District News - May-June 2012
District News - May-June 2012
Associate Editors:
Northeastern District
Gary Hedin
Associate Editor
324 W. Superior Street, Suite 828
Duluth, MN 55802
Northeastern District’s Lee Jess is MDA Guest of Honor
It has been an exciting time for the Northeastern District, and I thank you for checking in to see what we have been up to! I’m writing this freshly back from the Star of the North Meeting, where a special President’s Reception was held at the elegant “317 on Rice Park” Event Center. Our own Lee Jess, of Grand Rapids, was presented with the Guest of Honor Award for his outstanding contributions to organized dentistry not only in the Northeastern District but also at the state and national levels. Lee has been a tireless advocate for dentistry and an inspiration for many. His positive attitude and willingness to step up when asked to is something from which we can all learn. Please take the time to congratulate Lee the next time you see him!
Speaking of which, the reception was hosted by MDA president Mike Zakula, of Hibbing. Anyone who hasn’t had the opportunity to have a conversation with Mike should take the time to do so. There aren’t many people as passionate about dentistry and as willing to go to bat for our interests as he is. It has been wonderful to have a member of the Northeastern District at the helm of the MDA this past year, and Mike has helped the MDA through some tumultuous times as we brought a new MDA Executive Director into the fold and faced challenges with Midwest Dental Benefits.
New Dentist Event Continues Old Tradition
A New Dentist event was held at the Zeitgeist Arts Café in Duluth in April. Many kudos to Adam Huneke and Abby Pershke Johnson for organizing and executing the event! Several dentists and spouses attended and enjoyed some tasty appetizers and beverages. We hope to see more events such as this taking place in coming years, as one of the things we are very proud of in the Northeastern District is the camaraderie we have with our colleagues. Our area has been fortunate to attract a number of new dentists over the last few years, and it’s important to make them feel welcome and encourage involvement in organized dentistry.
Hibbing Community College C.E.
We have had a couple of continuing education meetings recently, including one held at Hibbing Community College. Jerry Pedersen did a great job of setting up and coordinating the March meeting. It featured David Born, Ph.D., and Karl Self, D.D.S., M.B.A., speaking about dental therapists joining the dental workforce. Both are members of the faculty at the University of Minnesota School of Dentistry. Although I was unable to attend the meeting, I am told that it went well, and both speakers discussed how dental therapists will integrate into the dental provider framework currently in place.
Hibbing Community College Dental Assisting Program Receives Individual Scholarships from NEDDS
During the March NEDDS meeting, a special presentation was made to two outstanding students in the Dental Assisting program at Hibbing Community College. Students Tara Nelson and Mary Kraft were each awarded $300 scholarships from the Northeastern District Dental Society as part of our appreciation for the quality students who graduate from this program each year. Thank you to Program Director Ann Badanjak for assuring that we have many highly qualified dental assistants joining the dental workforce each year in northern Minnesota!
Technology in the Dental Office Takes Center Stage
The February NEDDS meeting was held in Duluth at the Kitchi Gammi Club, and featured Dr. John Flucke speaking on technology in the dental office. This meeting was very well attended and quite interesting. Dr. Flucke spoke in depth about a number of advanced products and technologies that can be found in dental offices today. I found his discussion on different types of lasers and their capabilities to be especially good. Fortunately for our patients, dental lasers are not capable of punching a hole in the ozone layer, which was Dr. Evil’s plan in the movie “Austin Powers” from a few years ago… Seriously though, we all benefit from learning about new things that are coming on the market and how they may enhance the experience of the
patient sitting in your chair while increasing the efficiency of your office.
MDA 2012 Legislative Agenda Is Focus of February Meeting
Following the February NEDDS meeting, a “stakeholders meeting” was held at the Kitchi Gammi Club. Members of our Executive Council, the MDA lobbying team, and several local legislators got together to discuss the MDA’s 2012 legislative agenda. It was a very productive and informative meeting, and we were fortunate to be joined by Senator Roger Reinert, and Representatives Mary Murphy, Kerry Gauthier, and Tom Huntley. After presenting our legislative agenda and concerns, the elected officials had the opportunity to turn things around and ask us some questions. A number of positive things came out of that meeting, including something very crucial from Senator Reinert. As the co-chair of the Legislative Audit Commission, he was able to put “Medical Assistance Payment Rates for Dental Services” on a list of issues for consideration by the Office of the Legislative Auditor. This issue was formally added to a list of seven issues that will be studied and reported on by the Office of the Legislative Auditor during 2012. A similar meeting was held previously at Valentini’s Supper Club in Chisholm, and was organized by our Northeastern District Legislative Chair Mike Miskovich. It was attended by Senator Tom Saxhaug, Senator Tom Anzelc, and Representative Carolyn McElfatrick, as well as several dentists from the Grand Rapids and Iron Range region. This meeting was a big success as well. Thanks to all those who attended!
