President William Spruill ’ s Address to the House of Delegates
Before I finish with one more reflection , when you see our heritage dentist leaders ; Alex McKecknie , Bill Trice , Les Levin , Nick Saccone or Steve Kondis , make it a special point to thank them for being pioneers of the profession , for being great leadership role models and for getting us where we are today as an Association . We almost lost Ronnie Gross some years ago after his new knees were installed . Please thank him for all he has meant to us and give him a man hug .
You are a legacy
For me the clear highlights of this year were events with dental students . These young people are sharp and our future has never looked brighter . You may have heard me say , there is no shortage of qualified applicants . Let me speculate why I believe that is so . Our medical colleagues have been telling their children not to go into medicine for a generation . Not so dentistry . I believe in large part these young women and men are choosing their careers based on what they see in their families and in their communities . Like it or not , you are a legacy to them because of your lifestyle and your personal and professional standards . I believe dentistry is a calling . Every day we deal with people ’ s fears , real and imagined . We restore , rebuild and renew people ’ s oral health insuring that integral part of their overall health .
Every leader in the Pennsylvania Dental Association , in fact every member of our profession , is a legacy in our organization , among our colleagues , in our communities , and most importantly , within your own family . Through the challenges we face each day , we determine what that legacy will be .
Lillian and I , like so many of our generation of dentists , are the sons and daughters of the working class . I see some of that has changed . As I traveled over 5,000 miles on your behalf this year , the pride I see when a son or daughter joins one of our age peer colleagues in the family dental practice is always palpable . If you joined one of your parents in practice you know exactly what I mean .
Let me close with this thought . If we are “ distinctive , it is because of our heritage and our experiences .”*
From the days of Sir Walter Scott , “ the Highland clans resembled a large family ; all of whose members share the same name . The chief was not “ upper class ” rather he was the leader who traditionally made decisions and took responsibilities as Kinsman to all members of the clan ; he rarely lord it over them , but asked only for their loyalty and their service .”*
That is how I looked at my term , one of servant leadership . As I have traveled around the Commonwealth I have experienced that kinship first hand and greatly appreciate the kindness and hospitality extended to Lillian and me .
When we build each other up , the whole becomes greater than the sum of its parts ! And isn ’ t that the essence of the Pennsylvania Dental Association , our professional association ? To preserve , protect , defend , enhance , involve and uplift our profession and each other . That indeed is worthy of joyous celebration ! Please plan to join us on Saturday evening . Thank you again for your service . It has been a privilege and an honor to represent you this year . All the best .
— Bill
* Quotes are from The Scotch Irish , A Social History by James G . Leyburn
22 July / August 2011 • Pennsylvania Dental Journal