The Explorer Winter 2018 Explorer Winter 2018 | Seite 3

PRESIDENT’S Unity In Diversity I am absolutely humbled and honored to be serving as your President. I will do my best to meet the challenge. Let me take this opportunity to congratulate Dr. Michele Frawley for a very successful year and also thank all the Past Presidents and leaders of our dental society for their vision. I am not a native Angeleno, but I have been privileged to live and work in so many different communities, and the common denominator is that regardless of where we live or work, it is our responsibility to take care of our community. These are no ordinary times. The world is much more intertwined today than it was when I was graduating from high school. We need to have a deep understanding of cultures around the world. It’s time to appreciate and celebrate not only our similarities, but our differences. The options for continuing education are innumerous. There are so many topics and formats from which to choose from that offering more of the same didn’t seem to add value to what LADS was currently providing to you already. While LADS will still continue to offer convenient, local CE for our regularly attending members, the Program Committee wanted to address a more pressing issue – the lack of clinical experience among new dentists. Dental schools do a fine job of introducing students to direct patient care. While the curriculums vary across schools, the general outline is a rotation through various clinics and hospital settings. This exposure to all kinds of Los Angeles Dental Society Explorer MESSAGE By Fariba Kalantari, DDS It is through this unique demonstration of unity in diversity that we can stand as an organization. While we have made a lot of progress, we’re going to push hard this year to build on the success of 2017. LADS will continue to be a channel for connecting members with resources– a catalyst for our members growth which will benefit our organizational growth well into the future. In addition to LADS’ usual menu of services, we are offering a couple of new programs to meet new dentists’ needs. Our continuing education will include, small-sized group study for dentists seeking tips and tricks on common and not-so-common clinical techniques. We’re proud to say that our own experienced LADS’ dentists will be leading these group studies so you’ll be learning from some of the best in town! We also found out last year that you enjoy short-form lectures. So we’re By Teresa Chien, Executive Director patients is a wonderful foundation for building experience, but it is simply that – exposure, not experience. The years students spend in clinical study do not compare to the years of experience of the steadily practicing doctor. It is, therefore, LADS objective to assist both associates and practice owners in training new dentists to excel in their patient care. This year, LADS is adding to its CE curriculum a new format in the form of small group, hands-on study, targeted toward young dentists but open to anyone wanting to hone their clinical going to include some of these kinds of lectures again, one of which will be focused on the business side of dentistry. In one evening, you’ll learn about updates in labor law, things you should be aware of as a tenant, payments management and more. Finally, I’m very excited to be including milestone recognition into our membership appreciation services! As those who attended my installation will know by now, I celebrated a milestone myself that evening with my 50th birthday. These marks of achievement are signs of our progress and I look forward to acknowledging and thanking you for your years of service in organized dentistry. Keep an eye out in your mail for a little surprise this year! Once again, it's a true privilege to be leading our Society through the strength of unity in our diversity. I look forw ard to meeting you at our upcoming events. 䡲 techniques. Taught by our own experienced LADS members, each group study will cover tips and tricks on how to complete common procedures more effectively, quickly and safely. Depending on the procedure, models may be available for practice as well. In its initial year, LADS plans to host four group studies. However, if demand calls for more, we will certainly attempt to add more topics and groups. So don’t be shy! If there is something you want to learn, let us know. We all know the adage “practice makes perfect.” LADS wants to give its member every opportunity to be the best dentist they want to be. If you think your fillings, bridges, extractions, etc. could be better or faster, check out a couple of our group studies this year. One slight change in your wrist positioning could wholly change your patient care! 䡲