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“Mr. Watson, come here, I want to see you.”


O


n March 10, 1876 Alexander Graham Bell made the first phone call in his laboratory, which led to his patent on the


telephone later that year. He was perform- ing experimental research in hearing and sound. His discovery was motivated by the unfortunate fact that both his mother and wife were deaf.


The discovery forever changed the methods and time by which the world would commu- nicate. This new form of communication, in itself, would continue to evolve and change. William Gray introduced the coin-operated pay phone in 1889 followed by the appear- ance of phone booths, making the phone readily available. Marvel comics used the phone booth to allow Clark Kent to change into Superman.


Phone booths started to fade in the U.S. to outdoor phones in the 1970s allowing better access to the disabled. The first mobile phone was invented in 1973, which slowly began to replace the hard-wired telephones of yes- terday. Many phone companies, devices and manufacturers have come and gone since then. Many failed as result of not adapting to changes in what their customers desired. In 2015 Prairie Grove, Arkansas’ Albright Outdoor Telephone Booth was listed on the National Registry of Historic Places. Today’s data phones are what science fiction writers once dreamed of.


Last year, the Missouri Dental Association celebrated our 150th year. “Dedicated to Dentistry 150 Years of Advocacy, Education and Leadership. The Story of the Missouri Dental Association 1865-2015” was published by the MDA. The instruments we use, our educa- tion, our form of attire and the ways we prac-


8 focus | SEP/OCT 2016 | ISSUE 5


Alexander Graham Bell’s Telephone Patent Drawing, dated March 7, 1876. Bell’s telephone was the first apparatus to transmit human speech via machine. His work culminated in one of the most profitable and contested of all 19th- century patents. Source: Wikimedia Commons


tice have all changed, just as communication has adapted to change over time.


Change is often uncomfortable and chal- lenging. Today, we see an increased number of new graduates opting out of individual private practice and entering public health, corporate practice and large group practices. Often, new graduates start in non-traditional settings due to debt load and then a few years later many enter private practice. Delivery of health care in our country also has under- gone change. Many of the “traditionalists” (myself included) have experienced difficulty facing the fact of these changes.


“Helping all Dentists Succeed” is the mission statement of our MDA. We are mindful of


the changes of today and realize we, too, must adapt to meet the needs of our profes- sion. We need to continue to develop ways to reach out to our colleagues that are choosing non-traditional practice and demonstrate value in our organization. Other organiza- tions chose to ignore change and needs of those they serve and have experienced near- catastrophic loss of membership over time.


Your component society, the Board of Trustees or individual members submit resolutions to be discussed at our annual House of Delegates meeting each November. Each component society sends representa- tives who serve as delegates, so ideas from all corners of our state are included and are debated in open forum as well as in commit- tee. The Delegates then vote “yes, no or refer” for these resolutions, which then directs the work of the Board of Trustees and staff. This is our way of monitoring and adapting to changes as needed.


Change is often a slow processes. Your input on changes is important to your MDA. Do not be shy to participate as a delegate or to call your component trustee or local society to give your input and ideas. You can visit the House of Delegates webpage at www. modental.org/house to find resolutions and delegates for this year’s House meeting.


I recently saw a newer Superman movie. If Clark Kent can adapt, so can we. f


Contact Dr. Vance at president@ modental.org. Your comments and questions are welcomed.


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