COMMENCEMENT ADDRESS Colleagues, Calling, and Care

very importantly in front of your family and friends,... that you will continue to do the work you did that allowed you to develop into a skilled practitioner and leader, who every day demonstrates your calling to care for fellow human beings in need.

I believe it is an awesome responsibility to hold the profession to these ideals...to hold our young colleagues to these ideals...and I challenge each and every one of you to view this recognition you have received today as emblematic of an obligation to hold each other to that promise. They are you, as they go, so go you. You are not just individuals, but a community of practitioners...you are colleagues whose integrity and reputation are integrally bound to each other. What you permit, you promote.

The greatness of a profession, does not consist of having great wealth, or in the high intelligence of its members…or in power over other people, or in high status or fame. Its greatness consists of the spirit of service and servant-leadership seeking always the well-being of those people for whom you care.

You have achieved an honor today, but you are honored every day when you care well for another

References

human being. Let’s keep things in perspective and remember, that is greatest of your honors.

It has been my honor to be with you today to celebrate this wonderful occasion and once again, I congratulate you.

Thank you.

1. Institute of Medicine and National Research Council. Improving access to oral health care for vulnerable and underserved populations. The National Academies Press, Washington, D.C., 2011. Available at: “https://www.nap.edu/catalog/13116/improving-access-to-oral-health-carefor-vulnerable-and-underserved-populations”. Accessed September 7, 2020.

2. Vanderbilt AA, Isringhausen KT, VanderWielen LM, Wright MS, Slashcheva LD, Madden MA. Health disparities among highly vulnerable populations in the United States: A call to action for medical and oral healthcare. Med Educ Online 2013;18:1-3. Available at: “https://doi.org/10.3402/meo.v18i0.20644”.

3. Bersell, C. Access to oral health care: A national crisis and call for reform. J Dent Hyg 2017;91(1):6-14.

4. https://www.ada.org/resources/research/health-policy-institute/impact-of-covid-19

5. American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. Policy on social determinants of children’s oral health and health disparities. The Reference Manual of Pediatric Dentistry. Chicago, Ill.: American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry; 2020:28-31.

6. https://www.floridadental.org/foundation/programs/mission-of-mercy