The mission of the American College of Dentists is to advance excellence, ethics, professionalism, and leadership in dentistry.
• 15, 25, 50 Year Fellows
• New Dean for Texas A&M Dental School P. 4
• ACD President Robert Lamb to be at Texas Meeting P. 6
• Regent report P. 7
Editors thoughts.
“I never saw a tooth walk into my office”
on Page 2
May 5th at the Texas Dental Meeting
Texas Section to meet with ICD and PFA at Joint breakfast Friday May 5th. See back page for details!
Please take some time to go to www.ACD.org and make sure all your information, especially your email address is correct!
In 2008, after attending The University of Texas and Trinity University, Andrew founded the Believe it Foundation to provide experiences, programs, and support for children with physical challenges - all of which made the difference for him on his journey. Attending a major sporting event, taking a family trip, participating in Scouting, or going to summer camp can all be life changing experiences for any child, especially if physically challenged. “I know because I enjoyed these experiences and many more”, Andrew has shared. “In every case, it was due to someone or some organization willing to be inclusive.” Since inception, the Foundation has supported thousands of children with physical challenges to get off the sidelines and jump into the game through school-based programs, camps, excursions, social activities, and college scholarships. The vision from the beginning has been to create widespread belief in a world where physically challenged individuals have every right to be our colleagues at work, our friends at dinner, and join others in being powerful advocates for what a more inclusive future looks like. In 2018, the Foundation expanded its programming into school districts around San Antonio with an inclusive bike program—Believe It Bikes. In 2019, the Believe It Foundation provided over 45 adaptive bikes to 3 local school districts (Boerne, Harlandale and Edgewood ISDs) connected with over 1,200 students (those with physical and other challenges alongside their typical peers) through Get Active Days (a Believe It Bikes event). The bikes in schools program grew exponentially from there and is now in 14 districts/203 schools serving over 3000 students and continuing to expand.
More about Believe it Foundation Pg. 5
My clinical skills, although excellent from my dental school education, lacked a deeper knowledge base of that needed to deliver comprehensive care. So, I was now on the quest for more and more education in clinical based dentistry. Once I finished Dr. Dawson’s programs, I asked him, “now what Dr. Dawson?” He told me, “Now you need to go to the Pankey Institute!”
The model of providing dental care is changing. The demographics of those providing that care is changing. We as a profession and specifically us as a College, can sit around and bask in our glory days or we can step up and provide leadership in our expertise in how we deal with relationship-based dentistry.
There have been several quotations and one title that have created the biggest impact in my life as a dentist. The quotation above by Dr. L.D. Pankey and one I will reference later; the other, a title of an article by Dr Peter Dawson… “How to Put Your Practice in the Top 10%”
I was a fledgling dentist of 7 years who had just started a nice solo practice here in the beautiful city of San Antonio after having been an associate prior to that. During those early years of my practice, I sometimes l felt like I was selling commodities versus delivering comprehensive patient care. Many times, I needed that patient to say yes to that crown, so I could just be able to make my financial responsibilities. I had bills to pay. I diagnosed that way without even thinking about it. I thought I knew how to diagnose I just needed the patient to say YES!
I thought I knew quite a bit about practicing dentistry until I read the “top 10%” article by Dr. Dawson in the May 1990 issue of “Dentistry Today” magazine. This article cited that “Management must be focused on the control of QUALITY and the continuous upgrading of diagnostic and clinical expertise.” I wanted to be in the top 10%!
It was soon after reading that article that I began my studies with Dr. Dawson in San Antonio, St. Petersburg, and finally in Highlands North Carolina. It was here that I had many “aha” moments on how much I didn’t know!
My journey began at the Institute in October of 1993, and it led me to more than just clinical based dentistry. This is where I first heard the quotation I mentioned in the title of this article. Dr. Pankey was so ahead of his time in his philosophy of dentistry, that he was the shoulder of the giant I needed to stand on! Piggybacking what I had learned with Dr. Dawson, I was committed to learning this philosophy of “patient centered care and relationship-based dentistry” from the amazing Pankey faculty there. I felt I was always a caring dentist and my parents had reared me to know that putting others first was a most important virtue.
Society, especially the young adult, is moving at lightspeed away from relationship-based “anything” to computerized, phone centered, “I don’t need to speak or socialize with you” to be relevant. This in my opinion creates a danger of taking dentistry from a profession, to strictly business without concern for the person on whom this business is being performed on. Ethics in this type of “business” comes into question. It might be ethical, or it might not be.
