2023 SDDS Installation of Officers by: Stuart L. Segelnick, D.D.S., M.S., CDE, SDDS Bulletin Editor House of Delegates and past president of the SDDS and NYSDA, gave a poignant invocation starting with a moment of silence for the ones who passed since our last installation. Dr. Gounardes genially guided us in prayer for peace, health, happiness, and safety. NYSDA President Dr. James Galati gave an update on what our state society is doing for us, such as hiring a new lobbyist, Brianna McNamee, who will be guiding the Council on Governmental Affairs. He also related how the Council on Dental Education and Licensure has been reaching out to stakeholders to see how NYSDA can help improve the PGY-1 licensing program, focusing on “practice mobility and portability for dentists moving in and out of the state.” Additionally, NYSDA is considering generating legislation to force dental insurances to increase their medical loss ratio, allowing more money to go directly to patient care. Lastly, Dr. Galati spoke about the mentorship programs kicking off throughout the state, which will help all new dentists and jump-start their careers. Gregory Hill, J.D., C.A.E., the new executive director of NYSDA, introduced himself and followed up by sharing some principles that support an “aligned, forwardthinking and equitable partnership that maximizes the value and importance of each level of the tripartite to better serve our members and improve oral health.” The seven principles that will help lead NYSDA to success are: 1. transparent communications; 2. fostering an inclusive culture; 3. recognizing equity in partnership; 4. advocating for a unified mem- ber experience; 5. pursuing innovation and technology to build a datadriven, customer-centric and agile culture; 6. supporting a learning and shar- ing community; 7. valuing an intentional infrastructure to increase capacity to serve. Mr. Hill stressed that NYSDA has hired a full-time internal director of government affairs to help put forth the legislation NYSDA is pursuing. He also was very excited about the new director of NYSDA’s foundation. Mr. Hill said that NYSDA will be a resilient organization and “respond, recover and reimagine” during these final phases of the pandemic and, like the ADA, NYSDA will concentrate on “our customer/member focus, sustainability, innovation, global presence, and nimbleness.” The NYSDA executive director concluded by paraphrasing Dr. Mina Kim, New York County Dental Society president, who challenged all of us to be “better engaged and more supportive” in all levels of the tripartite. In his farewell address, Dr. Michael Donato, Jr. spoke nostalgically of the challenges of running our society during the pandemic and expressed his happiness that in-person meetings resumed during his term. Dr. Donato was proud that the SDDS gave $200,000 in grants to new dentists this year and almost $1 million since inception of the program. Another highlight of his year was completing the search to hire a new general manager of the Greater New York Dental Meeting (GNYDM). He went on to thank Dr. Steven Gounardes; Dr. Craig Ratner, past president of NYSDA and SDDS; Dr. Mitchell Mindlin, SDDS past president and NYSDA trustee; and Dr. John Demas, current NYSDA trustee. Dr. Donato also thanked Dr. Richard Oshrain, general chair of the GNYDM, and Dr. Robert Edwab, former executive director of the GNYDM, as well as the members of the GNYDM Organization Committee, troubleshooters, and staff who have brought our meeting back to success following the trials of A celebratory sensational atmosphere pervaded The University Club in New York City on Sunday, Jan. 8 with almost 200 Second District Dental Society (SDDS) members, family, friends, and VIPS joyously participating in SDDS’s annual Installation of Officers Luncheon. This year’s festivity was highlighted by smiling faces, hand shaking, and hugging—a social event not felt since the start of the pandemic. Attendees were so happy to meet, greet and renew ties with their colleagues that they were hesitant to leave the jam-packed preluncheon cocktail hour. When everyone entered the magnificent dining hall, Dr. Michael J. Donato Jr., immediate past president of the SDDS, warmly welcomed all attendees and then introduced Richmond County Dental Society (RCDS) Past President Dr. Edward Jastremski, who led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance. Dr. Steven Gounardes, speaker of the New York State Dental Association (NYSDA) Dr. Raymond Flagiello is sworn is as SDDS president by Dr. Craig Ratner, who was the installing officer for the ceremony 6 SDDS BULLETIN JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2023 — VOLUME 40 ◊ NUMBER 1
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