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Minnesota Districts
A summery summary of season closers, charming posers, trips abroad - and something odd...
Southeastern District
Joel C. Michelson
Associate Editor
ñDaktari a Manoî:
Kenya 2003
HereÍs a pretty interesting question: What do 24 people from Minnesota, Pennsylvania, N.C., Bolivia and Sydney, Australia, have in common? Well, these good people got together under the direction of the Kenyan Special Ministries branch of the African Inland Church to provide medical, dental, construction and educational aid over a two-week period in two locations in Kenya, East Africa. Marilyn Newman, a veteran of more than 40 yearsÍ service in Kenya, led the group, which consisted of physicians, teachers, engineers, nurses, missionaries, construction workers, a dentist „ and an insurance salesman! As I said, interesting.
Our first location may be familiar to longtime NWD readers, as there have been several reports centered on the village of Mutulu and the Kamba people in past issues. Starting 10 years ago with a barren hillside, the Hope Center of Mutulu has now reached completion, with a primary school, secondary school, medical/dental clinic, church, feeding center, dormitories and teachersÍ housing. Our goal this year was to provide medical and dental care, eyeglasses and education, and complete the last two units of teachersÍ housing as well as upgrade a solar electrical system, which was installed two years ago. And the best news is, we did it. This was all accomplished in a week.
It was so good to see how the Hope Center has become self-sustaining, with nurses James and Helen providing basic medical and dental care. The school enrollment is more than 200, and hundreds of children obtain supplemental nutrition daily at the feeding center. Gone are the big bellies of 10 years ago that were the emblem and raw reality of malnutrition. In their place, we were greeted with beaming smiles. The dental clinic's case load was still extensive, but the indigenous clinic staff had performed the simple extractions so the more complex cases could be given to the ñmuzunguî (white man). The gratitude of the villagers was shown by invitations to meals in their homes and gifts of chairs and baskets.
The second leg of our mission took us several hundred rough miles west into the Rift Valley escarpment, which is populated by the Kalengin people. The Kalengin are a tribe of fewer than four million (about 10 percent of the Kenyan population), who are famous for being the tribe of former President Daniel Arap Moi as well as for having won more than 40 percent of the major distance-running events in the world over the past three decades, this according to John Manner, author of an upcoming book on the KalenjinÍs running prowess. Our objective there was to help the Chepemma Orphanage and School convert to a Hope Center, to eventually include a permanent school, clinic, church and student/teacher housing.
An impressive amount of work had already been done. Rough concrete foundations and walls were in place, with the school (which even under these conditions had the second
highest rating in the province) meeting in temporary buildings. By providing medical and dental care in this area, we hope to assess the need for a clinic as well as treat the schoolÍs students at no cost
.
Our work at the dental clinic started slowly, with only seven patients the first day. By the third day, we were in high gear, and saw almost 70 dental patients! Most were there for extractions, but we did see one gross case of a polyploid nasal tumor and a probable mucoepidermoid carcinoma of the lip. My helper, a teacher named Anthony Tuikong, turned out to be my second patient, too. He presented with a nasty disto-angular impacted #17, which we ended up chiseling out. Anthony, bless him, managed to speak so well despite his surgical edema that he increased my knowledge of Kalenjin and Swahili significantly „ starting with ñmano chungoî (tooth pain). He also wanted to know how to get in touch with Venus Williams, as he had seen a picture of her and was enraptured by her beauty.
Each of us was adopted by one of the regionÍs orphans upon our arrival. A very sharp 10-year-old boy named Shadrack latched on to me, showed me around and was generally very helpful. Then there was the boy known as the Bushman. After running away from an abusive, alcoholic uncle who had taken him in after his alcoholic parents died, he had lived by himself in the wild for several years before coming to the orphanage. Along with running the school, the orphanageÍs directors, Pastor William and his wife, Miriam, care for more than 20 of these orphans along with their own children. As you may imagine, it was a pleasure to work with such people. My only regret was that our Muzungo soccer team was trounced by the locals.
