A Publication of the American Association of Women Dentists - Enriching and nurturing the diverse lives of women dentists
President’s Letter
It seems like yesterday we were celebrating the new year, and now, here we are in March. I have been busy traveling around the country representing the AAWD. My favorite part has been meeting with the student and local AAWD chapters. We love meeting all of you and hearing what you are doing for dentistry and women.
Our board of directors met in February for a strategic planning session. Thanks, everyone who was there, for your ideas and planning on behalf of our membership. We had two days packed full of discussion, work, and some fun, too. I would like to especially thank Dr. Sigmond Abelson for facilitating our meeting. It was wonderful to get fresh insight to help us guide AAWD’s future.
One of the key focuses is our student chapters. Do you know that we have 19 student chapters and last year we added two more? AAWD welcomed our newest chapter in December 2006, the University of Mississippi. Students are a vital part of our organization. During our meeting, we discussed ways of better serving our current student members and reaching those schools who do not have student chapters. We want to hear how we can help you. When I was in dental school from 1995 to ’99, AAWD was a big part of my education. I cannot imagine not having that group of women with me throughout the four years. If you are interested in starting a student chapter, Dr. Jennifer Biter, director of student chapters, can help. For more information, call AAWD headquarters.
Our other major focus is local chapters. In 2006, AAWD, with the help of dentists who saw a need in their areas and our sponsors, National Dentex and Sullivan-Schein Dental, was able to introduce AAWD in cities and towns throughout the country. My goal is that you will tire of my talking about it and will contact us about starting a local chapter in your area. You need it! Once you get started, you will say, “Why didn’t I do this sooner?” It is a way to stay connected to women dentists and mentor each other. We need this as women and as dentists. We have everything you will need and we have worked countless hours to make your part easy.
I attended a local chapter start-up meeting in September in Sugarland, Texas. It started in July when one of our local members, Dr. Hiru Mathur, wanted to reach out to her community of women dentists. She called AAWD headquarters and we put her in touch with dentists in her area. National Dentex and Sullivan-Schein Dental sponsored the event. I attended to give an overview of AAWD for the women dentists who want to learn more about AAWD. Now the women dentists in Sugarland have the tools and resources they need to create their own AAWD network within their community and the nation.
In November, Dr. Chithra Durgam started a chapter for New Jersey. Dr. Durgam is already planning her second membership meeting (as well as becoming a mother for the first time earlier this year).
It’s easier than you think. Call AAWD headquarters to find out how.
The third area we would like to focus on is our annual meeting. We want to see it grow bigger and reach more women dentists. It is not too late to make plans to attend our annual meeting July 19-21 in Colorado Springs at the beautiful Cheyenne Mountain Resort. Full conference details can be found on our Web site, www.aawd.org.
Let me say a special thanks to all those who represent AAWD on the board. They are:
President-Elect Lilia Larin, DDS
Immediate Past President Sandra Harris, DDS
Vice President Stephanie Houseman, DMD
Secretary Laura Justine Murcko, DMD
Treasurer Judith A. Belitz, DDS
Editor Sheri B. Doniger, DDS
Director of Academic Affairs Mary Beth Aichelmann-Reidy, DDS
Director of Archives Mary E. Martin, DDS
Director of Chapter Development Tawana K. Lee, DDS
Director of Community Service Tamara S. Berg, DDS
Director of Corporate Sponsorship Jean Furuyama, DDS
Director of External Relations Trucia A. Drummond, DDS
Director of Federal Services Mary Jo Corbett, DDS
Director of Member Benefits & Values Mary J. Hayes, DDS, MS
Director of Public Health Margo Adesanya, DDS
Director of Student Chapters Jennifer J. Biter, DDS
Director of Volunteers Natasha Cusack, DDS
Smiles for Success Foundation President Risé Lyman, DDS
Thanks for all your hard work!
Lanette Sikes, DDS
Annual Meeting Registration
Registration is open for AAWD’s 86th Annual Meeting and Conference, “Reaching Your Peak Potential.” This year’s meeting will be held at the beautiful Cheyenne Mountain Resort in Colorado Springs. This is the perfect setting for your whole family. Speakers include ADA President Dr. Kathy Roth and Drs. Cherilyn Sheets and Stephanie Houseman. In addition, the meeting will feature exhibitors, our Friday night Wine & Cheese Reception, a silent auction, and much more. To see the agenda, logon to www.aawd.org.
Award Nominations
AAWD is accepting applications for the following: 2007 Colgate Student Research Awards - The $500 awards are presented to junior and senior dental students who have shown academic distinction and demonstration of excellence in research; 2007 Procter & Gamble Post-Doctoral Student Research Award - This award is presented to a post-doctoral dental resident who has shown academic distinction and demonstration of excellence in research related to women’s health or oral health. One recipient will be awarded a cash prize of $4,000 on Saturday, July 21 in Colorado Springs; 2007 Lucy Hobbs Taylor Award - This award is presented annually to a woman dentist who has made achievements in civic, cultural, academic, or professional areas.
To apply or nominate someone, logon to www.aawd.org and download the forms. Applicants must be AAWD members in good standing and application forms must be returned no later than April 2.
Special Thanks
We thank Drs. Terri Winn of Crawfordsville, Ind., and Chithra Durgam of Cliffside, N.J., for their efforts in getting local chapters started. Thanks also to Ken Hallett of National Dentex and Jim Philhower of Sullivan-Schein Dental for sponsoring the meetings. To learn more about these chapters or to start one of your own, call AAWD at (800) 920-2293.
Crosstex Introduces Patient Mask
Patented Disposable Patient Safety Mask with Shield is the first mask made specifically to protect your patients’ eyes and noses from airborne dental spray, spatter, dust, and particles. Mask material covers their noses and clear-vision plastic shields protect their eyes. Patients can see clearly and you can see their eyes, but they are protected. The flexible, comfortable masks and shields conform to patients’ faces and allow easy access to their mouths from all directions. Show your patients you care with nonlatex, nonallergenic disposable Patient Safety Masks with Shield from Crosstex. To learn more, logon to www.aawd.org.