So, what can we do? The American College has always been at the forefront of ethics. We as a College need to look at innovative ways to help our younger dentists celebrate “relationship- based” dentistry and ultimately this model, (what the Pankey Institute calls “knowing your patient”) of patient centered care which hopefully will continue to cultivate an ethical model.
Along this journey, I heard another giant, Dr. Loren Miller from Dallas speak at a conference. He was one of the first members of the original “Pankey Cadre” that helped set up the Institute. We were having dinner once in Dallas and he told me, “When I was young and I needed patients to say yes, they said no now that I am older and I didn’t need them to say yes, they said YES! They probably saw the dollar signs in my eyes!” This was exactly what I needed to hear.
So, this leads me to today and what we as members of the American College of Dentists can offer today’s “fledgling” dentists. Life as we know it has changed for those of us that have been in the profession of dentistry for a while. It is now our opportunity to be the “giants” that our younger dentist can look toward for advice and help.
This is not to say other models of care are not ethical or unprofessional, but modern dental business models of providing care all have the Dentist to ultimately provide that care.
In future editions of this Newsletter, I will continue to address these concerns on how we can be the giants that keep our profession, something we can all be proud of.
I pray that more of us remember and can help spread the notion that: “I never saw a tooth walk into my office It was always connected to a person.”
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“Management must be focused on the control of QUALITY and the continuous upgrading of diagnostic and clinical expertise”
The Student Professionalism and Ethics Association (SPEA) is a national organization that promotes professionalism and ethics in various fields, including healthcare, law, and business. The organization is open to students enrolled in undergraduate, graduate, or professional degree programs, as well as to recent graduates.
SPEA was established in 2008 by a group of dental students who recognized the need for a professional organization dedicated to promoting ethics and professionalism in the dental field. Since then, the organization has expanded to include members from other fields, such as medicine, nursing, pharmacy, and law. The main goal of SPEA is to promote ethical decision-making and professional conduct among its members. To achieve this goal, the organization provides various resources and activities, including workshops, webinars, case studies, and networking opportunities. SPEA also sponsors an annual ethics and professionalism essay contest, which invites students to write essays on ethical issues related to their field of study. The winning essays are published in a professional journal and the authors receive a monetary award. I n addition to promoting ethics and professionalism among its members, SPEA also encourages its members to engage in community service and advocacy. The organization partners with various community organizations to provide volunteer opportunities for its members, and also advocates for ethical and professional standards in various fields. Overall, the Student Professionalism and Ethics Association is a valuable resource for students and recent graduates who are interested in promoting ethics and professionalism in their field of study. The organization provides opportunities for learning, networking, and community service, and helps its members develop the skills and knowledge necessary to make ethical and responsible decisions in their professional careers.
Currently the only SPEA organization is at UT Houston. For more info for your dental school, please reach out to any Section officer.
After 3 years of interruptions due to COVID and the ADA meeting in Houston, the Texas Meeting is BACK and roaring this May in San Antonio. Besides the usual highlights including new and regular courses and the Lone Star Party, you can also expect to see more courses with emphasis on the entire dental team. You will have the opportunity to learn something new, collaborate with your colleagues, and visit with the many sponsors at this year’s meeting; and YES you can come play with a cuddly puppy at the “San Antonio Pets Alive!” booth in the exhibit hall. If you have not yet registered, there is still time.
Your TDA team has been hard at work to make this a great meeting and they also have a few new events up their sleeves. As a continued effort to reach and better serve the members, the TDA is experimenting with the idea of some regional meetings, especially in those distant areas of our state like the panhandle, east Texas, and valley. The hope is to have 1 to 2 regional meetings a year with the first planned for Friday, July 21, in Lubbock featuring Dr. Chad Duplantis speaking on Digital Dentistry. Chad was a classmate of mine, so I can personally say he will make it worth your trip to the Red Raider country.
Another exciting event to look forward to this year will be the dentist-exclusive retreat, “TDA Dentist Symposium,” November 3-5 at the Omni Barton Creek Resort in Austin. There will be golf, there will be pickle-ball, there will be fun enjoying the Texas Hill Country with your fellow dentists and YES there will still be time for some great continuing education. Stay tuned for more details coming to you soon!
Come be a part of the Texas Meeting, be a part of the Lubbock regional meeting, be a part of the Dentist Symposium but most of all BE A PART OF YOUR TDA!
