friends and fellow community members. They take care of me as much as I do them. I would encourage any new grad or seasoned associate to consider rural dentistry for these reasons, despite having a further drive to Walmart or Target.
You just returned from the ADA SmileCon, where you were acknowledged in person (along with colleague, Dr. Emily Mattingly) as a winner of this year’s 10 Under 10 Award. What it was like to receive that in person and be a part of the experience? SmileCon was a wonderful experience, and I had the opportunity to take my staff as well. They were so excited for me and it added that much more to my excitement. SmileCon really brings the energy, from hearing Brené Brown speak, to StreetFest and great CE, it was a blast and honestly went by too fast!
At that same meeting, the ADA launched an app and podcast,and new dentists have been especially involved in creating these. How do you feel about the strides the association is making to reach younger dentists and show value? I am very grateful to the MDA and ADA for seeing the value in what is going to be the majority generation of the association in a few short years. We are the future and to keep our successes going in advocacy and beyond, it is important our voices are heard and for us to have a seat at the table making decisions about the future of the profession.
As you continue being a leader in organized dentistry, what else is something you’d like to see accomplished within the Association you feel could be of value to dentists? I would like to see the Association shake up the governance structure that has existed for the last several decades. I know it is hard to change, and scary that the next generation will make different decisions. But it is necessary for growth and sustainability.
Of all your current activities—dental, civic, personal—is there something you are particularly excited about being a part of? I am excited to be a part of change. My tiny community is growing. We have many new small businesses, and we are working to expand the festivities that bring people to our tiny part of the world. And the MDA is also going through some changes that excite me. I’ve already said it once, but change is such a necessary part of staying current and valid. If we aren’t changing, we aren’t growing, and I love being a part of that growth. Also, community water fluoridation! Although my advocacy ended in a tie vote at the water board, there is hope for the future. A few years down the road, we will begin again and will already be a step ahead because of what we learned this past year. I began this journey with the simple goal of getting community water fluoridation in my county. Little did I know the geographic and demographic range of our water system. I also did not realize the extent to which the opposition would go to fight this well researched, preventive measure. Missouri is already disadvantaged with a workforce shortage; the public and dental professionals need all the help they can get. I encourage any dental health professional who is not sure if your community has water fluoridation to investigate it by contacting your local water distributor. We need to stop playing defense and start playing some offense when it comes to community water fluoridation.
Tell us about yourself outside of dentistry … family, hobbies, favorite way to spend free time, what recharges you outside of dentistry? This is a very busy time in my family life as well with my children becoming more involved in extracurricular activities. I really enjoy watching them
and supporting them and have had to put other hobbies and activities aside to make more time for their schedules. Although it means more running around, it is also very nice to sit down and watch them work hard while I take a breather!
Distinguished Service Award Dr. Tim Curry
This award is presented to a member with a long history of exemplary service and dedication to the dental profession and organized dentistry.
D
r. Curry’s commitment and dedication are evidenced by his 46
consecutive years of membership and during this tenure, service in numerous leadership roles. He has served in every leadership role of the Northwest Dental Society, and as its Trustee to the MDA Board. He also was a delegate to both the Missouri and ADA House of Delegates.
In 2019, Dr. Curry was co-chair of the Missouri Mission of Mercy clinic in St. Joseph. At this MOMOM, more than $631,000 in free dental care was provided to more than 500 patients. For 25 years, he has provided charitable care through the Donated Dental Service program and has served on Missouri advisory board for Dental Lifeline Network, the organization that sponsors the program.
Outside of dentistry, Dr. Curry has been involved in his community since moving to St. Joseph after dental school. He has been an active member of the Rotary Club, Chamber of Commerce, Social Welfare Board and The Cathedral of St. Joseph. Specifically for the Social Welfare Board, Dr. Curry was instrumental in adding dental services and a dental clinic to its offerings in 1981 and volunteered countless hours to provide dental care to its clients.
Dr. Curry received his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the UMKC School of Dentistry in 1976. After graduation he and his wife of 48 years, Susan, moved back to their hometown of St. Joseph where they raised two daughters Elizabeth and Laura. He practiced general dentistry there until his retirement in June 2022.
The Distinguished Service Award is typically given to dentists trending toward the end of their dental career and volunteer service; in fact, you recently retired from private practice. What do you miss most now that you are retired, and what are you enjoying most? I miss the relationships we formed over many years. I retired in June, and it’s difficult to imagine it’s been 45 years since Susie and I moved back to St. Joseph to begin our dental profession with Dr. Robert K. Bridwell. Our dental practice in our hometown was one where friends became longtime patients and patients became longtime friends. One of Dr. Bridwell’s patients, who I began seeing nearly 45 years ago, said to me recently as they were informed of my retirement, “Well Doctor, we are so happy we have been able to walk with you along your entire journey.” That is how it feels, a journey filled with wonderful interactions and memories for which I am grateful.
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