Editor’s Letter: A 2020 Gratitude List

A 2020 Gratitude List

By Rachel Sinacola, DDS, MS Grand Rapids WMDDS Editor

As I sit down to write this issue’s Editor’s Letter, we are approaching the Thanksgiving holiday. Like many of you, the traditions that we know and love will not be practiced the same way this year. Instead of celebrating with family and cheering on the Lions in Detroit, we will be ordering Leo’s curbside takeout here in Grand Rapids. But just as our Thanksgiving holiday will look much different, each day of practice for most of 2020 has been different than we have been used to in years before. During this holiday season, I find myself reflecting on the things that I am grateful for and like to practice gratitude. I hope that this holiday issue of the Bulletin reflects just how much we have to be grateful for in West Michigan, even in—or perhaps especially in— a challenging year such as 2020. As you flip through these pages, you will see my gratitude list for 2020.

Editorial Staff Lauryne Vanderhoof, DDS Editorial Policies Committee Grand Rapids

Support Staff

Holiday Bulletin 2020 Gratitude List I am grateful for :

n the leadership in our tripartite organization, who have navigated through the year with integrity and courage.

n MDA Journal editor and colleague, Dr. Chris Smiley, who was recognized for his commitment to practicing evidence-based dentistry and for the way that he distributed up-to-date and evolving COVID-19 information with our membership through the Journal.

n those who continue to put others first and serve the patients and dentists in our community, such as Dr. Dan Armstrong of Exalta Health who provides dental care to many in need and Dr. Mike Crete who mentors a multitude of young dentists in our area.

n those who continue to show up, even when times get tough, to serve the great dental community of West Michigan by representing their dental society or county in this organization.

n the potential of 2021 and opportunity that the year holds. Whether it is the opportunity for the dentists who have just joined WMDDS or for the opportunity to creatively find ways to get to know one

another in this new, temporary, virtual and socially-distanced world.

David Selis, DDS, MS Editorial Policies Committee

Grand Rapids

Elaine Fleming WMDDS Executive Secretary

Vicki Post Graphic Designer/Production

Andrea Post Proofreader