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President's Message 2008
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Dear Fellows of the USA Section,
I am honored to serve as 2008 President of the USA Section of the International College of Dentists (ICD).
Let me share some information about the ICD. It is an organization which is recognized as the pre-eminent international dental association of the world’s outstanding dentists.
History
In the early 1920’s Drs. Ottofy of the USA and Okumura of Japan recognized the need to promote cordial relationships within the profession and to disseminate scientific information. They incorporated in 1928; their purpose was to advance the art and science of dentistry for the health and well being of the public, to bring together the outstanding members of the dental profession, to exchange dental knowledge and, to encourage growth of the profession world wide
Growth
From this beginning we have grown in membership into a world wide organization: the College at Large which has thirteen Sections worldwide; and, the USA Section of seventeen districts. The USA Section represents 60% of the total College membership. The total membership of the College world-wide is 10,360 and the USA Section 6,233. To account for this growth, we have had outstanding and devoted leaders.
Success
In addition to growing in membership the USA Section of ICD has also grown in our service to both the profession and humanitarian efforts. Some recent examples of our efforts include:
Service
- The Humanitarian Outreach Programs in Viet Nam, Cambodia and Laos have been very successful. Over the past seven years, by training local dentists in public health education measures, we have established a program that will continue to benefit those populations for many years.
- In support of the Kikuyu Dental Clinic in Kenya, Africa we recently purchased and installed sterilization equipment for their clinic
- We successfully implemented a Fluoridation program of the Hope Haven Orphanage water supply in Haiti
- We were strong supporters of the ADA Disaster Response Fund assisting dental communities after Hurricanes Katrina and Rita.
- Many ICD Members have volunteered to provide free dental exams to Peace Corp applicants.
- Tanzania: Let me share with you an example of one of our most successful ongoing projects that was started this past year. In Tanzania 150,000 people are trapped in two refugee camps. The Red Cross renders some medical services but no dental care. Emergency dental care is provided by local individuals with no dental training. It is either this low level of dental care or people will die from infection – so the locals provide the dental care. These refugees have had no professional care for 10 – 15 years. To support this effort, The USA Section ICD joined with ADA, Health Volunteers Overseas (HVO), and Colgate Palmolive in establishing two dental operatories to be followed by field training of local dentists. Our Fellows have generously contributed to the success of this project.
Professionalism
- International Student Exchange: this program is designed to facilitate the sharing of knowledge to improve the quality of dental care around the globe.
- In an effort to build and strengthen the dental profession, we sponsor White Coat Ceremonies through which dental students are introduced to the ethics and professionalism of the dental profession.
- Along these same lines we are building a leadership training program to be made available to all members at local, state and national levels.
USA Foundation
- Every Fellow, active or retired, is automatically a member of the USA Section Foundation. Foundation Grants help to make additional humanitarian efforts possible. With these generous voluntary donations we have been able to participate in additional projects nationally and internationally:
- Contributed funds toward the rebuilding of the Louisiana School of Dentistry
- Assisted four Fellows in their financial recovery from the Katrina and Rita natural disaster.
- For the past twenty-five years, the Foundation has sponsored an annual Continuing Education Conference. Presentations and lectures are by distinguished faculty and practitioners and participation by Fellows is free.
Fellowship: Key to Our Future Success
I am fortunate to have a highly experienced and enthusiastic Executive Committee and Board of Regents. The Regents are empowered to represent the President and the policies of the Board of Regents. They are a direct conduit of current information. They relate directly to the Deputy Regents in all activities of the Component/District. We welcome feedback from you, our fellows. Your ideas and concerns are welcome. Communication is a two way street.
Next Opportunity to Grow, Serve and Enjoy Fellowship
Are you tired of the cold weather and snow? Come follow the sun to Phoenix, AZ on March 30 – 31 for our Spring Continuing Education Meeting. Plan to participate in the post trip April 1 - 4 to beautiful Sedona, early American Indian Ruins, and the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. A brochure concerning the Post Trip can now be downloaded from www.usa-icd.org/home.htm. For more information contact the Central Office at reg-sg@icd.org , or by telephone at 301-251-8861. The Continuing Education Meetings are free to all Members. All dentists are welcome to the meetings and the post trip. They should contact the USA Section ICD office for applicable fees. Space is limited.
Thank you for visiting our website.
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