Dental Day at the Capitol Wants You in 2013
Finally, Dental Day at the Capitol was held in February, and was attended by a number of folks from the Northeastern District. Several of your colleagues met with legislators from around the region, helped them to understand the MDA’s legislative agenda for 2012, and answered questions about it. This is a really nice opportunity to meet legislators on their “home turf” and to perhaps build and strengthen trust in our profession. If you didn’t make it down this year, please consider attending next year!
The stakeholders meetings and Dental Day at the Capitol are great examples of what organized dentistry can do to benefit all of us. Developing a positive relationship with legislators doesn’t happen easily, and having the resources to put together a comfortable forum for exchanges such as these wouldn’t be possible without the support of MDA members. This is just one example I thought it would be nice to highlight for everyone.
That’s all I have to share with you this time around. It’s time to get outside and play!
Southern District
Jeffrey J. Taylor
Associate Editor
313 Main Street N.E.
P.O. Box 307
Mapleton, MN 56065-0307
Transitions
Arlen Sneltjes of Gaylord passed away January 22. Arlen practiced dentistry for 41 years, served as mayor, directed his church choir for 25 years, was ambulance director for 18 years, was a school board member, and a marvelous human being.
Jim Walton clocked his last official day at his pediatric and adolescent practice in Mankato. Jim has been a friend, resource, and mentor to many of us. You will likely find him at Target Field attending Twins games. Thank you, Jim, and best wishes!
Gary Hagen of Wells sold his practice and retired December 31. Do not challenge any guy to a game of tennis in Wells. It could very well be Gary, and he will likely take your money.
Southern District Fall Meeting
The SDDS’ 2012 Fall Meeting will be held at the Jackpot Junction Casino Hotel complex near Morton on Friday, September 7. Notices and registration materials will be mailed to members shortly.
Mission of Mercy in Mankato Prep Continues Apace
Local preparations are proceeding for the August event at the Verizon Wireless Center in beautiful downtown Mankato. You have likely received an invitation and registration, so pick it up and decide how you want to participate. Elton John recently did a sold out show there, and he is just a piano player!
“Access” Developments
The Open Door Clinic in Mankato recently was approved for a $4.8 million grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services that will be used to remodel most of the facility, including more treatment space for dental treatment. The grant approval arrived literally on the heels of the ribbon-cutting ceremony for a $1.3 million upgrade to the Open Door dental facility. The completed upgrade updated equipment and added dental treatment chairs to a total of eight. Previous to the upgrade, there were only three chairs in spaces large enough to allow a dentist to work with a dental assistant.
Demand for dental services at Open Door has been increasing. In 2009, 1,551 dental patients were treated with 5,659 “billable visits”. In 2010, these increased to 1,815 patients and 6,330 billable visits. Last year there were 2,109 patients and 6,830 visits. Sarah Kruse, Open Door CEO, predicts that the dental facility will be able to see substantially greater numbers of patients after upgrade and grant.
The recent upgrade included a lift system for patients in wheelchairs. Open Door sees many disabled patients subscribed to public assistance programs. Open Door has also acquired a van equipped for dental and general health that makes the circuit from Marshall, Slayton, Gaylord, and Dodge Center weekly. Ms. Kruse states that Open Door hopes to expand the mobile service soon.
The recent upgrade was funded largely by grants from the Healthier Minnesota Community Clinic Fund, Minnesota Department of Health, U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services, and the Mankato Area Foundation. About $200,000 of the upgrade was funded by Open Door. The HHS grant will be used to add more space to the clinic, add a community room, expand the lobby, expand space for behavioral health and medical services, and add even more dental treatment space.
Open Door has been in existence since 1983, providing health care to the uninsured, though the Doors are Open to anyone. Ms. Kruse encourages anyone interested in viewing the facility, desiring to ask questions about Open Door, or becoming involved with Open Door to call her at the clinic. The Open Door business phone number is (507) 388-2120.
Star of the North Meeting 2012
I would like to thank everyone involved in the planning and execution of the 2012 Star of the North Meeting. C.E. lectures, vendor selection and availability, and special programs were all first class. I have to admit that the part of the SON Meeting I most enjoy is the opportunity to visit with old (I have attended 36 consecutive SON meetings) friends. As I become more involved in “organized” Minnesota dentistry, I have gained increasingly greater respect for MDA members who have cheerfully given of their time and talents for the benefit of all Minnesota dentists. Being somehow blessed in being a member of the U of M School of Dentistry class entering in 1975, I know the characters of two former MDA presidents and two future presidents very well. To Mike Schafhauser, Scott Lingle, Mike Flynn, and Dan Rose: Thank you for your honorable and selfless service. You are all still gentlemen and scholars.
