I am writing these notes – where else, but on a plane – headed from Denver to Dallas and then on to St. Louis. I was in Denver doing a lecture with Dr. Bob Margeas for Dr. Gary Radz to raise money for Paulina's Promise. This is a charity foundation that Gary and his wife, Nora, set up after the death of their first-born daughter. They spent 39 days with Paulina as she struggled to live through multiple surgeries to correct a damaged heart. During this time, they learned about how many others were struggling along with Paulina and about the needs of the Pediatric Cardiology Unit at the hospital. Gary and Nora made a promise to Paulina to sponsor an annual continuing-education program in Denver to give financial aid to the hospital. This is a great cause that you may want to make a loving contribution to before the end of the year. You may contact Gary and Nora by e-mail at [email protected].
In the past few weeks, I have presented continuing-education courses to the Wichita District Dental Society and the Heartland Study Club in Topeka, Kan. These were two great groups of dentists who were dedicated to "sharpening the saw" and staying on top of the ever-changing dental industry.
Recently, I visited the Kodak corporate offices in Atlanta where I met with two good friends – Rich Hirschland, president, and Dr. Ed Shellard, chief marketing officer. I was there to get an update on what 2011 will bring. When I pulled up to their office, I saw a new name on the sign – Carestream Dental. I quickly learned that they have been busy cobranding Kodak with Carestream Dental and replacing the PracticeWorks name and other organizational names with Carestream Dental. This is a name change only. They are still the same people working hard to deliver the same products you have in your practice now.
I was also shown some significant advances in the company's software package that I am sure will delight current users and new customers. Carestream Dental will be launching a number of new products that will enhance your ability to diagnose and treat patients.
Be sure to keep an eye on my "Pearls For Your Practice®," where you will see my evaluation of these new products. It is really interesting to get an inside look at the research and development that dental companies do to bring significant new products and services to your dental practices.
It's that time of year again, and the holiday season is upon us. As I write this, Thanksgiving Day is only a couple of weeks away with the promise of a special meal with family and friends. We have a tradition that has been handed down from my mother – her recipe for a chestnut dressing that is to die for. For as long as I can remember, that dressing has been the highlight of most of the many Thanksgiving dinners that I have eaten. We make extra so that we can enjoy it for days afterwards. I can remember as a youngster that I would cut the outer skin of the chestnuts and then boil them to soften the shells. I would remove the outer shells and save the meat, which went into a large wooden bowl to be chopped into small pieces and then combined with pork sausage, onions, celery, and other good things to make the dressing. About 10 years ago, my wife, Sue, discovered that Williams-Sonoma® sold chestnuts already shelled and packaged in a glass jar. That has relieved me of a hard but enjoyable job!
During this month of December – as many of us are celebrating our special holidays and traditions – we will often hear that old familiar refrain: "Peace on earth and goodwill to men." It is now more than ever that we as Christians, Jews, and people of all faiths long for just that for ourselves, our children, our families, and our country.
I wonder what would happen if we reminded ourselves each day "to do unto others as we would want them to do unto us." I think it could make a big difference in the way we treat each other. I feel that I could guarantee that all of our lives would change for the better! So, why not try it? Make this your New Year's resolution, and see what happens.Peace and blessings!
Joe Blaes, DDS, Editor – e-mail: [email protected]Toll-free phone number: (866) 274-4500
Past DE Issues
