ACD News Spring 2023

ACD Strategic Planning

It’s 2040, and an integrated health model and technology supported by augmented intelligence is standard practice for oral healthcare. The world is very different, perhaps in surprising ways. As much as things might have changed, the ACD is still the leader in ethics and professionalism for oral healthcare professionals.

From April 20 to April 22, 2023, ACD board members, fellows, SPEA leadership, a past president, and senior staff gathered at the College’s birthplace, Boston, Massachusetts, to create a vision for our future rooted in our timeless values. The strategic plan that will emerge from this work will guide our organization in the years to come.

In this Issue

Using scenario-based planning strategies, the team grappled with the hypothetical aftereffects of potential seismic shifts in government and natural and manmade catastrophes, and how the ACD will continue to thrive in the future under fraught circumstances out of our control. Using these future hypothetical scenarios depicting worlds different from the one we live in now, participants were led through a series of question-based exercises to help create strategies that the College can rely on under any circumstance—near, medium, or long-term. The scenarios were developed by Futures Strategy Group (FSG), our strategic planning partner, and the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME). The materials and process were customized for the ACD.

Prominently included in the exercise was the creation of a profile for a new Executive Director, which will be used in the coming months to refine the role of the ED and guide the hiring of a new leader.

“To promote within the dental profession the highest ethical standards, stimulate interprofessional relationships, and urge upon the professional person recognition of his responsibility to participate in the affairs of society as a citizen of the community;” Preamble to the ACD Bylaws—our strategies might change, but our values are timeless.”

At the end of the second day of the session, ambassadors from each scenario group visited the other groups to stress test their proposed strategies. After the testing, the strategies were sorted and categories developed as themes emerged. The

American College of Dentists

Aim High

Robert M. Lamb, DDS President of the American College of Dentists

“Aim High” is the Air Force motto. As a retired US Air Force dental officer, I love this motto. It should guide us in everything we do. We should strive for the best. Based on our training and experiences, we can often make some decisions very quickly. The stoplight has turned yellow, and we stop. Some decisions are very difficult. We gather all the facts, we seek guidance from respected mentors, we discuss with close colleagues, and we make decisions based on reason and evidence. We all make difficult decisions for the best of a patient, family member, or ourselves. Board members are fiduciaries, so organizational decisions must always favor the organization and cannot be made for personal gain.

In my President-elect’s speech, I talked about two lifelong friends, Patrick Gray and Justin Skeesuck. Justin had developed a neurologic condition and was wheelchair bound. Justin watched a travel show on the Camino de Santiago Compostela, a 500-mile journey over three mountain ranges. Justin asked Patrick if he wanted to make this journey as a guy’s trip. Patrick replied, “I’ll push you.” Patrick probably didn’t know all the facts or difficulties of this journey. It took 35 days to complete the pilgrimage. Towards the end of the trek, the final mountain pass was very difficult. Patrick and Justin had seen pictures of O Cebreiro and they had thought about taking a lower road, an easier path, but they decided to “Aim High” and take the higher, more difficult journey. They had made friends along the Camino and twelve friends were waiting in the last town before O Cebreiro to assist them on that difficult climb. Patrick, after pushing Justin in a wheelchair (total weight 250 pounds) over rocky trails, up and

down steep paths, through mud, made the decision to take the high road over the last mountain pass.

Patrick and Justin had a goal higher than themselves. They could have given up anywhere on their journey. They were tired, cold, wet, muscles cramping, facing all types of adversity, but they not only finished what they started, but did so with grace, dignity, and courage. They chose the hard path, but it was the right one for them, inspiring millions of others to do bigger, better, more courageous acts.

Other military services have mottos and sayings that they live by. Over the chapel at the US Naval Academy in Annapolis is the phrase “Non sibi, sed patriae” translated “Not self, but country.” Our mission at the College is to advance excellence, ethics, professionalism, and leadership, not for our gain, but for the betterment of our profession.

Most of our Fellows exemplify this in all they do within our profession as well as in our communities. Taking the high road means to behave morally, even when others do not.

Life can get messy—we often speak of how to better support new dentists. They face the challenges of massive student debt as they start their careers. We encourage and, admittedly, often lecture about staying focused on the future and what is at stake when we fail to make ethical decisions or when fear overtakes moral courage. The Cadet Prayer at the United States Military Academy begins with these words, “Make us to choose the harder right

Dates to Remember &

June

Registration

August

Registration

Fellowship

Ethics

Section Awards and Model Section Designation Applications Due  February 15, 2024

instead of the easier wrong, and never to be content with a half-truth when the whole can be won.” These are words to live by, and managing relationships when not everyone is committed to the harder right, the bigger vision, and our century-old mission can make things messy.

The College is going through a time of transition, and the Board of Regents is staying focused on the mission, on doing the right thing for the future of the College and profession, and on always taking the high road. Remember—Aim High!

“Make us to choose the harder right instead of the easier wrong, and never to be content with a half-truth when the whole can be won.”

– The Cadet Prayer at the United States Military Academy

Dr. Lamb with members of the Oklahoma Section: Krista Jones, At Large Regent, Hal Hale, President of the Pierre Fauchard Academy, Kristi Soileau, Regent for Regency 6, Terry Fiddler, ADA 12th District Trustee, and Robert Lamb, ACD President.

ACD Strategic Planning

On the topic of advocating for vulnerable populations –“ This is something we have always worked on…and it’s something we can lead on.” Another said, “If our goal is to be on the forefront [of ethics] we should think bigger. Professional identities or patient identities? A potential gathering place for the marginalized?”

