 years of private practice.
Dr. Sana Augustus
Dr. Peter Tan
Dr. George Thomas
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ORIENTATION PROGRAM AND RECEPTION 2024 FELLOWSHIP
District 4
Scenes from the Welcome Reception in Nashville. It was an exciting time to celebrate with new Fellows and reunite with Fellows and friends across the nation. District 4 had a strong showing of participants. We were all proficient in air dropping photos before the evening ended!
Convocation 2024
Fellow Mary Jo Webster receives special recognition from the International College of Denitists’ President, Dr. Ira Tutanik.
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The DC Chapter of ICD welcomed four new Fellows during the Annual Convocation in Nashville, TN. Pictured
Left to right are: Deputy Regent DC- Dr. Kim Menhinick; Past USA Section President Margaret Culotta-Norton; new Fellows- Dr. Aliya Kassam, Dr. Dorienne Taylor-Bishop, Dr. Hazel Harper-Johns, Dr. Sheila Sammadar; and Dr. Reginald Salter.
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New Fellows Welcome Gala 2024
“Boots and Bling”
We had the perfect closing to a splendid weekend during the “Boots and Bling” Gala. The organizers and hosts in Nashville provided the Fellows with a memorable experience. 2025 will be even better!
610 Professional Drive, Suite 201, Gaithersburg, MD 20879, United States
Phone: 301.251.8861 Fax: 240.224.7359
Email: office@usa-icd.org
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Thank you for viewing our newsletter: The Capital City Key! Fellows are encouraged to submit highlights from your office, community events, mission trips, ICD meetings/events, and shareable hobbies and information outside of dentistry. Use the submit button below or email the Editor. The deadline for submissions to the Fall edition is July 30th.
In Fellowship, Editor Dr. Reginald O. Salter icd.district4.dc@gmail.com