My final stop was an individual side trip to Kijabe Medical Center to give several dental talks to the dental clinic staff overseen by Dr. Warren Rich, who runs a two-tiered clinic there. Half of the clinic is for scheduled paying patients, mostly missionaries and their children. The other side is a minimal-cost, walk-in clinic. I was greeted out front by a woman fruit vendor who pointed at us and said, ñDaktari a mano?î (ñTeeth doctors?î) To which we nodded yes. Pointing to herself, she proudly stated, ñDaktari fruit!î
The clinic itself is the envy of East Africa, with its own gold lab and orthodontic practice. Dr. Rich trains Community Health Officers (basically hygienists who also extract teeth) and has a Kenyan partner, Dr. Waithuka, who grilled me endlessly on dental implants, a treatment they are looking into providing in the future.
This obviously much-abridged account must end here as I have already exceeded my word count, but in closing I would have to say this was the most rewarding trip I have yet been on. I am anticipating next yearÍs trip already.
JCM
Southern District
Paul F. Carlson
Associate Editor
Southern District
WhatÍs in a Name?
Well, summer is flying by, and once again I almost missed a Northwest Dentistry deadline. I am sure the editors are anxiously awaiting the changing the guard here in the Southern District. Soon Dr. Carlin Wiemers will be taking the helm as District Associate Editor for us ñdown south.î I am quite sure than Dr. Wiemers will be more responsible with the deadlines than I have.
I will be using this article to shamelessly advertise the Southern DistrictÍs upcoming Sept. meeting, featuring Dr. Tom Orent. ThatÍs right, this is going to be a great big ad for Dr. Tom Orent, the ñGEMS Guy,î who will be our guest speaker at the SDDS fall meeting Sept. 6. We will be holding this meeting at Jackpot Junction Resort and Casino in Morton, Minn. Jackpot Junction is only about a two-hour drive from the Twin Cities, and it boasts one of the stateÍs finest golf courses, Dakota Ridge. I have played this course a few times, and I can say there arenÍt many nicer in the state. And at the very reasonable rate of less than $75 for 18 holes of golf on this beautiful course, participants can enjoy that plus their wonderful hotel and facilities in the evening, attend Dr. Tom OrentÍs ñGEMSî lecture on Saturday and be home by 7 p.m. that night. The best part, the lecture, is only $100 for dentists and $45 for auxiliaries. Seeing a speaker of this caliber at such a low cost is a rarity indeed.
So who the heck is Dr. Tom Orent? Well, he is the ñGEMS Guy,î of course. Dr. Orent and his ñ1,000 Gemsî seminar repeatedly attract record attendance all over the country. He recently spoke at the 2002 Star of the North Meeting. If you missed him there or would like to hear him again, this is the perfect opportunity for you to see him at a very reasonable fee. He will present a fast-paced and captivating seminar for the entire team that includes a unique blend of: Tom Peters, Ritz Carlton, Nordstroms and Stu-LeonardÍs five-star service, cosmetic and reconstructive excellence without compromise, Dawson Occlusion in simplified ñGEMSî format and leading-edge technology and technique.
Dr. Orent, the ñGEMS Guy,î a management consultant and practicing dentist, was a founding member and has served as president of the New England Chapter of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD). Dr. Orent has been a guest lecturer at Tufts University School of Dental Medicine, the University of Nevada/Las Vegas, Brigham Young University, Illinois State University, New York University, and
the New Jersey Dental School, and he has been a member of the faculty at Boston University Graduate School of Dentistry. He has lectured to dentists in four countries and at state and national meetings in 46 of the 50 states. His books, tapes, special reports, transcripts and newsletters have been sold in 21 countries.
