A Publication of the American Association of Women Dentists - Enriching and nurturing the diverse lives of women dentists
A.A.W.D. President’s Letter
You know the old saying: April showers bring May flowers. This is a wonderful time of the year when everything feels fresh, re-energized, and exciting. I always look forward to this time of the year. Maybe it’s left over from being a kid in school and knowing that summer vacation was just around the corner. But May is a great month for barbecues, family get-togethers, graduation celebrations, and, of course, Mother’s Day.
This Mother’s Day was especially meaningful for AAWD. Brand new corporate sponsor Hu-Friedy and AAWD teamed up for the Y-ME 2007 Chicago Race to Empower. The race, which was held in 12 U.S. cities on Mother’s Day, supports Y-ME National Breast Cancer Organization’s mission: to ensure through information, empowerment, and peer support that no one faces breast cancer alone.Y-ME does this by providing free programs and services to anyone who needs them.
AAWD members in the Chicago area created an AAWD team and solicited contributions from members and friends. Hu-Friedy matched all contributions.
I can’t think of a better tribute to women everywhere than supporting this event and being part of a community that believes in women helping women. Thank you to Dr. Sheri Doniger, WDJ editor, for acting as AAWD team captain in Chicago.
During the Star of the South meeting in Houston, AAWD threw a reception for women dentists. Thanks to the Greater Houston Dental Society for inviting AAWD and to event sponsors Sullivan-Schein Dental, National Dentex Corporation, and Stern Empire Dental Laboratory.
And even though spring has just arrived, summer is around the corner - and so is our annual meeting. Have you signed up yet? The room block expires June 18, so don’t hesitate. Register today. This year you don’t have to feel torn; you can bring your staff and family. Your staff will benefit from the special staff track presented by Dental Boot Kamp, and your family will love all the fun, interesting things to do in Colorado Springs. The Cheyenne Mountain Resort features championship golf, children’s programs, four swimming pools, indoor and outdoor tennis, a complete fitness center, and a 35-acre lake for sailing and fishing. And we haven’t even talked about the impressive seminars and programs we are offering, including Drs. Kathleen Roth and Cherilyn Sheets, exhibitors, a wine-and-cheese reception, and much more. To see the full schedule of activities, log on to www.aawd.org or call the headquarters at (800) 920-2293.
Drop us a line at [email protected] to let us know how we’re doing - compliments or complaints. We want to hear from you so we can continue our work toward fulfilling our mission to be the recognized resource for connecting and enriching the lives of women dentists.
Lanette Sikes, DDS
Smiles for Success at UNLV
The UNLV School of Dental Medicine and its local chapter of AAWD launched the second annual Smiles for Success program Saturday, Feb. 24 at the dental school. The one-day event provided up to $1,500 of free, full-dental treatment for each of six women chosen from a pool of candidates at the Shade Tree Shelter in Las Vegas.
The program was established in 1995 by AAWD members to assist women who cannot afford dental care and transition them from welfare to work. Smiles for Success helps women who are helping themselves.
In cooperation with dental faculty and staff and donations from dental supply companies, UNLV dental students provided treatment ranging from general cleanings and restorative work to more complex procedures such as extractions.
As the day progressed, changes emerged in the women. They spoke of triumph despite failures and tragedies.
Next year’s plans are already in progress, and organizers hope to increase the number of women they can serve and may extend the opportunity to women from Safe Nest Shelter as well.
Thank you to everyone involved, especially the faculty and staff at UNLV School of Dental Medicine: Corinne Devin, AAWD (UNLV Local Chapter former president); Catie Miller, AAWD (UNLV Local Chapter former vice president); Ashley Hoban, AAWD (UNLV Local Chapter president); Julie Tran, AAWD (UNLV Local Chapter secretary/treasurer); Antonina Lara, AAWD (UNLV Local Chapter program director); Mahya Farnia, AAWD (UNLV Local Chapter program director); Casey Nelson; Emily Holland; Sarika Patel; Susan Hayes; Amy Tongsiri; Maggie Heinen; Tommy Atkin; Shokofeah Motlagh; Callisto Rojas; Paul Leatham; Todd Kelly; Michael Cottam; Nicole Reddout; Jacob Dunn; Drs. Tanya Al-Talib and Bernard Hurlbut; Jen Sparks; Pam Queen; Regina Cardona; Lupita Avila; and Cecil Cordova.
Dental products were provided by Henry Schein, Burkedental, and UNLV School of Dental Medicine.
Congratulations, Dr. Furusho
Congratulations to Dr. Cissy Furusho, AAWD past president, who became president of the Chicago Dental Society’s North Side Branch. Dr. Furusho was installed May 20 in Schaumburg, Ill.
Annual Meeting Registration
It’s not too late to register. Bring your family and staff to the 86th Annual Meeting & Conference July 19-21 at Cheyenne Mountain Resort in Colorado Springs. Your family will love all that Colorado has to offer, and you and your staff will love the seminars and networking. To see the full meeting schedule, logon to www.aawd.org.
Volunteers Needed
There are lots of volunteer opportunities available within AAWD. Whatever your interests - planning conferences, staffing the AAWD booth at a trade show, writing/communications, joining a standing committee, or stepping into a leadership position - we can match you with the volunteer role that best suits you. To find out more, e-mail [email protected] or call AAWD headquarters at (800) 920-2293.
Special Thanks
AAWD thanks Sullivan-Schein Dental, National Dentex Corporation, and Stern Empire Dental Laboratory for hosting an April 13 networking reception for women dentists in the Houston area during the Star of the South Meeting.
Sullivan-Schein Dental also hosted a May 10 dinner meeting, “Women in Dentistry,” presented by Dr. Stephanie Houseman in Birmingham, Ala., to introduce women dentists in the area to AAWD.
And A-dec, Inc., hosted a May 18 networking reception for women dentists of Portland, Ore.
Thanks to all of our corporate sponsors for your support as we continue in our mission to be the recognized resource for connecting and enriching the lives of women dentists.