– Anonymous (from the Interview Summary)

On the in-person process –“ This was exhausting and exhilarating at the same time. What a gift to work with such amazing, invested participant leaders to work to make an important organization even better.”

top 10-15 strategies that are clearly most relevant under the broadest set of circumstances are the ones that will eventually be fleshed out with goals, objectives, a timeline, and budget. After the information generated at the in-person session is sorted and categorized, it will be presented to the Board to refine and publish for the Fellowship in the eJACD

The in-person session was supported by preliminary work that included 30 interviews with fellows and friends of the College, including honorary

fellows, authors contributing to the eJACD, new and long-time fellows, and past presidents. FSG conducted these interviews privately and anonymously, encouraging frank and open conversation with the interviewees.

The overarching question: How will ACD continue to thrive in a future we cannot control? What do you think?

Share your thoughts at https://tinyurl.com/38nhx3rm

– Larry Garetto

“ It was inspiring to be in the same location where the ACD was founded in 1920 with such a dedicated and passionate group of ACD Fellows for the Strategic Planning in Boston. I am looking forward to the final outcome with its related actions and am excited about the future of the ACD.”

– Hanna Lindskog

“

Being a full-time academician, I have participated in [and at times mustered up the strength to endure] several strategic planning processes and committees. Working with the ACD and the Futures Strategy Group has been a surprisingly pleasant undertaking. The scenario-based concept, while initially a bit daunting, was actually fun and invigorating. The approach to consider the role of the ACD in a variety of future worlds pushed us to think in a robust way about the ACD we need to be and want to see, ensuring our place and role as the conscience of dentistry for decades to come.”

– Carlos Stringer Smith, DDS, MDiv, FACD Associate Dean, Inclusive Excellence, Ethics, and Community Engagement, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Dentistry

STRATEGIC PLANNING TEAM MEMBERS

Pamela Alston

Phyllis Beemsterboer

Steven Chan

Julie Connolly

Joseph Crowley

Teresa Dolan

Peter Dubois

Nanette Elster

Robert Faiella

Cecile Feldman

Paula Friedman

Larry Garetto

Peter Guevara

Carole Hanes

Krista Jones

Richard Jones

Robert Lamb

Kevin Lauwers

Hanna Lindskog

Rebecca Long

“ To each there comes in their lifetime a special moment when they are figuratively tapped on the shoulder and offered the chance to do a very special thing, unique to them and fitted to their talents...”

– Winston Churchill

Sir Winston Churchill wasn’t speaking of the Strategic Planning sessions for the ACD, but he could have been. The team was full of visionary leaders and luminaries. The sessions were equal parts creative and analytical, remarkable, and full of promise. All members trusted the work they put in and will wait with anticipation for the actionable items and keys to implementation. The ACD must finish well.

–Kevin Lauwers, DMD Section Chair, British Columbia Section

Ned Nix

Terry Norris

Suzan Pitman

Robert Plage

Tom Raimann

Toni Roucka

Lance Rucker

Matthew Sheriff

Carlos Smith

Pamela Zarkowski

ACD ETHICS SUMMIT Interprofessionalism, 2024

Richard E. Jones, DDS, MSD ACDF President

Between 1998 and 2006 the American College of Dentists Foundation sponsored four Ethics Summits. Representatives from approximately 65 diverse dental organizations participated. These included specialty groups, dental assistant and dental hygienist groups, Women Dentists of America, manufacturers, third-party payers, and most organizations concerned about oral healthcare. The concept was simply to come together and hold high-level discussions with a platform of enhancing ethics in oral healthcare.

healthcare to promote overall health and wellness and improve patient outcomes. The workshop is projected to be two days in August 2024 and will be held in Rockville, Maryland. Invitees will include dental, medical, and allied health providers along with third-party payers, government entities, and citizen advocacy groups.

The significance of this initiative may best be summarized by quoting from the abstract of the ACD Interprofessionalism White Paper:

Oral health and overall health are intimately connected, and many emerging public health threats have oral health implications. Collaborative care among healthcare professionals has been demonstrated to improve patient

“Oral health and overall health are intimately connected, and many emerging public health threats have oral health implications. Collaborative care among healthcare professionals has been demonstrated to improve patient outcomes, and therefore improved healthcare integration is a key focus area of healthcare reform. Yet, the dental care delivery system remains divorced from the rest of the U.S. healthcare system. Because integrated healthcare is associated with better patient outcomes than a more siloed approach, the dental profession must act to close the dental–medical divide”.

The first organizational Summit was held in 1998. It was followed in 2000 with the purpose of pursuing and developing the concept of the Ethics Alliance of Oral Health Organizations to a level suitable for formal review and action by participating organizations. The 2004 Summit focused upon truth claims in dentistry. The last Summit was held in 2006 in partnership with the American Dental Association and focused on commercialism.

The ACDF is announcing the fifth Ethics Summit to focus on the topic of interprofessionalism. The purpose of the Summit is to bring together a broad base of parties interested in healthcare integration and to heighten the awareness that dentistry must be a full partner in

outcomes, and therefore improved healthcare integration is a key focus area of healthcare reform. Yet, the dental care delivery system remains divorced from the rest of the U.S. healthcare system. Because integrated healthcare is associated with better patient outcomes than a more siloed approach, the dental profession must act to close the dental–medical divide.

Increased integration will lead to better patient outcomes and a healthier population.

The full white paper may be found at www.acd.org and further information about the Summit is available by contacting Suzan Pitman at suzan@acd.org.

Board of Regents Meeting Highlights

The Board of Regents held a hybrid meeting March 23 and 24. The officers met in person at the Rockville office while the Regents participated through Zoom. Much was accomplished, including a small awards ceremony for two 2022 awardees who were unable to attend the meeting in Houston.

Changes to the Annual Meeting Schedule

Modifications made to help with Fellows’ travel schedules.

