President’s Message – Fall 2020

What a year 2020 has been for us all: the COVID 19 pandemic, quarantines, hurricanes and a tumultuous presidential election. This year has reminded us that no matter how solid our plans are, we must navigate change. Nolan Ryan once said, “Enjoying success requires the ability to adapt. Only by being open to change will you have a true opportunity to get the most from your talent.” Each one of us was forced to adapt our lives, business models, and clinical care procedures this year. I challenge each of you to look at the problems that the pandemic presented as catalysts for growth and positive change. Perhaps you took up a new hobby, embarked on a physical challenge, spent more time with loved ones, streamlined your business or learned how to cook. Maybe you found that you were better at doing something than you ever imagined. We mourn the loss of our loved ones, colleagues, and patients together, and we can also support one another in our personal journeys toward greatness, moving forward.

This fall I took a trip to San Francisco, along with 2 of my 16-year-old daughters, to do the “Escape from Alcatraz” swim. After charting our course across the currents, we jumped into the 58-degree water of the San Francisco Bay & swam 1.5 miles from Alcatraz Island to Fisherman’s Wharf against the backdrop of the Golden Gate Bridge. As we traversed the 300 feet deep channel, surrounded by sea lions & thoughts of the things that eat them, I forgot all about PPE shortages, Coronavirus case spikes & whether I had enough Cavi wipes to get my practice through the winter. I was reminded of how small my own worries are in comparison to the magnitude of the ocean, and for those 45 minutes I forgot all about the sadness of the pandemic. The 3 of us made it to shore with smiles but we were transformed by that short journey. In the context of the pandemic, it was so much more than a “bucket list” item. There are so many things in life that are completely beyond our control, and all that we can do is act on our best information, trust our instincts, live our lives with purpose.

In that spirit, I want to invite you to attend the upcoming SWSPD Ski Meeting this February 8-12 in Vail, Colorado. Because we are adhering to social distancing guidelines, this year’s meeting will look a little bit different than the meetings of the past. Dr. Ryan Roberts is planning a more intimate meeting that will feature a great speaker line-up at the beautiful Vail Cascade Resort. Be sure to sign ASAP, as attendance will be strictly limited. This meeting always provides attendees with ample opportunities to exchange professional advice, clinical pearls and lots of laughs on the slopes. If this type of adventure is not in your comfort zone this year, consider attending our upcoming Virtual Pediatric Sedation Meeting in February. Dr. Plocheck has planned this meeting to allow for flexibility in viewing the lectures that will be loaded with valuable information.

I would like to thank my fellow SWSPD officers for their service to the society (Mitchell Glass, President-Elect; Emily Fourney, Vice President; Ben Curtis, Secretary-Treasurer; Ryan Roberts, Past President and Ski Meeting Chairman; Janell Plocheck, CE Chairperson). I want to also thank John Fales, our AAPD District Trustee, for his leadership within the AAPD and SWSPD. He is serving his final year as our District’s representative. Lastly, I want to give a special thanks to Michelle Jacobi, our Executive Director, who does an outstanding job. She is always there to help solve a problem, answer a question or to give a kind word of encouragement.

We are excited to announce that Dr. David Sentelle will be slated to assume the Secretary-Treasurer position for next year. He joins us from his private practice in Frisco, Texas and our society will, no doubt, benefit from his leadership. Dr. Jeff Rhodes will serve as our AAPD District Trustee. Jeff has a long history with the SWSPD, including Past President, and I am thrilled that he will now represent our Society on the national level.

Thank you for the opportunity to serve the Society. Though this year will be referenced in the history books for generations, I am proud of the way this group has responded and I am proud to call you my friends.

District Caucus, May 20, 2020

The SWSPD hosted a district caucus, as we do at every AAPD annual meeting. Due to the pandemic, this year’s caucus was a virtual meeting and very well attended. The meeting featured a discussion panel with our states’ PPA’s (Public Policy Advocates). We talked about significant issues affecting the states within our district, and discussion centered around how each state handled COVID and re-opening. Additionally, we addressed CDC, ADA, and AAPD safety recommendations and guidelines.

Upcoming News and Events from the SWSPD

Southwest Society of Pediatric Dentistry Business Meeting, December 15, 7:00 PM, Central Standard Time, virtual format. Please make plans to attend. 2021 SWSPD Annual Ski Meeting in Vail, Colorado, February 8-12, 2021, Speaker line-up to be announced. 2021 SWSPD Pediatric Sedation Course, February 15- March 1, 2021, virtual format with a live component. Featured speaker Dr. Paul Bahn, Program Director Temple University Pediatric Dentistry Residency Program.

Thank you,
Mary S. Fuselier, DDS
SWSPD President