Southeastern District

Travis A. Schmitt

Associate Editor

204 4th Street SW, Suite 144

Austin, MN 55912-4427

On Friday, March 10, the Southeastern District Dental Society and the Zumbro Valley Dental Society met to hear Dr. Anthony DiAngelis present an informative and updated program dealing with traumatic dental injuries.  SEDDS thanks Dr. Duane Price, Rochester, and his staff for again spearheading such a successful meeting (125  attendees!). For those members who have not been attending meetings, you are missing out. Your next chance is a big one: our Annual Meeting will be Friday, August 25, in Albert Lea. Sharon Ballin will be discussing state regulations, recordkeeping, and infection control. This should be a great meeting to include staff. Also,

I encourage everyone to explore the SEDDS portion of the MDA website. Until next time...

TAS

Minneapolis District

Herbert W. Schulte
Associate Editor
5524 Nicollet Avenue
Minneapolis, Minnesota 55419

Salut!

The 2006 Installation of Officers and Guest of Honor Recognition Evening will be Thursday, April 20, at the Golden Valley Golf and Country Club. The officers who will lead the society during the upcoming year are Herbert W. Schulte, president; William G. Lawton, president-elect; James D. Nickman, vice-president; and Gary A. Bolmgren, secretary/treasurer. The MDDS will also present its Guest of Honor Recognition Award during the evening’s program, this year honoring Dr. Richard C. Render.

 Please look in the next issue of Northwest Dentistry for a recap of the entire event.

And Speaking of Celebrating ...

What a difference a day makes! On Saturday, February 4, the MDDS held its sixth annual Give Kids a Smile Day at the Sharing and Caring Hands Dental Clinic in Minneapolis. Many thanks to Mary Jo Copeland for opening her heart and the doors of Sharing and Caring Hands so we could provide a full day of dental care to the children who are most in need. It was truly a celebration of service to the community and a commitment to volunteerism by members of our District. We provided approximately $49,443.00 in dental care to 150 children who might otherwise have no access to care. Our volunteers provided oral hygiene instruction, dental exams, toothbrush prophylaxis, fluoride treatments, radiographs, sealants, extractions, pulpotomies, stainless steel crowns, and composite and amalgam restorations. Special entertainment was provided by the University of Minnesota’s Goldy the Gopher and by Crest Sparkleman.

We had face painting, a coloring table, and a goody bag with toothbrush and floss for each child.

 We would like to recognize AppleTree Dental, as we were able to once again rent their mobile dental units. We also send special thanks to Dr. Thomas Beckman for helping arrange use of portable dental chairs for exams and radiographs. This equipment helped to more than double the size of Sharing and Caring Hands’ permanent dental clinic, which gave us the opportunity to see even more patients in a single day.

Many thanks also to all our donors for the event, and to Sullivan-Schein Dental for providing comprehensive/complete restorative kits for every child treated. The MDDS was chosen as one of the sites in the United States to receive this wonderful gift. Thank you, Sullivan-Schein Dental!

The Minneapiolis District Dental Society gratefully acknowledges the following companies for their support of the Sharing and Caring Hands' Give Kids a Smile Day.

AppleTree Dental
3M-ESPE Dental Products Division
Colgate Oral Pharmaceuticals
Crest Health Smiles 2010 Program
Minnesota Dental Foundation
Procter & Gamble
Sullivan-Schein Dental Company
University of Minnesota School of Dentistry

Our wholehearted thanks to our volunteers. Without you, the Minneapolis District would not be able to put together such a generous and worthy day of giving. We had 110 volunteer dentists, dental specialists, dental hygienists, dental assistants, dental students, dental auxiliaries, and other volunteers. Thank you for giving of your time and talents. MDDS member-dentists who participated this year are as follow. If your name is inadvertently missing, please accept our apology, and let us know right away!

