SWSPD President’s Message

It has long been said, that in order to reach the stars one must stand on the shoulders of giants. My father always told me (and still does) to “go for the gusto” and I tell my children to “always do your best.” As I write my president farewell address these things come to mind. Reflection of this past year will reveal many opportunities of gratitude. There are many more chances for hope and prosperity in the coming year. It is important to treat challenges and especially failures as an opportunity to learn. Through honoring those who have gone before us, we are better prepared to set an example for those in our own lives.

We have recently lost giants in our specialty of Pediatric Dentistry and both are former SWSPD Presidents: Dr. J. Dean Robertson (June 21, 1917 – February 5th, 2019) and Dr. Jerry Miller (January 3rd, 1941 – July 17th, 2019). The legacy that has remained is something for each of us to strive towards. Through pillars of faith, family, and career they have exemplified a lasting impact. To some who knew them personally, they became their “dental dads.” To others who did not have this pleasure, they could be considered fathers in modern pediatric dentistry.

Participating in organized dentistry is not just about being an officer or President. Your membership in SWSPD allows for collaboration and discussions on modern pediatric dentistry. With that said, I would like to invite you to join us in Orlando for our Joint Meeting with the SESPD and in Park City for our annual Ski Meeting. These meetings are about coming together and better serving our family, team, and patients. Our Ski Meeting is an immersive week that is designed challenge us, create lasting relationships, and have a lot of fun. There will be child-care available several evenings to allow for the entire family to enjoy the week. Our lectures will include experts on leadership (Flint Geier), clinical growth and integration (Dr. Dennis Nutter, Dr. Susan Maples), airway development (Dr. Soroush Zaghi), early childhood expansion (Dr. Kevin Boyd), sleep specialist (Dr. Michael Gelb) and a lecture from our sitting AAPD President (Dr. Kevin Donly).

On another note, I’m happy to report with the approval of the Board of Directors the tax and accounting firm Pro-Fi 20/20 has updated and modernized SWSPD’s financials. Pro-Fi is a sponsor for our Ski Meeting and has taken on the task of this pro-bono for our Society. This was a major win as the previous system did not adequately allow for future strategic planning of financial resources. This will set our society up for success for years to come in the future.

While we each reach for the stars within our family and professional life, remember that there are like-minded and wonderful people there to support you. It’s time to re-connect to old friends and make new ones in our profession. If you haven’t joined a meeting, please go to swspd.org and register now. The Ski Meeting in Park City will sell-out as there are a limited number of seats.

I look forward to seeing you soon,
Ryan S. Roberts, DDS MS