Although the events may be familiar, the Board of Regents has adopted a slightly modified schedule for our time together in Orlando. Based on feedback from our Fellows, the CE courses typically held first thing Wednesday morning have been moved to Wednesday afternoon to allow for Wednesday morning travel. We’re hoping that by shifting our events a little later more Fellows can take advantage of all that is offered during the annual meeting.

Candidates Approved

The Board affirmed the approved nominees from the Credentials Committee. The ACD will be joined by over 300 Fellows at our meeting in Orlando. Thank you to our nominators for recognizing the best in your like-minded colleagues.

In 2022, Awardees Kathleen O’Loughlin and Sonya Smith were unable to accept their awards in person at the Annual Meeting. After the conclusion of the spring meeting of the Board, Drs. O’Loughlin and Smith accepted their awards at the ACD National Office. The video of the award presentation is on the College’s YouTube Channel @AmericanCollegeofDentists

AWARDEES

The Board of Regents is delighted to announce the following 2023 recipients of ACD Awards.

William John Gies Award

Lawrence P. Garetto

Leo E. Rouse

Distinguished Leadership Award

Paula K. Friedman

Outstanding Service Award

Veronica Bikofsky

Ethics and Professionalism Award

Eddie G. Smith Leadership Institute of the National Dental Association

Honorary Fellowship

Gregory D. Hill

N. Dorin Ruse

Joan L. Rush

Marco Vujicic Model Section Designation

Atlantic Provinces, Illinois, Kentucky, Maryland, Virginia, Wisconsin, and Ontario Sections

Section Newsletter Award

Southern California, Editor, Harriet Seldin

Board of Regents Meeting Highlights

Awardees Approved

The Awards Committee recommended for approval a robust slate of awardees for 2023. All were approved. Notable is the revival of the Distinguished Leadership Award, which was bestowed on Paula K. Friedman (New England/Florida). To learn more about the ACD Awards Program please visit our website at acd.org

Board and Governance Training

Maryland Nonprofits, a partner of the National Council of Nonprofits and

home to the Center for Excellence, provided the first of two 90-minute sessions to our Board. The presentation helped to focus on the upcoming strategic planning process and the search for a new executive director.

Internal Controls and Best Practices

The Board continues to monitor and review the financial best practices that were updated and formalized last summer. Additionally, the Board reviewed the audit timeline, budget, and the schedule for monthly and quarterly financial reporting.

The Executive Director Search Committee, led by Vice President Robert Faiella, is refining the profile and job description for a new ED. The strategic planning process will help clarify what the College needs from its ED. The Committee intends to issue an RFP to reputable search firms this spring.

Executive Director Search Committee

Election Results

The 2024 Board of Regents nomination process took place in March and April. The Fellowship has until July 8, 2023, to petition the slate of nominees. Petitions signed by at least 25 Fellows in good standing challenging the nominations may be submitted to the National Office. Once received, the petition will be registered with the auditor of the College, and a ballot will be sent to each Fellow. For Regents, the ballot will be sent to each Fellow in the affected Regency. If no petitions are received, the nominees will be considered elected.

The next election will be held in March, 2024, and will be for the following positions:

Regent, Regency 2

Regent, Regency 5

Treasurer

Vice President

President-elect

2024 Nominees

Continuing on the Board in 2024

ACD Foundation Board of Directors Meeting

Current projects of the ACD Foundation were reviewed. These projects include: Update of the Ethics Handbook—the College ships as many as 9,000 ethics handbooks to dental schools and study clubs each year, and it is also one of our most downloaded electronic publications. The Handbook is being updated by a committee led by Toni Roucka and is expected to be reviewed over the summer and approved by the Board at the Fall meeting.

Planning for the next Ethics Summit is underway. The topic is Interprofessionalism, and the Summit is tentatively scheduled for August of 2024.

Additional Support for SPEA—the Foundation will provide an additional $13,000 for SPEA members to travel to the annual session. The funds will work the same way as the Outstanding Student Leader Award, with Sections working with their local SPEA Chapters and Regents to identify student members of SPEA who are enthusiastic about becoming more involved. Sections will be asked to match the grant from the ACDF. The fund will serve as seed money for this program, with a contribution line item added to the Fellowship statements giving Fellows an annual opportunity to support the program.

Dr. Robert Lamb will move to the Immediate Past President seat and serve as the President of the ACD Foundation

Dr. Teresa Dolan will move from the President-elect to the President position.

Dr. Carole Hanes will serve a second year as Treasurer.

Robert Faiella will become President-elect, after serving as Vice President.

Terry Norris will become Vice President.

Brenda Thomson will become Regent for Regency 4.

Robin Henderson will become Regent for Regency 8.

Human Trafficking and Your Ethical Responsibility as

a Dentist

Charles S. Travagliato, DDS Chair, Western New York Section

This past October I attended the American College of Dentists Annual Session in Houston as our Section’s representative. I participated in all the events on the two-day meeting schedule which consisted of the usual business meetings, orientations, presentations, dinner receptions and the American Society for Dental Ethics course titled Rising Issues in Oral Healthcare through an Ethical Lens. This forum had several speakers who gave presentations on equity in health care, environmental concerns, and the topic of my article, human trafficking. Honestly, this last topic was unexpected and got my attention.

Human trafficking is the act of recruiting, harboring, transporting, providing, or obtaining a person for forced labor or commercial sex acts through the use of force, fraud, or coercion. This is a modern form of slavery. It is estimated that 50,000 people per year are trafficked, many are between the ages of 12-14, and are involved in the sex trade. The migration crisis at our US southern border is fueling the increase in human trafficking. It is not my intention to discuss our government’s policies regarding the border. My intent is to awaken you to the existence of human trafficking and your ethical responsibility to recognize it and do something about it if you suspect a patient is a victim.