Southeastern District
Travis A. Schmitt
Associate Editor
204 4th Street SW, Suite 144
Austin, MN 55912-4427
A Fabulous Place
Have you ever traveled someplace that “wowed” you in every possible way? I did. When I tell you about this place, your first reaction might be “really?” When I had a chance to step back from the experience and consider, the question I offered to anyone who would lend an ear was this one: Where can you go where you can feel transformed - by fantastic scenery, by incredible history, by great hiking, religion, geopolitical intrigue, luxury hotels, and delectable food? The answer is Israel.
You may not believe me, but once you go, you will be truly amazed.
Imagine experiencing the fresh, warm aroma of wonderful Israeli coffee as you gently rock on a two-person garden swing watching the sun rise over the mountains surrounding the calm blue waters of the Sea of Galilee as you wake for the day. Think back 2,000 years as Jesus sailed across these waters you are watching as they gently lap against the shore.
From a historical perspective, you can witness archaeological discoveries from the Canaanite Period (2000-1200 BCE), the Israelites, the Assyrians, the Babylonians, the Persians, the Greeks, the Maccabees, the Romans, the Byzantines, the Arabs, the Crusaders, the Mamlukes, the Ottomans, the British, all the way to current-day Israel. The Biblical history is phenomenal. And to me, the history of the state of Israel borders on the supernatural.
For example, on October 6, 1973, Syria, Egypt, and other Arab countries launched a surprise attack on the Jewish celebration of Yom Kipper. At the Valley of Tears, 500 Syrian tanks outfitted with the latest Soviet technology engaged an Israeli force of 40-60 World War II era tanks. If Syria had been able to break through this group of Israeli tanks, the road to Haifa and Tel Aviv would have been wide open. On the third day of continuous fighting, without sleep and down to six tanks and no reinforcements from the reserves, the Israeli tank commander wanted to retreat, but was told by Defense Minister Moshe Dayan in no uncertain terms that Israel would be lost if they could not hold on. With limited options and no sleep, he and the remaining five tanks charged toward the Syrian Army. Miraculously, the Syrians retreated. Our guide suggested that the Syrians must have thought the Israeli Reserves had arrived.
King Herod the Great went on a massive building campaign during his reign, building a massive seaport in honor of Augustus Caesar, calling it Caesarea, expanding the Temple and the city of Jerusalem and building a fortress in Masada. The seaport of Caesarea has been nicely reconstructed — you can even see the outline of Herod’s swimming pool. Jerusalem is indescribable, so I will not try.
Masada is another UNESCO heritage site. You can hike up the “snake path” winding back and forth to gain 400 meters of elevation or take the cable car. The view from the Masada plateau overlooking the Dead Sea and the remains of the Roman camps below is amazing. History truly comes alive when you visit these places. Israel has more hiking trails per square meter than any other country in the world. Once you experience its “total immersion”, Israel seems to have more history per square any-measureyou- want than any other country in the world.
Israel has religious significance whether you are Christian, Jewish, or Muslim.
Israel has great hotels and food. Israel has waterfalls, valleys of green lush fields for agriculture, majestic mountains, springs, blue waters for snorkeling in the Red Sea, skiing on Mount Hermon … It is truly a gorgeous land. I have been to Israel twice now, and I could easily go back again. If you haven’t considered visiting Israel, you should think about it. I think you would love it!
Student District
When There’s This Much to Read About, You Know They’ve Been Busy
It has certainly been a busy spring around the School of Dentistry, making the new season fly by. It is hard to believe that finals are coming to a rapid fi nish, and before we know it, summer session will be in full force. On top of classes, exams, practicals, and competencies, the Student District has had a number of events worth noting, including the annual Executive Committee elections, our second biannual leadership meeting at the MDA, and National Dental Student Lobby Day. There is also much to look forward to in the coming months, including the MN ASDA Leadership Conference, summer events, and a new collaborative event this fall between the Minneapolis, Saint Paul, and Student Districts.
Starter Pistol …
The spring started off with a bang. After having ASDA Annual Session in Minneapolis and nearly 30 Minnesota ASDA members in attendance, a lot of people around the School are excited about ASDA. That excitement carried through to our annual Executive Committee elections in the middle of April. We had the highest number of candidates running for positions in recent history, every candidate was well qualifi ed, and we had fantastic attendance by student members. Congratulations to all of the new leaders: President Kirby Johnson, Vice-President Nate Burbach, President-Elect Stephanie Zastrow, Treasurer Terry James, Secretary Kate Lentz, and Membership Chair Megan Ellingson. This is a very talented group of individuals, and with all of the excitement about ASDA, this coming year is sure to be a great one!
