The Culmination

KAREN FOSTER, DDS

While this might sound odd to say, I cannot believe we are at the beginning of the end. In July 2024, I will have served all the potential leadership roles within MDDS and the CDA, I am honored by this opportunity and vow to do my best for you as President of MDDS. As President, I hope to expand on leadership development opportunities for the Board of Directors and any interested members. In addition, I am looking forward to the 2024 Rocky Mountain Dental Convention (RMDC) January 18-20. Even over the summer, the planning process is well underway. We have incredible education planned, new features in the Expo Hall as well as fun new social events—including the Mile High Party to kick things off. I cannot wait for you to get your registration materials and see all the amazing education and fun to be had. Let’s make this the highest-attended convention in recent history.

What else is ahead for the remainder of 2023 and into 2024? The MDDS calendar is full of great continuing education programs and social events. Including socket grafting and laser courses and fun social events.

All of our education events are held at the Mountain West Dental Institute (MWDI). Did you realize as a member, you are eligible for a discounted rental rate at MWDI? If you have an event or study club you need space for, reach out to Jill Kingen on the MDDS Professional Team at events@mddsdentist.com. The influence of MDDS is also being felt nationwide. We’re so proud of MDDS member Dr. Brett Kessler who is running for President-Elect of the American Dental Association (ADA). We hope to host a victory party at MWDI for him after the election in October. He is very appreciative of the campaign donation and support received from MDDS thus far. He has always been a proud member and volunteer. If you are friends with Delegates from other states, feel free to reach out to them, tell them about Dr. Kessler and ask for their vote. To learn more about Brett, check out his website at bikodds.com.

As faculty at the Denver Health Pediatric Dentistry Residency and Internship, I find myself joking often about dinosaurs roamed the Earth when I was in residency. Since that time I have served in 25 different volunteer roles at

MDDS, CDA and ADA and have seen many ebbs and flows in member involvement along the way. I want to encourage your participation and involvement in any and all levels of the tripartite. I can assure you that you will be welcomed by a group of volunteers and team members who are working their hardest to make the dental profession and our organization the best it can be.

Let us make our collective voice heard to spread the word about organized dentistry. I would love to hear from you and what MDDS means to you. For me, MDDS has been a place to grow my leadership abilities, expand my public speaking skills (I used to have out-of-body experiences when speaking in front of large groups and could not remember what I had said), and a place to make lasting friendships. Most importantly, MDDS was a caring resource when I lost my associate to suicide. One of my mentors through the Society could relate as he had experienced the same early in his career. That connection was so meaningful, and I would not have had that without MDDS. I encourage you to reach out to me directly if you have a story to share or any suggestions. My cell is (303) 883-3464 and email is kdfdoc@gmail.com. I also ask you to contact me if you are interested in volunteering with organized dentistry. I would be delighted to answer any questions you may have about a particular role or make any professional connections.

I look forward to seeing you at our upcoming social events or even in the board room soon. Cheers!