The great honour bestowed on every member fortunate to be appointed as President also carries a considerable workload and the last few months have shown the huge variety involved with the role.
Representing the profession
I attended the Annual Scientific Meeting of the Munster Branch in October. We are lucky to have such a dynamic team on the Munster Committee and members and the Association will be in good hands when the Presidency is assumed by Dr Anne Twomey in 2015.
Also in October, I was warmly welcomed to the IDA’s Annual Seminar for HSE dental surgeons in Mullingar. I was very impressed by the event, which was attended by Minister for Primary Care Alex White, and Chief Dental Officer Dr Dympna Kavanagh. I wish to congratulate Dr Iseult Bouarroudj on her appointment as President of the Group and look forward to continued close co-operation with, and support for, our members in the HSE.
The fact that the Chief Dental Officer and the Minister chose an IDA conference to announce details of a new oral health policy was fitting recognition of the importance of securing the support of the profession.
Media-wise I have also been busy. I was interviewed by RTÉ’s Prime Time for a feature on fluoridation and participated in a number of radio interviews on a variety of topics.
Building bridges
In advancing dentistry here in Ireland, it is so important that we build and maintain strong relationships with other national dental associations and play an active part in international representative bodies such as CED and FDI. We have seen the benefit of close relationships with colleagues in the British Dental Association and I was honoured to attend the 90th anniversary of the Northern Ireland branch in mid November. We have developed close contact with the American Dental Association also and I was delighted to attend their Annual Conference in New Orleans. And while we have much to learn from others I never lose sight of the great contribution Irish dentists have made abroad and how we as an Association have something to offer sister organisations.
A new oral health coalition
November 21 marked a significant advance in promoting the cause of oral health in Ireland with the inaugural meeting of the new Oral Health Forum. This initiative brought together a wide range of interests within dentistry. As you will read elsewhere there was tremendous energy and a strong can-do attitude displayed by all who participated and I am convinced this will be seen as a seminal moment in the advance of better oral health care. I thank all those involved in the organisation of the event, especially Prof. Jimmy Steele, our invited guests and speakers, all those who attended, and DDUH, which kindly hosted the meeting.
A proud history
Prevention is better than cure serves not only as our everyday clarion call but also as the title of the wonderful new centenary history of Cork University Dental School and Hospital. I commend all involved and urge readers to order a copy now – it will make a great read over Christmas.
Best wishes
It is with regret that we see the departure of Clare Dowling, our valued Employment/Communications Officer. Clare has been a tremendous asset to the Association and leaves with our best wishes and the certainty of a great career ahead of her. On behalf of all our members, I wish to thank Clare for her great courtesy, professionalism and patience.
Finally, I wish you all a very Happy Christmas and a prosperous New Year. I hope to see many of you at the IDA Practice Management Seminar on Saturday February 1 in Croke Park.
Dr Seán Malone
IDA President