Accredited by the AACD in 1990, Dr. Orent served on the Ethics Committee and as an Accreditation Examiner. He writes a column for and served as the Editor of the Journal of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. Dr. Orent is a member of the Editorial Advisory Board and writes regular columns for several publications. He currently serves as Chair for the Public Relations Committee of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry.
Dr. Orent has authored four books and hundreds of articles and special reports on esthetic dentistry, practice management, TMJ and ñextreme customer service.î He was one of the
pioneers of ñinstant orthodontics.î Practicing esthetic dentistry in Framingham, Massachusetts, Dr. Orent is the ñGEMS Guy.î
Okay, have I mentioned Dr. OrentÍs name enough times? ItÍs just my way
of emphasizing the fact that your Southern District officers have worked hard to bring you quality seminars at very reasonable rates. Tom Orent is a nationally known speaker, and we are very excited to bring him to our fall meeting Sept. 6. This is a great opportunity for not only the doctor, but also the entire dental team. If you would like to attend the SDDSÍs fall meeting Sept. 6 at Jackpot Junction Resortand Casino, please contact any of the following:
´ SDDS President Jerry Johnson at doctorj@frontiernet.net
´ SDDS President-Elect Paul Carlson at toothdoc@frontiernet.net
´ SDDS Secretary/Treasurer Ron Leach at sdds@frontiernet.net.
PFC
Saint Paul District
Brad Rindal
Associate Editor
An Erickson Every Other Year?
Friends and colleagues joined in the celebration as Keith R. Erickson took the helm as the DistrictÍs 2003-2004 president May 28.
Dr. Erickson is in the private practice of orthodontics in White Bear Lake and Eagan. He is the proud and exhausted father of four sons, ages 13 to 3. His wife, Pam, also a dentist, practices pediatric dentistry in Burnsville and Minnetonka.
Keith was born and raised in Milwaukee, Wis. He came to the Twin Cities in 1984 to do a General Practice Residency at the University of Minnesota. Following time in private practice, he entered the orthodontics program at the University of Minnesota in 1987, finishing in 1989.
When not in the office, at dental society meetings or chasing his kids around (very aerobic), Dr. Erickson can usually be found on either the tennis court or the golf course. He declares himself always eager to combine dental society business with either activity, and considers it a part of his overall presidential obligation to the Saint Paul District! Sounds like one of thoseñhighly effectiveî strategies to us.
Annual SpousesÍ Night and Installation Dinner
Outgoing SPDDS President Donna Stenberg hosted the Installation Dinner on the evening of Wednesday, May 28 at the Commodore Hotel in Saint Paul. A new tradition of entertainment seems to have been established last year when outgoing President Donald Erickson sang an amusing and highly regarded duet with Dr. Diva „ er, Donna. This year it was Keith and Donna who entertained the audience with their own musical skit to celebrate this yearÍs EricksonÍs inauguration. MDA President Scott Lingle installed the new officers and Executive Council members.
Four members were recognized for their outstanding service with awards of appreciation. They were:
´ Donna Stenberg, for her devoted service as president 2002- 2003;
´ Richard Wiberg, for his insightful and tireless efforts as MDA Trustee for the past six years;
´ Glenn Perkins, for his hard work and dedication during six years of service as Chair of ChildrenÍs Dental Health Day;
´ Michael Kurkowski, for his superb role as Foundation Chair for the past six years.
In completing their terms on the Executive Council, a warm thank you is extended to Kevin Denis and Roger Ettel. Their contributions and expertise have been greatly appreciated.
Congratulations to the following members who comprise the 2003-2004 Saint Paul District Dental Society Executive Council: President Keith Erickson, President-Elect Brad Rindal, Treasurer Howard Taylor, Secretary Mary Johnston-Pariseau and Trustee to the Minnesota Dental Association Donald Erickson.