When alumna Dr. Lily T. Garcia returned to the campus of Texas A&M School of Dentistry last Oct. 3, 2022 it was not as a student, but as its newest dean. She brings with her more than 35 years of experience across many roles in academic dental institutions as well as private practice. Her first day on campus as the 17th dean coincides with the 117th anniversary of the school’s first day of classes.
“This is surreal,” Garcia said. “It is an absolute honor to come home to the dental school that so aptly prepared me for my career as a dental professional and academician. I am thankful for the opportunity to guide the School of Dentistry along its well-respected trajectory of continued preeminence.”
Dr. Alan Sams, Texas A&M University interim provost, said, “Dr. Garcia was selected from a pool of exceptionally qualified leaders from dental schools all over the country. I am excited to have someone of her caliber join the Texas A&M family and take the helm of our dental school.”
Garcia comes to Texas A&M’s dental school from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas where she served as dean and professor of the School of Dental Medicine. Prior to her position at UNLV, Garcia was the associate dean for education at the University of Iowa College of Dentistry. Before joining Iowa’s dental school, Garcia held various administrative roles at the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio School of Dentistry, including chair of the Department of Prosthodontics and director of the Division of Advanced Education and External Affairs. Additionally, Garcia has served as chair of the Department of Restorative Dentistry at the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center School of Dentistry and was a faculty member at the International Dental Academy in Tokyo.
A respected national leader in dental education, Garcia is the past chair of the board of the American Dental Education Association and has served as the vice president for the ADEA of Council Sections, chairing the national taskforce that produced the ADEA Guidelines on Academia-Industry Interactions. Garcia also has served as president of American College of Prosthodontists and chair of the board for the organization’s education foundation.
Garcia completed her undergraduate work at the University of Texas at Austin and went on to earn her dental degree from Baylor College of Dentistry, which is now Texas A&M School of Dentistry. She also has a certificate and master’s degree in prosthodontics from the UT Health San Antonio.
A national and international lecturer, Garcia has co-authored and edited several textbooks and published numerous articles and abstracts. She has served on the editorial boards for
Garcia completed her undergraduate work at the University of Texas at Austin and went on to earn her dental degree from Baylor College of Dentistry, which is now Texas A&M School of Dentistry. She also has a certificate and master’s degree in prosthodontics from the UT Health San Antonio.
A national and international lecturer, Garcia has co-authored and edited several textbooks and published numerous articles and abstracts. She has served on the editorial boards for Quintessence International Journal and International Journal of Prosthodontics and currently is a reviewer for the Journal of the American Dental Association and the Journal of Prosthetic Dentistry.
Garcia is a board-certified prosthodontist who has received many of her specialty’s highest honors including being named as diplomate of the American Board of Prosthodontics and a fellow of the American College of Prosthodontists. She is also fellow of the American College of Dentists and the International College of Dentists.
Highly lauded for her achievements in academic dental medicine, Garcia received the Educator of the Year award from the American College of Prosthodontists in 2004, an ADEA Presidential Citation in 2011 and the Hispanic Dental Association Women’s Leadership Award in 2012. She is a fellow of the Hedwig van Ameringen Executive Leadership in Academic Medicine Program as well as the Big Ten Academic Alliance Leadership Program.
— Caleb VierkantCongratulations Lily!
NOTE: Dr. Garcia previously served as a Board Member for the Texas Section of ACD
Andrew McAllister founded the Believe It Foundation in 2008 for the purpose of enriching the lives of physically challenged children through the inclusion of those children in the lives and experiences of those who do not face the same limitations.
Far too often these children are needlessly excluded from opportunities to participate with others when a little extra effort is all that is necessary. Attending a major sporting event, taking a family trip, participating in Scouting, or going to summer camp can all be life- changing experiences for any child, especially if physically challenged.
Since inception, the Foundation has supported hundreds of children with physical challenges to get off the sidelines and jump into the game through school-based programs, camps, excursions, social activities, and college scholarships. The vision from the beginning has been to create widespread belief in a world where physically challenged individuals have every right to be our colleagues at work, our friends at dinner, and join others in being powerful advocates for what a more inclusive future looks like.