Thomas Bruss, D.D.S.
Jayne Cernehous, D.D.S.
Catalin Constantin, D.D.S.
Tung Doan, D.D.S.
Teresa Fong, D.D.S.
Patrick Foy, D.D.S.
William Hoffmann, D.D.S.
Sandy Houck, D.D.S.
Kerry Johnson, D.D.S.
Kirby Johnson, D.D.S.
Douglas Lambert, D.D.S.
Venetia Laganis, D.D.S.
William Greg Lawton, D.D.S.
Michael Perpich, D.D.S.
Joni Richmond, D.D.S.
Daniel Sampson, D.D.S.
Cale Strait, D.D.S.
Jay Williams, D.D.S.

The Minneapolis District thanks Dr. Teresa Fong for coordinating a very successful event. If you weren’t able to participate this year, next year’s event is scheduled for Saturday, February 3. We’d love to have you.

 It is a great opportunity to serve our community, renew old friendships, make new ones, and add a few CE credits to your portfolio.

 We will have a large display at the Star of the North Meeting. Please stop by the membership area at the bottom of the escalator at RiverCentre and see for yourself — your picture will be displayed proudly!

Through one staff member, volunteer dentists, and dental auxiliary, the Sharing and Caring Hands Dental Clinic provides dental care throughout the year to those in our community without means to afford care on their own, and volunteers are welcome year ’round. Funding is greatly needed as well. Please consider a gift of your time, or send a tax deductible contribution. For more information, please contact Michelle Quade at the District Office at (651) 631-9845 or Melissa Cozart at the Sharing and Caring Hands Dental Clinic at (612) 596-3463.

Bright Skies

The annual MDDS/SPDDS Golf Event has been scheduled for Monday, August 7 at Olympic Hills Golf Club in Eden Prairie. The event will kick off with a delicious lunch before a shotgun start at 1:00 p.m. There will be prizes and special events throughout the day for all participants. Get the date on your calendar and join us for a great day!

The annual Trapshoot Tournament will be Wednesday, August 23, again at the Metro Gun Club in Blaine.

The day will culminate with our legendary gourmet wild game dinner and prizes. This is an event not to be missed, even for the novice. Everyone is welcome to come out and enjoy the wonderful wild game dinner even if you are not in the tournament.

The final summer event is the Greater Twin Cities Tennis Mixer, scheduled for Wednesday, September 6, at the Flagship Athletic Club in Eden Prairie. This event will include members from both the Minneapolis and Saint Paul District Societies.

The Tennis Committee has a fantastic day arranged on both outdoor clay and indoor hard courts. All competition will be doubles. Play begins at 1:00 p.m. until 5:00, with dinner following. Players of all skill levels are encouraged to come.

Registration forms for all summer events will be included in an upcoming issue of the Brush-Up . If you need a form, please do not hesitate to contact the District office.

Welcome, New Members

Say hey to the following new members of the MDDS; give them a call, invite them to lunch or an upcoming meeting, and make them feel welcome.

Mohammad H. Alkillesly, D.D.S.
Jacqueline A. Angell, D.D.S.
Mohammad S. Asif, D.D.S.
Rochelle R. Avent-Hassan, D.D.S.
Mark F. Bradshaw, D.D.S.
Eric T. Carlson, D.D.S.
Hong Chen, D.D.S.
Robert E. Conlin, D.D.S.
Mark E. Engelstad, D.D.S.
Kyle P. Gearhart, D.D.S.
Rajaram Gopalakrishnan, D.D.S.
Mohammed A. Hussain-Zobaer, D.D.S.
Badri Jureidini, D.D.S.
Julie A. Knopp, D.D.S.
Asha Lalla, D.D.S.
Estaban R. Lugo, D.D.S.
Rachel J. Major, D.D.S.
Kami L. Marr, D.D.S.
Scott B. McClanahan, D.D.S.
George M. Morarasu, D.D.S.
Randa R. Nasr, D.D.S.
Riley B. Nelson, D.D.S.
Donald R. Nixdorf, D.D.S.
Brent W. Olson, D.D.S.
Elizabeth L.R. Phillips, D.D.S.
Noah A. Rounds, D.D.S.
Melissa H. Sadlovsky, D.D.S.
Stephen M. Sawyer, D.D.S.
Amy L. Severson, D.D.S.
Oender Solakogly, D.D.S.
Sarah M. Solytys, D.D.S.
Ambereen F. Suhrwady, D.D.S.
Afshan Sultan, D.D.S.
Kellie E. Thun, D.D.S.
Angela J. Toy, D.D.S.
Andrew J. Wahl, D.D.S.

