Page 4 - GP Fall Final 2017

From the President

James R. Keenan, DDS, MS, MAGD card through the card reader at their
computer stations within their opera-
Inspiration: Going Beyond Swipes tories to allow them to begin and to
receive credit for a procedure?
“The deadline to submit officer columns and
articles will be June 15th.” I have come to recognize my over-
lapping roles as a leader in the AGD
Those were the words of our editor, Dr. Janice and as a faculty member at NYU
Pliszczak. What should I write about this time? College of Dentistry to be that of a
What message do I want to send? Those were mentor who wants to influence and
the questions that I asked myself. I have been encourage promising dental students
juggling a private practice, a full-time position and young dentists to pursue life-
at NYU College of Dentistry, and my responsibilities with the long learning, to develop leadership
AGD, both the NYSAGD and the AGD Foundation, that it was skills, to advocate for our profession,
difficult to be creative. Recently, I had to prepare a presentation and to improve the quality of care for
for the Special Patient Care Society at NYU College of Dentistry. our communities. I have to accept the fact that only a small per-
I was told by a student leader of the society that the objective of the centage of dentists will pursue “the road less traveled”, but I will
presentation was to provide the attendees with an orientation to the take great satisfaction in having our young colleagues say that I
Special Patient Care program and clinic and to instill confidence had a role in directing them towards that “road.” Personally, I am
in them. very grateful for the individuals who influenced me to be where
I am now and I feel that I have an obligation to return the favor.
I turned to the photos on my cell phone for ideas. There were pho-
tos of presentations that students had given over the last two years In the last issue of the GP, I had a column entitled “Is a GPR D5?”
along with other photos that I had taken in public places that had I had advised the student who made the comment, “A GPR is D5”
relevance to the course. Many photos were taken of things I came that I had written a column based upon her remark from the dis-
across while walking from NYU to the Union Square Subway Sta- cussion we had about the benefits of a GPR. I have great news!
tion. Among my photos was one that I had taken of the bulletin That student has applied to and has been accepted to a GPR and is
nd
board outside of Gustavus Adolphus Lutheran Church on East 22 extremely excited about the opportunity. In fact, a post on Face-
rd
Street between 3 and Lexington Avenues. The message on the book reads “#imback #neversaynever #d5.” I hope that this new
bulletin board read, “ASPIRE TO INSPIRE BEFORE YOU EX- dentist will be the first of many upon whom I can have an influ-
PIRE!” That message was in sync with my mission. I used that ence on choices that impact the growth and development of their
photo for a slide at the very beginning of my presentation to allow careers. I would also hope that these individuals will subsequently
the students to understand my goals and my intentions. Unfortu- be willing to be influential for their colleagues. I am confident that
nately, the goal of dental students is to complete requirements, ob- my former student will mentor others. I respectfully call upon my
tain quality grades, pass licensing exams and ultimately “get out colleagues to aspire to inspire our promising young dentists to pur-
of dental school.” As a faculty member, what role do I play in sue the road less traveled.
their lives? Is there only value in my ability to “swipe” my ID

From the President-Elect

Brian Ciporin, DDS organization joiner, I said that I would think about it. It took two
more lectures and lunches for me to finally attend a board meeting.
HOW I GOT INTO THIS “BUSINESS”
I felt very comfortable at the meeting. I was welcomed by all of
I am pleased to be the president-elect of the the board members. I knew Nathan Hershkowitz, who was then the
New York State Academy of General Dentist- Dental Education chairman. Since we both were interested in CE,
ry. I would like to tell you that this was a care- we had become friendly.
fully crafted, long-term plan. However, being
a person of rectitude, I cannot tell you that. As fate would have it, the NYSAGD was fortuitously seeking a
new chairman for the DE committee. The board asked me to be
It all started ten years ago at the Peninsula a member of the Dental Education committee. Then they elevat-
Hospital Study Group. As the presentation ed me to chairman of the DE Committee. Wow, what a show of
broke for lunch, I went to the banquet room and searched for a faith! I took a deep breath and accepted the position. What did I get
seat. There didn’t appear to be any available. However, upon fur- myself into? People gave me all kinds of advice and suggestions.
ther search, I saw a table at the back of the room. As I approached, Many topics and presenters were flung in my direction. Previous
I saw that there was one person sitting alone at the table. I sat DE chairs, Drs. Flamer-Caldera and Hershkowitz, were very sup-
down and introduced myself. The other fellow said, “Hello, I’m portive.
Lou Bartimmo”. We spoke for a few minutes and he told me that
he was on the Board of Trustees of the NYSAGD. He then invit- I went home and sat with pen and paper in hand and fabricated a
ed me to a board meeting the following week. Not being a great spread sheet. My committee and I found outstanding speakers and

continued on page 26
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