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Editorial Provides Inspiration

Roseann Mulligan, DDS, MS

Copyright 2003 Journal of the California Dental Association.

I am hopeful that your editorial “Side by Side” in the February 2003 issue of the Journal of the California Dental Association (Page 97) will provide the springboard for renewed involvement in organized dentistry. It was copied and sent by the National Dental Society of the Bay Area (a component of the National Dental Association) to its members. We had no expectation that the CDA Journal would publish an enlightened editorial that avowed our history as African-American dentists and sincerely deplored the sordid period in our history when African-Americans were denied membership in the American Dental Association. The expressions from my colleagues emanated sensitivity, courage, morality, ethics, and vision.

As a member of the National Dental Association House of Delegates, I have observed the shift in relationship between ADA and NDA, moving from strictly congenial to collaborative. This improvement was initiated with the appointment of Dr. James Bramson as the executive director of ADA. This collaborative relationship motivated me to become a member of organized dentistry -- ADA, CDA, and the Alameda County Dental Society.

In the relatively short time I have been a CDA member, I have noticed that the organization is changing for the better. I joined CDA in time to witness Dr. Jack Broussard’s championing of the strategic plan, which incorporated the ad hoc diversity committee’s recommendations and adapted the leadership and members to the concept of inclusiveness. I await Dr. Debra Finney’s assent to the CDA presidency, which will signal another empowering message that CDA is changing for the better with our first woman president.

Your editorial has challenged me, inspired me, and placed an onus of responsibility on me to assume an active member role. As you wrote in your editorial, there were African-American dentists who risked great humiliation to protest professional racial segregation so that African-Americans could join ADA. I owe a great debt of thanks to them and to the formidable and visionary ADA leaders who voted to ban all racially motivated membership restrictions.

As a member of the National Dental Association and ADA/CDA, I can embrace this juncture where “dentists of every ethnicity and background must stand side by side to vigilantly guard our profession.” I must thank you for the eloquent and passionate reminder, which purveys the message of Dr. Edward Scott, former NDA president, “Let us focus on the common ground that unites us and not on the issues that divide us.”

Pamela Arbuckle Alston, DDS, MPP
Oakland, Calif.

Good for a Horselaugh

Bob Horseman’s piece in the February 2003 issue of the Journal (“Don't Make Me Take off My Belt,” Page 174) was pure gold!

I am one of the 37 dentists sill alive who clearly recall the Doriot handpiece. And my wife is one of the four living registered dental assistants who remember it. I read the article to her in its entirety. This, by the way, was one of the few times in our marriage that I have been allowed to complete more than three sentences without interruption. My wife loved the article, and we had several good laughs together in the process. Thank you for helping to save our fragile marriage of 51 years.

I wish Bob Horseman many more years of health and happiness. Please keep those great articles coming.

Gerald L. Vale, DDS, MPH, JD
Poway, Calif.