CE

Thursday, April 20, 2006
Annual Installation of Officers and Guest of Honor Evening
Honoring Richard C. Render
Golden Valley Country Club
Golden Valley, Minnesota

Monday, August 7, 2006
MDDS/SPDDS Annual Golf Tournament
Olympic Hills Golf Club
Eden Prairie, Minnesota

Wednesday, August 23, 2006
Annual Trapshoot Event Metro Gun Club
Blaine, Minnesota

Wednesday, September 6, 2006
Greater Twin Cities Tennis Mixer
Flagship Athletic Club
Eden Prairie, Minnesota

Tuesday, September 12, 2006
MDDS Caucus
All members welcome
Golden Valley Golf and Country Club
Golden Valley, Minnesota

Friday, September 15 and Saturday, September 16, 2006
MDA House of Delegates
Minneapolis Airport Marriott
Bloomington, Minnesota

Friday, December 1, 2006
81st Midwinter Dental Meeting
Speaker: David L. Meinz
Subject: “What Good is a Dead Patient with Perfect Teeth?”
Minneapolis Hotel Sofitel
Bloomington, Minnesota
 

HWS

Saint Paul District

Peter N. Cannon
Associate Editor
4oo North Robert Street, Suite 270
Saint Paul, MN 55101

Going that Extra [S]mile

 On Saturday, February 18, the Minnesota Children’s Museum was buzzing with activity as the Saint Paul District Dental Society arrived to “Explore Dentistry for Children” with children. Students from the Century College Assisting Program and Dakota County Technical College volunteered as costumed characters to greet and mingle with the children. Among the special guests en costume were Dudley the Dinosaur, Happy Tooth, Crest Sparkle, Count Plaqula, and, of course, the Tooth Fairy!

Activities and delightful demonstrations were the order of the day. Children dressed in smocks, masks, and gloves, took their dental health checklists, and examined the teeth of their family members as they sat in a real dental chair. Volunteer-directed creative crafts included making tooth fairy wands. The “Ask the Dentist” table was staffed by volunteer dentists answering questions and informing kids about how to keep their healthy teeth and smiles (handouts included). At the Parent Information Station parents could “talk teeth” with dental health professionals, receive tooth-whitening and orthodontic information, bottle-mouth information, view X-rays, and see a display of soda pop bottles showing the sugar content of each, and watch demonstrations on sealants and proper brushing and the intra-oral camera.

 SPDDS extends a special thank you to Patterson Dental Supply for the use of a dental chair and intraoral cameras, and to Crest Healthy Smiles for supplying free toothbrushes, toothpaste, floss, and Parent Guides for the families who attended.

 Welcome, New Members
Raza Mazhari, D.D.S.
Haydi R. Michail, D.D.S.

And I’ll See You There ...

Show your pride in our Saint Paul District Dental Society as we celebrate our 100-year anniversary! Watch for the SPDDS Centennial parade float this summer in your local community festival. Please contact Dr. Jeff Norsted for more information and to sign up. Staff and families are welcome to participate in the parade.