Rewind …
Rewind to Thursday, March 22. What an exciting day for Minnesota ASDA and its current and future leaders. Something new with the Student District this past school year is having leadership meetings at the MDA once per semester. It is a great chance for MN ASDA leaders to meet MDA leaders and for both groups to learn about the happenings at different levels of organized dentistry and engage in creative problem solving for issues we are facing. The focus of this particular meeting was to examine how things went this school year and look at ways to improve things for next year. As incoming president, I am extremely grateful for all of the fantastic feedback from the evening that will ultimately increase the value of being a student member. A special thanks to MDA president Michael Zakula, president-elect Mike Flynn, first vice-president Mike Perpich, second vice-president Dan Rose, and Ms. Dawn Jensen for attending these meetings this year. We look forward to continuing the tradition this next school year and looking for new ways for students to interact with member dentists.
Jump Start
National Dental Student Lobby Day, one of ASDA’s largest national meetings, took place here in April and saw a healthy number of students from Minnesota in attendance. The meeting takes place over two days, one day for training on how to lobby effectively and an introduction to the bills we lobbied for, and the second day to lobby. Two bills were the focus of this year’s lobbying efforts. The first, the Breaking Barriers to Oral Health Act of 2011, would create a grant program to encourage public/private partnerships in providing charitable care to the underserved, much like Mission of Mercy programs. The second, the Student Loan Forgiveness Act of 2012, addresses the everincreasing burden of student debt on new graduates and provides greater incentives for serving populations in need. The lobbying effort was successful, and both bills got a jump start in the legislative process. Other highlights of the event included a moving speech by representative and fellow dentist Paul Gosar and the opportunity for students to connect with those from other dental schools around the country.
Star Performers
As with all of the other districts, the Star of the North Meeting 2012 was a huge event for the Student District. More than 200 dental students attended the meeting and got involved in a variety of ways. Continuing education courses were a hit, with students taking classes in oral surgery, endodontics, and esthetic dentistry, to name a few. There were also 43 students who volunteered at the meeting and deserve a big thanks. A big thank you also goes out to Aruna Rao, Student Chair, and Christine L’Abbe, Student Vice-Chair, of the Scientific Session Committee. And congratulations to Kayla Ferris for being selected as next year’s Student Vice-Chair of the Scientific Session Committee.
Put on Your Track Shoes …
After such an exciting spring, there is yet a lot to look forward to this summer. Toward the middle of June, the new MN ASDA leadership will convene in Plymouth for our annual Summer Leadership Retreat. The event is geared toward getting to know fellow leaders in MN ASDA, preparing leaders for their new roles, brainstorming for new ideas, and of course having a good time. There is also a summer barbeque as well as other events geared toward getting outside and enjoying the summer. Something that is especially exciting is a collaborative event coming up this fall being put on by the Minneapolis, Saint Paul, and Student Districts. It will be an event geared toward increasing networking opportunities between student and dentist members with some continuing education about the power of social media in growing your practice. It will take place Thursday, September 13, with a social hour starting at 5:00 p.m. and formal program starting at 6:00 p.m. Mark your calendars!
Finishing Lines
Finally, I would like to say that I am extremely excited about the opportunity to serve as the Student District president for the 2012-2013 school year. With the great group of leaders for this next year, there are a lot of great things in store. I look forward to increasing opportunities for interaction between student and dentist members, providing students with valuable outreach opportunities, and improving the overall student experience in organized dentistry.
Northwestern District
John E. Lueth
Associate Editor
P.O.Box 310
Bemidji, MN 56619
Northwestern District Summer Meeting Will Feature Dental Esthetics
The Northwestern District Dental Society annual Summer Meeting will be held June 15, 2012, at the Holiday Inn in Detroit Lakes. Featured speaker will be Sorin Uram-uculescu, D.D.S., Ph.D., Assistant Professor, Department of Prosthodontics, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Dentistry. Dr. Uram-Tuculescu will speak on “Dental Patient Management” and “Esthetics and Dentistry”. Six fundamental CE credits will be available.
Dr. Tuculescu is originally from Timisoara, Romania, where he received his D.M.D. and Ph.D. Interestingly, Romania’s fi rst titaniumbased dental prostheses were cast during his thesis preparation. He has served as a faculty member, hospital dentist, and has maintained a part-time private practice.
Dr. Tuculescu has been awarded the Helicon Editor’s Prize, as well as the Romanian Academy Prize, “Gheorghe Marinescu”, for contributions to various textbooks. Once in the United States, he attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where he obtained his American D.D.S. as well as M.S. and Certifi ate in prosthodontics.