The signs of human trafficking are similar and include, but are not limited to, the following:

• The person avoids making eye contact when speaking to you.

• They are not allowed to or seem scared to speak for themselves.

• The responses the person gives seem scripted or rehearsed.

• You cannot speak to them alone or someone else is constantly with them.

• They don’t have any identification, such as a passport or driver’s license, or the employer is keeping these documents for them.

• They have branding marks such as tattoos, cigarette burns, or bruises, especially on their neck or lower back.

• The person escorting the suspected victim requests inappropriate cosmetic treatment.

• They live with their employer or at their place of employment.

• They are working long hours.

• The person doesn’t know where they are, has traveled a lot or is coming from another area.

• They seem poor, destitute and have few, if any, personal possessions and may wear the same clothes regardless of circumstances or weather.

• The person appears malnourished, in poor physical health, has poor dental health or poor hygiene.

• The place where they live or work has security measures that appear to keep people in, such as bars covering the insides of windows or barbed wire on the inside of a fence.

• The person seems fearful or submissive.

• They appear to be afraid of law enforcement or other authority figures.

What to do if you suspect human trafficking?

Trust your gut feeling. It is better to be safe and risk being wrong about the situation than to ignore the signs and risk further harm to the victim.

However, if you suspect a child or adult is being trafficked, do not try to rescue them yourself. You can’t be sure how the perpetrator will react and if they might cause further harm to the person or their family.

Instead, here’s how to help a victim of human trafficking:

• Call 911 and report your suspicions and the details of where the person is as well as the situation they are in.

• Call the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888 and report your information to the trained representative. The hotline is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Both victims of human trafficking and those who suspect human trafficking can call the hotline for help, answers to questions and resources.

The annual ASDE Ethics Course provides three hours of the highest quality continuing education in ethics. These sessions include practical topics and best practices, as well as higher-level discussions of ethical issues. The course this year will be offered on Wednesday, October 4 at 1:00 PM, Eastern, at the Hyatt Regency, Orlando, in conjunction with the ACD 2023 Annual Meeting and Convocation. The course often sells out, and on-site registration is not guaranteed. Please plan on registering early.

Annual Meeting Gathering Together

Robert

I really enjoy family gatherings or get-togethers. Many have a weird uncle or crazy cousin, but I still like seeing people. The COVID years were so difficult since we could not see loved ones. The cancellation of the 2020 and 2021 Annual Sessions and Convocations were necessary but disappointing. As for me, I am about “Zoomed” out!

I consider the American College of Dentists a special family. We are all joined by our love of dentistry, but we all contribute in many different ways. Some serve in various organized dental groups, many serve in academia, others in the military. Still others volunteer in clinics to serve the underserved or travel to foreign countries. When we gather together, we find so many common bonds through the stories and experiences we share.

At the ACD, we all strive to advance excellence, ethics, professionalism, and leadership in dentistry. We may do it differently, but we all aspire to goals that further our common mission. Seeing Fellows at the Annual Meeting that I have known for years and meeting new Fellows being inducted is always a highlight. Other highlights

include our CE courses. The Fellows Forum will start our day on Thursday, October 5 at 9:00 AM, right after the President-elect’s address. ASDE will offer a 3-hour ethics course focused on best practices in using the ACD resources and AADEJ will provide a special session on communications aimed at our Fellows.

We’re looking forward to seeing you in sunny Orlando! Why do you enjoy getting together at the Annual Meeting? Let us know by visiting www.acd.org/meetings

Lamb, President

“

When we gather together, we find so many common bonds through the stories and experiences we share.”

“

This is the power of gathering: it inspires us, delightfully, to be more hopeful, more joyful, more thoughtful: in a word, more alive.”

– Alice Waters

Donna and Robert Lamb

President,

Rise & Shine!

Let’s rise, shine, and get together at the Annual Meeting and Convocation 2023 in the Sunshine State and the beautiful city of Orlando. The meeting is an important opportunity for ACD fellows to meet and connect with others to promote ACD’s mission of advancing excellence, ethics, professionalism, and leadership in dentistry.

Meeting new people and networking are some of the numerous benefits that happen during in-person sessions. Spontaneous and random interactions occur throughout the meeting, during breaks, and between sessions. These connections can lead to new relationships, collaborations, and many great opportunities that could not occur in a remote session.

You Never Know Who You Might Meet

The American Society for Dental Ethics (ASDE) course this year in Orlando will highlight some of the many resources of the ACD and engage fellows in discussions about relevant ethical issues through the use of these resources. Various ethical dilemmas will be shown in ACD/IU videos. The course is an opportunity to interact with other fellows and gain insight about ethical challenges encountered in practice. The accompanying Facilitator Guides to the videos highlight the ethical issues and suggests a framework to apply principles and decision-making strategies.

The videos, guides, and skills learned may be carried forward for opportunities in professional development in practices, clubs, and educational settings after returning from Orlando. The experiences and connections made with others in-person may lead to infinite possibilities and value. See you in sunny Orlando in October!

Marie

President,

Editors and Journalists

The AADEJ offers ACD Fellows access to a national network of resources, programs, and industry contacts essential to dental journalism. Through our newsletter – The Communicator – webinars, seminars, and our annual meeting, AADEJ’s speakers and authors offer the latest news and views as well as expert advice in writing, editing, layout and design, editorial leadership, and communications.

The 2023 AADEJ Annual Meeting and Luncheon will take place on October 4-5, 2023, in Orlando. Our programming committee is hard at work developing the agenda for

this year’s meeting highlighting the future of dental journalism. You can expect to hear from a featured keynote speaker and panels led by experts in communications management, editing, design, and creative services. Attending this session will provide valuable insights, new ideas, and best practices that you can apply to your work, whether a dental editor, journalist, or ally supportive of advancing excellence in dental journalism.