Executive Council members are Thomas G. Arnold, Peter N. Cannon, Elizabeth J. Cooper, Laura M. Eng, Jason E. Jenny, Brent L. Florine, Christine H. Hermanson, Stuart D. Lorberbaum, David R. Resch, Gregory M. Sheehan, Loren J. Taple and Scott
D. Timmons.
You Can Use the Cash for Snax
Join the fun at Valleyfair and purchase your tickets through the Saint Paul District Office. This offer is open to all members, staff, family and friends. For ticket prices and information, please call the SPDDS office at (651) 697-0831.
New Members Sign In
Dr. James A. Hilton is a 1982 graduate from the University of Iowa. His specialty is endodontics, and he practices at Metropolitan Endodontics in Burnsville. He and his wife, Kathy, reside in Burnsville.
Dr. Thomas J. Hoeffel practices general dentistry at 2819 Hamline Avenue North in Roseville. He graduated in 1984 from the University of Minnesota. He resides in North Oaks with his wife, Cathy.
Dr. Steven M. Setterstrom is a University of Minnesota 1996 graduate. He is a general dentist in partnership at Crist and Setterstrom in Woodbury. Dr. Setterstrom and his wife, Lisa, reside in Woodbury.
Dr. Nina D. Tahi is a 1987 graduate of the University of Minnesota. She received her General Practice Residency degree in 1988. She practices at 450 Syndicate Street in Saint Paul and resides with her husband, Thomas, in Eagan.
New Associate Editor Endorses Precedent-Elect
Since this is my first attempt at putting together the President-ElectÍs part of our districtÍs contribution to Northwest Dentistry, I looked at what my predecessors had done and realized they had a good thing going. I like the idea of spotlighting membersÍ contributions and interests, and I like asking questions, so I didnÍt see a reason to reinvent the wheel. My next task was to identify a member who would fit the criteria. I decided Eric Stafne was a great choice. I was especially intrigued with his continued involvement and enthusiasm for dentistry even though he had ñretired.î He has done a lot to advance dentistry and improve the health of the patients we serve, particularly through his activities in tobacco cessation.
Brad: WeÍd like to get to know you better. LetÍs start with a c.v.
Eric: I graduated from the University of Minnesota School of Dentistry in 1960, then joined the Air Force for two years. Returning home, I enrolled at the U for graduate training in periodontics, then went into private practice with Ray Johnson in the Lowry Building in Saint Paul. Ray was one of the pioneers in periodontal treatment. At that time, very few dentists were limiting their practices to periodontics. I was also teaching part-time at the dental school: two days a week eventually tapered to half a day. In 1989, I sold my practice to Roger Ettel and accepted a full-time faculty position at the School. I continued full time until my official retirement from the University and clinical dentistry in 2000.
Brad: You also have a long-time involvement with organized dentistry.
Eric: I became actively involved in organized dentistry in 1967, but I have been a member since completing my dental education. I have served the SPDDS as treasurer, president, member of the Executive Council and Speakers Bureau, Midwinter Committee Chair and various district- and state-level committees through 1998. I continue to be involved as a consultant on tobacco cessation to the ADA Council on Access, Prevention and Inter-Professional Relations.
Brad: How about your personal c.v.?
Eric: Dorie and I have been married 42 years. She was a practicing dental hygienist for several years. We have two wonderful children, Mark and Lonie. We have four very intelligent, good-looking grandchildren, three girls and one boy, ages 2 to 14. Our children live in Maple Grove, so we get to see the family often. I love that. ItÍs a great part of retirement, and living right on Forest Lake just adds to the fun.
Brad: So how much fun is being retired?
Eric: Since I retired, I have become more involved with cooking. (My previous commitment was soups and salads.) IÍve progressed from Cooking for Dummies to Julia Child, but I still seem to revisit the dummies level. IÍve even taken a few courses. I enjoy grilling and trying different methods of cooking. So far my wife thinks IÍm doing pretty well.
Dorie and I also enjoy traveling. In the past, most of our travel had been tied to attending dental meetings, but that focus has shifted to tobacco control conferences. We have been to Europe, but our preference is to continue to see more of the United States.