He is a recipient of the G. Randolph and Ann Babcock Fellowship, the Freedland Advanced Dental Education Fellowship, and has received recognition from the Academy of Prosthodontics Foundation – Research Grants Committee. Dr. Tuculescu is a member of the American College of Prosthodontists and on the editorial board of Omics Publishing Group — Dentistry.
His professional/research interests include dental patient management, esthetics, digital dentistry, masticatory function, and sleep apnea. Dr. Tuculescu has contributed to journals and textbooks, attended professional meetings at home and abroad, and is a featured speaker on a variety of topics. For meeting inquiries and pre-registration, please contact Phyllis Sjulson at 39154 335 Avenue Southeast, Fosston, Minnesota 56542; phone (218) 435-6738 (home), (218) 435-1599 (work), or (218) 435-6568 (fax); email rwdds@gvtel.com.
A Recommendation for Skydiving — Really?!
Dr. Katie Bendickson
If you would have asked me a month ago if I would ever try skydiving, I would have said no before you could have finished asking the question! However, on a recent trip to Florida, I found myself about 14,000 feet in the air strapped to a complete stranger ready to do be hurled out of a perfectly good airplane! What made me do it? Two words: peer pressure! A friend I was with had an appointment scheduled before anyone could object. So there it was — a 30-minute ride to the neighboring town, watching an all too brief instructional video, suiting up, and meeting the stranger who was about to save my life. All the while, I was fairly certain my heart may beat out of my chest!
It didn’t seem real until the door of the plane opened and I had to proceed to dangle my legs over the edge. It’s hard to say for sure, but I probably closed my eyes at that point! The next thing I knew, I was free falling at about 110 mph for 45 seconds until a parachute was pulled. I had imagined the entire process would be terrifying and awful, but really it was amazing. It felt like floating. There was no crazy feeling in my stomach or fear of heights as I had anticipated. It was an unforgettable and indescribable experience. If skydiving is not on your bucket list, I would highly recommend its addition!
Fishing (Eye) Opener
Question #1: How tall are you? (We’ll get back to this. Wait for it!)
Question #2: Got a day off? Waddyaliketado? Shopping on the top of the list? Sleep in? Chores around the house? Chase around town or the city connecting dots? Pikers! Well, when Leah Padgett, Dora Lake, Minnesota (look it up … remote … northeast of Bemidji) took a day off recently from her normal weekday world of dental assisting, she spent it celebrating her birthday with her husband Luke … stalking prehistoric critters of the deep!
Pointing the truck north and towing it a short distance to the Rainy River - the river is the border between northern Minnesota and northwest Ontario, and fl ows into Lake of the Woods - the avid fishing couple of Leah and Luke spent the day with Luke’s father in pursuit of sturgeon. The Rainy is well known for walleyes. Because the season on this border water opens earlier than on in-state waters, it is a popular destination for anglers wanting to have a crack at catching probably the largest walleyes they will ever catch! The Rainy River has also become particularly popular in recent years for sturgeon fi shing. Sturgeon in Rainy River — and in Lake of the Woods — have a particularly long history.
Editor’s note: A website called “Suite 101” provides some great information about this strangelooking, rather secretive, ancient, and long-lived creature of the deep along with some extremely interesting history from right here in the Northwestern District. I highly recommend taking a couple of minutes to read about these marvelous creatures at http://katherine- murcko.suite101.com/a-brief-history-oflake-sturgeon-in-menonmineeand-ojibwe-culture-a338839 and http://hollis-willeford.suite101.com/sturgeon-fi shing-on-theminnesotaontario-border-a64154 But back to our story.
On this very special day, April 24, the three sturgeon fi sherpersons caught four of the storied beasts. Leah caught or boated two sturgeon. Then she hooked a third fish and handed her fishing pole over to the other guy in the boat to “give him a chance”! Later that other guy caught the fourth sturgeon. These four fish ranged in size from 52” to 59”!
Luke is a great guide. Taking his wife sturgeon fishing for the first time several years ago, she caught one that measured out at 59”. She has not been able to break that personal best since – they don’t call it “beginner’s luck” for nothing – but she did tie it with the one caught this spring. Luke boasts the 63” sturgeon pictured, with another one caught the same day coming in at 64” in length. His personal best was caught a couple of years ago — 69 inches!
By Leah’s account, she usually gets the fish reeled up to the boat by herself, normally while standing and resting the butt of the pole on her stomach or hip bone. But this year she is four months pregnant! So she sat the entire time with the butt of the pole beneath her in hopes of not putting pressure on her stomach. This was in large part because Leah’s father-in-law was concerned about her reeling in her own fish and possibly hurting “his grandbaby”!
