JACD 71-4 - American College of Dentists

The College is on the cutting edge
of communications, both in history of
dentistry and dental journalism. Dentistry
has a proud and evolving history, but
unfortunately it is often neglected. Our
Executive Director, Dr. Steven Rawls, has
recently completed a CD on the history
of dentistry. This CD will be sent to every
incoming first-year dental student.
The Journal of the American
College of Dentists receives recognition
and gives high visibility to important
topics. The third issue of 2003 included
“The Ethics of Quackery and Fraud in
Dentistry,” a position paper by the
College’s Board of Regents. Our editor,
Dr. David Chambers, is commended for
his efforts in keeping the journal at a
high editorial standard.
Strength
As past treasurer of the College, I can
assure you, that the officers, Board of
Regents, and administrative staff are
diligent and use sound fiscal management
of the College funds. Many projects
receive funds from the American College
of Dentists Foundation. This foundation
needs your support. Dues alone cannot,
generally, cover all of our ethics projects.
The Gies Fellows Program, established in
1999, supplies necessary revenue to help
accomplish the mission of the College.
Other sources of non-dues revenues are
the silent auction, the ACD cruise, and the
Gallery. By supporting these endeavors
you also help the College. Our Immediate
Past President, Dr. Roger Trifthauser,
leads the ACD Foundation and is our
enthusiastic Chairman of the silent
auction.
I commend the officers and Board
of Regents for their commitment and
dedication to serving the College. I wish
to acknowledge Dr. John Haynes and
the outstanding job he has done this
past year as our President. His friendly
character of selfless giving and serving
is an example for us to follow.
Journal of the American College of Dentists
Last, but most important, is the
College’s central administrative staff led
by our very capable Executive Director,
Dr. Stephan Ralls. We are grateful to
Executive Assistant Karen Matthieson,
Comptroller Paul Dobson, and Rachel
Reges, Angela Wong, and Pilar Valles for
their commitment to excellence. These
are the friendly and helpful voices you
will hear when you phone the Central
Office. You will come to know them
well as you attend future convocations
of the College.
Conclusion
I stand before you this morning,
humbled and honored that I will soon
become President of this vibrant,
dynamic organization.
I thank my Heavenly Father and my
earthly father for the blessings and
opportunities they have given me to
serve you and the College. I appreciate
the support and encouragement of the
Indiana Section. Special thanks to
Dr. James Fanno and Past President
Dr. Juliann Bluitt for supporting me in
this endeavor. And my most abundant
gratitude is for my wife, Judy, for her
patience, love, and support.
The strength of the American College
of Dentists draws on your leadership,
individually and collectively. We can
make a difference. I leave you with
these challenges:
Section officers—return home and
examine ways your sections can improve
on what they are doing and envision
more productive activities and programs.
New Fellows—be committed to the
College and become active and involved
in your section’s activities and meetings.
It is actions, not words, which make
a difference.
All Fellows and those selected to lead
—commit to the College and its mission
by nominating one of your worthy
colleagues for Fellowship.
2004 ACD Annual Meeting
Pray for our country, our president,
and for those who are serving to defend
our freedoms. And, finally, pray for the
College officers, Board of Regents, our
Executive Director, and for me, your
President, for wisdom and guidance in
leading this great organization. I believe
that God has a purpose for our lives, a
mission, a destiny. I ask for your support,
cooperation, and most of all your
commitment during this coming year.
To the new Fellows, I give my
sincere congratulations.
May God bless you and keep you in
the days and years ahead. As our late
president, Ronald Reagan said at his
inaugural, “The best is yet to come!” ■
Our leadership is needed
to ensure that the public
will receive dental health
services of the highest
possible quality.
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