 Saturday, April 22, 2006
SPDDS Leadership Retreat and Long-Range Planning

Tuesday, May 2, 2006
Executive Council Meeting
University Club
Saint Paul, Minnesota

Wednesday, May 24, 2006
SPDDS Spouses Night & Installation Dinner
The Commodore Hotel
Saint Paul, Minnesota

Monday, August 2, 2006
MDDS/SPDDS Golf Event
Olympic Hills Golf Club

Wednesday, September 6
SPDDS Caucus
Minnesota Humanities Center

Friday, January 19, 2007
Midwinter Meeting
Radisson Riverfront Hotel

Is It Time for Our Associations to Come Together?

At the MDA House of Delegates this last September, a resolution was brought forward and passed that would address the possibility of aligning the Minnesota Dental Association with the auxiliary associations in the state. A task force was set up to explore the feasibility of doing this and at which level the allied hygiene and assistant organizations could be included for membership and what benefits they would receive. This task force is now functioning under the direction of MDA president James Zenk.

When this issue was brought up, it provoked some controversy, perhaps quite deservedly, for a number of reasons, primarily due to some of the political/legislative issues in the past which have focused on practice issues and responsibility.

When I first became involved in organized dentistry, I was asked by our district trustee to serve on the MDA’s Dental Education Committee, which I agreed to do. At that time, I noticed how there seemed to be a slight, although very present, undercurrent of tension between the MDA and the hygiene and assistant associations. As I said, it was slight, but the feelings were there. Even so, all the groups remained cordial during meetings and presentations. One of my past dental hygienists, who was serving as president of the hygiene association, would often ask me why there always seemed to be a certain level of conflict between the two groups.

My response was that it seemed to have to do with agendas being driven by some at the legislative level.

It always seemed to me that this was not a healthy working relationship for our associations. We as dentists work with these people day in and day out on a personal as well as a professional level, so why can’t our associations do the same? All of us like and appreciate our staffs and could not get by without them, so it would only make sense that we should all be working toward the same goal, which is treating our patients with the best skill and care possible.

 
Needless to say, when this proposition was presented, I was happy to see it finally addressed. While it may create controversy for some, I think that the time has come to support this and to bring our associations together. Remember, it is important to let your association officers know if you have strong feelings either way.

A[nother] Modest Proposal

This just in: During the Past Presidents Breakfast at the SPDDS Midwinter Meeting in January, one of the speakers presenting an update on dentistry had heard rumblings that the legislature may be looking into a regulation that all bodies, prior to cremation, have the silver fillings removed from the teeth in order to avoid mercury vapors being released into the air during the cremation process. When this bit of information was released, it was met by the rolling of the eyes and the morning of “Oh boy, here we go again, more regulations!”

When taken at face value, it would seem that the do-gooder environmentalists are lodging a new campaign to clean up Mother Earth. However, this is good news for dentistry. Think about it. Who better to remove these teeth than dentists? That way, if things are running a little slow and we are having a hard time making ends meet, we can just head over to the local crematorium and put in a few hours. Other upsides are that you would not have to worry about chairside manner or whether or not your anesthetic works. You wouldn’t have to tell the patient to “open wide” or worry about saliva and blood impairing your visual field. Another plus is for dentists like me with limited oral surgery skills — “crown extractors”, as we are sometimes known — we would be able to gain experience without worrying about fractured roots.

The downside, however, is the usual costs associated with government regulations. Of course there would have be another division of the Board of Dentistry: Post-Mortem Division. This would all have to be monitored and regulated to make sure that all steps were done properly and that all removed teeth and restorations were disposed of according to OSHA’s guidelines and regulations. This would create a whole new bureaucratic branch of the government to make sure that this program ran effectively. Who knows? It would probably increase our registration dues to keep and maintain our dental licenses (post-mortem “user fee”). My thoughts are that if a person has dental insurance, he or she would need to carry coverage an additional 30 days past death to cover any post-mortem dental visits. But as we all know, the explanation of benefits would come to the crematorium explaining that “Post-mortem dental visits, while we agree may be necessary and proper, are not a covered benefit of this policy.

Thank You.”