I also enjoy reading novels and having the time to do it. [laughs] Did you know people actually read for pleasure during the day? IÍve done more biking since I retired, too, and more fishing is in my future. Fortunately, I gave up that frustrating game of golf years ago. My commitment to regular exercise hasnÍt tapered off since retirement. But I have to say one of the real joys of retirement is being able to avoid heavy traffic times!
Brad: How did you get so involved in smoking cessation?
Eric: It was discovering the relationship of smoking to periodontal disease. Early in our practice we were seeing patients who had tissues that didnÍt ñlook rightî and didnÍt respond well to any treatment. We began asking about their tobacco use, and we saw an association, actually collecting office data back in the mid-1970s. A good deal of formal research supported this association, and when I came to the U full time in 1989, I started getting into the curriculum addressing smoking effects and need for cessation with our patients. Prior to this, very little had been in the curriculum. The individual counseling clinic has been in existence for the last six years. With the help of Bashar Bakdash, our tobacco cessation Web site began in 1997.
Brad: How has the UÍs program changed?
Eric: Over the last few years, I have gained experience and understanding in how to help tobacco users quit. My association with the U of M Tobacco Research Center (Hatsukami and Lando), the Mayo Nicotine Dependence Center, the Society for Research on Nicotine and Tobacco and Arden Christen at the University of Indiana Dental School has helped me increase my understanding of nicotine addiction and counseling. These associations have helped me improve the student tobacco curriculum, our Web site (www.umn.edu/perio/tobacco) and my counseling with tobacco-using patients.
Brad: What are your goals for the program?
Eric: My main goal is that all dentists, hygienists and other office team members will routinely intervene with the tobacco-using patients in their practices. Another goal is to have a core tobacco-use curriculum similar to ours that would be used in all schools within the Academic Health Center. Also, we plan to market the individual counseling clinic to all health care professionals in the state so it is available to anyone who might benefit.
Brad: What barriers do you see to incorporating smoking cessation into dental practice?
Eric: A perceived barrier is that patients might be offended. I n reality, tobacco users appreciate our support and concern if they are approached in a low-key, non-judgmental manner. Lack of training affects our comfort level in providing this intervention. Fortunately, training is available but on a limited basis at this time. Another barrier is time. In reality interventions can be brief, simple and need not disrupt practice routine. Compensation is also a barrier, but fees for brief intervention can be included in exam or treatment services. If more time is spent, they can be charged separately.
Brad: Why a continued interest in this area when the success rate is so low?
Eric: Success shouldnÍt be measured solely by immediate quit rates. Individuals go through stages of change. When we encourage them to quit and raise awareness of the oral effects, many of these people move toward quitting or reduction in use. It is no
different from treating any other chronic disease. Also, many patients appreciate the concern, which is a good practice builder.
Brad: Even in an active retirement, weÍre seeing a continued involvement in dentistry.
Eric: HereÍs how I see this. I have a new life, in which I have made a career shift. I enjoyed clinical practice and had a great office team, but I was ready to do something different. I wanted to continue to do something rewarding and helpful to others, and working with tobacco cessation has given me that opportunity. A lot of what I do is volunteer work. Studies have shown that people who volunteer live and happier and longer lives. [smiles] I like that.
DBR
Minneapolis District
William P. Hoffmann
Associate Editor
Something for Everyone
The annual Trapshoot Tournament is scheduled for Wed., Aug. 27. We will be returning to the Metro Gun Club in Blaine, Minn. The day will culminate with a gourmet wild game dinner and prizes. For those of you who have not participated for awhile or who have never joined us, 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, which is scheduled for Wednesday, Sept. 3, at the Flagship Athletic Club in Eden Prairie. This event will include members from both the Minneapolis and Saint Paul District Dental Societies. The Tennis Committee has a fantastic day arranged. Play on both outdoor clay and indoor hard courts. All competition is doubles this year. Play will begin at 1 p.m. and go until 5 p.m., with a dinner following. Players of skill levels from novice to advanced are encouraged to come.