Leah says that the process of getting the hooked fish reeled in usually takes 15-30 minutes. It always seems as if you are almost close to getting the fish in when it takes the line out and you’re back where you started. Once the fi sh is actually up next to the boat, what happens next is that Luke reaches in and grabs it by the gills with his hands, lifting it into the boat and laying it on the floor of the boat to remove the hook and measure the length and girth. Strict regulations allow only one fish to be kept, and that must meet certain length requirements. But rest assured that each and every one of Leah and Luke’s sturgeon was measured, admired, and released.
So — how tall are you? Well, here’s why I ask: Leah is 5’4”, or 64 inches, tall. The larger fish she caught on that day several weeks ago was 59 inches. I know it’s only a matter of time before she boats a sturgeon which is longer than she is tall. All I can say to that is, “Holy mackerel!”
Minneapolis District
Cale A. Strait, D.D.S.
Associate Editor
6545 France Avenue South
Edina, Minnesota 55435
Annual Meeting
On Thursday, April 12, outgoing president Lee Ann Herbert hosted members and guests at the Minneapolis Marriott Southwest Hotel for the District’s 2012 Annual Installation of Officers and Guest of Honor Evening. Our newly installed officers are Cale A. Strait, president; Susan E. M. Block, president-elect; Douglas J. McNaught, vice-president; and Gary A. Bolmgren, secretary/treasurer along with Alejandro M. Aguirre, trustee to the MDA. We all look forward to continuing to advance the Minneapolis District in its goals and mission over the next year.
Also honored during this special night were 15 past presidents who were in attendance as well: Alejandro Aguirre, Michelle Bergsrud, Bashar Bakdash, Tony DiAngelis, Pat Foy, Doug Lambert, Tom Larkin, Steve Litton, George MacGibbon, Jim Nickman, Mark Omlie, Harold Panuska, Rick Render, Herb Schulte, and R. Bruce Templeton. Recognition and applause as well went to MDDS members Patrick Foy, Jamie Sledd, R. Bruce Templeton, and Michael Till as past Minnesota Dental Association presidents. Following dinner, the 2012 Guest of Honor Award was presented to R. Bruce Templeton. Mark Omlie was the emcee of a very special presentation highlighting Dr. Templeton’s dental career and lifelong volunteerism.
Dr. Omlie put together a wonderful tribute to Bruce’s dental career which included some very entertaining stories and remembrances from colleagues and friends, including Todd Tsuchiya, Doug Lambert and Michael Zakula, plus video tributes from his daughters Kristen and Erin, who were both away at college and could not be with him for the evening, along with a very nice tribute from his son Grant.
Dr. Templeton was honored with an engraved plaque on behalf of the District for his valuable contributions to dentistry and his community. Congratulations, Bruce!
To Mark Omlie, thank you very much for all the time and effort you put into the special program. Those in attendance surely enjoyed themselves.
Notable and Quotable
The Minneapolis District’s Guest of Honor for 2012 is R. Bruce Templeton, Chief of Oral Surgery and the dental clinic at the Veteran’s Affairs Medical Center in Minneapolis.
Dr. Templeton has been deeply committed to organized dentistry over his professional career and has held numerous offices at local, state, and national levels. He has been a member of the Minneapolis District for 32 years. He is a diplomate of the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, past president of the Minnesota Society of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, past president of the Minneapolis District Dental Society, and holds the rank of clinical professor at the University of Minnesota School of Dentistry. He has also been a board member of the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine and chaired their annual session for two years.
Bruce was the MDA president in 2010, when he said, “ I look forward to working with the entire dental community to help pave a future for dentistry that reflects our past excellence while expanding on opportunities to provide access to quality dental care for all Minnesotans. It is a privilege to serve the dentists and the citizens of Minnesota.”
Dr. Templeton received his D.M.D. at the University of Manitoba, Canada, and worked as a general dentist in Canada’s far north prior to completing an oral surgery residency at the University of Minnesota, graduating in 1986. He is past Chief of Surgery at North Memorial Medical Center, a level one trauma center in Minneapolis, and past Chief of Dentistry at Minneapolis Children’s Medical Center. Dr. Templeton has been involved in numerous charitable dentistry activities over the years, including outreach efforts to bring needed dental care to underprivileged populations in the U.S. and abroad. He resides in Edina with his wife, Laura-Gail. They have three children, Grant, Kristen, and Erin. He is actively involved in community service, including the Rotary Club of Edina and NC Little Hospice as well.
Herb Schulte Awarded 2012 MDA Outstanding Service Award
Herbert Schulte is a 1977 graduate of the University of Minnesota School of Dentistry and has been actively involved in school and alumni activities for the past 34 years. He was the U of M Alumni Association president for two years and has been a key organizer of activities for his class and fraternity since graduation. In addition, he has been a part-time faculty member in the operative clinic for years and provides treatment to medically, physically, and mentally handicapped adults in the hospital dental clinic.
