Challenges and Opportunities
Outgoing president looks back on the events of his term.

What a year! What memories! I do not know how I could ever equal this year. I stated a year ago in Sacramento that this would be a time of challenge and opportunity. Little did I know how many opportunities there would be. As Lyndon Johnson said, "Doing what's right isn't the problem. It's knowing what's right." I feel good about what I did and I believe I did it right.

I have had a marvelously rewarding experience this past year, but I believe CDA went through one of the most unusual and difficult times in its history.

The association is much stronger for the events of the past year. A new realization by the volunteer leaders is quite evident about managing our destiny.

The ability of volunteer leadership and staff to progress forward and act in the best interests of the membership became the clear and immediate direction. I respect and owe a great deal of gratitude to that dedication, which then allowed me to function more effectively as your president. Difficult decisions are uncomfortable but absolutely necessary for ultimate resolution and for progress to occur. When conflict arises not everyone is happy with the resolution, but acceptance needs to occur and positive movement will result. All of this happened, and CDA stabilized. During this period a quote by Bill Vaughn was very appropriate: "In the game of life it's a good idea to have a few early losses, which relieves you of the pressure of trying to maintain an undefeated season." I certainly experienced that early.

I was able to participate and evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of the CDA operation and help work toward the greater understanding among the volunteers about the long-term relationships of the CDA entities. I am very grateful for the ultimate spirit of cooperation that transpired during the year. CDA and the subsidiaries are valuable assets for the membership and I see the ongoing development of new benefit programs for us as a real plus.

The entire staff of CDA put in a Herculean effort this year to remain concentrated on the job at hand. Emotions ran from high to low over the past year as the status of executive director fluctuated. I compliment each and every person for their dedication to the membership and their trust in Dr. Welling and myself to steer the association through some intense storms. There is an old English proverb that says, "A smooth sea never made a skillful mariner." Well, Dr. Sekiguchi and I are now qualified sailors. The board of Trustees has chosen the right person as executive director of CDA, and I believe Tim Comstock will serve the membership with distinction. I know the adjustment to Tim's management style is progressing very well and the trust and confidence by staff is definitely present. Many thanks to the CDA staff for their dedication and perseverance.

CDA is really becoming a recognizable force in the minds of the legislators. Our proactive efforts and early support of primary candidates allows dentistry to be a real player at the political game. We are recognized and respected for the grassroots efforts among our members and their contributions both voluntarily and financially to campaigns. I am very proud of these inroads and I truly believe that our lobbying efforts legislatively and regulatory are key to our profession and the preservation of private practice. Liz Snow and her Government Relations Office staff, the Council on Legislation and CalDPac, are to be highly congratulated for organizing a brilliant strategy.

Our Special Projects department has moved forward and covered needed ground to help fulfill long-term goals of CDA.

Direct Reimbursement is one of those. This has been a priority of the membership for several years. The results of our marketing efforts for Direct Reimbursement have been modest at best, but this year, with the efforts of Teran Gall and staff, coupled with the ADA campaign, results have really improved. Dr. Gall has assimilated good statistics to show where our market exists, and it confirms our previous expectations. I believe continuing the program with the national help of ADA is important and we can capture a segment of small business.

Water fluoridation is a second special project. To fluoridate the state has long been a goal of CDA. Funding to implement AB733 is becoming a reality and success is occurring by individual cities. Kudos to the LA dentists who worked for a decade to finally see it happen, and to the dentists who worked successfully in Sacramento, Yuba City, Port Hueneme, Pico Rivera and Mountain View. Fluoridation is finally moving forward.

The Board of Dental Examiners had some very interesting meetings this year. The issues got rather intense at times, but thanks to Judy Babcock and her fine staff, CDA was a major player in the outcomes and I am very pleased with the results.

Scientific Sessions is always one of our shining lights and Debi Irwin did a great job this year. As you know, Sessions is a major source of our non-dues revenue and the council and staff always perform.

Janice Johnson is a jewel. She makes the president look good. Her historical knowledge and organizational skills are incredible.

The executive committee was extremely cohesive and supportive. Their confidence allowed me to sleep well at night.

This association has yet to reach its zenith. The constant challenges will always be present. New opportunities to serve the membership will constantly appear. We must be able to respond to each situation promptly and efficiently. We need to look at all that we do and eliminate those functions that have mundane contributions with substantial costs for our members. CDA must be able to be proactive as the pressures on delivery of care, management organizations, and diversification of dentistry occur throughout the state.

The expanding role of the Holding Company and the relationship to the subsidiaries is as good as it has been. That is positive. I believe the expectations of growth are realistic. CDA needs to offer its members every opportunity to be successful in private practice, and that includes access to good professional services. The Holding Company will hold a strategic planning session in January to define the scope of operation and services that it should provide to the subsidiaries.

At next year's House of Delegates you will have the results of the operational audit and the recommendations that will come forward to determine the most appropriate and beneficial services that CDA can provide for its members.

In closing, I want to restate my deep feelings for CDA and for the wonderful time and phenomenal experiences that I have had during my time as Trustee, executive committee member, and ultimately as your president. The trust and confidence displayed by all of you has been wonderful, and I hope that you believe that I have earned that respect by my actions. Before I leave this office I want to thank and express my love for my fantastic wife Sheryl. She has supported and followed me through these many years of dedication to CDA. It is not always easy for our spouses and she is the best. I will always be grateful that she concurred with me to devote a part of our lives to CDA. Thank you sweetheart! My sons, Brian and Alan, are super kids who always supported Dad in his endeavors and I sincerely thank them for their patience.

I know Dr. Welling will be a great president. I wish him the best, and I know he will have the support of this House, the officers, the Board of Trustees, and the staff of CDA. Just do it, Dr. Welling.

The honor bestowed by the House of Delegates is unforgettable and I thank you from the bottom of my heart.