Missouri Dentists in the National Spotlight
Congratulations to new dentist members, Dr. Aaron Bumann (GKCDS) and Dr. Sable Muntean (GSLDS) for being selected as 2023 recipients of the ADA 10 Under 10 Awards given to dentists who demonstrate excellence and inspire others in science, research & education, practice excellence, philanthropy, leadership, or advocacy. Read their profiles here. We are proud of our Show Me State New Dentists. Since this award began in 2017, Missouri has produced 12 of the 60 total winners. Shout out to the former winners who continue to serve the MDA well: Drs. Jon Copeland, Danielle Riordan, Amanda Fitzpatrick, Nathan Suter, Ashley Popejoy, Megan Lenahan, Emily Hahn, Erinne Kennedy, Lisa Bosch and Emily Mattingly.
MDA Foundation Awards Scholarships
Last week the MDA Foundation selected six scholarship winners from among all candidates. The winners will receive $5,000 toward tuition in the 2023-2024 school year. Congratulations to Michael Barry, Blake Lewis, Shreya Patel, Riley Pereles, Shonte Reed and Nik Wickerhauser.You can read more about the winners and see their photos here. This year saw the total scholarships awarded by the MDAF cross over the 100 mark. Since 1999, the Foundation has supported 102 dental students with a collective $336,000 towards their education. Thanks to all who faithfully support the Foundation programs.
Help Foundation Efforts Continue with the 2023 Connect4Cash Fundraiser
Funding for the MDAF programs comes primarily from dues donations and one very fun annual fundraiser called Connect4Cash that returns for its 6th. It’s the same Big Cash Payouts, same suspense & fun but now a new interactive format. This year we’ve made it easier to play and more interactive for all. Our new platform allows for some friendly banter between players, a chance to view vendor consolation prizes, easier sharing with others and real-time updates. Plus, you have a variety of payment methods. Help support your MDA Foundation and buy a ticket to participate in this exciting reverse countdown raffle where the last person standing wins $1,500 (or more) in cash and the title of Grand Champion. All tickets must be purchased on the new platform. Purchase Tickets Here.
Annual Travel and Learn CE Trip Takes on Cancun
We’ll let the pictures tell the story of this event that Vicki Wilbers and Jerri Wildhaber attended (along with their spouses, Tooter and Jake), along with familiar and new dentists each year. What’s unique about Travel and Learn is that CE is provided by attendees, and many long-time travelers say they love this format and learning from their peers. Both Vicki and Jerri provided sessions (on association and legislative activities and employee benefits, respectively), as did many doctors. Some of those included Dr. Mark Zust speaking about the MDA/ADA Component structure and giving an ADA update. While Dr. Amy Wyatt gave a lecture about diabetes and pediatric patients, and Dr. Dianna Gaultney about diabetes in adults. There was also plenty of good fellowship over dinner, golf and time on the beach. A good spring break to refresh the soul!
Learn About Forensic Dentistry at Annual MERIT meeting
The Missouri Emergency Response Identification Team (MERIT) is holding its annual meeting here at the MDA Executive Office next Saturday, March 25. Dr. Peter Loomis presents “Forensic Dental Identification and Multiple Fatality Incident Dental Management”. This is not your everyday CE course. Learn more and register here.
The Week Ahead
Plenty of excitement with today being St. Patrick’s Day and Mizzou playing in the second round of March Madness tomorrow. Plus the legislators return to session after Spring Break. And we have the usual gaggle of MDA meetings and projects to advance. Cheers to you having a good week.
Quote of the Week
“May your troubles be less and your blessings be more. And nothing but happiness come through your door.” – Irish Blessing
