I m p ressio n s
Just say YES!
by Dr. Stephen T. Radack III, Editor
It has been a little over a month since I
completed my four years as a member of
the ADA’s Committee on Annual Meetings
(formerly the Council on ADA Sessions).
It started me thinking about what a
wonderful opportunity it was to be a part
of that group and serve ADA and all of organized dentistry to
create the best possible version of America’s Dental Meeting, and
how honored I am to have been asked to serve.
Many of us first get asked to serve our local dental societies at
home. Whether it is for planning the meetings or Continuing
Education, or organizing special events, it is always important for
volunteers to step up. The need always seems to be there.
As part of many nominating committees over the years, it
sometimes seems like pulling teeth to get a volunteer to step
into an officer chair or be a part of a committee. I have found
that after a little educating and a little convincing, members will
eventually say YES, but they have to know there will always be
someone there to help and have their backs. I still remember like
it was yesterday (even though it was 1989), the day the president
of the Erie County Dental Association, Dr. Paul King, put his
arm around my shoulder and told me he wanted ME to be the
next rung in the officer ladder. Would I have the time? I was early
in my career and seemed to be working all the time in addition
to being a newlywed and just starting a family. Would I be able
to do as good a job as my predecessors? I think these are the
same questions most of us ask when we are asked to volunteer
for anything.
What would saying YES lead to? For many of us, the next level of
the tripartite leadership came calling and asked us to be an
officer or be part of our district meeting planning committee or
membership committee, or maybe run a golf outing. Maybe we
were asked to serve as a delegate or alternate delegate to the
former PDA House of Delegates. Maybe it was to serve as a
representative on a PDA council or committee. Saying YES to one
of these created a whole new dynamic. These opportunities
almost always meant taking time away from home and the office
and traveling somewhere either in the district, or Harrisburg or
Hershey, or wherever PDA’s meeting would be held. Traveling in
our state can sometimes be a long drive, especially if you are
from northwest PA, but most of the time volunteers don’t have
to jump on an airplane to serve.
What would you say if you were asked to volunteer your time
and talents to now serve ADA? Would you say YES and take a
week to travel to Philadelphia, Washington DC, Atlanta, Orlando,
New Orleans, Kansas City, San Antonio, Las Vegas, San Francisco
or Honolulu to be a delegate or alternate in the ADA House of
Delegates? You can ask colleagues who have been there and
get an idea of what to expect. But, until you have actually been
there, you don’t realize the location is somewhat insignificant.
The city might be vacation worthy, but because of the reason
you are there and the time commitment your duties require, it
doesn’t matter what city you are in. I would recommend
everyone say YES and run for this volunteer job at some time.
Despite the hectic pace it really is something to be a part of.
If you are fortunate enough in your career, the ADA trustee may
ask you to volunteer for an ADA council, committee or
commission. Yes, it is usually a four-year commitment, and yes
most of the time you will need to go to Chicago for your
meetings, but saying YES to this really is a once in a career
opportunity. Talk to anyone who has had the chance to serve
and you will hear the same thing. Meeting colleagues from all
around the country and doing the work together to benefit
our association and our members is an awesome experience.
Most would tell you they have met lifelong friends that they
would not have had the opportunity to meet otherwise. Saying
YES to this opportunity is a big commitment of time and travel,
but I can assure you it is well worth it.
The traditional practice of dentistry has been the solo private
practice. We think about taking time away from that practice,
and when we do we want to spend that precious time with
family and friends, probably away from dentistry. I encourage
each and every one of you to consider the opportunity to give
back to your profession and meet colleagues from your local,
district, state and across the entire country. You will not only
find this rewarding, but may make lifetime friends you may not
have met otherwise. So the next time you are asked to
volunteer to serve, even if it may not seem like just the “right
time,” (but I will bet it is) – just say YES!
As another year comes to a close, it is our sincere wish to you
and your family for a happy holiday season and a healthy and
prosperous new year!
— STR3
N OVEM BER/DECEM BER 2019 | P EN N SYLVAN IA DEN TAL JOURNAL
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