Gathering Together

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

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.

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

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

Rise & Shine!

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.

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.

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!

You Never Know Who You Might Meet

Ann Marie Gothard, President of the American Association of Dental 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.

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

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

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.