by Joe Blaes
The Chicago Midwinter meeting was a great success. The exhibit floors and lecture rooms were packed with people during the meeting. The program committee always provides a great variety of speakers and topics at “my” meeting. I have been going to the Chicago Midwinter since I graduated from dental school and have many fond memories of past meetings.
Chicago was my introduction to the Academy of Dental Practice Administration and its great meetings that occur just before the Midwinter. Thanks to all the staff and volunteers of the Chicago Dental Society for another wonderful experience in dental continuing education.
One of the problems of a meeting in Chicago in February is the weather. The weather for the last few years has been very mild, but this year was different. We were treated to great weather the first two days of the meeting, but a storm moved in on Saturday which caused delays and cancellations at the airports. Some people did not get home until Tuesday. But it was still a great experience!
The Hinman Dental Meeting in Atlanta is another great meeting, and this year was no exception. A little history here - the Hinman is unique in that it is put on by a study club and is not a part of the ADA political organization. It is open to members who practice in geographical areas in and around Atlanta. Any profits from the meeting are directed toward education. Study club members volunteer for the jobs that make this meeting such a success. I am happy to say that I count many friends among the members of the Hinman Society.
A large number of the speakers and issues they discussed were new to the Hinman this year. The scouts for the Hinman Society did a wonderful job of finding fresh and innovative speakers to make the meeting special. One of the highlights of this meeting for me is the Hinman hospitality, and that great southern hospitality was evident again.
Another highlight of the Hinman is the opening ceremony on Thursday evening. The program begins with the presentation of the featured speakers and their wives. Each first-time speaker is presented with the Hinman Medallion, which is very special. Next, various presidents of organizations speak. ADA President Kathleen Roth, DDS, is to be congratulated for her very short presentation of greetings from the American Dental Association. It was delightful and much appreciated.
After a funny but insightful presentation by former University of Georgia football coach and athletic director, Vince Dooley, the curtains on the stage parted to reveal a shiny new red Pontiac Solstice convertible sports car. This car was raffled off to the dentists and staff (Hinman members were not eligible) who were attending the opening ceremony. Their paid admission to the dental meeting was their raffle ticket.
Dr. Richard Goodroe, general chairman of the 2007 Hinman Dental Meeting, welcomed us and handed over the keys of the 2007 Pontiac Solstice to lucky winner Dr. Joe Chafin, of McDonough, Ga. Dr. Chafin told Dr. Goodroe when his name was announced that he’s attended every Hinman since 1979, missing only one year when his father was dying. It’s so nice that someone who has faithfully attended the meeting for more than 27 years won the car.
I am actually writing these Editor’s Notes from Zurich, Switzerland, on my way home from the world’s largest dental meeting, the International Dental Show in Cologne, Germany. The show is held every other year and attracts companies and dentists from all over the world. There is no continuing education at this meeting, only exhibit halls and booths larger than any you have seen before. This show generally launches products that we see in the United States over the next 18 to 20 months. I will report on what I saw at the show over the next few months.Joe Blaes, DDS, Editor - e-mail: [email protected]
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