2025 District Presidents MEET Tell Us About Yourself I am a private practice periodontist in Marietta and Sandy Springs and have been practicing in Georgia for the past 7 years. I am originally from Vancouver, Canada, but I grew up in Sandy Springs, Georgia. I enjoy spending time with my family, Pilates, skeet shooting, walking the beltline, and live music. Music is a big part of my life. I married a musician, and I pride myself on having the best office playlists! Dolly Parton is my hero. Organized Dentistry I got started in organized dentistry to meet other dentists. As a specialist, I enjoy meeting and working with other colleagues. It didn’t take me long, though, to realize how important and impactful the work is. Dentistry is a wonderful profession and the activity of associations like the GDA is a big part of that. Current Challenges in Dentistry There are many challenges affecting dentistry today. Rising costs, lower reimbursement, decreasing doctor autonomy and changes in our dental education are at the forefront of problems dentists today are facing. If we have a strong organization, then we can more effectively fight legislative battles that threaten our profession. The Year Ahead My goal for this year is to increase the leverage of the GDA with higher membership numbers. If we have the numbers, we can effectively negotiate with companies for better rates and have more pull legislatively. When dentists understand the benefits and potential impact of the GDA, membership is a no-brainer. I will be making a concerted effort to educate dentists in this way. Dentistry is a great profession, and with strong associations, we can keep it that way for future generations. Dr. Kara Kramer Northern District 34 | Jan 2025
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