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What is something readers would be surprised to learn about you? I have been playing trap drums since I was in seventh grade. My last group was Ultra Sound, which was a group of doctors here in Mexico. We aren’t together at the present time, but hopefully someday we will be playing again.


How do you relax and have fun? As much as I would like to relax, I can’t. When I try, I start feeling guilty about all the things I have to do. I must admit that my grand- daughter is the closest thing to relaxation I get.


What personal achievement are you most proud? All the service I have given to or- ganized dentistry (MDA, MDIS, ADA, MDA Foundation) over the past 29 years and my 21 years of service on the Mexico School Board.


Do you have a hero; who is it and why? My wife Liz is my hero. She has man- aged to take care of the home, manage the dental practice, do the majority of raising our children, has been very active in our church and is always there to support me in any way she can. Whether it is time spent or help needed in school board matters, Kiwanis or Elks responsibilities, or dental tasks, she is there. She has always given me the time, space and support to accomplish my many volunteer positions . She is one of a kind and I love her very much. She is definitely my hero.


What is the biggest factor that drives you each day? Just knowing that somehow I can make a difference in someone’s life each day!


If you have favorites in these categories, will you share what they are? • Food: Tuna Casserole


• Song: Wipe Out • Movie: James Bond Movies • Book: The Bible • Vacation Spot: Hawaii • Sports Team: Cardinals


ABOUT YOUR CAREER


What motivated you to decide on a career in dentistry? Dr. O’Brien, my child hood physi- cian, was the one who convinced me to be some kind of a doctor. The decision to go into dentistry came from me as I compared medicine and dentistry. I looked at the pros and cons and decided my skills were better


suited for dentistry. Not to mention that malpractice insurance rates were more at- tractive as a dentist.


What was your greatest ‘a ha’ moment in dental school? Probably the day I graduated from dental school. My high school coun- selor never thought I would get into college much less hold three degrees (BS, MBA and DDS). The best was when I got elected to the Mexico school board and became his boss!


What was your favorite class in dental school? Probably endo and oral surgery.


What are your words of wisdom for some- one who may be considering enrolling in dental school? Do your best and don’t ever give up. Don’t be discouraged by anyone, as you know what your dreams are, so go get them.


What do you enjoy most about being a dentist? Being a member of the greatest and most well-respected profession in the world. Also, knowing that my patients are not only patients, but friends.


What do you enjoy least about being a den- tist? Always having to worry about what the government and others will be trying to do to our great profession.


What is the best advice anyone has ever given you about your career? To always be honest and fair with your patients and to document everything.


How do you keep your staff motivated and energized? I have a small staff and we to- tally respect each other. We treat all of our patients the same way we would want to be treated. As a result, motivation and energy just come natural, and we enjoy coming to work.


If I asked your patients why they keep com- ing back to your practice, what would they tell me? That I’m not just their dentist, that I am their friend, and they love the fact that I spend so much time talking to them—not just about dentistry but about our town, politics and current events.


If you decided to abandon dentistry tomor- row to pursue your ‘ultimate dream’ what would that be? It would never happen as I’m in dentistry to stay. However when my life slows down, I could see mission trips in my future.


ABOUT YOUR PRESIDENCY & LEADERSHIP


There are a lot of issues happening in Mis- souri dentistry right now, including the ad- dition of another dental school and the pro- posal of another dental team worker. What do you feel MDA’s role should be in these issues? MDA must continue to do what is in the best interest of our member dentists, our patients and the overall reputation of our profession. Thus far, the MDA has not endorsed the new school at Kirksville because of so many uncertainties. We, as an Association, must stay in constant oversight mode to make sure that the products of the school aren’t detrimental to the public and our profes- sion.


Also, the midlevel providers have had a lot of discussion, and in my and many oth- ers opinions, this is not in the best interest of the public and dentistry. We must work hand in hand with the ADA to make sure that the dentist is the leader of the dental team in every circumstance. If all these individuals want to do the work of the den- tist, let them go to dental school.


In your opinion, what is the state of our Association and the profession of dentistry? The state of our Association is as good as it can be with all that is going on. We have a great staff and a very dedicated Board of Trustees that continue to deal with every- thing that comes along. We have a func- tioning House of Delegates, which I believe is imperative in a member-driven associa- tion.


As far as the state of our profession, it is stable but constantly under attack and being challenged. There always seems to be those on the outside who think they know what is best for our profession and those who want to encroach on our duties and responsibilities without having the proper education and qualifications. Every time our profession allows less qualified individuals to do some segment of our responsibility, we open Pandora’s Box a little farther. We must be vigilant and work with the experts at the MDA and the ADA to keep our profession strong and make sure that the educationally qualified dentist is the head of the dental team for all patient treatment.


What do you feel is dentistry’s greatest strength today? Greatest weakness? The fact that we have such great state and national


CONTINUED next page NOV/DEC 2011 | focus 25


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