The packed cocktail hour at the SDDS Installation Luncheon The 2023 SDDS officers. From left to right: Treasurer Dr. Phyllis Merlino, Secretary Dr. Valerie Venterina, President-Elect Dr. Tricia Quartey-Sagaille and President Dr. Raymond Flagiello of continued success managing the GNYDM. Asking for a moment of personal privilege, Dr. Flagiello, showing his love and noting “Staten Island in the house,” thanked the RCDS and announced that many of their members and officers who were in attendance. He then went on to discuss the increased diversity and balance in our component and challenged all dental societies to do the same and promote diversity in their leadership positions, making us more relevant to our profession. He then thanked the staff for their help and hard work and alluded to the fact that Mr. Bernard Hackett, executive director of the SDDS, was not replaceable due to the great job he does. President Flagiello then concluded by thanking his staff and daughters—Rachel, who is finishing veterinary school; Mia, who is manager of the NewYorkMarriott Downtown Marriot in NYC; and Olivia, who is a fashion designer and an assistant buyer for Ross department stores in Manhattan. He lovingly thanked his wife, Meredith, who works with him at their dental office as a dental hygienist. Dr. Flagiello bestowed upon Dr. Craig Ratner the greatest award given to an SDDS member, the Distinguished Service Award. Dr. Ratner served at every level of our local society along with our state and national organization to the utmost degree of competence and expert ability. Dr. Ratner then thanked the society for this prestigious award. He nostalgically reminisced about attending his first RCDS meeting with his father, who was also a dentist. He remembered serving as a governor to NYSDA and being called an “angry young man” at the time for his passion. He also recollected being a delegate, trustee and council chair on all levels of the tripartite. Dr. Ratner relayed the joy he felt when the governor allowed the reopening of dental offices during the pandemic, which was a direct result of NYSDA’s efforts. He will also never forget the day he conceived the SDDS Loan Forgiveness Program and said it was his most proud achievement along with the memory of the expressions on the young dentists’ faces when they received their grants. The award ceremony ensued with Dr. Flagiello presenting certificate of recognition awards for their exemplary service as members of the GNYDM Organization Committee from 2020 through 2022 to Dr. Paul Teplitsky and Dr. Steven Moss. Awards were also granted to Dr. Lorna FlamerCaldera and Dr. Philip Buccigrossi, Jr. for serving on the SDDS board of trustees. Fourteen SDDS members attained life membership status this year; life member awards were given to the four who were in attendance at the event. Dr. John Demas received an award for his service on the NYSDA Council of Dental Practice, and Dr. Mitchell Mindlin received an award for his service as NYSDA trustee. Their exemplary work and contributions to the SDDS were duly noted. The SDDS gives its supreme thanks to SDDS Executive Director Mr. Bernard Hackett, along with SDDS staff Ms. Christine Terrio, Ms. Stephanie Carter and Ms. Shayo Farinre, for their amazing behind the scenes performance on behalf of the SDDS. We sincerely appreciate their dedication. the pandemic. He then continued by thanking the board of trustees, council members, staff, and all our volunteers who worked so hard on all levels of the society. Furthermore, Dr. Donato thanked his private orthodontic office staff and especially his daughter, Dr. Nicolle Donato, and his wife, Elaine, for all their support. Dr. Donato then asked Dr. Craig Ratner to approach the stage to take his place as inducting officer. Dr. Ratner, then installed our bright, hardworking and amazing leaders, the 2023 officers: Treasurer Dr. Phyllis Merlino, Secretary Dr. Valerie Venterina, Vice President Dr. Paul Teplitsky, President-Elect Dr. Tricia Quartey-Sagaille and 2023 SDDS President Dr. Raymond Flagiello. They were sworn in with a standing ovation. Humbly and with gratitude, Dr. Raymond Flagiello began his presidential speech thanking the SDDS members for giving him the opportunity to serve. Dr. Flagiello announced all the VIPs in attendance. He also showed his appreciation to Dr. Robert Edwab, past executive director of the GNYDM, and thanked him for all his years of service. Dr. Flagiello welcomed the new general manager of the GNYDM, Mr. Thomas Loughlin, congratulating him on starting off so well and wishing him years WWW.SDDSNY.ORG 7
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