(This article was not meant to offend or upset readers.)

PNC

Student District

Ryan L. Ritchie
Associate Editor
13560 Technology Dr., Unit 1211
Eden Prairie, MN 55344

Here We Go Again ...

The end of January and February are always crazy here at the School of Dentistry. And I thought it would slow down!

At the time of my last report, the MDA was about to throw the first Mentor/Mentee reception at the Radisson Metrodome for our current first-year students. On Friday, January 13, the event became reality — and a smashing hit. The first-years were able to meet their MDA mentors, chat, and listen to the MDA and ASDA Executive Committees talk about organized dentistry and what it has meant to them. After the event there was an epidemic of “ASDA fever”, with generalized symptoms of fever, malaise, and nausea! (Just kidding.) Really though, the event got a lot of first-years pumped for organized dentistry and how they can improve their profession.

On January 17, Representative Mark Kennedy visited with the Student District. It was a very informative event and gave us great insight into what was happening on Capitol Hill. He spoke to us on issues ranging from Iran’s nuclear program to student loans. I was very proud of our chapter and its representation. We have to thank Laura Boland for the great contact, MINDENPAC for always supporting the Student District, and Mark Kennedy for his knowledge and for taking time out from his schedule to speak with, and listen to, us students.

Toward the end of January, we held our annual G.V. Black Tie Semi-Formal Dance. It was a huge success due to the hard work of Mitch Ellingson and Marie Moeckel. We held the event at the Alumni Center for the second year in a row now, and it was a very classy event. Everyone looked great and had fun. I am sure Sally’s Bar and Grill also enjoyed our business after the event.

At the beginning of February, we held our second annual Give Kids a Smile Day at the School. This year we focused much of our pre-event time on creating educational games for the waiting room to help make learning dental facts fun and exciting for our patients. Our goal was to make these games very interactive so that the kids were engaged in their learning. To quantitatively measure our event we wrote procedure codes for every treatment rendered and then tallied everything completed that day. Our dental students completed the following treatments the day of our event: 216 children were seen, 347 radiographic films were taken, 255 sealants were placed, 205 exams were performed, 166 prophies were performed, 146 fluoride treatments applied, 96 restorations completed, 30 teeth were extracted, 12 pulpotomies were performed, seven crowns were placed, and one space maintainer was fabricated and placed. We thank all students, staff, and faculty for their participation and making GKAS 2006 such a successful event!

The end of February brought ASDA’s Western Regional meeting in Tempe, Arizona, where we heard from Dr. Dugoni on the power of organized dentistry and the future of dental education. The Minnesota delegation gathered new ideas to bring home in hopes of improving our membership benefits and fundraising.

Finally, just yesterday (February 27), we held an "Impression Session" with our ASDA pre-dental members. This was an opportunity for our pre-sent members to have their hands on what dentists do and ask questions in an informal atmosphere. It was a very fun time, and the ASDA pre-dental members enjoyed every minute.

Once again we would like to thank everyone for all the support that we get to function as the ideal ASDA chapter. It is very fun and rewarding to be able to go to meetings and be recognized and asked questions about how our chapter does what it does!

RLR

Northeastern District

Gary Hedin
Associate Editor
927 Trettle Lane
Cloquet, MN 55720

Duluth was graced with a foot of fresh, powdery snow yesterday, leading me to come up with a new phrase: “shovel twice, salt once”. When we get a more substantial snowfall it seems like it is necessary to shovel “prophylactically” so that you can do it in two smaller batches rather than one monstrous snow removal effort. On the bright side, all this fresh snow is great for snow enthusiasts such as myself who enjoy getting out and doing some skiing and snowshoeing.

