Summer 2011 Issue

by Regent Linda Himmelberger, D.M.D.

The nose of the plane angled downward. From my window seat, I could see the fluffy cumulus clouds dotting the azure blue skies. Leaning a little closer to the window, I saw below me the magnificent and austere, snowcapped Mt Hood stretching up to meet the sky. Such was my introduction to the Pacific Northwest and Portland, Oregon. I had travelled there to participate in the Spring Board of Regents meeting and attend the twenty-seventh annual Continuing Education Conference (C.E.C.) held at the beautiful Allison Inn and Spa (which emphasized in equal measure, comfort and ecological sustainability.) ... and did I mention a chance to sample the local wines! This is the first time that I have attended the C.E.C. and it is clear that I have been remiss in not making an effort to attend these meetings in the past. The presentations during the two day conference were each superb and addressed very different topics.

Dr. Steve Beadnell, a Fellow of the College and an oral maxillofacial surgeon, presented an exceedingly informative course entitled Home and Office Medical Emergencies. Dr. Fritz Fraunfelder, a worldrenowned ophthalmologist and retirement book author, challenged us to develop those successful emotional strategies which are presented in his evidenced-based book Retirement Rx. His presentation was not about wealth accumulation, but rather, what do you need to do before you retire so that you can live a meaningful life and look forward to getting up in the morning once you have hung up your handpiece. The next C.E.C. is scheduled for March 30-31, 2012 in historic Savannah, Georgia. This event should be especially memorable because it will be held in conjunction with the American College of Dentists. Both organizations are working hard to put on a stellar event. Please mark your calendars now and plan to attend.

Many topics were discussed during our Board of Regents meeting. The organization continues to seek ways to live out our mission to “recognize [our] responsibility to participate in the affairs of society as citizens in [the] community and throughout the world.” To this end, the Board proposed a USA-based outreach project that would create a network of ICD Fellows to provide emergency dental care to families staying in one of 54 "Fisher Houses" during the time “Wounded Warriors" are hospitalized to receive rehabilitative care. This new project will continue the ICDUSA tradition of developing and/or funding projects both here and abroad that provide compassionate care for those who are least able to receive care. Please visit the ICD-USA website and the ICD-USA Foundation website for information on other humanitarian outreach programs which we fund.

Leadership has also been a hallmark of our organization. Several years ago, the College instituted a Dental Student Leadership Award which recognizes the senior dental student who has shown outstanding leadership and academic and professional improvement during their academic career and who has the greatest potential for continuing to be a leader in the future. Chosen by their faculty, this award is given at each U.S. dental school. This year the recipients at each one of our Pennsylvania dental schools were given a plaque by the ICD-USA and a monetary award by our District. This year’s recipients were:

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