Being involved is what Dr. Schulte has been known for throughout his career, giving countless hours to organized dentistry, where he has taken on leadership roles within the Association and in dental professional organizations. He is an active member of the ADA, the MDA, and the Minneapolis District Dental Society. He has been a district officer and has served on the MDDS Executive Council for many years, with a long-standing commitment to District activities. He hasn’t missed a Trapshoot Event in 34 years! In addition, he has been actively involved in the Minnesota Dental Association, where he has served as a member and chair of the Dental Education Committee.
Dr. Schulte has also been involved in a number of charitable dentistry activities over the years, providing donated services for patients in the Donated Dental Services Program and participating for the past ten years in the Give Kids a Smile program. He generously gives countless hours to volunteer dentistry and is a credit to the profession. As Dr. Schulte stated, “I just enjoy being involved in the dental profession and giving all I can give!”
Sharing and Caring Hands Update
Thank you to our district’s members for support of the Sharing and Caring Hands Dental Clinic. The 12th Annual Give Kids a Smile day event took place Saturday, February 4, 2012. One hundred forty children from Mary’s Place received $55,000.00 of free dental care. This was only possible because so many members participated. Thanks go to Teresa Fong for her leadership, Ms. Michelle Quade for her tireless work, and Apple Tree Dental for their generous donation of equipment and staff along with many individuals as well. It is only with the commitment and dedication that this event continues to be successful and continues to grow every year.
Last year was the first in a two-year grant project with funding from Healthier Minnesota Community Clinic Foundation. Part of the money awarded in the grant was to update the equipment in the dental clinic. New A-dec equipment was installed in January 2011 and has received rave reviews from the volunteers. The rest of the grant funds were specifically designated for staff salaries, which include parttime dental assistants. The goals of the grant project are to extend the hours of clinic operation, to increase the number of people served, and to expand the services provided.
We applaud the following people who gave their time in the dental clinic last year. These individuals provided an additional $388,000.00 of free dental care in 2011.
Maynard Anderson
Lenny Arndt
Jennifer Beaudin
Don Blakeslee
Steve Bejarano
Steve Boger
Kevan Cahow
Rick Diehl
Megan Eakins
Stephen Gulbrandsen
Ann O’Connell
Fred Haas
Mark Omlie
John Heckert
Andrew Pearson
Bill Hoffmann
Dan Sampson
James Indrehus
Kyle Skjei
Brett Kurtzman
Wendy Tanner
Sarah Magnuson
Anita Thomas
Todd Marshall
Kyle Tidstrom
Charles McCann
Sarah Gallagher
Don McPartlan
Thank you as well to everyone who has made financial donations to the dental clinic. We could not fulfill our mission without your generous support.
The 2012 goals are equally ambitious. Many people in the community have restorative and oral surgery needs, but are unable to access dental care. Your help is needed and wanted. Please consider giving a small amount of your time. For more information, contact Ms. Melissa Cozart at (952) 994.4096 or e-mail her at: mcozart@sharingandcaringhands.org.
Membership Milestones
MDDS congratulated the following members who have reached membership milestones within our organization at the annual meeting, thanking each of them for their contribution to the dental profession through their years of membership.
25 Years of Membership
JoAnn Boraas, D.D.S.
Thomas Bruss, D.D.S.
John Erickson, D.D.S.
Teresa Fong, D.D.S.
David Howells, D.D.S.
Michelle LaBeau, D.D.S.
Thomas Meschke, D.D.S.
Gregory Olson, D.D.S.
Daniel Raether, D.D.S.
Jamie Sledd, D.D.S.
Thomas Telander, D.D.S.
Todd Tsuchiya, D.D.S.
50 Years of Membership
Bruce Abrahman, D.D.S.
Carl Brandt, D.D.S.
El Ray Fertig, D.D.S.
Richard Goodkind, D.D.S.
Raymond Hellickson, D.D.S.
Lee Kochenderfer, D.D.S.
William Kraft, D.D.S.
George LeMay, D.D.S.
Peter Petrick, D.D.S.
Donald Richards, D.D.S.
Harrie Shearer, D.D.S.
Vernon Steffens, D.D.S.
A Very Big Deal
The first-ever collaborative effort between the Minneapolis and Saint Paul Districts along with the dental students from the University of Minnesota School of Dentistry will be presented at the General Membership Networking Meeting/Social Media Continuing Education Program planned for Thursday, September 13, 2012 at the U of M McNamara Alumni Center. “Social Media – What’s the Deal with FaceBook? What’s a Tweet and Should I Care?” will be presented by Alan Mead, D.D.S. from Detroit, Michigan. This is a networking/mentoring event with the dental students along with a lecture on a topic everyone needs to learn more about. Get your calendar marked now of this one!
Welcome, New Members
Congratulations to the following new members of the district.
