FOCUS | ISSUE 6 | 2010

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and no one was on the road but me. The night air was warm and the atmosphere was tranquil. Up until this point I was delivering periodic speeches here and there. I was starting to develop my career and still trying to get my name out there. On that early morning drive I realized that the next day I would be delivering my fi rst real “big” presentation. I’m not necessarily talking about the size of the group, I’m talking about the client and fee involved. For the fi rst time, I was going to be the main keynote speaker at a huge conference. It was at this moment in my life that I knew I had found the right job for me. I was going to get to do something I loved to do and clients were actu- ally going to pay me to do it.

What do you believe is absolutely crucial to suc- cess in one’s profession? Love what you do! I’m not saying you’ll love everyday of the job, but I am saying you should love the profession. If you can brighten someone else’s day, then that’s a reward- ing job. Stay current, stay focused, stay confi dent, stay curious, and stay with that profession until you feel you no longer enjoy “the job.”

Who is someone you admire and why, as it relates to the dental profession or the topic that you are speaking on? I admire numerous people. My parents, my siblings, my wife and kids, and the list goes on … As far as my profession, this topic and my areas of interest go, I would have to say I admire a man by the name if Andy Rancer. This man is a fabulous speaker! He is not well known in the “speaking industry” per say, but the impact he has had on me is extraordinary. He taught me that training and speaking can be a fun career. He showed me how to create my fi rst program workbook, my fi rst contract, my fi rst fee structure. He is the kind person who always seems to put others fi rst! He is genuinely happy for me when I succeed, and to me, that is an admirable charac- teristic of a human being. He is also the guy who told me to “Get Out!”

As a speaker, what question(s) are you asked most often, and how do you answer it? The fi rst question most dental audiences ask me is, “Did you have braces?” The answer is no; I was blessed with perfectly straight teeth. I also have been asked many times how to motivate and inspire the staff in a practice. My answer is always the same, “You set the pace, you stay positive, you remain kind!” When you can deliver these quali- ties and deliver them sincerely, people will enjoy working with you and for you. I’m also often asked how to deal with diffi cult personalities. My answer is fi rst, “Do not get drawn into their negative despair.” People are usually upset, negative or dif- fi cult because they are feeling stress, anger or fear. If you become like them, then no one benefi ts. Try to be that light at the end of the tunnel or that pot of gold at the end of a rainbow. I’m not saying you

can change their attitude immediately, but it’s a great starting point.

What are you reading right now? A James Pat- terson book. I like mystery/suspense novels. They allow me to drift off into a fantasy world and forget about the hustle and bustle of daily life for a while. I also just fi nished reading a fantastic book called A People’s History of the United States, by Howard Zinn. Good insightful information!

With your busy schedule, how do you relax? This might sound corny, but I love spending time with my family. It actually relaxes me. Because of my (sometimes crazy) schedule I do not get to spend as much time with my three children as I’d like. Therefore, when I return from a trip the fi rst thing I want to do to help me relax is play with them. I know it doesn’t sound relaxing to be playing, but it’s a good stress reducer. Plus, I laugh my head off every time one of my kids says something funny, which is about every two minutes and that helps me relax as well. I also love to golf! If I could play 24/7, I would; however, I might not have a wife or career any longer if that happened.

Dr. Ann Boyle

Ethics in Our Culture, Our Profession and Our Dental Schools & Solving Ethical Dilemmas in Patient Care

What is the crux of your presentation? At a point in our history where we are continually informed of the ethical misdeeds of elected offi cials, celebri- ties, doctors, bankers and even teachers, it is important to take stock and assure ourselves of what our professional values are. Our profession has a Code of Ethics, although for many of us, it was not a part of our formal dental education. This presentation addresses the current state of ethical aff airs in our culture and how dentists are viewed by the public, will review our professional Code of Ethics and will discuss ethics in our dental schools.

What is unique about your presentation/style? Although it begins as a presentation, the course will present ethical dilemmas that will be dis- cussed in small groups using the Code of Ethics as a guide to ethical decision making.

How will hearing your message change the way the attendees work and practice? Dentists attending the course already bring their set of ethical values to their patient care, but many situations are complex, and this material can serve as a guide for making decisions in those complex situations.

What led you to choose a career in what you will be presenting on? I have practiced dentistry, and I have taught dentistry. But as a dental school

dean, learning of troubling behaviors by students in my own school and in other schools, it has be- come clear that the moral compass in our society is changing. It is necessary for our profession to establish and sustain strong ethical behaviors among our members in order to maintain the trust of the public we serve. To that end, I began formally teaching ethics to our dental students nine years ago in addition to other duties as a faculty member and dean.

What was a major turning point in your career? Choosing dental school over medical school many years ago. I have loved almost every minute and have absolutely no regrets.

What do you believe is absolutely crucial to suc- cess in one’s profession? Passion for what you do.

As a speaker, what question(s) are you asked most often, and how do you answer it? The questions are diff erent every time.

What are you reading right now? Worth Dying For by Lee Child … absolute escapist reading!

With your busy schedule, how do you relax? Besides reading escapist novels … cooking. This combination has preserved my sanity but torpe- doed my youthful fi gure!

Dr. Brett Kessler

Devastation of Mouths, Lives and Communities

What is the crux of your presentation? Addiction is present in all dental prac- tices. Participants will learn to identify and treat patients with this disease. Methamphetamine’s unique ability to destroy teeth quickly has put dentistry into the role of a key player in helping these people back into a productive and healthy life.

What is unique about your presen- tation/style? Through the use of powerful videos, pictures and personal experience, this presentation will be unforgettable.

How will hearing your message change the way the attendees work and practice? Attendees will see that addiction is present is many forms that may have been unknown to them. Den- tists can play a key role in getting those patients the help that they need.

More Speaker Interviews continued on the next page!

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