Page 8 - Bulletin Vol 29 No 2 - May. - Aug. 2024 FINAL

Message from the Executive Director (cont.)

to me.

In closing, I just want to impress upon you the importance of organized dentistry. We are here to improve
the profession and to protect dentistry from the many outside forces; insurance companies, politicians,
corporations, lawyers, and others who want a piece of YOUR pie. We can only be successful if we speak as
one voice. That’s the only way to have the necessary clout to make positive change. How can you help? Pro-
mote membership to your peers who are not members, and don’t refer to specialists if they are not ADA

members. Consider donating to our Political Action Committees, EDPAC for New York State and ADPAC na-
tionally. Or just volunteer for a committee or event right here in Nassau.

As Hellen Keller said: “Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.”

Stay well,
Gene Porcelli

Message from the President (Continued)

modern dental practices to enhance their visibility, patient engagement, patient education, professional
networking and professional growth. As an established practice owner, you now have an added responsibil-
ity to maintain a professional online presence, while being mindful of all social media activity. This becomes
of the utmost importance when hiring all staff, including a young associate, and is thus now a major
component of professionalism. In addition, comes the added stress of managing digital footprints and
ensuring personal brand alignment with professional values.

So, is professionalism in Dentistry a lost art? We now communicate differently, our patient’s demands have
changed, and in order to continue to succeed, we too need to change, evolve and adapt. Based on all the
evidence, there is no correct answer, and your personal answer is basically based on how you view change.
Change is never easy, and the shifting landscape of professionalism isn’t either.

I guess my final thought is in the form of a simple question, “is professionalism in Dentistry a lost art?” … you
tell me.
Doug

Douglas Schildhaus, D.M.D.
2024 President, Nassau County Dental Society
Board of Advisors, Flying Doctors of America
Medical Mission Team Leader
Co-Chair, Give Kids a Smile
Delegate, American Dental Association
Delegate, New York State Dental Association
8 | Nassau County Dental Society ⬧ www.nassaudental.org