Vol. 40. No. 1-Winter, 1980 69

The Association in Action Highlights of the Annual Meeting in Dallas'

Membership for the Association is up to 528 all told from 512 of the year before according to Membership Chairperson Orner.

New officers are John Hughes, installed as President; Gene P. Lewis, named President-Elect; and W. Thomas Fields, Secretary-Treasurer. New Executive Council members for three-year terms are William F. Bird and Richard C. Graves. Notable was that there was a real election with ballots actually cast - in other words, a contest.

The annual luncheon set an all-time record with 110 persons in attendance. The luncheon served the purpose of awards presentation, with the Distinguished Service Award of the Association going to James M. Dunning of Harvard. Joy Richman and Barbara Emler received the first and second awards in the Student Merit Award contest.

There was considerable spirited discussion concerning the report of the ad hoc committee on constitution and bylaws with Chairperson Pat Jones presenting and defending the report of the Committee. At long last it would seem that the intent of the Assembly over the past several years to liberalize the voting membership has finally been caried out with the language clarified concerning what a qualified health professional actually is, and that is: A n individual who possesses an earned degree in dentistry or an allied dentalfield and uiho meets the stipulation on primary commit- ment to dental public health practice. Now the way has apparently been cleared for a thorough study and appraisal of the constitution and bylaws so that the constitution and bylaws will reflect the new goals and objectives of the changing Association.

President Hughes reaffirmed that implementation of the Planning Committee report shall begin immediately.

He appointed chairmen for the following standing committees:

1. Membership Committee ................................ Brian Burt 2. Policy Committee .................................. Patricia Jones 3. Planning Committee ............................ Richard C. Graves 4. Work Plan Committee on Oral Health ............. Robert C. Faine 5. Work Plan Committee on Competency ............. William F. Bird 6. Work Plan Committee on Relationships .............. Selvin Sonken 7. Work Plan Committee on Operations ................. Gerald Orner

It was noted that the Awards/ Nominating Committee will be chaired by John Elliott and the Program Committee by Gene Lewis, by virtue of their respective offices of Past-President and President-Elect.

All in all, the session in Dallas was well attended, was lively, and the Association gave all the signs of being a growing and vital organization. The presidential address which follows perhaps is the best reflection of the new vitality.

*Full minutes of the vanous official sessions will appear in the Spring 1980 issue of the Journal.

70 J o u r n a l of Public Health Dentistry

PRESIDENTIAL ADDRESS: 42nd Annual Meeting of the

American Association of Public Health Dentists, Dallas, October 20, 1979

The current challenge in dental public health for most of us might be how best to use the public funds entrusted to us to effect positive dental health outcomes. Most of us, 1 assume, would say “1 d o that now. 1 spend the monies in my program in such a way as to ensure that the most cost- effective dental public health measures reach the public.” You probably would further say: “But the politicians and others control the monies and will not allow me to spend the dental dollars in the best way possible.” Most of us have experienced the frustrations of the voters’ turning down a

fluoridation referendum or other parts of public health diverting monies initially earmarked for dental health. Several state health departments currently have plans to eliminate or downgrade their dental programs.

The American Dental Association and many private practitioners are quoted as saying: “American dentistry provides the best dental care in the world.” I’ve never seen any hard data to support this statement, but I believe it is true; true in the sense that American dental technology itself is superior - although limited to those people fortunate enough to be able to seek and receive the care.

However, we do not have to speculate about those people who d o not receive care and the massive problems in their dental health that are not now being resolved. The hard data are there. All we have to d o to perceive the magnitude of the problem is to be reminded that nearly two out of every three people need some kind of dental treatment. Dental disease still affects 98 percent of the population of the United States. By age 17, 94 percent of all children have had tooth decay with about nine permanent teeth affected. We know that children from low-income families have about four times more untreated decayed teeth than children from high-income families. The ADA will probably answer by saying: “We are working to solve this problem. We developed the P E P (Public Education Program) program.” 1 won’t take your time to comment on the P E P program. And now the ADA is talking about an access program - a n effort in which organized dentistry “. . . is finally beginning to address those people outside the present system who for many reasons are not seeking and receiving dental care.” It makes no difference that the reasons for developing this program ultimately are the wrong reasons - more patients being sought for each private office rather than dental health for all people of this country. The thing that matters is that the ADA is beginning to address the problem of how to entice more people into seeking routine dental care. This is a n opportunity in which the AAPHD can help “organized dentistry” attack this massive problem because the members of the AAPHD are the recognized experts in developing mechanisms not only t o prevent oral disease but also to treat the disease in large numbers of people once it exists. You all can look a t yourselves and your jobs and say: “1 already d o that,” and I believe that most of us do. The problem remains that each of us, try as

