TDA
A publication of the Texas Dental Association May 2007 • Volume 8, Issue 5 TDA Today is available online at www.tda.org
T o d a y
On The Road Again By Thomas C. Harrison, DDS TDA President, 2006–2007
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s I write my last “On the Road Again” column, it’s been 2 weeks since I passed the gavel to Dr. David May at the TEXAS Meeting in San Antonio. The phone doesn’t ring as much and my e-mails have slowed to a trickle. The past 12 months was a great ride and I’ll cherish the memories for years to come. My travels since the last TDA Today included a trip to Amarillo, and on to Hereford for the 14th Texas Mission of Mercy on Friday, April 27. The next morning, I traveled by plane, train, and automobile to Washington, D.C. to attend the ADA Washington Leadership Conference. While there, I was able to meet with U.S. Reps. John Culberson, Shelia Jackson–Lee, and Mike McCaul, as well as U.S. Sen. John Cornyn. The ADA legislative agenda includes reinstatement of the State Children’s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP). The best part of the trip was renewing friendships with dentists from around the country. I’ve been privileged to attend ADA grassroots conferences and Washington leadership conferences for 20 of the past 21 years. My last TDA trip was to San Antonio to attend the TEXAS Meeting and the TDA House of Delegates. Good discussions took place in the House, where the strategic planning workforce presentation and forum provided an opportunity for many TDA members to express their opinions on the issue of delegable duties for dental hygienists and dental assistants. As I conclude this last entry in the TDA Today, I would like to thank all of you who have made comments to me about this column. It seems many of you have enjoyed keeping up with my trips across the state and country. All total, I traveled over 42,000 miles by plane and automobile during my year as TDA president. I did get a couple of traffic tickets along the way, but, thank goodness, no fender benders or even a flat tire. So, as Roy Rogers and Dale Evans used to sing, “Happy trails to you, until we meet again!” I extend a wish for a productive summer and safe traveling to all TDA members, their families, and their team members. H
Transition Let’s Talk By A. David May, Jr., DDS TDA President, 2007–2008
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have decided to use “Let’s Talk” as the title of my column in our TDA Today member newsletter. I hope to plant seeds for discussion and ideas that you as members will talk about to each other and at your component society meetings. By talking colleague-tocolleague, we will become more informed about issues that involve us all. So, let’s find out how other dentists feel about expanded duties, Medicaid, ethics, dental tourism, dental insurance problems, the public image of dentistry, and a whole slew (that’s a West Texas term) of other things that affect the profession. Don’t be critical of ideas that differ from yours, but try to understand the reasons behind the views of your fellow dentists. Different viewpoints are healthy and vital to the future of our profession. Let your TDA officers know your feelings and concerns about the future of dentistry. Let’s plan ahead and control the destiny of our profession and not let outside forces do it for us. I look forward to visiting your component society and let’s talk!
TDA Board of Directors, 2007 - 2008 President: Dr. A. David May, Jr. President-Elect: Dr. Hilton Israelson Past President: Dr. Thomas C. Harrison Vice Presidents: Dr. Lee P. Oneacre (NE) • Dr. Douglas W. Bogan (SE) Dr. Jose L. Cazares, (SW) • Dr. V. Wayne McEntire (NW) Senior Directors: Dr. F. Dee Rea (NE) • Dr. R. Mark Peppard (SE) Dr. Rise’ L. Lyman (SW) • Dr. William M. Walton (NW) Directors: Dr. Arlet R. Dunsworth (NE • Dr. Craig S. Armstrong (SE) Dr. Johnny G. Cailleteau (SW) • Dr. J. Bradley Loeffelholz (NW) Speaker of the House: Dr. Glen D. Hall Parliamentarian: Dr. Michael L. Stuart Secretary-Treasurer: Dr. J. Preston Coleman Editor: Dr. Christopher F. Anderson Executive Director: Mary Kay Linn Legal Counsel: William H. Bingham H
A Texas State of Mind 2007 Report By Dr. Andrew C. Doerfler, Chair, TDA Council on Annual Session
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he 2007 TEXAS Meeting’s theme was “A Texas State of Mind” and we certainly epitomized that Texas hospitality throughout the meeting. Held again in San Antonio, we had guests from all over the world who enjoyed the TEXAS Meeting spirit, mild and sunny weather, great food, and awesome events! This year we had nearly 13,000 attendees and another record-setting event in terms of program quality for dental professionals in Texas.
Lois Banta presentation
There were 83 clinicians with 44 “first timers” to our meeting. Five of our speakers were from other countries. Two speakers had never presented at any dental meeting. Veteran speakers Linda Miles and Karen Davis gave brand new courses for the very first time. David Clark presented a 3D course where the audience had to wear special glasses. This was the very first time this three-dimensional presentation was given in the dental community. This year’s meeting offered two dental assistant registration courses that included the certification exam. Both courses have been approved by the Texas State Board of Dental Examiners. The 2007 program also featured programs sponsored by the Texas Academy of Pediatric Dentists, the Texas Dental Assistants Association, and the Alliance of the Texas Dental Association. All sessions received rave reviews from our attendees. The TDA annual session’s council and staff worked very diligently to put together a world-class scientific program. The exhibit hall was a sellout again with 470 booths offering attendees the latest and greatest technology, products, and services. Again, there was a Happy Hour on Thursday and Friday, and cash prize drawings each day which provided great incentives for people to visit the exhibit hall. We thank all our sponsors, especially our double diamond level sponsor, TDA Financial Services, Inc., and our platinum level sponsors — Brasseler USA, Delta Dental Insurance Company, Dental Symphony, and the Texas Dental Association Smiles Foundation. On-site registration was a breeze for those attendees registering at the meeting. Long lines were nonexistent due to so many of our TDA members taking advantage of online registration. Verification for completed coursework went very smoothly and many registrants will utilize this service, which is also available online at the TEXAS Meeting website. The Photography Contest, Internet Café, and Logo Shop also added value and services to our registration area. The TEXAS Meeting was again an enormous success. Our annual session is considered to be one of the top dental meetings in the country. It is because our council and staff work hard every year to present the very best we have to offer and receive the support of the TDA leadership — Dr. Tommy Harrison, president, and the entire Board of Directors. We are all committed to continue making this membership benefit affordable, valuable, and at the cutting edge. H
Exhibit Hall
Dr. David Clark’s hands-on workshop
Registration area
Exhibit Hall opening — from left: Drs. Bill Nantz, Karen Frazer, Andy Doerfler, Tommy Harrison, Tyler Pendergrass, and Jim Reisman.