Recently I became a ski patrol at our own Spirit Mountain, here in Duluth. It was a very rigorous fall and winter of training in the classroom and on the hill, entailing everything from what is essentially a basic EMT class through many hours of practice handling the toboggan to bring patients down the hill. It was a major time commitment and at times I felt like I was back in Moos Tower learning how to cut that perfect class II prep. The learning and testing is finally over and I am “official” now, but as we know from dentistry you are really never done learning. This was a way that I felt I could give something back to the community by helping injured skiers, while doing some I really enjoy anyway. I should mention that I am not the only dentist involved with the Spirit Mountain ski patrol. Duluth’s own George Balach is also a current member and it has been fun to ride up the lifts and “talk teeth” with him on a few occasions.

The January NEDDS meeting was held in Hibbing at the community college and featured Dr. Nelson Rhodus from the University of Minnesota School of Dentistry. He is a member of the oral medicine and diagnosis department and has been on the faculty there for a number of years. I enjoyed learning from him while in dental school and know him to be a very personable and knowledgeable fellow. He is an avid athlete who participates in triathlons in his spare time. Dr. Rhodus spoke on the Management of Patients with Medical Conditions, and gave an informative and in-depth presentation. I will try and highlight a few of the important subjects he touched on during the day-long talk. Jerry Pedersen and his staff at the dental school’s outreach clinic did an outstanding job getting everything set up for the meeting and had plenty of hot coffee and a good lunch lined up for those in attendance. 

There are four key questions we should be asking each of our patients: Are you seeing a physician? Are you taking any medications? Have you had any illnesses or operations? and How do you feel today? These questions are especially important when you consider that approximately 30% of 65 year olds have 3 or more chronic medical conditions. We need to be able to accurately assess the physical status of these patients and adjust our treatment to best serve them.

Dr. Rhodus discussed oral cancer and some interesting facts about it. The greatest prevalence in the oral cavity is on the tongue (27% of the time), followed by the lips (23%), and salivary glands (14%). The prognosis for cancer of the tongue is poor with only a 33% survival rate over five years. This makes it especially important that we check each of our patients at every appointment for signs that a cancer may be developing. The posterior lateral ventral surface of the tongue is the most common site of occurrence so we need to really get up close and personal with that particular location. If in doubt about a lesion, definitely consider a biopsy and try to pick the portion of the lesion that looks “the worst” because it will probably provide the oral pathologist with the most advanced area of differentiation.

The subject of dry-mouth was discussed at length towards the end of the presentation. This is an area where Dr. Rhodus has done quite a bit of research and is very knowledgeable.

It is crucial to recognize and treat patients with a dry mouth because not only is their quality of life being harmed, but their dentition also pays a steep price. With a lack of saliva the buffering capability of the oral environment is decreased and that leads to an increased caries rate.

Many things can lead to a dry mouth, including chemotherapy, stress, depression, anxiety, diabetes, cirrhosis, end stage renal disease, smoking, mouthbreathing, and an enormous list of medications. The Biotene family of products was recommended by Dr. Rhodus, as well as a medication called Evoxac. Evoxac significantly increases salivary flow and has very few side effects. However, it is contraindicated for patients who have asthma or glaucoma. The recommended regimen for treatment of patients with dry mouth syndrome should include Prevident 5000 fluoride paste, use of Biotene toothpaste, and a chlorhexidine gluconate rinse. In addition, the use of a sugar-free gum such as Trident can help to stimulate salivary flow.

Switching gears a little, the February NEDDS meeting was held in Duluth at the Kitchi Gammi Club. The program was entitled “Medical Reviews for the Dental Team” and presentations were given by five Duluth-area physicians. The information presented was not for the most part related directly to dentistry, but it provided and interesting glimpse into some interesting subjects and procedures that our physician colleagues are performing today. The first speaker, Dr. Scott Johnson, is an OBGYN. He discussed the physiological changes that are associated with pregnancy and several obstetrical emergencies that can occur. I thought it was interesting to note that when a pregnant patient is lying down, it is a good idea to have them more towards their left side, thus placing less pressure on the vena cava. Dr. Johnson discussed how if a mother has a toothache it is ok to use local anesthetic as needed, we can take radiographs if necessary, and antibiotics are ok as long as they are not tetracycline or doxycycline.

