Page 3 - GP FALL 2009

The Award-Winning Editorial
Journal of the New
York State Academy of
General Dentistry Counting My Blessings by Seung-Hee Rhee, DDS, FAGD
222 Mamaroneck Avenue, Suite PH
White Plains, NY 10605 imes are tough. breaking work, and people always tell
914-683-1139 Fax: 914-683-1345 This year, as you they “don’t like the dentist –
www.agd.org www.nysagd.org Tthe nation nothing personal, doc.” But it is a
Seung-Hee Rhee, DDS, FAGD – Editor faced its second year good profession, I am happy with my
Michael Steinberg, DDS - Associate Editor in recession, I had work, I get to help people, and I am
Steven Eichberg – Executive Director many worried able to put a roof over my head and
Paula Jones – Education Manager
patients coming into put food on my table. Although not
my office. They were entirely recession proof, I am grateful
2009-2010 Executive Council
troubled either because they lost their that I have my work.
jobs or because they had to let someone While I am thankful for my great
President – Janice Pliszczak, DDS, MS, MBA, MAGD
4525 W. Seneca Turnpike, Syracuse, NY 13215 go. Those who were lucky enough to staff and colleagues who make my
President-Elect – Ira Levine, DDS, FAGD keep their jobs often didn’t get raises, work so much easier, I would be
111 North Central Park Avenue, Suite 280, some had to take pay cuts, or lose their remiss if I do not mention AGD and
Hartsdale, NY 10538
benefits. Many, it seemed, had to work all it has done for me. Just this year,
Vice President – Muhammed Kasem, DDS, MAGD harder than before just to keep their after many months of hard work,
479 Bay Ridge Parkway, Brooklyn, NY 11209
jobs or because they still had to get the especially by our Immediate Past
Treasurer – Louis Bartimmo, DMD same amount of work done despite the President, Dr. Nathan Hershkowitz
535 Plandome Rd., Manhasset, NY 11030-1961
cutbacks in staff. Some of my patients and Mr. Daniel Buksa, the AGD tran-
Secretary – Sheri Glazer, DDS
260 Middle Country Road, Suite 202, were given notice ahead of time. They script is now recognized by NYS
Smithtown, NY 11787 were the patients who came to me and Board of Dentistry as proof of contin-
said, “Doc, I have dental insurance uing education requirements for re-
Editor – Seung-Hee Rhee, DDS, FAGD
286 Madison Avenue, Suite 500, New York, NY 10017 until the end of this month. Can you licensure. Now my transcript not only
National Trustee – John C. Comisi, DDS, FACD, FAGD check everything and do whatever keeps track of my award credits
2333 N. Triphammer Rd., Suite 304, Ithaca, NY 14850 work that needs to be done?” Others, toward MAGD but also will come in
Regional Director – Abe Dyzenhaus, DDS, FAGD unfortunately, had to pay out-of-pocket handy if I am ever audited by the
84-09 35 Avenue, Jackson Heights, NY 11372 because they no longer had insurance. state. Also thanks to AGD, I am able
Immediate Past President – Nathan Hershkowitz, Like many of my colleagues, I sympa- to do Invisalign or treat deep peri-
DDS, MPH, MAGD thized and tried to ease their burden a odontal pockets if I wanted to. I know
1061 East 10 Street, Brooklyn, NY 11230
little by lending a supportive ear, a AGD will continue to look out for my
Area Vice Presidents shoulder to cry on, and a discount on interests and make sure my freedom
their dental procedures. to practice dentistry is not limited
Region I – Manhattan
Seung-Hee Rhee,DDS, FAGD – (212)683-8288 When something bad happens in unfairly by various organizations.
Tony D. Wu, DDS, FAGD – (212)682-0888 life, you can’t help but be introspec- Furthermore, there are many prac-
tive. But like my dad told me, once tice management sites designed to
Region II – Brooklyn/ Staten Island
Henry Amen, DDS - (718)836-7612 you start listing all the things that help my every day practice by the
Michael Steinberg, DDS – (718)743-6680 are wrong with the world or your life, AGD – like KnowYourTeeth.com,
Region III – Albany/Monticello/Kingston the list seems endless – plus you end SmileSavers, CE Database, and the
Edmise Forestal, DDS – (347)563-0146
up making yourself depressed. He language database. Last but not
Region IV – Schenectady/Northern Tier said it is best to count your blessings least, I am grateful for the wonderful
Marshall Price, DDS – (518)356-0077
and pray for those less fortunate. So people I serve with on the Board of
Region V – Syracuse/Utica that’s what I did. Here is a very short Trustee at the NYSAGD.
Janice Pliszczak, DDS, MS, MBA, MAGD – (315)469-3229
list of some of the things that I am Life is not easy but when you
Region VI – Binghamton/Elmira most grateful for. share it with the ones you love, it is
Joseph Jaen, DDS, FAGD – (607)723-9391
First, I have my health. Like my all worthwhile. There are also many
Region VII – Rochester
Teresa Skalyo, DDS, FAGD – (585) 797-4579 mother said, as long as you have your who are out there to help make it a
health, you can do anything. Second, little easier. AGD is one. Just
Region VIII – Buffalo/Niagara/Jamestown
Nicholas Rodo, DDS, MAGD – (716)675-2900 I am very thankful for my family and remember, AGD will help you be A
friends. They love me and support Great Dentist. You are AGD.
Region IX –
Westchester/Rockland/Orange/Putnam/Dutchess me in spite of all the silly things I do.
Ira Levine, DDS, FAGD – (914)997-2775 Third, I am grateful for my profes-
Region X – Nassau sion. I know I will never be
Louis Bartimmo, DMD – (516)627-5442 Bloomberg rich and yes, it is back-
B.K. Verma, DDS, FICOI, FAGD – (718)699-8268
Region XI – Queens GP – The Journal of the New York State Academy of General Dentistry is published twice a year by
Muhammed Kasem, DDS, MAGD – (718)238-0592 the New York State Academy of General Dentistry. The issues are mailed out in March and September to
all the members of the New York State Academy of General Dentistry. All correspondence should be
Region XII – Suffolk
addressed to the Editor at 286 Madison Avenue, Suite 500, New York, NY 10017 or e-mailed to
Sheri Glazer, DDS – (631)361-3666
dr.rhee@yahoo.com.
Region XIII - Bronx
Stephen Lowy, DDS – (845)354-5699 The views, opinions and recommendations expressed in this publication are those of the respec-
Berry Stahl, DDS – (718)960-6628 tive authors and are not necessarily endorsed by the Academy of General Dentistry. The publi-
cation of an advertisement in GP – The Journal of the New York State Academy of General
Dentistry does not indicate an endorsement of products or services.
www.nysagd.org | Fall 2009 | GP 3