AADEJ programs also provide an opportunity for professional development.

Overall, attending an AADEJ seminar or annual meeting can be a valuable investment in your career, providing opportunities for learning, networking, and professional development that can help you stay ahead and up to date on what’s going on in the world of dental journalism. And, you never know who you might meet.

Ann

Gothard

American Association of Dental

Kathryn Ragalis

American Society for Dental Ethics

Spontaneous and random interactions occur throughout the meeting, during breaks, and between sessions. These connections can lead to new relationships, collaborations, and many great opportunities that could not occur in a remote session.

WEDNESDAY October 4

8:00 AM – 5:30 PM

Registration, Gallery, Regalia pick-up, and photography studio will be open.

1:00 PM – 4:00 PM

Continuing Education Courses

ASDE Ethics Course: Using the ACD Resources

AADEJ Communications Course Communications and AI

4:00 – 5:00 PM

Annual Business Meeting and New Fellow Orientation

5:15 – 6:30 PM

Regency Break-out Sessions

6:30 – 7:30 PM

Meet & Greet Reception

Schedule at a Glance

All events take place at the Hyatt Regency on International Drive, Orlando. All times are Eastern, and subject to change.

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 4

4:00 PM

Business Meeting and New Fellow Orientation

Regency Ballroom

Learn more about the projects and progress of the College, meet the Board of Regents, and kick-off the meeting with some fanfare.

Welcome remarks and presentation of the Board of Regents

President, Robert Lamb

Presentation of Colors

Greetings from the ADA

ADA President, George Shepley

Treasurer’s Report

Treasurer, Carole Hanes

Report from the ACD Foundation

ACDF President, Richard Jones

Introduction of New Fellow

Orientation

Vice President, Robert Faiella

5:15 PM

Regency Break-out Sessions

Rooms announced on site. Gather with others from your Regency for timely and relevant discussions facilitated by your Regent.

6:30 PM

Meet & Greet

Regency Ballroom Foyer

Join friends, old and new, for appetizers and a no-host bar in the Regency Ballroom foyer.

THURSDAY October 5

7:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Registration, Gallery, Regalia pick-up, and photography studio will be open.

8:00 AM – 8:00 PM

ACDF Silent Auction

8:30 – 9:00 AM

President-elect’s Address

9:00 – 11:00 AM

Fellows Forum

11:30 AM – 1:00 PM

Convocation Luncheon

2:00 PM

Candidate and Sponsor Line-up

2:30 PM

Procession and Convocation of Fellows and Induction of Fellowship Candidates

7:00 PM

Palms & Pearls Gala

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 5

8:30 AM

President-elect’s Address

Regency Ballroom

Start the day with an inspiring message from Dr. Teresa Dolan, who will become President of the ACD after the meeting.

9:00 –11:00 AM

Fellows Forum

Regency Ballroom

2 CEU

The topic is being developed, but there will be time and opportunity for our Fellows to engage the panel with questions and comments. This is a great time to interact with experts and your colleagues on a broad topic and its practical implications as it applies to the College’s mission and the betterment of those we serve.

11:30 AM

Convocation Luncheon

Regency Ballroom

$75.00

Join us in celebrating the day! This event is a three-course lunch with entertainment. Registration is required in advance, and onsite registration will not be available.

Convocation

Procession begins at 2:30 PM

Regency Ballroom

Be present to affirm your Fellowship Oath and support our new Fellows as they pronounce theirs, celebrate our awardees, and enjoy your unique place in our history.

Palms & Pearls Gala

7:00 – 11:00 PM

Regency Ballroom

$200.00

This year’s black-tie optional Gala will feature some of our Fellows’ favorites, like the ACDF Silent Auction, but with a new format. The doors will open for the Palms & Pearls Gala at 7:00 PM, and a “strolling dinner,” silent auction, and a few surprises will delight our Fellows and Friends. Starting at 8:00 PM, a DJ will liven up the evening. Preregistration is required for this event and onsite registration will be limited, if available.

The ACD is a meeting affiliate of the American Dental Association. When our Fellows register for SmileCon, they receive discounted rooms and access to high-quality continuing education, exhibits, and events.

Regent Reflection

The ACD Board of Regents and Executive Committee are a “Power Packed” bunch of leaders! It has been my pleasure to contribute to ACD business at meetings in Asheville, North Carolina; Houston, Texas, and at countless Zoom meetings along the way. Our section goals begin with cultivating leaders in dentistry mentoring and collaborating with them to be nominated as candidates for fellowship in the ACD.

Regency 7 Section Chairs

Randy Snyder

Arizona

LaJuan Hall

Northern California

Donna Klauser

Southern California

Richie Sato

Hawaii

Dan Orr

Nevada

David Manzanares and Jennifer Thompson

New Mexico

Greetings ACD Fellows from sunny California! It is my privilege to be in my second year representing Arizona, Northern California, Southern California, Hawaii, Nevada, and New Mexico. Enthusiastic regency leadership is in place, and I have had excellent communication with all of the section chairs. I would like to take this moment to thank all our section chairs: Randy Snider (Arizona), LaJuan Hall (Northern California), Donna Klauser (Southern California), Richie Sato (Hawaii), Dan Orr (Nevada), and David Manzanares and Jennifer Thompson (New Mexico).

The ACD Board of Regents and Executive Committee are a “Power Packed” bunch of leaders! It has been my pleasure to contribute to ACD business at meetings in Asheville, North Carolina; Houston, Texas, and at countless Zoom meetings along the way. Our section goals begin with cultivating leaders in dentistry mentoring and collaborating with them to be nominated as candidates for fellowship in the ACD. My second charge has been to establish a professional relationship with Student Professionalism and Ethics Association (SPEA) chapters at every dental school in the Regency. We are off to a great start!

