President's Message
Dear
MoAGD Members,
Greetings from Cape Girardeau! I’m sure you like me are enjoying the warmer weather after another cold winter. It’s time to touch base with you before we start our busy summer activities. As mentioned in the last newsletter, the MoAGD will no longer be producing a written newsletter. Most of our communication with membership will be through our website. Although we’ve had a website for some years, it has been supplemental as a source for information as we utilized the newsletter as our primary communication means. We on the board are in the learning stages on the proper way to build and manage a more complete and informative website. I ask your patience as we climb the learning curve.
I’m
preparing these remarks on the heels of the MoAGD annual meeting held this year in Kansas
City. Dr. Connie White did the yeoman’s work of planning the meeting and seeing it through.
All membership owes her a big thank you. Those in attendance saw an excellent presentation
by Brian Hufford and Associates on practice management matters. We were honored to have
Dr. Vinny Mayher, National President of the AGD, in attendance. His presence presented
a unique opportunity to hear him first-hand and question him about issues facing the general
dentist. During the weekend, a reception was held to honor Dr. David Dear as the MoAGD
‘ Dentist of the Year’. Also in attendance was a large number of 4th year dental students
from UMKC. I find it refreshing to visit with the students and hear their goals and concerns
as they start their careers. These students are the source for future AGD members. It
is important for veteran AGD dentists to relate to these future dentists the ways the AGD
has aided them in their careers. Overall, the weekend was great but I was disappointed
in the attendance from our active members. If you have suggestions on how to improve the
annual meeting we on the board would love to hear them. Next year, our annual meeting
will be on an April weekend in St. Louis. I encourage members to try the meeting. The
CE will be top rate and the friendships developed can last a lifetime.
On a state level we continue to have a strong membership base. From that base, we are in need of volunteers to serve in leadership roles. Opportunities include serving on a committee, helping to plan a meeting or hosting a CE course. Currently, we need a Chairperson for the Membership and Legislative committees. If you are interested in serving in some capacity but have questions, contact myself or any board member and we would be happy to address any questions you may have. Dr. Jack Griffin, our CE chair is planning the courses to be offered next year. Courses are planned for next fall and early next winter. If you have speakers or subject matter that you would like, contact Dr. Griffin and give him your suggestions. Input is always welcome.
Finally, our national meeting is approaching. This year the meeting is in Disneyland in Orlando on July 16 through July 20. The meeting always offers many top-notch speakers, fun activities, and a chance to meet colleagues from across the country. I’ve attended many AGD national meetings and I cannot encourage you enough to attend. I know you will not be disappointed. I hope to see you in Orlando.
Yours truly,
James H Bollinger DDS MAGD
President, MissouriAGD