A PLACE TO BELONG
In my private office (that’s the room within my dental office building containing my desk, a couch, and multiple photos of my wife and granddaughters) there is a closet. It’s actually a rather large, walk-in type of space with shelves for books, keepsakes and “whatnot.” So recently, I happened to stumble upon some “whatnot” – several name badges from previous ODA Annual Sessions (no, I am NOT a hoarder but I do tend to hold on to some meaningful things). Like many of you who attend Annual Session and the House of Delegates each year there are various “additions” to my badges such as ribbons, buttons, lanyards, etc. I bring this up, not to draw any attention to myself but to emphasize that there are so many ways to BELONG within the context of organized dentistry. Let me explain and help walk us through what appears in the photo.
First, the name badge itself. BELONGING to organized dentistry does not imply that we coalesce into a faceless mass but that we, as individuals, bring our unique strengths to the table making our association stronger than the sum of its parts. Relationships are born and flourish and we quickly learn that one of the greatest benefits of BELONGING is always having someone (or several someones) that we can turn to for advice, commiseration and celebration … someone who knows our name.
Secondly, the ribbons. Again, it’s not about me but it’s all about what is incumbent upon all of us as professionals – supporting, governing and perpetuating our profession through involvement in our professional organization. It has been a privilege to help represent the dentists of southern Ohio in the ODA House of Delegates. We may differ in our backgrounds and our opinions but in the end we form one voice for the good of dentistry in this state. That voice gains volume through involvement in ODPAC (the Ohio Dental Political Action Committee), allowing our lobbying team to interact effectively and compellingly with our state legislators, in essence shouting, “We, the Ohio Dental Association, represent the majority of dentists in Ohio and these are the issues that are important to us!” With a strong PAC – and a well-attended Day at the Statehouse – we are heard!
I like what the ODA Foundation ribbon stands for. As members of this association we have the privilege of BELONGING to an entity that shares its resources, through the Foundation, to recognize academic potential by awarding multiple student scholarships and grants. The ODAF also strives to assist low-income and underserved populations in accessing dental care through community program grants and financial assistance. Contributing to the Foundation brings a blessing and gratification that goes far beyond receiving a ribbon to display on one’s badge.
Dental OPTIONS (Ohio Partnership To Improve Oral health through access to Needed Services) – at one time a thriving and effective joint effort of the ODA and the Ohio Department of Health. In 2014 alone OPTIONS was able to provide nearly $1.5 million in reduced fee and donated dental care for a total of nearly $2.2 million since its inception in 1997. At its peak the program boasted some 971 active providers. Speaking personally at this point, I truly considered it an honor to be counted as an OPTIONS dentist.
Next, the scarlet and gray letter “O” I was given one year when I attended the OSU College of Dentistry alumni reception. I will never take for granted the institution and those within it who poured into me as a dental student. There is a funny saying that goes, “I always wanted to be a dentist but I NEVER wanted to be a dental student.” Yes, dental school has its challenges (especially when married, with kids, and 112 miles separating us … for four years). However, I truly enjoyed experiences such as pedo rotation and driving the van (I was one of the oldest in my class – I got to drive) to the Coshocton County Health Department and having great insightful conversation with Dr. Don Bowers along the way. We didn’t discuss pediatric dentistry then. We discussed life, as peers. There were so many others. I am indebted to and sincerely feel that I learned from the best of the best.
It is both gratifying and humbling to be given the opportunity to learn and develop the capability and skills to be a dentist. One is indeed fortunate to be in a position to address needs integral to the health and wellbeing of those in our communities.
The lanyard is courtesy of the International College of Dentists, one of the three dental honoraries (International and American Colleges of Dentists and the Pierre Fauchard Academy). Each of these entities emphasizes a particular set of superlatives in leadership that we all should possess and grow in as dentists. As a fellow in one or all of these prestigious groups we should be constantly seeking out, amongst our colleagues, the attributes of excellence, ethics, professionalism, service and research which may be recognized through nomination and induction into fellowship.
Finally, the middle badge displays the logo of that year’s Annual Session – “The Source.” Now, let me say here that I belong to multiple dental organizations (Academy of General Dentistry, American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, Special Care Dentistry Association, American Academy of Implant Dentistry). Our profession is effective because of the interdependence of both generalists and specialists. Focusing on dentistry’s nuances creates excellence in addressing the minutia of the orofacial apparatus and its integral relationship to overall health. The various organizations that encompass the multiple areas of dentistry are important and serve to foster the constant centrifugal growth of medical discipline. That being said, we are fundamentally DENTISTS. No matter how far we radiate toward our areas of focus and specialty, the hub of our profession IS and must ALWAYS BE the tripartite. ADA, ODA and our local component societies are The Source of who we are and where we should always give our first allegiance as a member of this great profession.
I am anxiously looking forward to the upcoming Annual Session and the next name badge, not just to hang more ribbons but to celebrate BELONGING to everything that is good about our profession; to celebrate our members, who make the whole of the Ohio Dental Association so much greater than the sum of its parts.
