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ADI ANNUAL MEETING AND CONVOCATION ~Las Vegas
The Academy's Annual Meeting was held in conjunction with the American Dental Association Meeting in Las Vegas, Nevada October 8-10, 2011. The Academy's Board of Regents met to discuss the business of the Academy as well as act on behalf of its future. The Continuing Education symposium was presented by Dr. James C.Schneider, FADI. He presented Forensic Dentistry. The Orientation presents many of the projects and missions that ADI supports or are presented by ADI Fellows.
The Annual Convocation is not only the induction of some of the finest dentists in our profession, but also the presentation of the Academy's Awards. Three individuals were presented with Honorary Fellowship; Mrs. Mildred Goldstein, Ms. Paula Vogel and Ms. Vickie Waitsman. Dr. Tobias Bauer was presented with the ADI Humanitarian Award and Mr. Friedrich Herbst was given the prestigious Hillenbrand Award.
{See the Award Presentations}
TRANSFERRING DENTAL KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS IN ALL CORNERS OF THE WORLD
Embedded in the traditional assembly, called convocation, the ADI was pleased to take the offer for a joint meeting at the IDS. This was the first time that the ADI organized a meeting together with an international symposium for dental volunteers in Germany, carried by the ADI, the Academy of Dentistry International, as a global organization with a particular focus on social competence of their distinguished members. Also on board was the the fairly young organization Dental Aid International.
The Academy of Dentistry International is the international honor society for dentists dedicated to sharing knowledge in order to serve the dental and oral health needs and to improve the quality of life of the people throughout the world. This transnational organization is devoted to the advancement of dentistry throughout the world and to the elevation of dental standards by continuing education. Along with the sponsorship of dental education and service projects, this Academy directly aids in the improvement of the dental and oral health and well-being of people worldwide.
The Academy of Dentistry International has a legacy, indeed a goal, of providing continuing dental education often coupled with direct care special projects to the developing and emerging nations of the world. Special dental care projects within ones own country are also encouraged. At times, grants are provided by the Academy to "start-up" research and related studies in the provision and efficacy of the care to be provided.
The Academy's leaders have often called for a national and international "clearing agency" to identify and potentially coordinate the efforts of the many different individuals, groups, and organizations that, on a rather informal and unscheduled manner, provide "volunteer dental services".
Such a registry, if currently in operation could provide the contact person or liaison, the list of dentists and accompanying health care providers who donate their services in these humanitarian and educational programs.
Organizations with international programs as Health Volunteers Overseas (of which the Academy of Dentistry International is an associate member), Rotary International, C.O.A.D. (San Diego), Religious communities etc. provide opportunities for volunteerism. However the Academy is aware of many other instances that continually provide the greater numbers of dentists who "volunteer" for programs away from their native land but receive little if any recognition for their contribution to the "betterment of the human condition."
Please furnish the Academy's Central Office the names of these "volunteer dentists", a brief history or chronicle of their efforts/program and photos if available. It is proposed that an appropriate venue be selected to so recognize these dentists and their program(s) with Certificates and publication in the International Communicator. Through this ADI newsletter distributed to the membership in over 87 countries and other reference sources, other dentists will find avenues to volunteer. After all to give back to the dental profession is one of the tenants of the Academy of Dentistry International!
Dental Aid International was set up just last year led by the impressions of the Haitian disaster as a platform for the exchange of international aid projects. For this, a database in the form of a forum was established containing now almost 500 entries on various projects.
Dignified ceremony
The admission of new members, called Fellows, is an appropriate ceremony according to the dignity of the event, based on the standard in American universities Graduation. According to this ceremony ADI Candidates wear robes and barrettes at this solemn occasion.
Forty candidates, how the aspirants are called, were called for this convocation, including a number from Germany. It was Dr. Manfred Nilius from Dortmund known for his extensive participation in international projects such as Operation Smile, Humedica International, World Vision, and Mercy Ships. Similarly, Dr. Ralf Haertel from Wolfenbüttel and Dr. Dietmar Klement from Wuerzburg, who reported later in the session on its activities in Zimbabwe., Professor Emeritus Thomas M. Marthaler from Zurich was honored for his lifetime work in dentistry, was visibly pleased as he was honored shortly before his the 82nd birthday.
Social and humanitarian competencies
With Prof. Dr. Uroš Skaleric from Ljubljana, Slovenia, Past-President of numerous scientific associations and current president of the Europerio another very reputable scientists was affiliated to the ADI as well as Prof. Dr. Galina Ron from Ekaterinburg, author of 376 publications and currently Dean of the Urals State Medical Academy.
