{ from the editor } by Douglas Wyckoff, DDS • Editor
Reflection I
recently had the opportunity to be pres- ent at a transitioning program for dental hygiene and dental students. This was a significant moment for these students in
preparation for entering their new profession as they received their white coats or scrubs in front of family and friends. Not only was it another step in their professional career, but it also marked one of the first times they had been able to be together publicly due to the pandemic.
During this program, I found myself think- ing back to when I was in dental school and about to enter the “real world”. I was quite naïve and blind as to what the dental profes- sion had to hold for my future.
I had no idea what those already deeply entrenched in the profession had done to make the dental field highly respected. I had no idea this profession not only was con- nected locally but branched out to state and national levels. I had no idea those individu- als kept on top of issues to ensure board exams and getting a license could happen. I had no idea those individuals had worked tirelessly to make sure I was able to practice in an environment that was safe for me and my patients. I think the only things on my mind then were getting my requirements completed successfully, graduating, passing boards and starting to practice.
As I sat there watching that morning, I couldn’t help but think, “most of these stu- dents have no idea what lies ahead of them.” I don’t mean that in a negative way; rather, what lies ahead is amazing. I am sure most of them have no idea, much like I did three decades ago, and that’s alright.
I couldn’t help but think of how organized dentistry grabbed a hold of me right out of dental school and molded me as a practitio- ner. I continued to think about many of the issues we have dealt with since my gradu-
6 focus | SEP/OCT 2021 | ISSUE 5
ation from dental school. Issues many of us have worked tirelessly for to ensure our profession continued to serve the public and practitioners.
In my mind, I could hear some of the voices of the past saying, “Why do you take all that time out of the office to volunteer like you do?” Once again, at that ceremony, the answer rang loud and clear to me. “This is why we do what we do.” We do it for them … for the students who are transitioning into the next phase of their professional career. We are doing it to help pave the way for them to make it seamless as possible without roadblocks and bumps that could make their transition impossible. We do it for the benefit of all students, whether ASDA members or not—just as we conduct the work of orga- nized dentistry for the benefit of all dentists, whether association members or not. We do it because we care about the profession and its future.
As the program concluded, I couldn’t help but be excited for all those students. They have so much to look forward to, so much they can’t comprehend yet. Seeing them receive their coats and scrubs with beam- ing smiles was amazing. There is so much for those entering our profession to look forward to.
When it was all said and done that morning, I realized I was once again inspired to be a part of this wonderful profession. I was re- energized to be a part of a group that works so hard to guide our future. Will you join me with the same enthusiasm? What will you do to help guide our profession for the next generation of practitioners? f
he MDA sincerely thanks the mem- ber dentists who serve as trainers
for our Expanded Function Dental Assisting (EFDA) program. Our train- ers participate in many ways: hosting courses in their offices, assisting with training auxiliaries, serving on the EFDA Committee and/or grading compe- tency exams. They’re a small group, but their dedication to the promotion of expanded function dental assistants is greatly appreciated. We could not offer the EFDA programs without them! Our current EFDA trainers include:
• Branson & Steve Billings, Parkville • Jon & Stephanie Copeland, Wildwood
• Jackie Demko, Chesterfield • Oz Hormozdi, Gladstone • Ann Hughes, Cameron • Rodger Janes, Belle • Ed Kendrick, Kansas City • Earl Larson, Chesterfield • David & Emily Mattingly, Chillicothe
• Rolfe McCoy, Chillicothe • Paul McGraw, Cameron • Caitlynn Rosemann, St. James • Angelyn & Steven Rosenberger, Florissant
• Stuart Samples, Chillicothe • Susan Sherrick, Rolla • Wendy Weimer, Kansas City • Ron Wilkerson, St. James
Interested in becoming an EFDA trainer? The MDA always needs additional doc- tors to add to our trainer groups. What’s in it for you?
• Earn CE (6-8 hours per course) • Receive stipend per course taught • Teach auxiliaries to be more effec- tive and efficient in the practice
If you’re interested to learn more about becoming a trainer, contact Mandy Lewis at mandy@modentalmail.org.