He also said it is important to avoid nitrous oxide and to avoid non-emergency treatment during the first trimester. Most of this information should be familiar to us but it is nice to hear it straight from a physician.

The other speakers who presented throughout the day were Dr. Troy Erickson, on orthopedic surgery and total joint replacement; Dr. Mike Van Norstrand, a gastroenterologist, on gastroesophageal reflux disorder (GERD); Dr. Daniel Skorich, on refractive surgery, LASIK, and corneal transplants; and Dr. Karl Kemberling on the use of robotics in surgery.

All the presenters did a great job and provided some cutting edge information that we could take home with us.

Following the February meeting, a gathering of new dentists and many of our District’s committee chairs took place at the Duluth Athletic Club. It was a good opportunity to visit with some of the newer members of the District in an informal setting. We had some tasty appetizers and talked about everything from committees to ice fishing and cross country skiing. Alyssa Hedstrom of Grand Marais even made the trip down for the day. Rumor has it she had to travel by dogsled and skis for three days to make it to Duluth. Thanks to Eileen Patterson and Chris Carlson for doing the legwork to get the mingler set up, and thanks to everyone who took the time to stop by for awhile!

Congratulations to the following Northeastern District Members for 25 years of practice: Scott Anderson, Ely; Jeffrey Bolz, Grand Rapids; John Connolly, Cloquet; Karen Heck, Chisholm; David Jennings, Duluth; Richard Kronzer, Duluth; Richard Olson, Cloquet; Tom Seidelmann, Duluth. To those of us just starting out, 25 years seems like a long time but I am sure it will go by quickly!

Finally, I would like to end on a more serious note. Some of you may be aware that Gary Cornelison was recently diagnosed with a rare form of cancer. It has lodged itself in his left brachial plexus, which if we recall our gross anatomy, is not a very good location for those of us who use hand dexterity on a daily basis. Gary is currently undergoing treatment in Rochester and we all hope he has a speedy and strong recovery. Currently a few local dentists, Steve Dahlgren, Tim Langguth, and Bill Kubiak are helping to cover Gary’s patients while he is away. If you are interested in helping out, please give Dr. Dahlgren a call. For now, let’s keep Gary and his family in our hearts and prayers during this difficult time.

That is all I have for this month, so until next time, may all your immediate dentures fit like a glove.

GJH

“I Once Caught a Fish This Big ...”

How has your walleye jigging been this year? For Kristi Rewier, Detroit Lakes, and Elizabeth Thompson, Clearbrook, dancing the “Walleye Jig” was good enough to win each an ice fishing rod-and-reel combo! The "Walleye Jig" competition Friday, January 27, an audience participation activity at the Northwestern District’s Winter Meeting on Lake of the Woods, was the “American Idol” of ice-fishing. From the teeming throng came forth several brave volunteer souls with little or no previous ice fishing experience — and no ice fishing gear — to demonstrate their jigging prowess. An expert panel of judges composed entirely of guys who claimed to be expert ice fishermen convened to judge the level of applause for each performer — all women, by the way. The novice men were bashful! Some very different and creative jigging styles were seen, but judging by these contestants’ success the following day, they had the touch.

All in all, after a year of planning and months of anticipation, a heckuva lotta fun was had by all who made the long trek north to the frozen Border Waters on the weekend of January 27-29. NWDDS members, staff, friends, and guests converged on Sportman’s Lodge for a three-day weekend of “Bonding and Fishing” — the former not only related to the adhesive dentistry of our lecture but to socializing, raffles, and jigging.