John Elliott

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we may, experiences the lonely feeling of “taking-on” whatever system employs us to develop support of dental public health programs. We can’t win this battle alone. We must join together in a progressive viable organization that can muster much stronger forces with which to fight the battle. How d o we create and nurture the kind of A A P H D that coalesces our individual efforts into a positive force?

I believe that is why each of us in this room is here in Dallas today. We recognize that we belong to an organization that is beginning to be able to fight the strong fight. .

When I first joined the AAPHD, I did so because it was expected of me in my job and later in my dental public health training. 1 travelled to my first meeting and afterwards went home with the distinct impression that 1 belonged to an interesting fraternal-type organization made up of many bright and dedicated people. I was most favorably impressed with the individuals but I was not sure what the organi- zation really did. Over the years I became convinced that not much other than organizational housekeeping was being accomplished between meetings. As I became more interested in the organization and volunteered for committee work, I discovered there were many many members who felt as I did and who were willing to work t o make the organization a n active one. The membership in the early 1970’s chose leaders with the desire t o make things happen. Gradually the AAPHD has become a n action-oriented organization. We have a long way t o go, but we are on the path that will allow us as an organization to confront and deal effectively with those barriers that so frequently slow down and stop our individual efforts toward our common goal of better dental health.

Evidence of the growing maturity of the AAPHD can be seen in having changed the restrictive membership requirements t o accept degreed dental hygienists as full voting members. In the few short years since this change took place, the hygienist has become a very valuable hard-working member. Hygienists now serve on the Executive Council, as chairpersons and members of various committees, and also play invaluable roles in the function of the organization. This new relation and its positive influence on the character and direction of the AAPHD, demonstrates the value of deliberately seeking participation by all who are affected by our deeds.

Additionally, the newly approved committee structure represents the evolution of the working parts of the AAPHD. Executive Council members now chair the four major work committees, the Planning Committee, and the Policy Committee. The Legislative Committee has become a standing committee along with the afore- mentioned committees and the Membership Committee. In the past, the President, either by necessity or by default, was forced to carry out the day-to-day activity of the Association. Under the new committee structure, the committee cha’irmen, their committee members, and the officers of the Association play a much stronger role. A president-elect, coming from a background of committee or Executive Council experience and having served on the Planning Committee, will be well-prepared to assume the Office of President. With this support system, the President should be able to perform better while in office.

Happily, there is a way for each of us to strengthen that support system. Many of you have volunteered to serve on the various committees. 1 urge more of you to become involved. Our chairmen are now seeking additional interested members to work on their committees. Please contact them. The committees and their chairmen will be listed in the minutes to be published in the Journal.

72 J o u r n a l of Public Heal th Dentistry

The Policy Committee is developing a series of position papers in areas of current concern. A team of experts is needed to work on each position paper and to be available to testify if needed. Please contribute your ideas and your expertise and join with the Committee in developing these papers.

There is a role in this Association for everyone who is interested in attacking the massive dental health problems faced by this country and the world. Step forward and be counted as a working member.

I believe we have come a long way from a fun-loving fraternal group. But 1 still have many concerns. First among them is talk of forming new organizations to represent some of us while excluding others. Fragmentation can only weaken our effectiveness and take us one giant step backwards. Currently we are a dental group consisting of public health professionals. Working with us is the Dental Health Section of APHA, made up of public health people with dental interests. All dental public health personnel should be able to find a comfortable place in one or both of these organizations. Our Association, the AAPHD, needs the expertise of our entire membership. We don’t need a separate association of the diplomates, but rather a mechanism within the A A P H D better t o utilize the talents of diplomates. One of our committees is working on ways to d o this.

