In May, I attended the AACD Annual Meeting in New Orleans. This is really a great meeting from the standpoint of great speakers presenting both lectures and hands-on workshops. Membership in the AACD continues to grow, as does the number of members who are starting the process toward Accreditation in the Academy. I have met many of the fine volunteers who serve on the Accreditation Committee, and I can tell you that they are dedicated to helping all members advance to this level. Next year, the AACD meets in Hawaii, so mark your calendars now. Visit the AACD Web site at www.aacd.com for more information.
One of the highlights for me was the induction of Dr. Jack Kammer into the AACD Hall of Fame. Dr. Kammer is widely known as the "Godfather of Cosmetic Dentistry" for his leadership role in founding the AACD, the world's largest dental organization dedicated to the art and science of cosmetic dentistry.
In the early years, Jack ran the AACD out of his dental office and it was truly a family affair with Jack as the president, his daughter, Barbara Jo, as the executive secretary, and his niece handling the office work. At the annual meetings, Jack's family was responsible for the entertainment at the president's dinner dance — singing, dancing, telling jokes, and performing skits.
The American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry has grown to more than 8,000 members in 70 countries. It strives to keep its members on the cutting edge of cosmetic dentistry, as well as offer public programs such as a free consumer referral service and the award-winning "Give Back a Smile" program. This program provides cosmetic dental care for domestic abuse survivors.
Jack wanted to create something geared to "wet-fingered" dentists, so they wouldn't have to go it alone when trying to enhance people's lives with beautiful smiles. He had no personal financial incentive to form the Academy. It was truly a labor of love and his gift to the profession that allowed him a creative way to express his love and caring ways for his patients. Dr. Jack's contribution to dentistry has literally helped to restore millions of smiles around the world.
I hope to see you at "A Gathering of Eagles," a world-class symposium featuring day-long, in-depth sessions hosted by The Pankey Institute. This outstanding program is being produced by DE®'s parent company, PennWell®, and it is my pleasure to invite you to participate. "A Gathering of Eagles — Porcelain and Titanium: A Synthesis for Beauty," will be held Nov. 5-8 at Loews Miami Beach Hotel. Five hundred of the world's most accomplished restorative dentists and renowned instructors are expected to attend.
All dental professionals who want to achieve the finest, most predictably functional and esthetic restorations are invited. The featured speakers are creating unique, in-depth programs that exceed the bounds of any other conference on the 2008 calendar. You will have the unique opportunity to hear them develop topics related to the challenging interplay of esthetics, porcelain, and implants. This will be an outstanding event — the first of its kind — and one you will want to experience.
"A Systematic Approach to Predictable Esthetics" will be presented by Dr. Gerard J. Chiche and Dr. Avishai Sadan. Other speakers and topics include Dr. Pascal Magne on "Esthetic Principles;" Michael Magne, CDT, "Understanding Visual Balance and Facial Architecture;" and Dr. Urs C. Belser, "Implant Esthetics: Where Are We Today?" Dr. Irwin Becker and Dr. Steve Ratcliff, along with other members of The Pankey Institute faculty, will also be featured on the program. For more information and to register for this wonderful meeting, go to www.pankey.org and look for the "A Gathering of Eagles" logo.
Joe Blaes, DDS, Editor — e-mail: [email protected]
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