Page 7 - Bulletin Vol 26 No 1 - Jan-April 2021 - FINAL

Message from the President

Last Spring there was an almost total disconnect from our practices, patients and team
members. For a period of time continuing education came to a halt. Isolation, quarantine,
social distancing, and hand washing to happy birthday became a way of life.
During that time, internet chat rooms were filled with dentists complaining about a
perceived lack of direction from organized dentistry. They asked, "What is the ADA doing
for me and why should I be a member?" ADA and NYSDA responded to the crisis in many
ways. Every morning the ADA sent out a morning huddle email keeping members abreast
of developments and providing guidelines for reopening. What many did not see was the
behind the scenes work that was and continues to be done at both the national and local
level.
Dentists became eligible for PPP loans. The McCarran-Furgeson act was repealed by
Congress. A dental tele health bill was passed by the NYS legislature mandating on-line
and DIY services adhere to the same standards as in person care. NYSDA was
continuously in the governor's ear until he agreed dentistry is an essential service and he
let us reopen. These are just a few of the highlights from the past year. AND, they did not just happen by themselves. It
took major efforts by both our Washington and Albany lobbyists to get these things done. That is why ADA membership
is so important and contributing to ADPAC and EDPAC is critical to our continued success.
A few other advantages to membership include low-cost credit card and payroll processing, a great cost-saving
Medigap insurance plan and free continuing education. All of these savings more than offset the dues members
pay. Forty percent of dentists are not ADA members; if you are reading this, then I am preaching to the choir as you
are already an ADA member. I hope you see the value and urgency associated with your membership.
I am setting forth a twofold action plan to increase membership. First, talk to your colleagues and ask if they are
members. If they do not belong, discuss the benefits of belonging or refer them to NCDS for additional information.
Second, become an ACTIVE member in our society. If everyone waits for someone else to carry the load, NOTHING
gets done.
The dentists in leadership positions at Nassau County Dental Society are a dedicated group of individuals who sacrifice
their time to benefit us all. There are over 1,000 members in the NCDS. The Board of Directors, the governing body of
the Society, has 24 Directors and 24 spots available as Alternate Directors. Presently, all Director spots are filled, yet,
we have NO Alternate Directors. The Board is our breeding ground for future leaders.
Including committee members, there are approximately fifty people who carry the load for everyone. Our current
secretary, Dr. Robert Peskin, an NCDS Past President, was gracious enough to volunteer, as no one else was willing to
step forward to fill this ladder position. What direction will the Society take without a supply of capable new talent to fill
leadership positions?
Please consider getting involved in our society. Please help guide our ship, help us navigate these dangerous times. If
you have issues with the direction the Society is going, or have complaints or questions, I encourage you to make your
voice heard and come to a meeting (virtually or in person) and get involved.
The call for nominations for 2022 Board of Directors has already gone out and will be emailed several more times
between now and June. It is also posted on our website and in this Bulletin. Answer that call, make a difference and
get to spend time with some of the most talented, dedicated individuals our profession has to offer.
Please stay safe and healthy and let us move forward together. Looking forward to seeing everyone in person in the
not-too-distant future.

Howard Baylarian

2021 Nassau County Dental Society President

Nassau County Dental Society ⬧ (516) 227-1112 | 7