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2008-2009
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Dear Fellows of the USA Section,
It is truly humbling to find myself serving as the President of the USA Section of the International College of Dentists, arguably the world's most prestigious international dental organization.
How does one end up serving in a position like this? My wife would say my complete inability to say no whenever anyone asks me to do anything for dentistry. Although the older I get, the more selective I have become.
Most of us can trace our beginnings in leadership positions in dental and other groups to one simple fact: someone asked us to get involved. In my case, I can pinpoint the genesis of my involvement. I was one of 47 freshmen dental students at the University of Texas Dental Branch in Houston who pledged Xi Psi Phi Fraternity. Jerry Long, who was Vice President of the Fraternity at the time (and is now ADA Trustee from Texas) asked me to serve as Vice President of the pledge class. Up until that time, I had never held a leadership position of any kind (although I ran a close third in an election for Fire Marshall in my 4th grade home room class). Jerry evidently saw something in me that I had never seen in myself.
Just about every job I have held in dental and civic organizations has been a direct result of someone asking me to serve, including the ICD. Texas Regent Dr. Sam Rogers asked me some 15 years ago to consider serving as Deputy Regent. Sam said, "It's an easy job and shouldn't take too much of your time." Right, Sam!!
My point is this: mentor a dental student or young dentist and urge them to get involved. Identify a young dentist who is already involved and sponsor them for Fellowship in the ICD. None of us would be Fellows of this great group if someone had not taken the time to sponsor us.
2009 will be an active year for the USA Section. In addition to our many activities and projects, on January 1, 2010 two significant events will occur.
First, Dr. Robert Brady, our USA Section Registrar and Secretary General for the College at Large, will retire after serving for eleven years. We truly appreciate his years of dedicated service on our behalf. Take a minute sometime during the next year to thank Bob for the time he has spent working hard for us.
The Board of Regents has already selected Bob's replacement as Registrar. Dr. Carol Turner will start her time with us on September 1, 2009 and become our new Registrar on January 1, 2010. Dr. Turner graduated from Indiana University School of Dentistry and made a career in the Navy Dental Corps. She was Chief of the Navy Dental Corps and Commander of the Navy Medicine Support Command. We look forward to working with her and will strive to accomplish a seamless transition in the Central Office.
At the same time Dr. Turner becomes Registrar, the USA Section and the College at Large will finalize the physical separation of their administrative offices. The two groups have shared office space and staff for many years. This is a friendly separation meant to provide improved services to both groups. The College at Large will have their own staff and Secretary General. We will continue to work closely with them. As of this writing, both entities plan to office in the same building. The USA Section is committed to do all we can do to implement the new arrangement successfully. College at Large President Dr. Richard Shick and I have a close relationship and will both strive to accomplish the office separation in an orderly manner.
The USA Section has planned the 2009 Continuing Education Conference in Baltimore, Maryland on April 19 and 20. It will be at the Baltimore Marriott Waterfront Hotel. These conferences are the most enjoyable I have ever attended. A great group of dentists and an exciting social program make for a delightful time. The post trip will be run from the hotel with daily tours to Washington, D.C. and Annapolis, MD. Tuition is free for ICD members. More information is available on this website and from the Central Office.
The 2009 Convocation and Dinner Dance will be in Honolulu on Friday, October 2. Now is the time to get your Fellowship applications submitted to your Deputy Regent. The Fellowship Class in this popular destination will fill quickly, so do not procrastinate.
We are here to serve our members. If you need any assistance or information, call me, the Central Office or your Regent.
Thanks again to all who gave me the opportunity to serve this stellar organization. I'll do my best to make it more meaningful and responsive to your needs.
In Fellowship,
Leighton A. Wier, D.D.S.
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