Regent’s Reflection Kristi Soileau, DDS, MEd, MSHCE, FACD Regency 6
I
was very pleased to have been asked to submit an article for this issue to share insights on what I have learned from working with my Sections. In doing so, I also have given consideration to what I have observed over the years regarding the ACD as a body of One. While I think that there are subtle differences from Regency to Regency regarding strengths, weaknesses, and offerings of time, talent, and treasure within our respective Sections, I feel that overall, the challenges are subtly distinctive, and that we can all learn from one another though sharing of information. Partitioning the College’s mission statement into the four goals of advancing excellence, ethics, professionalism, and leadership in dentistry facilitates my opinions on how we might best use our experiences to move forward in the most efficient, productive, and collegially unifying means possible. EXCELLENCE One definition that describes “a person of excellence” is that the individual should be a positive
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influencer, sensitive, empathetic, and an excellent communicator. Additionally, that person should lift others and is not insecure in doing so. Excellence is our goal for all members, not solely leaders amongst ourselves. We achieve this excellence through growth, lifting one another up through our nominations of those who are deserving of membership in our esteemed College. We want the best for others because it is the best for the purpose of the whole. Excellence is never fully achieved; we continue to reach for the highest apples as the tree grows upward.
ETHICS This is the platform on which the College was instituted. Ethics is based on well-founded standards of right and wrong to prescribe what humans ought to do, which often goes beyond that to which we are legally obligated. I truly feel, through my interactions with ACD members across the country, that the principles of autonomy, beneficence, nonmaleficence, justice, and veracity are common and shared goals amongst the members of the College—indeed, of the profession in general. May dentistry continue to covet and protect its parallelism with the principles of ethics, having patient concern being our utmost priority over personal gain, with continued guidance by the ACD and its members. Let us seek out
those who can strengthen this mission within our ranks.
PROFESSIONALISM In healthcare, this can be described as the habitual and judicious use of communication, knowledge, clinical skills, reasoning, emotions, values, and reflection in daily practice for the benefit of the individual and community being served. What was once considered a trade is now, as evidenced by repeated national surveys, one of the most highly respected professions in existence today. Members within all Sections appear to be verily aligned with protecting our chosen field and with sharing of ourselves with those who cannot afford our services. It is a humbling experience for me to be in the midst of many of our ACD dental heroes.
LEADERSHIP Both in the clinical arena and in practical skills, leadership is defined by one’s ability to influence, and guide individuals, groups, or organizations towards fruition of purpose. Undoubtedly, our members are selected for the most part for their exemplary willingness to give of self. Our cohorts in ACD have offered their time, talent, and treasure for others who have benefitted from their many gifts and attributes, and our collective impact is astounding. Further, we have the
