Journal of the Louisiana Dental Association

LDAfrom the presidentMaurice B. “Marty” Garrett, D.D.S.President, LDAI’m pleased to report your association is enjoyinganother fine year! The two summer events, theFishing Rodeo and Summer Conference, had highparticipation from members and their families! TheGreater Baton Rouge component was able to recapturethe Fishing Rodeo award for the “Best Fishermen inthe State” from Acadiana by bringing in some newanglers! Also, the Summer Conference provided a greatopportunity for continuing education and family fun.The Family Beach Volleyball Tournament has provento be a great addition to this event and had eight teamsparticipating.Your LDA, with support from the Healthy SmilesCoalition, including the ADA and the Louisiana DentalHygienists’ Association, were able to convince theLegislature and Gov. Bobby Jindal to enact a law whichmandates fluoridation for community water systems.The law states that community water systems with atleast 5,000 households must provide cost estimates tothe state for implementing optimal fluoridation by nextyear. The Coalition will continue to work with eachsystem to find grants and state funds to implementfluoridation in each applicable community. This isa shining example of your association working toimprove the dental health of our state!Also, in other big news, we finally received newsthat the IRS has given us the go ahead to formthe Louisiana Dental Association Foundation. TheFoundation will allow us to further enhance the oralhealth of our state by providing funding for clinicalresearch, education, scholarships and access to careprograms, as well as providing financial assistance todental professionals.Your Association includes over 80% of the licenseddentists in the state as members. We can truly bethe leading voice for oral health for our citizens. Iencourage you to renew your interest and increaseyour participation as your local components begintheir fall meetings. Please invite the new dentists inyour area to local and state activities. The LADPACThe State of Our AssociationDr. Marty Garrett and his family and friends enjoyed the Fishing Rodeo.They are (front row, from left) Catherine Garrett, Caroline Garrett, AnnieGarrett, Abby Quebedeaux, Tanna Banker and Terri Quebedeaux; (middlerow, from left) Dr. Marty Garrett, Jacob Mayer, Jeff Mayer, Joel Mayer, MegThomassie and Tammy Garrett; and (top row, from left) Michael Thomassie,Rene Quebedeaux and Roxie Mayer.Golf Tournament on Friday, September 26, is a greatway to start the fall and support your LDA agenda. Wealso have a Last Chance Seminar on Friday, November21, and of course, the LDA Annual Session and NewOrleans Dental Conference April 2-4, 2009.Please feel free to contact your officers, director and/or LDA office staff if we can help with your practice andprofessional needs. Thank you for allowing us to serveyou and our profession. God Bless and Geaux Tigers!www.ladental.org4 LDA Journal