With Prof. Dr. Ece Eden from Bornova-Izmir, Turkey, Professor at the Ege University, and from there to the pediatric dentistry, as well as the management of the Dental Research Fund Commission entrusted while proven specialist in Oral Health, spanned the spectrum from the previously these pioneers to the young scientific generation.
It was Dr. Philippe Rusca, from Fribourg, Switzerland, ADI Regent Northern Europe to be the official master of ceremonies of the Convocation on German ground, also being President-Elect of the ERO-FDI, together with Dr. Gerhard Seeberger from Cagliari, Sardinia, southern Europe, while ADI Regent and Vice President and President of the head organization of European Dentists ERO-FDI, and Dr. Vladimir Sadovski from Moscow / Russia, Eastern Europe ADI Regent to find the right words for the inauguration. Special thanks to Friedrich A. Herbst Secretary General of the International Dental Manufacturers and ADI Honorary Fellow. Without his tireless efforts the event would not have been possible.
Also grace to the FIDE, United Dental Dealers Association, and Mr. Gregory Stock. It will be a pleasure to thank them for the generous support to a smooth convocation. After the induction ceremony a subsequent ceremony followed. Professor Schilli, Professor Marthaler and Prof. Scaleric and their respective life's work in books would be focused on. This was the second part of the symposium on international relief efforts throughout the humanitarian and charitable Dedicated projects.
Prof. Dr. Dr. Wilfried Schilli George, retired oral surgeon from Freiburg told of the beginnings of Doctors without Borders at work in Indochina. This report brought back memories of the images from the Vietnam War and the time under the cruel regime of Pol Pot. Hospitals were closed, leaving the population ion themselves. Only loyal functionaries of the regime had access to medical treatment. Also very moving was the reports of Secours Dentaire International.
Alone 18 times one of the representatives of SDI flew in recent years in Tanzania, bringing tons of equipment and supplies. The reports on the experiences in Haiti and Zimbabwe showed vividly the importance of aid. A report on the experience, and plans for Haiti, where ADI plays an active role, gave some more important impression. In addition to the ADI annual meeting in October in Las Vegas, just prior to the ADA convention, the next European meeting will be held in November in Paris. This is will be held at the time of the Congress of French dental profession, ADF.
~Dr. Tobias Bauer
Experts for Herat
The President of the European Regional Organization of the World Dental Federation, ERO-FDI, Gerhard Konrad Seeberger and Gian Gabriele Carta, an infantry general of the famous “Brigata Sassari” have been part of a delegation sent to the Provincial Reconstruction Team PRT XV of Herat in Afghanistan. With Prof. Sergio Vacca, President of the Sardinian Water Supply Agency, ENAS, and his team they have travelled fifty-eight hours in order to talk to the Afghan Authorities on April 20th.
Problems in Afghanistan go beyond war conflicts. Most of them are due to the lack of essential goods and services. Eighty percent of all pathologies, so the Vice-president of the Region, Mr. Tour Mohammad Zarify, are linked to contaminated water and eighty percent of the population suffers from tooth-ache.
April 18th – Cagliari, Roma, Sharm-el-Sheik, and Abu Dhabi and the morning after on board of a C 130 J to Herat; this is the route. After arrival the delegation is transferred, wearing bulletproof vests and helmets, in armored vehicles to Camp “Vianini” in the city center. Military professionals from the Italian Infantry accompany the group.
Commander, Colonel Paolo Pomella, and his staff of the PRT XV welcome the delegates. The Team has a strong relationship with CIMIC, Civil-Military-Cooperation, and supports projects for a better quality of life for populations in difficult situations. Different projects have been promoted, so Colonel Pomella, but at the moment the most important shall guarantee potable water and develop zoo-and agriculture, followed by those dealing with health. The delegates present their themes for the meeting the day after. Prof. Vacca’s keyword is Water for Herat, Organized Dentistry is Dr. Seeberger’s.
The meeting starts at 10:00 a.m. The Military commanders and the delegation meets with the Vice-president of the Herat Region, the Dean of Herat University, the Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture, the administrators of Herat Water Supply and the Director of the Public Health Service.
Prof. Vacca and his team present their project and donate a kit for water quality control and a new contract for a second water supply unit. The three points of the ERO-FDI President follow.
- A realistic analysis of the need for human resources, equipment, materials and instruments for an effective dentistry adapted to the populations needs.
- Develop the prerequisites for the foundation of the Afghan Dental Association and its registering at the World Dental Federation, FDI.
