Message from the President
I hope everyone has had a chance to thaw out after the frosty blast of air from the north. Recently, I was at my daughter's school to gather her up, and heard a gentleman, bundled in his heaviest winter gear, huddled against the wall, to avoid the chilling wind, say; " They keep talking about all this global warming going on around us; but frankly, I just don't see it". Well, that broke the ice, and we all chimed in with our comments on global warming. When the opportunity to speak, presents itself, we all seem to have something to say. However, when it comes to politics, I see complacency around me, of people not wanting to execute their right to speak. There is no better time to speak out than now, for if we wait, it will be too late. Our profession is threatened in a way it has never been threatened before. The Health Care Bill that is being pushed through the House and Senate will significantly change not just the way you practice dentistry, but will also affect the lively hood we are all used to. This is a time, we all need to chime in together and support the AGD and ADA in protecting our rights. Dentistry is one of the greatest professions there is today. I challenge you to take the time from your busy schedules, to stand up for the rights of our profession. When the ADA or AGD ask you to write your congressman or senator, please take the time to do so. Thank you Dr. Karl Koerner, and thank you to all those that attended; “Atraumatic Oral Surgery for the General Dentist: Faster, Easier, and More Predictable” for an astounding success.Not only was the room filled to capacity, but the feedback was overwhelmingly positive. I still hear back from fellow attendees, how much easier this course has made their oral surgery experiences.
On January 22, 2010, we are honored to have Dr. Nasser Barghi present “Direct Composites and Bonded Porcelain: Achieving Better Longevity and Esthetics”. This course will simplify your life with sound bonding and preparation techniques for quality, long lasting, esthetic restorations. Dr. Barghi demonstrates how to produce some of the most beautiful restorations, and has the research to back up his techniques. Also, May 14, 2010 “Done in a Day” will be underway. This course is aimed at completing the annual requirements for OSHA and CPR for you and your staff. What better way to get all the yearly requirements fulfilled, than to have your staff together in one place and enjoy the company of your fellow colleagues. If attending both morning and afternoon sessions lunch will be included at no additional charge. The installation of officers will also be held during the lunch session of this meeting.
Our President Elect Dr. Michael J. Landry and I would also like to extend a warm welcome to all of our members to join us for the fall of 2010, when we present Dr. Michael B. Miller; President and Chief Editor of "Reality". Reality is one of the most widely used sources of information for dependable dental products and techniques. In the spring of 2011 our honored speaker will be Dr. Carl E. Misch; Clinical Professor and Director of the Misch International Implant Institute. Dr. Misch has been teaching implant and prosthodontic techniques to the dental community for over 30 years, and is one of the most sought after clinicians around the world.
All of our meetings this year and next, are held at one convenient location, the Westchase Hilton in Houston, at 9999 Westheimer. If you have not been to this facility, it has easy access, and it is located right inside beltway 8 at the corner of Westheimer and Briarpark. The travel time from the Woodlands and Clear Lake City is usually under 40 minutes at peak traffic.
Let us know what you think about our updated website. It was started last year under the direction of immediate past president; Dr. Edward Estrada, and has since become fully operational due to the extraordinary efforts of our current secretary; Dr. Jennine Huet. Due to their efforts, we now have the convenience of registering online, and the ability to check the calendar for upcoming courses. Please let us know how you feel about the new website, we welcome comments and suggestions for improvement.
I want to thank all those that make The Academy of General Dentistry a success. It is the continued support of members like you that help to bring forth the quality programs that we all seek. I also want to thank our board members for their hard work to make this organization what it is. We as a board, value your opinions and welcome any general comments or recommendations for presenters that you would like to see present in the future. Please stop one of us and let us know how you feel about the organization. We are here for you!
Our organization grows as your practice grows “by word of mouth”. Please invite others to come join us and learn what we are about. Quality care is achieved by quality education. You can’t offer one without the other. Come join us and invite your fellow colleagues. You will be glad you did.
Michael H. Hodapp, DDS, MAGD
President: Houston Academy of General Dentistry
Dates to Remember
May 14, 2010
Done in a Day: OSHA and CPR for the Entire OfficeWestchase Hilton, 9999 Westheimer Rd, Houston, Texas
October 1, 2010
REALITY Best Dental Products 2010Westchase Hilton, 9999 Westheimer Rd., Houston, Texas
February 18, 2011
ImplantsWestchase Hilton, 9999 Westheimer Rd., Houston, Texas