The Art and Science of Being Humble(d)

In May of last year I proposed a program to address the preventive needs of children attending Title I schools in AISD. This became the DOC program. We developed a curriculum and had volunteer dentists and their staffs speak at twenty schools to over two thousand children. The program is being evaluated for improvements and changes to the curriculum. Next year we hope to be able to cover all forty-one Title I schools.

The Capital Area Dental Foundation took over the annual gala entirely this year and raised over $60,000 to use for its programs. Currently the Foundation is sponsoring the DOC program, setting up volunteer networks to treat emergency patients from the Seton Community Health Centers, hiring a coordinator to augment the Texas Donated Dental Services program, and recruiting dentists to serve on the St. David’s Foundation vans. The Foundation continues to make charitable donations to other dental service providers in our community.

The Capital Area Member Benefits program is being launched. This required the formation of a free standing for profit corporation. This will raise money that can be used by CADS for its needs. This is similar to the TDA Perks program.

None of these things would be possible without a sustained effort from the many members who serve on the three Boards and our unselfish volunteer dentists. This is what organized dentistry is all about. By working towards common goals we have been able to accomplish things that no one individual could ever hope. I cannot take credit for all these things happening. All I can do is take a step back and be glad to have been a part of it. I have learned this year that it takes a tremendous amount of manpower and cooperation with other organizations to accomplish our goals. To any and all who have helped and contributed of your time and money, I offer a sincere "Thank You”.