- Support the under- and post-graduate education of dentists and promote student exchange together with dental organizations as Academy of Dentistry International, Italian Dental Association and the FDI.
The proposals have been well accepted. The next step has to be done by the Afghani authorities in order to guarantee sustainability and efficiency.
As we say in Italy: If it is roses, they will blossom!
 ~Gerhard Konrad Seeberger
ADI Vice-President for International Affairs
Regent, Southern Europe Section
Academy of Dentistry International Donates money for Milk
The Toronto District School Board organized a special event to thank the Academy of Dentistry International (ADI) on May 31. It was in appreciation of the organization’s recent donation of $12,500 to North Kipling Junior Middle School for milk for all the students for the school’s Morning Meal program. The donation came from ADI’s Dentistry Canada Fund (DCF), a charity for oral health that aims to mobilize and allocate resources for the advancement of oral health through education, research and public outreach.
Over the past several years, members of the Academy of Dentistry International (ADI) have contributed to this fund. The Academy of Dentistry International is the international honour society for dentists dedicated to sharing knowledge in order to serve the dental and oral health needs and to improve the quality of life of the people throughout the world. Along with the sponsorship of dental education and service projects, this Academy directly aids in the improvement of the dental and oral health and well-being of people worldwide.
North Kipling Junior Middle School has been recognized as a school that has taken an initiative in establishing a positive attitude towards healthy living through its Breakfast program, Morning Meal program, physical education curriculum and extra-curricular sports programs. As a result, $12,419.28 has been donated for milk for all the students for the Morning Meal program. Since April, students have been enjoying milk as a nourishing part of the morning meal!
A presentation of thanks to the ADI/DCF took place on Tuesday, May 31 at 2:30pm at North Kipling Junior Middle School. Representing the Academy of Dentistry International was Dr. Neil J. Gajjar, Canada East Regent.
The students, staff and community extend their warmest thanks to the Board of Directors of the Academy of Dentistry International and the Dentistry Canada Fund for their generous donation!
Lesa Semcesen, Principal,
Geraldine Cousins,
Wendy Banhan and students
present Dr. Neil J. Gajjar,
ADI Canada East Regent
with Plaques of Appreciation
Inaugural ADI USA Section Student Servant Leadership Awards
Four ADI USA Section Student Servant Leadership Awards were presented for 2011 to senior dental students. The University of Texas School of Dentistry at Houston, Louisiana State University Health Science Center School of Dentistry, Dental School, UT Health Science Center San Antonio, and Texas A & M Health Science Center Baylor College of Dentistry were among the inaugural schools to present their students. Dr. T. Bob Davis, initiator of the award and ADI USA South Central Regent, presented the awards to all three Texas dental schools. Dr. Don Brown, ADI Past President, presented the award to LSU.
The University of Texas School of Dentistry at Houston Robert Trent Schudy
Louisiana State University Health Science Center School of Dentistry Rajat Mohan Diwan
Dental School, UT Health Science Center San Antonio John Dylan Carey
Texas A & M Helth Science Center Baylor College of Dentistry Jonathan Robert Oudin
These awards represent a first for the ADI USA Section to reach out to senior dental students to recognize excellence in volunteerism and student leadership in dental services to others both at home and abroad. The plan is to increase the number of awards to other dental schools as funds permit. The Student Servant Leadership Awards are given in conjunction with all other awards within each dental school. They serve to bring identity in the dental school for ADI; its mission, ADI Student Membership, and ADI USA Section activities. The benefits of dental school administration, staff, and faculty awareness of our unique honorary function within organized dentistry worldwide will no doubt spread our mission and fellowship. The cash stipend is quite significant to the awardee and to the dental school as they join us in helping recognize their own most outstanding graduates. The dental school is responsible for designating the awardee based on the following award requirements/criteria:
- Fourth year dental student.
- Has demonstrated outstanding compassion for serving patients through patient care and patient education.
- Has made a minimum of two mission trips internationally or volunteered in two charity/free clinics in the USA or a combination of one of each.
- Exhibits leadership characteristics as a student.
- Community service throughout dental school training shall be considered.
 
UTH UTSA
Dr. T. Bob Davis, Robert Trent Schudy, John Dylan Carey & USA-SC Regent
and UTH Dean Hugh Pierpont Dr. T. Bob Davis
 
Rajat Mohan Diwan of LSU receives congratulations from Dr. Dr. T. Bob Davis congratulates
Donald T. Brown, ADI Past President on May 18, 2011 at LSU. Jonathan Roubert Oudin of Baylor
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