NMDA Journal Winter 2019

4 New Mexico Dental Journal, Winter 2019 President’s Message Otto von Bismarck emphatically stated, “Politics is the art of the possible, the attainable...the art of the next best.” This quote has many interpretations. Does it mean sacrificing what is right in exchange for getting things done? Does it mean setting aside your goals for the sake of compromise? Or, could it mean imagining what seems impossible, while simultaneously taking steps toward what is politically possible? We all strive to remain grounded in our principles and true to our core values. As dental professionals, we are intensely aware of pervasive problems in our healthcare system. We witness frustrations and despair from families in our communities, but we also recognize the ability we possess to better the lives of those we touch. It is the simple truth that we are all dedicated to passionately pursuing ways to improve oral healthcare out- comes for our patients. The New Mexico Dental Association does not stand for one party, one ideal or one position. We represent a broad coalition of dentists from diverse backgrounds who come together to support a movement devoted to the well-being of our patients and communities. While the individual voices of each member may be easily dismissed, our collective voice cannot be ignored. In this way, we can impact change in policy by lobbying for bi- partisan issues and practical resolutions. When considering how we interpret information and potential solutions, perspective is everything. To advance our issues, we must look inside ourselves and honestly evaluate our perspective. Jennifer Thompson, DDS We can all be guilty of clinging to our viewpoints and stead- fastly defending them from time to time, but this can lead us to blindly committing to a belief despite any new information being presented. I ask you to be intrigued when you encounter something that defies your expectations. Be curious, not de- fensive, when you are faced with an idea that contradicts your own. We should be willing to dismantle our biases and precon- ceptions to identify the facts. Our desire to solve these greater problems should trump any desire to be right. It is imperative to keep our true purpose in mind when it comes to improving oral healthcare in our state while maintaining the integrity of our profession. As we reflect inward with this clear-eyed assessment, time and energy needs to be invested in changing the status quo. As we address topics like Medicaid reform, access to care and work- force issues, we will operate with heart as we consider pushing the boundaries of what is currently accepted. Cooperation and collaboration with other stakeholders is essential and finding middle ground will be required. We must be powerful, positive influencers of the oral health direction of our state. Dentists are the utmost experts in oral healthcare, and we must shift seemingly unchangeable cir- cumstances into an achievable reality. We can make strides to bridge the gap and lead the way. Participation in an unbiased and open dialogue, while still maintaining our principles, is the most reasonable course of action. We must unite as a group to make incremental progress toward improving the oral health of all New Mexicans. Change is a collective endeavor—please join us as we make politics the art of the possible. Respectfully Yours, Jennifer Thompson, DDS NMDA President 2018–2019 mobile 919-475-1560 | office 505-327-6233 [email protected]