As I sat and watched the President of the United States address a rally in Duluth, the crowd was chanting “four more years”, and I thought about how quickly my four years

have gone. The end of those four years as an officer in our Minnesota Dental Association is now rapidly approaching. I could attempt to recount all that has occurred, but

I am going to hope you have read your MDA News and that your memory is better than mine. Instead, I will attempt to convey some of what I have learned that might be of interest, and hopefully helpful, to you.

“Hard work is not always rewarded with a win, but you need to do it.”  Many hours by volunteers and staff were invested in developing legislative positions, legislative strategies and tactics, and continually reassessing them as the political process ebbed and flowed, only to have the legislature adjourn with most of the work still sitting on the table. A great frustration was shared, but hopefully groundwork was laid. On the more positive side, other hours invested in Give Kids a Smile were rewarded with many children receiving care that they might not have otherwise received and numerous items in the media calling attention to a state assistance program that is not working instead of blaming the dentists.

“The rewards exceed the effort.”  When I think of all the people in Minnesota and throughout the country I have had the opportunity to work with and get to know, I am very grateful. The satisfaction of working together on a problem/opportunity and developing a solution, even though it does not always turn out as you had hoped,

is satisfying.

“When we keep our patients’ best interest in mind, we won’t be wrong.”  In these times of change, there are many attempts to alter the practice of dentistry coming from within the profession and from without. When we debate our position, if we keep our patients’ care as our focus, we can speak with conviction, with a positive attitude, and feel comfortable in taking the high road.

“Even one person can make a difference.”  The comments and concerns from a single member have at times led to the development of new programs or changes in policies or tactics. Of course, this is not always going to be the case, but I encourage all members to voice ideas and concerns to our leaders. You could be the one.

“Minnesota is a great place to practice dentistry.”  Yes, we do have a health care tax, an underfunded public assistance program, a dominant third-party payor trying to exert its influence, and government regulations. But we are only slightly ahead of other states in facing these or similar problems. We do have an excellent School of Dentistry that is striving to be even better, a generally well-educated public with high dental IQs and good per capita incomes, multiple and diverse opportunitues to involve ourselves in the outdoors, sports ... even solitude is easily accessible. And we have a comfortable practice climate with our colleagues.

“Across the country the Minnesota Dental Association is second to none.”  Our MDA staff, starting with Executive Director Dick Diercks, has us, the members, as their highest priority. I am always impressed with their efficiency and dedication enacting policies and following direction from our House of Delegates, Board of Trustees, and officers. The volunteer leaders of our MDA, the officers, trustees, delegates, and committee members are all very talented and will lead us very capably into the future.

“You don’t have to do it on your own.”  I could not have taken on this challenge without the great support of all the people mentioned above and others. The progression as an officer allows for a concensus to be built among the leadership that is supported in upcoming years. Thank you all. I could not have done it without you.

Finally, “If asked to serve, do not sell yourself short.”  When I was asked to be a candidate for office, I was honored, but also fairly certain I would not be selected — I had no great cause or agenda. I was not certain that I could even do the job. If you are asked to serve in any capacity, please consider that you do have the ability to do the job - someone else has already observed this and feels confident you can.

The wonderful thing about serving is that I do not need "four more years". I know that our MDA is in the best of hands with the great leaders coming up. 

Thank you for this very special honor and opportunity to serve you.