Registration forms for all summer events were included in the July issue of the Brush-Up newsletter. If you need a form, please do not hesitate to contact the District Office at
(651) 631-9845 or check the MDDS Web site (www.mdds@mplsdds.org) under ñCalendar and Events.î
Continuing Education Programs Announced
The Continuing Education Program Committee, lead by new Program Chair Dr. Melissa Zettler, met last month and put together two outstanding programs for the upcoming year. The committee has also reviewed the venue for the continuing education meetings and made the decision to move the location to the Golden Valley Golf and Country Club for the upcoming year. It is their hope that this will attract members who have not attended before to come join in these outstanding lectures, see colleagues whom they havenÍt seen in awhile and support the dental society!
The first program will be held Thurs., Nov. 6, beginning at 5:30 p.m., with a social hour at 6:30 p.m. and the dinner and program beginning at 7:15 p.m. Our guest speaker will be Dr. Frank Milnar. The title of his lecture will be ñThe Art and Science of Shade Selections and Imperceptible Restorations.î
Dr. Milnar graduated from the University of Minnesota School of Dentistry in 1976. He did a General Practice Residency at the VA Hospital in Minneapolis from 1976-77. He is
a member of the Minnesota Dental Association, an accredited member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD) and current President and founding member of the North Central Regional Chapter of the AACD. He is a consultant to the AACD accreditation process as well as an accreditations examiner. He is a past clinical instructor for the Department of Removable Prosthodontics at the University of Minnesota School of Dentistry.
The second program for the year will be held Thurs., Feb. 12, 2004. The event begins at 5:30 p.m. with a social hour, 6:30 p.m. dinner and the program beginning at 7:15 p.m. This will include several guest speakers speaking on a variety of topics and issues under the title ñLegislative Issues Update from the Minnesota Dental Association.î
Please place these dates on your calendar now and watch the Brush-Up newsletter for more information and the registration flier for each program.
Two Places at Once
The Continuing Education Committee will be bringing us two outstanding speakers to choose from because they will be speaking simultaneously in two different rooms.
Dr. Jeffrey Morley has been scheduled to present his lecture titled ñPredictable Cosmetic Dentistry.î Fast-moving and information-packed, this program is geared toward practitioners who desire to enhance their knowledge of the principles and artistic theories of cosmetic dentistry. This seminar will discuss how to make patients look younger and the impact that will have on your practice; differentiate among the latest dentin adhesives, composites, luting resins, porcelain systems and when and how to use them; develop step-by-step techniques on the full range of direct and indirect anterior esthetic restorations and much more.
Ms. Petra Marquart, author of the customer service book The Power of Service: Keeping Customers for Life, is a certified trainer for Hennepin Technical CollegeÍs widely acclaimed customer service program, ñTreating Your Customers Like Gold.î The program was the basis for the customer service training programs she wrote for U.S. Bancor, the Mall of America, Target Center, Fairview/University Health System, Mayo Clinic and Canterbury Park. Petra has influenced the service philosophy of thousands of people through her powerful and entertaining presentations. She is an inspirational speaker who has ignited the spirit of service in many professionals.
This seminar whil show you why service matters, the four basic cornerstones of service, how culture affects service, the impact of systems and policies on service, how to use
personal power to inspire greatness, the need to communicate and measure service and the importance of dealing effectively with complaints.
Please mark Friday, Dec. 12, for this very important meeting for you and your entire dental team. The meeting will be held at the Marriott City Center Hotel in downtown Minneapolis. It will be a hard decision as to which speaker to hear! Both are outstanding speakers and will be presenting two very practical lectures for your dental practice. Please watch for more information in the next few months.