University of California-San Francisco (UCSF) and University of the Pacific (PacificDugoni) SPEA chapters have been very active. Both cohorts host meetings at their respective schools and collaborate with each other. All SPEA student members are welcome at all events hosted by either school. UCSF has traditionally kicked off the academic year with a “Mentor Mixer,” and Pacific-Dugoni has followed with a discussion on “Professionalism.” I am involved with Fellow Jean Creasey (Northern California) in establishing a SPEA chapter at the newest dental school in our state, California Northstate University College of Dental Medicine.

Ned Nix Regency 7

We are fortunate to have the SPEA Regency 7 Regent, Joany Xue, on the SPEA board from UCSF. Former SPEA Regent Erin Welter continues to take a leadership role mentoring her successor and staying involved with SPEA National. Erin has been accepted into a Pediatric Dentistry residency, and she will be a candidate for Regent Intern in the future. Joany, Erin, and I attended the entire SPEA Annual Session in Houston. SPEA leaders are the best, brightest, and most enthusiastic group of students. The profession is in good hands with our current and future SPEA leadership.

ACD President Robert Lamb has visited the Regency and we have been fortunate to have him present to the PacificDugoni students last Fall during his visit. Dr. Lamb will be attending the Northern California Section Annual Meeting and Awards Gala on May 7, and he will go on to meet with the SPEA students at UCSF the next day. Inspired by Dr. Lamb, I will also be making my second regency visit in May. I will be presenting “Nicomachean Ethics: The Doctrine of the Mean” at the ACD/ICD/ PFA breakfast in Anaheim, California on May 19.

Highlights from Regency 7 supporting the mission pillars of Ethics, Excellence, Professionalism and Leadership are as follows:

The Southern California Section, under Chair Donna Klauser’s leadership, accomplished many section activities. They created the website www.acdsca.org, to keep current Fellows engaged with the Section’s board meetings, a link to ACD national website that provides free ethics CE online, highlights of ACD’s national meeting including the convocation, and quarterly features of Fellows performing exceptional service for their communities. The section received the Model Section Award and one of their own Fellows, Les Arnett, received the Lifetime Achievement Award (he has sadly passed this year). They collaborated with their local dental societies to provide a lecture on ethics in the Fall 2023 at CDA Presents. The Section’s newsletter, Accolade, is the current Section Newsletter Award winner.

Under Chair Randy Snyder’s leadership since 2011, the Arizona Section has organized the ACD/ICD/PFA Annual Luncheon at the Western Regional Dental Experience, which is their state dental convention. They have established SPEA chapters at both of their dental schools. They have nominated up to ten new Fellows every year, and Dr. Snyder has been at every Convocation during his tenure. Dr. Snyder’s term will conclude at the end of May 2023 and David Hancock, Ethics Professor at Midwestern University, will become the new Section Chair. Eric Curtis, Secretary, and Howard Sorensen, Treasurer will continue in their leadership roles.

The Northern California Section has been busy under the leadership of Chair LaJuan Hall. The Section inducted three dynamic Directors-at-Large, Gurrinder Atwal, James Stephens, Alice Tai, and Secretary Charmaine Ng. The event featured one of America’s top 50 Board Directors and Stanford University adjunct faculty member Timothy Chou, Ph.D. Timothy conducted a fascinating discussion on Health

Care Leadership in the Age of Digital Transformation. They welcomed Past President of the College and current ACD Foundation President Richard Jones in October and are planning for President Robert Lamb’s visit this Spring at their annual meeting and awards gala at the Olympic Club in San Francisco. Student Regent, Joany Xue, with the assistance of the Section leadership, has organized a fantastic lineup of Board Member speakers, including President Lamb, for a ten-week hybrid Ethics in Clinical Dentistry elective course at UCSF during the spring quarter. The Northern California Section maintains its status as a Model Section. The section’s newsletter is a frequent Section Newsletter Award winner. Congratulations to Section Editor Jean Creasey and outgoing Editor William van Dyk.

is also planning a University of Hawaii School of Dental Hygiene White Coat Ceremony where students entering the clinical phase of their education are presented with white embroidered clinic coats donated by the ACD Hawaii Section. In the Nevada Section, Chair Dan Orr coordinated the American College of Dentists Student Leadership Award and Distinguished Faculty Award at the UNLV School of Dental Medicine which were based on demonstrable traits of ethics, excellence, professionalism, and leadership.

Under Chair Richie Sato’s leadership, the Hawaii Section accomplished much. One of the requirements needed to renew a dental license in the State of Hawaii is to take 6 CE credits biannually. This year in January, Hawaii held its first post-COVID in-person dental convention, “The Hawaii Meeting,” and the ACD Hawaii Section co-sponsored a 3-hour CE ethics course for dentists and hygienists. The Section

Regent Reflection Launching Soon! ACD & Dental Ethics Website

The relaunched acd.org will feature a more streamlined navigation and updated look. Our learning management site, dentalethics.org, is also recieving an update.

The New Mexico Section was revitalized under the leadership of former Regent Gary Yonemoto. The new Section Chairs Jennifer Thompson and David Manzanares have reorganized the section as it has been dormant for many years. Past Chair Dave Moore will continue to support the section as Secretary/Treasurer. Drs. Thompson and Manzanares are looking forward to furthering the ACD’s commitment to the ethical practice of dentistry. I am excited to be traveling to New Mexico to meet with their ACD Fellows this year!

News of Fellows and Sections

John Feeney (New Jersey) has recently been recognized by the American Association of Oral Maxillofacial Surgeons with its annual Advocacy for Government Affairs Challenge Award. The citation acknowledges Dr. Feeney’s achievements as an advocate for promoting patient safety, advancing the specialty, reducing prescription drug abuse, contributing to government policy creation and expanding inclusiveness with access to health care. He currently serves on the New Jersey State Board of Dentistry where he has just completed his role as Board President.

