NMDA Journal Fall 2019

4 New Mexico Dental Journal, Fall 2019 President’s Message Modest Changes Lead to Collective Action You cannot turn on the news without seeing reports on the most recent tragedy. There is a relentless tempest of unthinkable violence, geopolitical unrest, economic uncertainty, and natural disasters. This year alone, mass shootings have occurred at a college, a food festival, a playground, a workplace, a synagogue, a bank, and a Walmart. Issues whirling around us involve race, religion, poverty—the list is heartbreakingly endless. In the midst of trying to balance our profes- sional and family lives, it is tempting to shut out all of that negativity, especially if we think it does not directly impact us. As long as there is no immediate threat to our neighbor- hoods, our families, or our friends, we often tend to briefly mourn such devastation from afar and then proceed on with our daily lives. It may be easy to believe that tragedy is far from home. But is it? How can we make a difference? As health care professionals and ADA mem- bers, we are leaders whether we consciously made the decision or not. We are leaders in our households, in our practices, and above all else, in our communities. I believe we have a duty to engage respectfully with those around us, to motivate others to be the best versions of themselves, and to inspire change. As leaders, we should be guided by our mo- rality. Standing firm in our values is a concept that we face every day during patient care. Extending charitable care to someone in Jennifer Thompson, DDS need. Deciding how to handle a patient who treats an employee in a dreadful way. Stand- ing up to a colleague who says something disturbing about group x, y, or z. How you navigate these small decisions ultimately in- fluences the environment around you. Modest changes lead to collective action. Have courage and be willing to have difficult conversations, while listening with empathy and an open mind. Tell your fellow leaders— your politicians, your clergy, your dental asso- ciation—when something violates your core values. Our choices determine our character, and as leaders, shape the world for our fami- lies, our patients, and our culture. Our hard work and training have given us the agency to transform our own lives and the lives of those we love. As we strive to build healthier communities, let us lead with integrity and compassion. With anger as its catalyst, hate is a cancer that only metastasizes into illness for us all. Instead of blaming a group for draining our health care dollars, let us focus on making the system more efficient for everyone. Instead of creating band-aids to solve our health care crisis, let us invest in prevention or other tools that truly address barriers to receiving care. Let us retool our oral health safety net by giv- ing patients in need improved access while alleviating the burdens our providers en- counter when delivering quality care. Power, like success, is not finite and can be shared among us all. Empowering others to make a difference is true leadership. We can be the impetus needed to help solve the inefficien- cies and inequalities we witness every day. Respectfully Yours, Jennifer Thompson, DDS NMDA President 2018–2019 mobile 919-475-1560 | office 505-327-6233 jenniferthompsondds@hotmail.com