Message From The 2012 President

W. Michael Kenney, D.D. S.
Fellow, International College of Dentists
President, U.S.A. Section, 2012

It is a true privilege and honor to serve as the 2012 President of the USA Section of the International College of Dentists. It is also very humbling as I view the impressive heritage of the ICD, the outstanding quality and energy of a very committed Board of Regents, and the accomplishments and contributions of our distinguished Fellows.

I am most appreciative of this opportunity and pledge my best efforts to continue to make this unique, preeminent, international honorary organization the best it can be. I believe we have all been very blessed in our families, communities, and profession and that we have a genuine responsibility to continue to give back with our own special skills and talents to make a true difference for others. It is indeed gratifying to constantly learn of the generosity and leadership of our Fellows throughout this great nation and around the world.

I would like to congratulate our 268 new Fellows who were inducted at the Convocation in Las Vegas. Your credentials and contributions were indeed most significant, and we warmly welcome you to the USA Section. We continue to remind you of the importance of your privilege to recognize and nominate outstanding candidates for Fellowship in the ICD. I would like to challenge all of our Fellows to continue this tradition, so that we can exceed our new goal to induct 300 Fellows at the October 2012 Convocation in San Francisco!

Our Board of Regents meeting in Las Vegas ended on a very enthusiastic note, as we begin to look at our goals for 2012. The Board of Regents unanimously approved a motion to formulate a five year Applied Strategic Plan for the USA Section. Bob Frazer, who is a Fellow and expert on strategic planning, has generously offered to donate his time as our facilitator. This involves a process of self-examination and the establishment of priorities for a desired future and the development of necessary procedures to achieve that future. All Fellows will have the opportunity to participate at some level and will receive additional information and updates throughout this process.

The International Collaborative Initiative was unanimously approved by the Board as a new Standing Committee with three sub-committees: International Student Exchange, Global Health Student Associations, and the Humanitarian Liaison Committee. This is an important Initiative that underscores the uniqueness of the ICD with its international charter, service, and position as a pre-eminent honorary organization. It is felt that Leadership and International Collaboration are synonymous with the ICD.

Brochures are available for establishing Student Exchange programs with US and foreign Dental Schools. A brochure will soon be available that provides detailed information on the Global Student Clubs sponsored by the USA Section. The College-at-Large is considering participation in both of these programs for the International Sections. The Humanitarian Liaison Committee is developing a web site that will serve as a central communication center to share opportunities and feedback on humanitarian volunteerism

The Fisher House Project is moving forward. The USA Section will provide a list of Fellows that are willing to provide emergency care to the families of wounded warriors, who are currently undergoing medical treatment. This is an outstanding program that will be sponsored by the Section and is in its final stages of development.

Another important area that is being reviewed involves public relations and communication efforts. The Section is considering a Public Relations Chair who would consolidate our many communications and be a member of the Executive Committee. We are reevaluating our current web site and are in the planning stages of developing a video that will highlight the rich history and significant contributions of the ICD and its Fellows.

There is a long list of positives and activities as we begin a new year including a reenergized Foundation, excellent past leadership with Leighton Wier, Ted Roberson, Jack Clinton, and strong future leadership with Paul Stubbs and Curtis Johnson. Carol Turner, our Registrar, and her staff provide outstanding support. I look forward to a very productive and energetic year and always welcome your thoughts and input.

In Fellowship,

W. Michael Kenney, D.D.S.
USA Section President

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