Category: Opinion & Editorial

Submitted by Angela L. Frase, ODEFA President On Feb. 7, 2013, the course of the Ohio Dental Expanded Functions Association changed forever.  With the passing of Bunny Green, Ohio EFDAs lost an important “Captain” and leader. On this sad day in EFDA history, those who knew her vowed to keep her legend alive.  If ever an ... [continue reading]

Just when I think that I’m becoming more savvy and aware of the potential risks of living in the Internet age, another surprise comes along and forces me to raise my alert level again.  I’m pretty good at realizing that I haven’t won the South African Lotto and that no Nigerian Prince is emailing me wanting to send money out ... [continue reading]

“I believe in looking reality straight in the eye and denying it.” Garrison Keillor (1942 - ) It’s hard to believe it’s only been eight years since Lori died. You remember Lori, don’t you? She put her car into a light pole. She and her boyfriend, Harry, were my initiation into the world of crystal meth and other ... [continue reading]

A young man of about 5 was in the office the other day having his teeth cleaned.  He had seemed really happy when I came in, so I casually asked him how his day was. He broke into a huge smile and declared, “Super Awesome!” We all laughed and agreed that it was fantastic to have a super awesome day.  But it did get me ... [continue reading]

“To market, to market, To buy a fat pig; Home again, home again, Jiggity-jig.” – Children’s Nursery Rhyme It was early on a Friday morning when my phone rang. The first thing I heard was, “I want to make an appointment to have my teeth cleaned and whitened because I drink a lot of caffeine. I went by your office, but you’re ... [continue reading]

I hope you are enjoying our ethics issue of ODA Today as much as we enjoyed creating it.  It has been an enlightening experience to call attention to something that is so integral a part of what we do every day.  We make decisions so routinely that we often fail to recognize the ethical considerations that are involved.  I write ... [continue reading]

Ethic: A set of principles of right conduct. A theory or a system of moral values. Ethics: The rules or standards governing the conduct of a person or the members of a profession. Synonyms: morals, morality. – Webster’s Dictionary I sure am glad I’m a dentist. When I look back at the time that I made that decision, it was life ... [continue reading]

I Have a Friend in Trouble: He is an alcoholic. He’s in denial. He says he can control his drinking, and sometimes it looks like he can. He can’t. He refuses help and excuses his behavior and his DUIs. He is in danger of losing his license to practice. He is in danger of losing his credibility. He is in danger of losing everything he ... [continue reading]

“For every action there is an equal and opposite reaction” – Sir Isaac Newton’s Third Law Or there should be! I can’t begin to elaborate on all the times my wrongful actions led to needed punishments. In my formative years the rod was delivered, not spared. As I matured, or so I thought, I decided to challenge the ... [continue reading]

In Ohio, the Ohio Dental Association surveys its members about every five years. This is a comprehensive survey that asks questions and asks for opinions about all of the services that the ODA provides for its membership. One of the questions asked is:  What is the most valuable thing that organized dentistry does for you as a member? ... [continue reading]