A note from our editor

When the idea for a conference just for dental assistants was first discussed in our corporate offices a year ago, we knew it would be a success. When more than 300 dental assistants from 28 different states showed up in Indianapolis to attend the first-ever Professional Dental Assisting conference in May, we were thrilled with the turnout. So far, 2006 has been the year of the dental assistant here at PennWell, and it looks like there will be an even bigger focus on the dental assistant in 2007.

What will happen, you ask? Well, let’s just say that this magazine is going to change quite a bit. I can’t tell you more than that right now, but you’ll definitely notice a difference in our January/February issue.

Want a hint? OK, OK, but only because you’re actually reading this column. Cooperative efforts with the American Dental Assistants Association (ADAA) and the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB) will change this magazine quite a bit. There’s a cliffhanger, huh?

Of course, some of the ideas for our 2007 issues will come from ADAA and DANB and some will come from Mary Govoni and other regular DE&M contributors. However, we’d like to know some of the topics you would be interested in seeing in future issues. It’s always a pleasure to hear from DE&M readers, so please drop me an e-mail at [email protected] with any ideas or comments about the magazine.

In May, the second PDA conference will take place, once again in Indianapolis. From May 11-13, the Marriott Hotel in downtown Indianapolis will be the center of the dental assisting profession universe. Speakers including Dr. Joe Blaes, Mary Govoni, Victoria Wallace, and the incredible team of Ellen Gambardella and Rita Johnson will inspire dental assistants, both personally and professionally. For more information on PDA 2007, please visit www.professionaldentalassisting.com. Last year’s conference was great, and this year’s meeting will be even better.

I hope you’ll take some time to read the cover story of not only DE&M this month, but also our sister publication, Dental Economics. With the ADA Annual Session taking place in Las Vegas in mid-October, we wanted to find some local dentists and staff to feature on the cover. I was fortunate enough to meet Drs. Joe and John Willardsen when I went to Las Vegas in March, and knew we had found our cover stories shortly after shaking their hands. Dr. Joe is featured on the cover of Dental Economics and his marketing strategies have resulted in a booming cosmetic business. Dr. John has focused on whole-body health at his general practice, and he and his staff (including his dental assistant, Caren) have created a great environment. You can read more about Dr. Joe on page 22 of Dental Economics and Dr. John on 45 of this magazine.

Read on, this is your magazine....