Programs and Events
Wednesday, Aug. 27, 2003
Annual Trapshoot Event
Metro Gun Club
Blaine, Minn.
Wednesday, Sept. 23, 2003
Greater Twin Cities Tennis Mixer
Flasgship Athletic Club
Eden Prairie, Minn.
Tuesday, Sept. 16, 2003
MDDS Caucus Meeting
All members welcome
Minneapolis Marriott Southwest Hotel
Minnetonka, Minn.
Friday, Sept. 19 and
Saturday, Sept. 20, 2003
Minnesota Dental Association
House of Delegates
Holiday Inn Hotel
Duluth, Minn.
Thusday, November 6, 2003
General Assembly Meeting
Speaker: Dr. Frank Milnar
Subject: ñThe Art and Science of
Shade Selections and Imperceptible
Restorationsî
Golden Valley Golf and Country Club
Golden Valley, Minn.
Friday, Dec. 12, 2003
78th Annual Midwinter Meeting
Speaker: Dr. Jeffrey Morley
Subject: ñPredictable Cosmetic
Dentistry"
and
Speaker: Ms. Petra Marquart
Subject: ñThe Power of Service:
Keeping Customers for Lifeî
Minneapolis Marriott City Center
Hotel
Downtown Minneapolis
Thursday, Feb. 12, 2004
General Assembly Meeting
Subject: ñLegislative Update from
the MDAî
Golden Valley Golf and Country Club
Golden Valley, Minn.
WPH
Student District
Kirsten Dussault
Associate Editor
The Luck You Make Yourself
I am lucky to be a part of such a hardworking group of people. Just look at what the Student District has on its plate.
The most exciting news I have to report is that the District has a Web page, www.mnasda.org. It was put together by Adam Curtis, Í06, who did an outstanding job. Thank you, Adam.
In July, our annual ASDA survey was done, thanks to Jack Fiedler, Í06. Its purpose is to determine how we can improve our chapter. We are eagerly awaiting the results, and will be co-hosting a Lunch Ín Learn with the Student Council and the American Dental Education Association (ADEA) on dental careers in education. Also in July, the Career Development Committee participated in a Medical ExplorersÍ presentation about dentistry. Brian Fuller, Í05, organized an insurance sign-up drive in which almost 100 percent of students signed up for the free life insurance. It was great. Our ADPAC Drive was also a big success, and we hope to improve on that next year.
As August rolled around, we were involved in the orientation for 97 first-year students. Every year we hold a Lunch Ín Learn called ñASDA 101,î which explains how the Student District works. We are also putting together an assisting presentation where we explain the various volunteer opportunities in the community and at the School. We are putting together a more informal introduction to what the student experience is like in clinic. The presentation will be done entirely by students. It should be helpful and interesting. Our biggest event in August? ASDA's Annual Session, held in Philadelphia. Minnesota is famous for its somewhat massive representation at the national level, and this year is no exception: We are bringing a group of 14. (This is tremendous. Some schools bring two!) We are lucky to bring this many people, to get them excited about ASDA and teach them more about organized dentistry. We could not do this without the
support of the Minnesota Dental Association and our impressive fundraising committee.
This year we are hoping to attract more people to our monthly all-member meetings. To that end, we are focusing on topics for each meeting, which will range from ñWhat are my membership benefits?î to ñWhat is going on in the government that will influence me?î By doing this, we hope to address many of the topics that the Student District deals with on a level at which everyone can participate.
KD
Northeastern District
William E. Stein
Associate Editor
A Well Cultivated Path
It looks like another great year coming up for the Northeastern District. At the annual business meeting, trusty Trustee Lee Jess administered the oath of office to President Mike Miskovich, First Vice-President Eileen Patterson, Second Vice-President Steve Dahlgren and Secretary/Treasurer Steve Johnson.
