our political action efforts (MODentPac and ADPAC). We need more members to join the advocacy effort. The old political adage is still true today—if you aren’t at the table, you are on the table.

We’re awarding an outstanding new dental leader award at the House. Have you been involved since being a new dentist, or did your involve- ment come later? In either case, what encouraged you to participate in more leadership roles and what would you say to mentor others aspiring to a similar commitment as yourself? I have had the privilege to have been mentored by several dentists in the MDA. All of them told me that my volunteer efforts would return the personal and professional satisfaction of having fought the battle to preserve our wonderful dental profession.

What’s your favorite (all time or current) hobby/past time? Approaching the age of 60, I plan on practicing for another 10 years. However, if I were to hit the Powerball tomorrow you would most likely need to come see me in the fly fishing zone at Bennett Spring State Park having a battle with my nemesis Oncorhynchus mykiss.

Outstanding New Dental Leader DR. BETH LANSFORD

The Outstanding New Dental Leader award is designed to recognize a member of the MDA who has been in practice 10 years or fewer and has demonstrated outstanding leadership qualities, professional and ethical conduct, and volunteer activities in their community and organized dentistry.

Dr. Beth Lansford, a general dentist in St. Louis, Mo., was honored as the 2016 MDA Outstanding New Dental Leader.

Dr. Lansford is being recognized for her commitment to activities within the dental profession since her graduation from dental school in 2011. An example of her demonstrated leadership abilities is her selection as the 2017 Chair of the Council on Scientific Sessions for the Greater St. Louis Dental Society. In addition to this leadership role, she serves on the Greater St. Louis Dental Society Board of Directors and is the New Dentist Representative on its Council on Membership.

Dr. Lansford received her DDS from UMKC in 2011 and completed an AEGD residency at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville in 2013. She practices at the Better Jean Kerr People’s Health Centers, Health and Dental Care for Kids Site in St. Louis. When not practicing den- tistry, Dr. Lansford enjoys spending time with family, friends and her wonderful husband, Mitch.

Among the various dental-related activities you participate in that led to your receipt of this award, which experience(s) has been the most rewarding and why? The New Dentist Committee of the Greater St. Louis Dental Society was the start of my participation in organized dentistry, and it has propelled me into many of the roles I have today. Being a part of that group has been wonderful. Thanks to some inspir- ing young leaders, I was involved in the formation of a formal “New

Dentist Committee” for the GSLDS in 2013 and had the honor of being the NDC Chairperson for 2014. The ADA was so supportive during this time; they facilitated a workshop that helped develop a structure and formal bylaws for the committee. This formal structure is what allows the group to be self-sustaining. Seeing the New Dentist Committee grow to what it is today has been so rewarding! We have an amazing group of young, energetic members who are so dedicated to dentistry. Even though I won’t be a “New Dentist” for a whole lot longer, I am confident New Dentist Committee will continue to grow!

Of all your activities—dental, civic, personal—what current activity in your life are you most excited about being a part of and why? I have many facets of my current life that I would say I am excited about. Recently, my focus has certainly been on my career, and I am comfortable, yet excited, about where I am professionally. I am a gener- al dentist who works at a public health office providing comprehensive dental care to children, mostly from low-income populations. I never envisioned myself in this part of dentistry, but it has been so rewarding. I am surprised it has been such a good fit for me. I have gained so much knowledge in addition to a huge appreciation for our pediatric dentists! While I see myself practicing on adults again at some point, my current job providing much-needed dental care to kids has been a challenge and a blessing professionally and personally.

As you continue being a leader in organized dentistry, what is something you’d like to be involved in or see accomplished within the Association (at the local, state and/or national level)? I would love to see an expan- sion of state and federal loan repayment programs. I participated in the Missouri Loan Repayment Program and was so happy with the experi- ence. Ensuring these programs maintain funding makes a huge impact on access-to-care problems as well as provides incentive to young dentists who are graduating with large debt. Often times FQHCs or similar organizations have high dentist turnover. But well-run, efficient and compassionate organizations can achieve better stability with a commitment that the loan repayment programs require.

You’ve been selected the 2017 Chair of the Council on Scientific Sessions, which means you’ll have a large role in planning the Greater St. Louis Dental Society’s annual Mid-Continent Dental Congress. What most excites you—and unnerves you—about this role. Undoubtedly, the most demanding of the positions I’ve held in organized dentistry has been the 2017 Chairperson for the Council on Scientific Sessions, and I haven’t officially started this role yet! Thankfully I have the support of an amazing office staff at GSLDS, as well as experienced council mem- bers who are willing to mentor and provide feedback. We are currently in the process of preparing for the 2017 Mid-Continent Congress. This includes building the speaker lineup, selecting courses, planning special events, and so on. As the Chairperson, I have the duty of deciding which speakers to schedule and how much we can spend on booking them. It can be pretty stressful spending money that isn’t mine! Espe- cially because I am somewhat new to this aspect of organized dentistry and am not always confident with the decisions I have to make. Seeing the 2017 Mid-Continent Congress come to fruition will certainly be gratifying.

What do you think are some of the biggest challenges and opportunities for new dentists? Being a dentist is hard. Being a new dentist is even harder! As new graduates, I think we put pressure on ourselves to have

ISSUE 6 | NOV/DEC 2016 | focus 35