AAWD in Action: Enriching and Nurturing the Diverse Lives of Women Dentists
What a year it has been! We, the American Association of Women Dentists, have a new journal called the Woman Dentist Journal, which is the official publication of the AAWD. It is the voice of women dentists in our nation and a resource of information for our members throughout these great United States. This has been a year of action and activity. We have had meetings and activities on the city, state, regional, and national levels as well as globally! In January, the first issue of WDJ hit the presses introducing to women dentists a fresh, new journal full of technical and practical articles all designed to enhance their already active, vivacious lives and practices.
This year we have an active international Web site that allows unlimited networking of women dentists around the world, which can be accessed at www.womendentists.org or www. aawd.org. AAWD takes advantage of today's technology to keep the connections accessible and instantaneous among women dentists everywhere.
We had a fabulous national meeting in Nashville in July, which occurred in conjunction with the Academy of General Dentistry's meeting. This gave our members more continuing education choices above and beyond that which AAWD already provides.
During Labor Day week, AAWD hosted a cruise to Bermuda with the Judith Briles Group. This was a fun way to meet more of our members and have a great time while learning.
The American Association of Women Dentists was present at national and international meetings. The National Dental Association was a significant part of that representation. As usual, we were welcomed with open arms as our president, Dr. Risé Lyman, brought greetings and spirit to each meeting. Globally, Dr. Margaret Scarlett, WDJ founding editor, represented the AAWD at the 2nd International Conference on Women's Leadership in Goteberg, Sweden.
In October, AAWD held its interim board and membership meeting in San Francisco at the site of the ADA meeting. It was at this meeting that the new slate of officers was installed and the new term for the officers was established. As usual, the meeting was a huge success. Women connected with one another, sharing their experiences and wisdom and laughter and friendship.
AAWD is more than just an incredibly active organization with faces that are very familiar, and some that you have yet to meet and hear from. AAWD is more than the resource for and about women dentists. AAWD is the place where all aspects of the complex facets of a woman can be celebrated. Much like a multi-faceted diamond, there are many sides to the multitasking woman dentist. Here ... in this organization ... all of these aspects are welcomed and honored. We are proud to celebrate the end of another fabulous year as the voice of women dentists. But we are only that voice to the extent that you continue your phenomenal commitment, interaction, and involvement in this organization. We are growing stronger and more connected each day.
Thanks to you, our members, this has been a fantastic year full of growth and excitement. Thank you to our president, Dr. Risé Lyman, for a strong, steadfast, and very hands-on leadership. Thanks to Dr. Jean Furuyama for planning fantastic meetings these past 18 months. We look forward to your continued dynamic leadership. Thanks to Dr. Margaret Scarlett for being the managing editor of WDJ, and helping to provide a mode by which women from Chicago connected to those in Louisiana to discuss mission dentistry; where women from Pennsylvania connected to women from California to discuss Hispanic issues in dentistry; where no one is left behind or out of the loop. Thanks to Ms. Debbie Gidley, our executive director, whose guidance led us to growth we had only dreamed about, and are now realizing. Thank you to our rich and wonderful history of past presidents and leaders of AAWD. The list is long and distinguished. Without your pioneering spirit, we would not be the strong and vibrant organization that we are now. Thank you to all those who have served and those who now serve on the Board of Directors. Your service is a testament to your passion for this organization and advancing women in dentistry. Thank you to the many other organizations who realize that synergy is best. Thanks to those who have joined forces for events or goals to make our efforts effective. Thanks to our corporate sponsors and benefactors and friends of AAWD. Happy holidays to all. Here's to a wonderful new year of continued wonders!
Among the incredible milestones for AAWD in 2003 was the inception of Woman Dentist Journal. WDJ is the mode by which women dentists in the United States and beyond are connecting to one another. In San Francisco, under the passionate direction of the managing editor, the editorial board looks toward the future with resolve and determination to continue to deliver the quality journal women dentists everywhere have come to expect. AAWD Board members and WDJ Editorial Board members present at this meeting were, standing L-R: Drs. Sandra Harris, AAWD vice president-elect; Kathryn Cripps; Hazel Harper; Jean Furuyama, AAWD president-elect; Wendy Hupp; Sharon Siegel; Martha Carr; Ms. Kendall Woolridge, DSIII; and Dr. Jaimee Morgan. Seated L-R are Dr. Lori Trost, new WDJ managing editor; Dr. Risé Lyman, 2003 president of AAWD; and Dr. Margaret Scarlett, WDJ founding editor. Not pictured: Vicki Cheeseman, WDJ associate editor; and Dr. Linda Niessen.
