ICD
USA
DISTRICT 15 J U LY 2 0 2 2
Editor’s Corner J. Kavin Kelp, DDS
Comfort in Belonging
In all dental organizations, the percentage of dentist members has been slowly declining for many years. There was much discussion about how to reverse this trend. Active organized dentistry is the only hope for the preservation and advancement of the profession. Without these associations, dentists have little to no voice. Furthermore, they do not benefit from the camaraderie and are truly on an island along (and alone!) with the constant onslaught of rules and regulations and third party control. It is obvious that change is necessary for this downward trend to stabilize and reverse. I am confident our leaders at all levels are working to identify what changes are necessary to appeal to young and future dentists. To me, the key is to be able to involve all of our colleagues so that they too benefit from the comfort of belonging. Now is the perfect time to welcome new members into the fold. They need to feel welcome and know that they have a voice. Thanks to President Walters for sharing her story of service in Jerusalem! While fascinating, it is much more than a story about helping others abroad – it is about a passion for fulfilling service. Last year during the Virtual Convocation, Dr. Carol I Turner was recognized with a rare Registrar Emeritus distinction. I am sure you will find her amazing journey in dentistry intriguing! Do not miss the members meeting in Dallas! Mr. Bill Miller will speak about how one group is working to eliminate world hunger. Hope to see you all at the 2022 Annual ICD-USA Section Meeting and Convocation in Houston!
The Texas Dental Association House of Delegates met in early May at the Hyatt Lost Pines Resort near Bastrop. I reference this meeting for several reasons, most importantly the chance to visit with colleagues from across the state for the first time in a long time. The informal visits as well as the exchange of challenges in practice are always enlightening and motivating. The countless friendships developed in serving various positions in organized dentistry are a true blessing. To know ones colleagues personally and professionally is comforting in that we share common challenges and successes unknown to those not in the profession. Everyone in attendance is a leader in many ways and devotes their time in order to preserving and advancing our noble profession. As I surveyed the meeting hall, I was struck by how many delegates and officers are Fellows of the International College of Dentists. These dentists are the cream of the crop. They are leaders in their communities, their dental societies, at the TDA level and many in national and even global positions of leadership. One thing all of these people have in common other than the same profession is their deep desire to belong. This sense of belonging improves our life satisfaction, happiness, and our mental and physical health. Belonging lends legitimacy to our actions when one’s peers are familiar with the training, dedication and the values of an involved participant. 1