As they arrived Friday noon to check in, guests were greeted by Jackie Boen and Holly Kalinowski from the office Dr. Jane Gracza, Karlstad, who in the spirit of the weekend modeled the latest in ice fishing attire. Registered guests then checked out the Lodge’s activity list and gifts including a shiny eighth-ounce gold-lead head jig (a local favorite lure) and cozy fleece hat embroidered with our motto: “If you don’t have fun ... it’s your own fault!” By the time everyone departed, not a soul had shirked that duty. Check out the picture of the guys from Saint Paul if you need proof.

Equally enthusiastic to head north for our weekend were two dentists who won the distinction of traveling the greatest distance to attend this meeting. Friends Paul Rue and Tito Perez read about dental c.e. combined with ice fishing in Northwest Dentistry and came all the way from Savannah, Georgia to check it out!

A transplant from Northfield, Dr. Rue was at least familiar with snow, cold, and driving on hard water to chase fish. For Dr. Perez, raised in Puerto Rico, it was an opportunity not to pass up. I came upon him standing outside his fishhouse with his cell phone taking pictures to send his wife of this crazy thing they call ice fishing! He even claimed to wish it colder (30 below!) so he could really experience the Frozen North. He had to settle for single digits into the teens. Paul and Tito were a great addition to our mix of people, and they were among the more successful fisherpersons too!

Our goal for this meeting was quality continuing education combined with play and escape of a different nature, and it was an unqualified success. Thanks go to Dean Patrick Lloyd for a great pinch-hitting stint to fill the time while we scrounged for a powerpoint projector for our speaker — no small task in Lake of the Woods country.

The U’s Dr. Jorge Perdigao presented on “Adhesive Dentistry”. His active involvement in research on new dental materials, clinical trials of dentin adhesives, posterior composites and treatment for dentin sensitivity, authorship, plus editing, manuscript review, and consulting for manufacturers worldwide, make him a gifted and accessible resource.

Mr. Mitch Borneman presented on “The Face of Methamphetamine”. Program Coordinator fo Pennington County Correctional Facilities, his criminal justice studies have focused on the drug in all its aspects, including its effect on the “cooks” — users and children living in meth lab homes. His message was clear, direct, and hit home with all of us.

Then came the fishing. It began with a killer dinner that inspired one diner to wonder if the “cook was mad at the owner” the portions were so generous! Then came an ice fishing seminar, the jig competition, Friday night’s raffle, and free beer. (Yes, free beer.) Matt Anzelc and his group donated stories, tips, and their day’s catch, which reappeared mid-morning Saturday as the lecture break treat, whetting everyone’s appetite to hit the ice.

Saturday found us shuttled in groups via strange-looking ice-crawling creatures to our heated ice houses about eight miles out on Lake of the Woods. Seventy-two people occupied 17 ice houses, three to six per. It was tough fishing, though. Everyone came back with a story, but it was our jig-winning ladies who brought back the fish. Go figure. But if you live right, there are rewards for everything, and so our assembeld guests carried off prizes for the Biggest, Most, and Saddest Ice Fishing Tales of the day.

Both evenings included raffles in honor of the NWDDS’ Don Bentley, who passed away in November. In his name the District contributed $1,140.00 to the Minnesota Dental Foundation. A tremendous thank you goes to all those who donated items and purchased tickets. Then came door prizes for everyone, live music, and those tall tales. It was a great weekend made so by the great people who attended it.

Thank yous are in order for the officers of the Northwestern District for hosting the event, Drs. Lloyd and Perdigao, and the following donors of items for raffles and door prizes: Dr. Roland Kehr, Brainerd, and Lindy Tackle Co.; 3M and Dr. Perdigao; Sullivan-Schein; Dean Lloyd and Fred Bertschinger from the School of Dentistry; Sportman’s Lodge; and Lake of the Woods schools — for the projector!

If you missed it or weren’t able to come this year, ask when the next Border Water Jig and Learn weekend might be. It just could be a hoot! And mark June 16 on your calendar to attend the NWDDS Summer Meeting in Bemidji at the Hampton Inn on the south end of Lake Bemidji — there are fish there too!

JEL

West Central District