When asked what the expectations of the State Board are, Dr. Feeney responded with an explanation that the rule of law sites that New Jersey licensees are required to provide services in an ethical manner.

“It’s never wrong to do the right thing, by doing things right, for the right reason, at the right time, with the right knowledge, for those we serve, our patients.”

The board holds true that licensees must possess traits of character that foster adherence to a code of ethics. Qualities of honesty, compassion, integrity, and fairness are integral parts within the profession to assure strict compliance with the New Jersey Consumer Protection Laws. Of great importance are the principles of ethics and professional conduct that are the aspirational goals of the profession: nonmalfeasance, beneficence, autonomy, justice, veracity.

In honor of Gary Goldstein (New York), the Indian Prosthodontic Society, at its 50th Golden Jubilee Celebration in New Delhi on November 10-13, 2022, established in perpetuity the IPS-Gary Goldstein Acharya Shree Award for Excellence in Prosthodontic Teaching, instituted by Dr. Shankar lyer. The first recipient of the award was legendary Indian prosthodontic teacher Prof. N. Sridhar Shetty, who has been inspiring and teaching dental students for over 50 years.

Dr. Goldstein was also inducted as an Honorary Member of the Indian Prosthodontic Society, in appreciation of his meritorious service, outstanding values & dedication as a teacher, researcher, administrator, author, academician and clinician par excellence in the specialty of Prosthodontics. Dr. Goldstein is Professor Emeritus of Prosthodontics at NYU College of Dentistry.

Submitted by the Indian Prosthodontic Society

Regent Intern Joshua Bussard (Michigan) visited the Student Professionalism and Ethics Association (SPEA) Chapter at Indiana University in February of this year. His presentation, “SPEA in Real Life,” discussed how the SPEA experience in dental school has practical implications in student dentists’ future practice. Josh is a former SPEA National Executive Chair and is currently in private practice in Michigan.

Submitted by Larry Garetto

Fellow John Feeney with his twin grandsons.

News of Fellows and Sections

ASDE President-elect and Fellow Carlos Smith (Virginia) was recently named to the CVS National Health Equity Advisory Board. This new board will advise on best practices for advancing health equity. Board members will address how ableism, classicism, racism, sexism, and discrimination impact the historically marginalized communities CVS Health serves.

Dr. Smith has also been named as the inaugural associate dean for inclusive excellence, ethics, and community engagement at Virginia Commonwealth University. In his new role, he will lead a comprehensive and integrated strategy to ensure inclusive excellence is a hallmark of all VCU SOD stakeholder experiences.

Submitted by Virginia Commonwealth University and ACD Office

Dean Telthorst (Missouri) has established a lecture series for restorative dentistry delivered by the Greater St. Louis Dental Society. Dr. Telthorst’s generous donation creates the “Dean F. Telthorst, DDS Restorative Lecture” Fund for the Mid-Continent Dental Congress, or for other educational offerings as may be presented by GSLDS.

Dr. Telhorst has held numerous leadership positions at the local, state, and national levels. When he is not at the office, he is an avid motorcyclist and photographer.

Submitted by the Greater St. Louis Dental Society

Thomas A. Howley, Jr. (Philadelphia-Delaware Valley) was the 2022 recipient of the distinguished Albert L. Borish Award from the Academy of General Dentistry. Howley was presented the award during AGD’s Annual Meeting held November 13, 2022, in Chicago.

Named in honor of an AGD leader and faculty member of Temple University Dental School, the Albert L. Borish Award honors an individual who has demonstrated innovation, leadership,

The New York Section Annual meeting was held at the Penn Club in New York City on January 17, 2023. Under the outstanding leadership of Chair Guenter Jonke, the meeting was very well attended. Our current ACD President, Robert Lamb was in attendance and gave the keynote address. Among the other highlights of the evening were the presentation of the Outstanding Student Leader Awards to the students at Columbia, NYU, Touro, and Stony Brook as well as Dr. Lamb inducting the incoming Board of the New York Section. New Fellows, as well as those who have been Fellows for 15 and 25 years, were recognized. Incoming Chair, Julie Connolly shared her thoughts on the upcoming year for the Section.

Submitted by Dr. Tom Connolly, New York

and dedication to the advancement of dentistry and has made positive changes for the benefit of the profession and dental health of the public. Dr. Howley has shown remarkable focus and is immensely involved in promoting the profession, educating and mentoring other dentists, and advocating on behalf of the profession.

Submitted by the Academy of General Dentistry

“I am honored to create this legacy for my most honored profession.”

Robert Trager (New York) was installed as the Nassau County Dental Society’s 68th president in February of this year. He is a past president of Queens County Dental Society. Dr. Trager has general dentistry practices in both JFK and LaGuardia Airports. He is also the recipient of the Distinguished Leadership Award of East Hills, New York.

Submitted by the Nassau County Dental Society

The Georgia Section , chaired by William Bachand, delivered the ACD Lifetime Achievement Award to Ronald Goldstein in person in January of this year. The Lifetime Achievement Award is given to Fellows who have served the College for 50 years and was presented to Dr. Goldstein by Fellow Nancy Young.

Submitted by Dr. William Bachand

In April, the Louisiana Section held its annual meeting at Arnaud’s in New Orleans. More than 40 attendees enjoyed keynote remarks from the new dean of the LSU School Dentistry, Angelo Mariotti. ICD President Dan Fridh (Indiana) also spoke, as did ADA District 12 Trustee Terry Fiddler (Arkansas) ASDA President Tiffany Morgan, a third year dental student, gave an update on student activities at the LSUSOD.

Mark Chaney and Regent Kristi Soileau led the business meeting.

