Cathy’s Corner

Reflections and Gratitude

– Something for Everyone

By Cathy B. Levering

SDDS Executive Director

As this year comes to a close, I can’t help but think back on where we were at the end of 2020 and even 2021. Were we to move forward, come back to ‘normal’ (or next to normal!), pivot to a new normal, change everything back or go to the new blended normal? Fast forward to today… As I write this Corner, we’re pretty much back to the NEW NORMAL for sure. We still Zoom some of our meetings and events, but we are hearing that people have Zoom fatigue and want to meet in person. Looking back at 2022, we have blended indeed. Looking forward to 2023, we will continue to find the right combination of webinars, in-person, workshops and events. It is our sincere hope that we continue to be “something for everyone.” The upcoming General Meetings on Tuesday evenings are scheduled with some awesome programs and speakers – including the Dinner with the Deans in April. Save the date and plan to attend to hear about what’s new in the dental schools, dental students, curriculum and much more (April 11th). And, of course, our MidWinter Convention in February is one of the highlights of the year and a wonderful opportunity to bring dentists and their teams together for lots of CE, exhibitors and camaraderie all in Sacramento! As we bring this year to a close, November and December still have some notable (and fun) activities and events coming up: the November GM, a practice management in-person Business Forum, HR webinars and culminating with our December 2nd Holiday Party and Auction. The Holiday Party, held at Del Paso Country Club, is a fun night – bring your friends! George Hullin and the Jay Rolerz Band again will be our band – so put on your dancin’ shoes; the food is amazing, the program is short, the food and drinks are included. Ask your friends and put a table together. (It’s the week after Thanksgiving so it is coming up fast – space is limited.) In closing, I reflect on what a great “coming out of the dark” year we have had. Our hope was to do something for everyone and to be the “go to” resource and support system for all our SDDS members. We tried new things – some worked, some didn’t. We’ll keep trying. Next year we plan to bring back some old things – with a new twist. Thank you for sticking with us and continuing to support SDDS and organized dentistry. We’re here for you!

LEADERSHIP

President: Wesley Yee, DDS Immediate Past President: Volki Felahy, DDS President Elect/Treasurer: Lisa Dobak, DDS Secretary: Ash Vasanthan, DDS, MS Editor-in-Chief: Nima Aflatooni, DDS Executive Director: Cathy Levering

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

Craig Alpha, DDS Brock Hinton, DDS Kevin Keating, DDS, MS Lisa Laptalo, DMD Viren Patel, DDS Kart Raghuraman, DDS Jeff Sue, DDS Guest of the Board: Chirag Vaid, DDS

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

CPR: Margaret Delmore, MD, DDS Nominating/Leadership Development: Volki Felahy, DDS

COMMITTEES

STANDING

Fun & Games: Andrea Cervantes, DDS GMC Elimination: Kevin Keating, DDS, MS New Member/New Dentist: Sarah Mathai, DDS Nonmember: Hana Rashid, DDS Practice Transitions: Hung Le, DDS Social Media: Ashleigh Areias, DDS Budget & Finance Advisory: Lisa Dobak, DDS Bylaws Advisory: Volki Felahy, DDS CE Advisory: Eric Wong, DDS Forensics Advisory: Mark Porco, DDS Oral Health: Kim E. Wallace, DDS Strategic Planning Advisory: Ash Vasanthan, DDS, MS/Lisa Dobak, DDS TASK FORCES ADVISORY COMMITTEES

Foundation: Viren Patel, DDS SacPAC: Gary Ackerman, DDS SPECIAL EVENTS OTHER

Cathy Levering | Executive Director Sofia Gutierrez | Foundation Projects / CPR Anne Rogerson | Office Manager Jessica Luther | Graphic Designer Katie Marshall | Adminstrative Assistant

SDDS STAFF

The Nugget is an opinion and discussion magazine for SDDS membership. Opinions expressed by authors are their own, and not necessarily those of SDDS or The Nugget Editorial Board. SDDS reserves the right to edit all contributions for clarity and length, as well as reject any material submitted. The Nugget is published monthly (except bimonthly in June/July and Aug/Sept) by the SDDS, 2035 Hurley Way, Ste 200, Sacramento, CA 95825 (916) 446-1211. Acceptance of advertising in The Nugget in no way constitutes approval or endorsement by Sacramento District Dental Society of products or services advertised. SDDS reserves the right to reject any advertisement. Postmaster: Send address changes to SDDS, 2035 Hurley Way, Ste 200, Sacramento, CA 95825.