Category: Opinion & Editorial

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]

As we start the New Year, it is a good time to look back on the great events the Ohio Dental Association held in 2012 and take a peek at what is on the horizon for 2013.  So, get your calendars out, save the dates and plan to attend!   2012 ODA Events On Feb. 3, 2012, we held our Give Kids a Smile kick-off event at the Case Western ... [continue reading]

As the New Year begins, hope springs eternal for a new day.  Like opening day in baseball, everyone begins with a fresh start and being in first place.  This year I hear nothing but uncertainty and anxiety.   As we have discussed, the imminent implementation of the Affordable Care Act is a cause for uncertainty, given the fact ... [continue reading]

“Please give me some good advice in your next letter. I promise not to follow it.” Edna St. Vincent Millay (1892 - 1950), Letters It’s early December as I write this and I’m tired – don’t have a clue what to fill your minds with as we start a brand new year. Therefore, I think I’ll just let you folks do ... [continue reading]