Submitted by Kristi Soileau

The Carolinas Section of the American College of Dentists held its 2023 Annual Meeting in Raleigh, North Carolina, from March 3-5 at the Renaissance Raleigh North Hills Hotel. Fellows from North and South Carolina and their guests were treated to a full weekend of fellowship, education, and fun.

The Saturday evening dinner program included recognition of recently inducted Fellows with the presentation of ACD Rosettes by Section Chair, Robert P. Hollowell, Jr. Next, Section Secretary, David A. Howdy, recognized 15and 25-year Fellows. The program also included a fascinating presentation by local historian and author, Jay Barnes, on Historic Hurricanes in the Carolinas. The evening concluded with the induction of the newly elected officers of the Carolinas Section by Regency 3 Regent, Robert G. Plage.

A highlight of the meeting was the attendance by two representatives of the Student Professionalism and Ethics Association (SPEA). Present for the weekend as guests of the Carolinas Section were Margaret K. McGuire, Co-President of the SPEA Chapter at the UNC Adams School of Dentistry, and Lydia A. Hartung, Co-President of the SPEA Chapter at the ECU School of Dental Medicine. Following informative presentations during the Section’s business meeting on Sunday about SPEA activities, the Carolinas Section voted to award $1,000 to each of the three SPEA Chapters in our Section (UNC, ECU and MUSC) to support travel by student representatives to the SPEA National Conference in Orlando, Florida this fall.

Submitted by Dr. Ron Venezie

Carolinas Section Chair, Robert P. Hollowell, Jr., welcomes representatives from the Student Professionalism and Ethics Association, Margaret K. McGuire and Lydia A. Hartung.

News of Fellows and Sections

During the Chicago Midwinter Meeting, the Illinois Section, Keith Dickey, Chair, recognized several students with the Outstanding Student Leader Award.

Submitted by the Illinois Section

The Federal Services Section submitted a successful Section Activity Program request to the Board of Regents of the ACD and Board of Directors of the ACDF to support a monument dedicated to all soldiers, civilians, and spouses who have served and continue to serve in the Army Dental Care System. The monument, which was dedicated on March 24, 2023 at the U.S. Army Medical Department (AMEDD) Museum in San Antonio, Texas, recognizes and honors the service of the members of the Army Dental Care System.

The Federal Services Section is comprised of active-duty service men and women who serve as dentists in the armed forces, and is chaired by Captain Renee Joskow. They are a non-geographic Section included in Regency 2, which is led by Colonel Peter H. Guevara

From the Association of Army Dentistry

SPEA, the daughter organization of ACD at Marquette, has been working hard to ensure our graduates embody ACD values. This year we’ve been a consistent voice on campus by offering Lunch and Learns with 80 or more students, leading discussion on ethical questions with school leadership, representing students during ADA accreditation, and preparing students to represent Wisconsin during the national SPEA convention. We are continuing to deliver on our promise to you by hosting our Oral Photography Workshop for D1-D4’s on April 18th.

We’ve identified students’ desire for more advanced training in this area. Drs. Jack Keesler, Mohammad Tajik , Patrick Longo , Joe Kuffel, and prosthodontic residents will present modern techniques and then assist students with hands-on practice. Clinical photographs, lab photographs, and photograph editing are among the specific topics we will discuss. This hands-on opportunity will engage students for a nominal cost and will be sponsored by the ACD Wisconsin Section and local Fellows.

Submitted by John Kerns, DDS Candidate, Marquette University School of Dentistry, 2025

Chair Keith Dickey, Awardee Sara Chehreh, and Dean Harold Haering, Midwestern University

Chair Keith Dickey, Awardee Mitchell Muller, and Dean Saulius Drukteinis, Southern Illinois University School of Dental Medicine

Chair Keith Dickey, Awardee Jessica Poon, and Dean Susan Rowan, University of Illinois College of Dentistry

News From the ACD Foundation

Congratulations to Fellows Julie Connolly (New York), Huong Le (Northern California), and Drew Smith (Ontario) for successfully completing the three-year Kellogg Institute program for dentists. Over the course of the program, participants gain leadership capacity to bring back to their practices and roles in organized dentistry. The ACD Foundation works with the AAPD and Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University to fund three ACD Fellows’ participation.

The ACDF is delighted to announce the next cohort of Fellows to attend the institute. Oanh Le (Northern California), Evan Schwarz (New York), and Amisha Singh (Colorado) will begin their Kellogg Institute experience this December.

ACD ETHICS SUMMIT

News from the Office

The ACD Office is humming with Fellowship Candidates, plans for ACD 2023, and awards! Our newest staff members are thriving, and have added value as we continue to update our processes and implement new ideas and procedures.

Hannah Keefe joined the ACD staff in January. She is a senior at the University of Maryland in the School of Public Health. She is excited to gain professional administrative experience at the ACD. Outside of work, she enjoys running, baking, and traveling.

Tylor Davis is a Montgomery County, Maryland native who is currently studying business at Montgomery College. Prior to joining the ACD, Tylor spent five years working as a lifeguard, swim instructor, and pool

operator at the Kennedy Shriver Aquatic Center. When not in the office he makes music and enjoys cooking.

Jan Remissong is a Rockville native. Her professional background includes early childhood special education, retail shop ownership, and office management. She is proud of the fact she put her three sons through four years of college without any student loans. Jan and her husband, Steve, enjoy traveling, cooking, and fostering dogs.

Former Regent Paula K. Friedman

(Florida/New England) recently began a fund to support leadership development on the local level. The Paula K. Friedman Section Leadership Development Fund will build capacity in local leaders to strengthen their Sections and work towards national board service. The fund will make possible leadership training and other tools for success.

Hannah Keefe

Tylor Davis

Jan Remissong