A central office with an executive director needs to be created as soon as possible. We can raise the dues, incorporate and accept contracts, or do whatever thing we choose to raise the money to support this office - but this office must be developed if the Association is to continue to grow and become strong enough really to effect dental health outcomes. This office can ensure a continuity of purpose and effort that elected officers will never be able to accomplish without such support. The strength developed will be a n assist t o each and every one of us as we perform in our positions.

1 a m very concerned with the problems that have arisen over the years in support for MPH training and dental public health residencies. The downward trend in monies available for training has placed the specialty of dental public health in jeopardy. Currently there are only 100 active diplomates - making us by far the smallest dental specialty. (Oral pathology has about 200 diplomates.) Since 195 I only a total of 152 dentists have been certified in dental public health. If we are to survive as a specialty, we must stimulate support in schools of public health for dental programs and support for dental public health residencies. Intelligent, dedicated young dentists must find the specialty of interest and seek careers in this rewarding field of dentistry. We have a committee hard at work in this area and the American Board of Dental Public Health and the diplomates are also working on this serious problem.

Things are happening. Membership coupled with committee service is exciting and rewarding. The Association is on the move. Join in the battle t o raise the dental health levels of the citizens of this country. I’m proud to be a member of this Association and I believe my pride in the organization will continue to grow as we all work together for better dental health.

! would be remiss if I did not mention those people who worked so hard to support my efforts in carrying out the Association’s programs: Ken Elwell, who with his long experience as Secretary and President, gave me much needed advice and reminders on what 1 was to d o and when I was to d o it; Richard Mumma, Secretary- Treasurer, who spent many hours performing Association duties while performing

Vol. 40. No. 1-Winter, 1980 73

the very demanding duties of a dean (without Dick I would have been in deep trouble); John Hughes, your new President, who developed the very interesting program you enjoyed yesterday and who will provide you with excellent leadership over the next year; and the Executive Council and committee chairmen who really d o all the work and make the Association move. I thank you all for your help and cooperation.

Some think the presidential term is too short, but I believe one year is long enough. I’m reminded of one of Murphy’s Laws: I f you play with something long enough, -vou will surely break ir.

I’ve had fun and much satisfaction from playing this past year but would surely break something if I continued. Thank you for the privilege of serving you as your President.

- John Elliort

* * * * *

THE AMERICAN BOARD OF DENTAL PUBLIC HEALTH REPORTS AMERICAN BOARD OF DENTAL PUBLIC HEALTH

Minutes, Diplomates’ Annual Business Meeting October 19, 1979, Adolphus Hotel, Dallas, Texas

1. President William Johnson called the meeting to order and asked the Executive Secretary to take the roll: 35 diplomates were present.

11. President Johnson asked for any changes in the minutes of the 1978 Annual Business Meeting previously published in the Winter Issue, 1979, Journal of Public Health Denristry. Hearing none, President Johnson asked for a motion on their acceptance. A motion to accept the minutes carried.

A, Recognized the presence of Past Presidents of the Board who were: Polly Ayers, Norman Gerrie, John Hughes, David Striffler

B. Announced the names of the new diplomates as: Howard M. Field, Ralph Frew, Edward W. Lusk, Gerald Orner, Warren A. Parker, Charles Schroeder

111. President Johnson then:

C. Announced the new Member-Elect of the Board, Richard Murphy.

A. Norman Gerrie, Executive Secretary, reported: 1V. Reports of Officers and Members of the Board:

I . Currently there are 100 active diplomates and 30 inactive diplomates. 2. There are eight candidates for the next examination which will be held

3. One request for inactive status has been approved. in Bethesda, Maryland, June 10-13, 1980.

B. Edward Campbell, Acting Secretary-Treasurer, reported on the Board‘s financial status as follows: Cash on hand Jan. 1, 1979 was $5,47 1.79; receipts from Jan. I , 1979-Oct. 1, 1979 were $4,885.00, giving a total for that period of $10,356.79.