Letter from ODA President, Dr. Robert Herman

FROM THE ODA PRESIDENT DR. ROBERT HERMAN

Wow! We have just completed our ODA Annual Meeting and what a great meeting it was. I was so proud to be part of the great success that Drs. Chris Fagan and Blair Bowers put together for our first in-person meeting in three years. It was terrific to see so many friends in-person once again. The CE lineup was spectacular, as were the social events and the superb exhibit hall. I especially appreciated so many exhibitors coming to our meeting, and it really was great to see the many young faces from the College of Dentistry in attendance. Our House of Delegates was well-attended and productive. Dr. Doug Auld was topnotch once again as our Speaker and has completed his tenure of service. I want to convey my appreciate and gratitude to Drs. Chris Fagan and Doug Auld for their service to organized dentistry in Oklahoma over this last year and throughout their careers.. I am extremely energized after our meeting! We heard an incredible report of the strategic vision for the American Dental Association, as presented by Oklahoma’s own Dr. Raymond Cohlmia. Dr. Cohlmia is no stranger to anyone reading this letter, and his passion for our profession is stronger than ever. His energy is contagious. The changes that will be proposed to the trustees of the ADA are far-reaching and will benefit our local organization in many ways. I am very eager to have the opportunity to partner with the ADA in a new chapter in our shared history. With so many exciting and new initiatives on the horizon, it is a great time to be part of organized dentistry. I believe our ODA Journal will be filled with many sensational updates over the coming months. I am also very excited to have the opportunity to work with the dedicated professionals on our executive committee. Dr. Paul Wood will do a terrific job as our President-elect, and I am also very excited to welcome Drs. Daryn Lu, Nicole Nellis, and Mitch Kramer to their respective new roles. Most importantly, I am thrilled to continue to have the expert guidance and support from our Executive Director, Mrs. Lynn Means on the executive committee.

Dentistry within Oklahoma is in an incredibly strong position. The public trusts and values our contributions to their overall health. Recently, there was contentious legislation that raised questions from some of our members about how dentists are perceived by our patient population. I wish to assure all of you that I understand our role as a dental association to ensure the continued trust and high esteem of the public towards our profession. I will strive to ensure that level of trust is not compromised by those outside of the doctor/patient relationship. Dentists have always placed the needs of patients at the forefront of our conscious. Byfar, most of us consistently demonstrate high levels of ethics and service on a daily basis. Our membership represents roughly 85% of all licensed practicing dentists in Oklahoma. I am proud to speak on behalf of our membership and continue to promote the importance of the dentist/ patient relationship in all our initiatives and communications.

We have some amazing plans for the coming year! The ODA leadership team is excited to visit Shawnee for the long awaited OkMOM in February 2023. Drs. Rich Brown and Nicole Nellis have already been hard at work in securing a terrific CE line up for the 2023 Annual Meeting in Tulsa. Furthermore, I am happy to share that Dr. Nellis has agreed to chair the Annual Meeting. She is full of new ideas and already has some great plans in store. I am also pleased to share that my lovely bride, Krista, will be hosting an event for spouses attending the meeting. Keep your eyes peeled for details about the return of the spouse event! Our many councils will continue their excellent work on behalf of our membership, and I also look forward to hosting several other events that will appeal to non-members who might be practicing in a corporate or DSO model. I wish to spread the good news about the value of organized dentistry with our peers across the state, regardless of practice model. Our tent is big enough for all dentists! In closing, I am honored to have the opportunity to continue my role within organized dentistry and look forward to hearing any suggestions or comments that you might have for the ODA leadership. I expect our year will be busy but full of fun times. Cheers!

Dr. Herman being sworn into the presidency by Dr. Terry Fiddler, American Dental Association Twelfth District Trustee. 2021-2022 ODA PRESIDENT, DR. CHRIS FAGAN, PASSING ON THE ODA PRESIDENT'S PIN TO DR. ROBIE HERMAN DURING THE ODA'S HOUSE OF DELEGATES MEETING.