Digital revolution in prosthodontics - American College of ...

David L. Pfeifer,
D.D.S., M.S., M.ED.
President’s Message
The College’s transformation:
entering into the new ACP era
An exciting stir is in the air with the anticipation of our newly
installed leadership as our Regional Directors and Alternate
Directors embark on their new assignments and duties. The
recent successful ACP election process resulted in seven new
representatives to our Board of Directors, creating a more
diverse and demographic representation for the College.
Our membership will experience the evolution of increased
transparency in communication, serving as a conduit toward
enhanced representation. This was reinforced as each Regional
Director expressed sincere enthusiasm when notified to confirm
the results of your selection. They attended a two-day Board
of Directors Orientation in Chicago in February, as well as
participated in their first Board of Directors Meeting. The
outcomes of the February meeting set the stage for the
upcoming year and also serve as a continuum toward the future
commitments of our strategic plan.
So what’s on the plate? Our centerpiece is addressing the mega
issue of growth and value – the two are inseparable. While we
will continually address the known value of our College, we
will delve into methods of communicating more tangible
measurements to serve as irresistible incentives. This is coupled
with an aggressive plan to vitalize our Sections by creating an
enhanced sense of pride and a feeling of compassion toward
belonging. A primary tasking for the Regional Directors will be
growth and recognition of value. All College members are called
upon to forge ahead the activities of the Sections bringing them
to a more viable plane and engage all potential members to
partake in this movement. Successful growth must be dynamic
and consider all sectors including our educational faculty, training
programs, science and research as well as increasing members
from the Federal Services and private practice sectors. It will
require commitment.
Aside from growth and value there are many other complimentary
activities slated and I will highlight just a few:
• A thriving ACP Web Site promoting a public relations
message by creating new links with consumers, members
and organizations; with real-time listings of member
prosthodontists and dental technicians for referrals; with new
Section Web sites in development; and with expanding
educational and informational opportunities (refer to Dr.
Goodacre’s “Last Word” column on Page 14 of this issue of
the Messenger).
• A growing group of Prosthodontic Forum organizations
offering support and advocacy to both the specialty and
discipline of prosthodontics (refer to Dr. Goldstein’s article on
Page 7 of this issue of the Messenger). The outreach to these
organizations is of paramount importance toward
leveraging a favorable position on common issues.
• An emerging Center for Prosthodontic Education offering
new programs tailored with topics and of importance and
interest. Check the ACP Web site (click “Meetings &
Events”) and review the latest courses including Esthetic
Continuum 2008 coming up in August.
• An exciting 38th Annual Session of the ACP in Nashville this
fall. If you missed the conference that was featured on the
cover of this issue of the Messenger, you can still be part of the
trend. Plan to attend the Annual Session to learn about
emerging technologies during the General Session
Perspectives on Translating the Science and Practice of
Prosthodontics for the 21st Century. Don’t miss it – October 29
to November 1.
These representative activities are a small statement of the big
momentum we’re experiencing this year. Complimented by an
extremely dedicated and talented staff at the ACP Central Office,
you and our College are positioned for a fantastic future. So stay
tuned and play an active role!
Jointly Sponsored by the American College of Prosthodontists and the University of Washington School of Dentistry
Esthetic
Continuum
2008
August 15-16, 2008
Experience a unique update of
esthetic technology and techniques
in beautiful Seattle, Washington.
Visit www.prosthodontics.org for more information and to register.
ACP MESSENGER WWW.PROSTHODONTICS.ORG SPRING 2008
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