Outgoing President Jeff Somrock was honored for his able leadership this past year. Our district has always been blessed with so many capable people willing to give their time and talent to our profession. This year the state will benefit from the mighty talent pool of the Northeastern District as our own Tim Langguth assumes the mantle of MDA president.
Thanks and best wishes to our new leaders.
Warm Thoughts in July:
Springtime on Lard Lake
What a winter it had been. All you folks out there raise your hands if your septic system didn't freeze. Oh, I see you two. Yes, I appreciate a well-insulated outhouse too.
I had something interesting happen to me during that last ice storm. I thought my basement was really well organized. My muskie lures were all hooked in the styrofoam wall insulation; my muskie rods, all fully armed, sat at the ready to the left of the wall. The satellite TV control box was sticking out of the rafters between the two. The storm knocked out the satellite TV. To reprogram it, I had to get to the control box. There was a handy plastic milk crate for me to stand on. It shifted. On the way down, I hooked my right hand on a lure on the wall, my left hand on a pole to my left, and two lures came out of nowhere and pierced my side. I had actually crucified myself during Holy Week. I told this story to a Christian fisherman friend of mine, and all he could say was, ñWas it Good Friday?Í Well, no, it was actually the eve of Holy Thursday. Let that be a lesson to all you anglers: Pinch off the barbs on all your hooks like I do. It will make it much easier for your wife to catch and release you like Terry did for me. Outside of a partially dislocated shoulder and some sore spots, I'm just fine.*
Zeke Peterson didn't do as well. Z eke and his brother Caleb were out at Lard Creek the other night. They are both from out East, where it is legal to shoot rough fish with a rifle during spawning season. They don't pay real close attention to the local regulations. Anyway, after a night of shooting a sack full of banded red horse suckers, they arrived to find their pick-up stone dead. Caleb diagnosed the problem, a burnt out fuse. After much debate and experimentation, they found that one of their .22 shells fit the fuse box exactly. The pick-up fired up, and everything was going great „ until the .22 shell fired, striking Zeke in what we have come to refer to as the ñswimsuit area.î Needless to say, they ran off the road, but help was called in by a passerby. When Zeke's wife, Karlean, was informed of the situation, she cried out, ñHow many fish did they get, and when can you get them to me?î Zeke will recover, but future spawning seasons look bleak.**
Last week the kids from Nixon-Clinton High had their annual spring Prom. There were long lines at ShellyÍs Tan All You Can as the young ladies strove to achieve that Las Vegas-leathery-yet-through-the-wonders-of-Botox-smooth, Thanksgiving-turkey-skin third-trophy-wife-bronze glow.
After a trip to Gabe's Mobile Rent a Tux, the guys beat a path to DestinyÍs Skin Centre, home of the local ñZits-Awayî franchise. (I have a lifetime membership.)
The big challenge for the girls this year was to find a Prom dress with enough cutouts to highlight every tattoo and piercing on their bodies. From the looks of the Grand March, they were quite successful.
Following the Grand March, the tour bus from BudÍs Fast Gas and Savings and Loan picked up the happy revelers and whisked them off to Floodwood, where they danced the night away at the Flood Fair Ballrom to the lilting sounds of ñCarbuncle,î an alternative/punk/fusion band from Mora.
At 3:00 a.m., the bus returned, bearing the weary couples to the waiting arms of their anxious parents. The kids arrived for the most part intact except for a few missing garters and the odd nose ring or two.***
Last night we finally got the pontoon out on Lard Lake. It was a gorgeous evening. At sunset we saw a group of four loons. For awhile they swam in a circle. Then two loons squared off and started pounding on each other like Frazier and Ali. They were swinging their wings just like boxers and pecking at each other's faces. Finally one chased the other across the water, beating its wings. Then they dove and disappeared for a minute or two, only to return to the surface and sail away together. Maybe loons have proms too?****
WES
Disclaimer: **Based on fact. ***Pure fantasy. ****Very true.
Copyright 2003. Minnesota Dental Association
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