Page 6 - Bulletin Vol 29 No 1 - Jan. - Apr. 2024 IN PROGRESS2

Message from the President

Dr Doug wants you! The Nassau County Dental Society wants you!
Do you have what it takes to be a leader in the Nassau County Dental Society? In
every organization, community, or team, there’s a need for effective leadership.
While some individuals seem to be born leaders, the truth is that leadership is a
skill that can be developed and honed over time. The Nassau County Dental Society
is no exception.
When I reflect back on my journey to become Nassau County Dental Society
President, it may sound cliche, but according to my mom, it all started for me in
kindergarten. We all know that the fundamental lessons we learn in kindergarten,

like sharing, listening, and treating others with kindness, definitely translate into leadership skills. Building
relationships, communication, and empathy are absolutely necessary for successful leadership at any level.
Before I continued my recruiting speech, let’s discuss more about leadership. Before embarking on the
journey to become a leader, it’s essential to understand what leadership truly entails. Leadership is not
about titles or authority but about influence, vision, and the ability to inspire others to achieve common
goals. In addition, you need to take the time to assess your strengths, weaknesses, values, and goals.
Understand what drives you and what kind of leader you aspire to be. Do have decision making skills? Are
you a good communicator? Are you willing to be a mentor? Effective leaders understand the importance of
building strong relationships with their team members and colleagues. Is this you?
All that being said, leadership is not without its challenges. Embrace adversity as an opportunity for growth
and learning. Develop resilience and adaptability to navigate obstacles and setbacks effectively. As a leader,
your actions speak louder than words. Lead by example by demonstrating integrity, accountability, and a
commitment to excellence in everything you do. Inspire others through your actions and behaviors. Look,
we are all motivated and driven, or we would have never graduated from Dental School. However, are you
ready to take the next step?

True leadership is about empowering others to reach their full potential. Delegate responsibilities, provide
support and guidance, and create opportunities for growth and development within your team. As a leader
in the Nassau County Dental Society, you will be asked to mentor not only your young colleagues, but those
students who aspire to be where you are today? Is that you?

Leadership is a journey of continual learning and growth. Stay curious, seek feedback, and remain open to
new ideas and perspectives. Invest in your ongoing development as a leader through reading, networking,
and learning from others. I am personally continuing to learn every day.
I am hoping some of my words inspire you to take a more active role in your Dental Society. There is a rich
and proud history, and in order for the legacy to continue, I need your help. Would I love some of you to
reach out and ask me how to get more involved… absolutely I would! We can discuss board of director op-
portunities, councils and committees, volunteer efforts, mentorship, travel opportunities, and much more.
I have made some lifelong friendships through my work with NCDS, as well as through my expanded duties
with NYSDA and the ADA. I travel, I teach, I learn, I listen, I advocate, and most importantly, I now have a
deeper appreciation for what I do, and yes, how important I am personally to the future of Dentistry.

Continued on Page 8

6 | Nassau County Dental Society ⬧ www.nassaudental.org