Elizabeth A. Amundson, D.D.S.
Christie J. Berkseth-Rojas, D.D.S.
Eric T. Carlson, D.D.S.
Jason G. Choorapuzha, D.M.D.
Tori T. Conrad, D.D.S.
Sylvia M. Cuellar, D.D.S.
Jessica M. Desjardins, D.D.S.
Andree-Maude Dubois-Lebel, D.M.D.
Luke A. Foster, D.D.S.
Sean P. Laidig, D.D.S.
Xieng K. Lee, D.D.S.
David L. Leonard, D.D.S.
Francisco J. Mesa, D.D.S.
Bonaventure C. Nwokocha, D.D.S.
Adam W. Podratz, D.D.S.
Megan R. Schwartzbauer, D.D.S.
Trevor H. Smith, D.M.D.
Mark P. Spaude, D.D.S.
Laura L. Tallmon, D.D.S.
Todd E. Thierer, D.D.S.
Lam S. Tu, D.D.S.
Mark C. Wallace, D.D.S.
Nicholas M. Weinand, D.D.S.
Joseph W. Winegar, D.D.S.
Upcoming Programs and Events
Monday, August 6, 2012
MDDS Golf Event
Olympic Hill Golf Club
Eden Prairie, Minnesota
Wednesday, August 15, 2012
Trapshoot Event
Metro Gun Club
Blaine, Minnesota
Friday, August 17 and Saturday, August 18, 2012
MN Mission of Mercy
Verizon Wireless Center
Mankato, Minnesota
Many volunteers needed
Tuesday, August 28, 2012
MDDS Caucus Meeting
All Members Welcome
Minneapolis Marriott Southwest Hotel
Minnetonka, Minnesota
Wednesday, September 5, 2012
Greater Twin Cities Tennis Event
Bearpath Golf and Country Club
Eden Prairie, Minnesota
Thursday, September 13, 2012
MDDS/SPDDS/Dental Students Joint Mentoring-Networking Meeting
Guest Speaker: Alan Mead, D.D.S.
McNamara Alumni Center
U of M Campus
Minneapolis, Minnesota
Friday, September 20 and Saturday, September 21, 2012
MDA House of Delegates
Bloomington, Minnesota
Thursday, January 10, 2013
Staff Appreciation Event – General Membership Meeting
Speaker: Mr. Bruce Christopher
Minneapolis Marriott Southwest Hotel
Minnetonka, Minnesota
Friday, February 8, 2013
87th Annual Midwinter Dental Meeting
Minneapolis Marriott Southwest Hotel
Minnetonka, Minnesota
Saint Paul District
Rosalie Perpich
Associate Editor
1725 Tower Drive West
Stillwater, MN 55082
Sweet Bear Program is a Hit with Kids
For more than 25 years, Associated Dentists in Saint Paul has sent out the mascot Sweet Bear to engage children ages four to seven about proper oral hygiene. Sweet Bear has visited 29 schools this past year, and in fact visits with more than 3,000 children a year, with 158 staff hours devoted to the program.
Sweet Bear and her puppet friend Flossie the Dinosaur talk with children about good nutrition, tooth development, germs, and dentist visits. “At that age, if they learn something about taking care of their teeth, they can carry it through their entire lives,” said Kelly Solt, a registered dental hygienist who has been giving Sweet Bear presentations for more than 15 years.
The program runs each year for the six weeks between February1st and mid-March, and visits daycare, pre-school, and elementary schools in Ramsey and Dakota County. The Saint Paul District Dental Society became a co-sponsor of the Sweet Bear Program in 2011. Associated Dentists, SPDDS, and Oral B contribute toothbrushes and educational materials.
The Saint Paul District Welcomes Our Newest Members
Jennifer L. Beaudin, D.D.S.
Andrew Carrell, D.D.S.
Dan Ehrmanntraut, D.D.S.
Alice Huang, D.D.S.
Claire O. Mielke, D.D.S.
Shivan Nelson, D.D.S.
Drumroll …
Congratulations to the following members who have reached 25 and 50 year membership …
25 years
Jerome W. Kofski
David T. Kubes
G.R. Patet
Glenn Perkins
Mark J. Skala
Marshall L. Wade
Shelley N. Wakefield
Mark D. Watson
50 years
Mark W. Holmes
Thomas B. Tibbetts
And I’ll See You There …
May 24, 2012
“Dentispree” Social and Installation of Officers
Town & Country Club
Saint Paul, Minnesota
6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
June 5, 2012
SPDDS Executive Council Meeting
September 4
SPDDS Executive Council Meeting
September 11, 2011
SPDDS Caucus
January 18, 2013
SPDDS Midwinter Meeting
Download PDF of May-June 2012 District Reports