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DR. ELWOOD RICE, PRESIDENT continued from previous page


dental associations with so many quali- fied people who are always pro active. Our weakness would be the loss or stagnant position in our membership.


What do you feel is dentistry’s greatest opportunity today? Greatest threat? Our greatest opportunity is our ability and tech- nology to continue improving our materi- als and equipment that we need to provide great dental care. The greatest threats are the outside groups interfering with the way we believe our profession should oper- ate and the insurance companies trying to dictate patient care.


What is something you want members to know about your vision for your term of service as President? I want them to know that we will leave no stones unturned when it comes to midlevel providers and that the dentists must continue being the ultimate authority in the dental practice.


What do you believe are the best oppor- tunities for growth and positive change


within the MDA in the next three years? I believe that because of all the interference, intrusion and alternative providers that are being thrown at our profession, that our membership will realize the importance of organized dentistry and join. We have a great profession and we must keep it this way, but it doesn’t help when non-members sit on the side and reap the benefits without the personal contributions and sacrifice. They need us and we need them.


How did you first become active in orga- nized dentistry? Did someone invite you to participate in something or another reason? What’s the biggest reason you have stayed involved? My dentist, Dr. Bob Barklew, in- vited me to go to some meetings and once I got a taste of organized dentistry I couldn’t turn back. I have always been a shy, intro- verted individual, but I came to realize that I couldn’t help make our organization better if I didn’t get involved. It’s all about making a difference.


The MDA always is striving to get more young dentists involved in Association ac- tivities and leadership. What advice or com- ments do you have to those members who are beginning their practices and families,


who don’t feel they have the time to become involved or maybe don’t know how to get started? When you are first starting, it is in your best interest to get to know your peers and get to know the ropes of the profes- sion (both professionally and politically). Attending one meeting a month, paying dues and giving input when needed doesn’t take that much time, but it is definitely in their best interest. Get your feet wet in the beginning, and as time frees up, get more involved.


What would you tell fellow members who desire to attain an Association leadership role to do to prepare? Let your peers in leadership roles know you want to be in- volved, go to meetings, volunteer for com- mittees, boards, etc. There are never enough volunteers, so if you want to serve and are willing to put out the effort, it will happen.


DR. RICE will be visiting component meetings throughout his term as president. He encourages your questions and comments on any Association matters. Contact him at president@modental.org or 573-581-7660.


MDA officers elected, new Board members begin terms


At the November House of Delegates meeting, in addition to Dr. Elwood Rice assuming the presidency, the following officers were elected:


President-Elect: Dr. Lynne Barbour is a general dentist practicing in Kahoka. She is a 1988 gradu- ate of the UMKC School of Dentistry. She will serve for a one-year term. Treasurer/Secretary: Dr. JC Standlee is a general dentist practicing in Jefferson City. He is a 1987 graduate of the UMKC School of Dentistry and completed a GPR from the University of Washington School of Dentistry in 1988. He will serve for his fourth and final one-year term. Speaker: Dr. Joe Sokolowski is a general dentist practicing in Florissant. He is a 1982 graduate of the UMKC School of Dentistry. He will serve for a second and final four-year term.


Following the final House session, the Board met for a second meeting where new trustees and represen- tatives attended their first meeting:


Northeast: Dr. Tisha Kice-Briggs is a general dentist practicing in Kirksville. She is a 2002 graduate of UMKC School of Dentistry. Southeast: Dr. John Freeze is a general dentist practicing in Cape Girardeau. He is a 1979 graduate of the UMKC School of Dentistry. New Dentist Representa- tive: Dr. Nick Hein is a general dentist practicing in Springfield. He is a 2006 graduate of the University of Colorado School of Dental Medicine.


26 focus | NOV/DEC 2011


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