Dr. Robert Lamb is currently President of the American College of Dentists. He graduated from Baylor College of Dentistry in 1976. He completed a General Practice Residency and was a general dental officer in the United States Air Force for two years, prior to completing an Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery residency at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center. He served 14 active duty years in the Air Force and six in the USAF Reserves, retiring as a Colonel. He was in private practice in OMS for 31 years. Dr. Lamb served as President of the Oklahoma and Southwest Societies of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery. He, also, serves on the Board of Health Talents International, having gone to Central America on medical evangelism trips for 30 years. He has received numerous awards from the Oklahoma Dental Association, including the Dan Brannin Professionalism and Ethics Award, the Thomas Jefferson Citizenship Award, the Richard T. Oliver Legislative Award and the Distinguished Dentist Service Award. Dr. Lamb was awarded the 2021 Humanitarian Award by the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons. He is an Assistant Clinical Professor in the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at the University of Oklahoma College of Dentistry and was recognized as the Outstanding Faculty Award in 2022 in the OMS residency program. His father, Bob Lamb, was a 1949 graduate of Baylor College of Dentistry and an ACD Regent of Regency 6 from 19851989.
Dr. Bloyce Britton
Dr. Kirk A. Coury
Dr. David R. Cox
Dr. Thomas N. Ewing
Dr. Tonya K. Fuqua
Dr. Lynne Gerlach
Dr. Jennifer A. Hathaway
Dr. Robbie W. Henwood
Dr. Kelly W. Keith
Dr. John K. Kelp
Dr. Ronald Lee
Dr. Gregory K. Oelfke
Dr. Jacqueline M. Plemons
Dr. William F. Rose
Dr. Gregory K. Spackman
Dr. Kurt W. Myers
Dr. Matthew Roberts
Dr. Madeline Anderson
Dr. Chet B. Hawkins
Dr. William K. Thompson
Dr. Bill D. Estes
Dr. James L. Peck
Dr. V. Kayron Dube
Dr. James A. Person
Dr. James W. Chancellor
Dr. James F. Helms
Dr. Justin E. Aurbach
Dr. Gustav E. Gates
Dr. Frank L. Higginbottom
Dr. James Deboer
Report by Dr. Kristi Soileau Texas ACD RegentDr. Roger E. Alexander
Dr. Jeffrey Alan Sherman
Dr. H. Philip Pierpont
Dr. Elgene G. Mainous
Dr. Dan C. Peavy
It is a good idea to revisit what we as the American College of Dentists stand for. The following is just a part of the overall aspect of what we as fellows of the ACD promote.
The vision of the American College of Dentists is to be the leader in the advancement of excellence, ethics, professionalism, and leadership in dentistry.
To promote the highest ethical standards, stimulate interprofessional relationships, and urge upon the professional person recognition of their responsibility to participate in the affairs of society as a citizen of the community.
To encourage qualified persons to enter the profession of dentistry.
To encourage graduate education and improve continuing education efforts by dentists and auxiliaries.
To encourage free exchange of ideas and experiences in the interest of the patient.
To confer Fellowship in the College on individuals in recognition of meritorious achievement and their potential for contributions in dental science, art, education, literature, human relations, and other areas that contribute to human welfare and to give encouragement to them to further the objectives of the College.
Most notably, the American College of Dentists has come to epitomize ethics and professionalism in dentistry.
The ACD has long been regarded as the “conscience of dentistry.” Fellowship symbolizes leadership and meritorious achievement, but also defines a standard for future endeavors.
Continue to seek and nominate other Dentists who deserve fellowship in our beloved ACD!
2022-2023 Texas Section Officers
Chair
Barbara MacNeill DMD 8210 Floyd Curl Dr. San Antonio, Texas 78229
O 210.450.3245 Macneill@uthscsa.edu
Chair-Elect
Dr. Jaime Bone 710Hill Country Drive, Suite 1 Kerrville, Texas 78028 830.257.3000 Jamie@hcfdental.com
Vice-Chair
Dr. Scott Makins UT Health Houston 713-486-4225 Scott.R.Makins@uth.tmc.edu
Secretary-Treasurer Hanna Lindskog DDS 902 Short Reach Dr. Tiki Island, Texas 77554
C 210.394.1291 hannalindskog@gmail.com
Past- Chair
Chris Miller DDS 4975 Preston Park Blvd Ste. 190 Plano, Texas 75093 chris@millerandmillerdds.com
O 972.985.3300
Editor
Roger Macias DDS 21 Spurs Lane Ste. 130 San Antonio, Texas 78240 rogerm@maciasdds.com
O 210.614.2020
Texas ACD Regent Dr. Kristi Soileau kmsperio@gmail.com
O 504.899.2255
C. Roger Macias Jr.,
