The time is August 1983… a skinny, introvert that graduated from DePaul University with a BS in Psychology starts his dental education at the University of Illinois College of Dentistry. While there, I made a few promises to myself. Try to be open to ‘any and all’ opportunities that come my way and to try to leave things better than I found them. It is my hope that I did just that and yet I feel that I can still accomplish a few more victories with my remaining time.
In dental school, I was elected as Vice-President of my D4 class (Cheryl Watson-Lowry was President), and I joined the Delta Sigma Delta Fraternity and achieved the position of ‘Grand Master’ (President), also in my D4 year. Unlike many individuals from that era, I had a calm and rewarding experience in school. My instructors and advisors were the best and their efforts are still appreciated to this day.
In a severe case of “serendipity”, I found myself building a brand-new office, from scratch, in Tinley Park, less than a year after my graduation. The next 26 years seemed like a blur with marriage, kids, houses, unpredictable experiences, and roads I never dreamed of being on. A constant, through all of that, was my monthly meetings at the South Suburban Branch. What a blessing to be part of a group of unbelievable mentors. Opportunities were offered. Opportunities were taken. I found joy in becoming a colleague, becoming part of an organization that did so much good. It is now my generation’s time to provide that mentorship, that helping hand. For those of you that have not been to a branch meeting in a while or have never been to one, the invitation is out there. You just might enjoy the time spent with like-minded colleagues, receive some valuable C.E., have a great dinner, and make some life-long friends.
A constant, through all of that, was my monthly meetings at the South Suburban Branch.
Joining the CDS Board
After serving my branch, I had a stint as an ISDS Trustee, placed on an ADA Council, become a delegate- representing the CDS at the ISDS House of Delegates, and for the 8th District at the ADA Annual Session. Incidentally, as of this year, 2026, the road to becoming a delegate, has never been easier. The CDS Board created a more equitable method which demystified and opened the chance for CDS members in ‘good standing’ to become a delegate.
Then, 2009, I was able to join the CDS Board as the South Suburban Director. It is difficult to describe the experience of being a CDS Director. So much work, doing so much good, and having so much fun! After that 3-year cycle, I had to patiently await the chance for a CDS Officer position (Treasurer) to open up in 2021. Re-booting after COVID was surreal. So many changes, so many challenges! I am extremely proud of the actions that your CDS Board did before, during, and after the year 2020.
With others across the country retreating, eliminating meetings, or downsizing, the CDS “doubled down” and reimagined and rebuilt the CDS. With a new CEO, great ideas, improved technology, and a board that refused to step away from adversity, we did some amazing things. We re-wrote the CDS bylaws, developed a new election process, made the Regional Meetings great again, and help with overall branch uniformity. The efforts of every dentist that has ever served the CDS over the last 161 years must be honored. We have come too far and worked way too hard to turn back now. We will persevere, despite those bent on manipulating a system that is a sacred trust between a doctor and a patient.
The CDS Board created a more equitable method which demystified and opened the chance for CDS members to become delegates.
We cannot wait and hope that “someone else” will “take care of business”.
It may be a little premature, but I’m already getting nostalgic regarding my time spent on the CDS Board of Directors. So many friendships. So much accomplished. Such a wonderful experience. As some may know, I am also a fulltime faculty member at Midwestern University. Being able to shape to be part of the students’ journey has been beyond fulfilling. The changes that have occurred in 38 years, regarding dental education and licensure is truly mind-boggling! On a regular basis, I let the students know that with their future opening like an unwritten book, make room for organized dentistry. Aside from the rich history and generous efforts of those dentists who came before us, we owe it to each other and especially to our patients, to remain the leading advocate for this noble profession. We cannot wait and hope that “someone else” will “take care of business”. Consider going to the Midwinter Meeting, going to your branch meeting, becoming a mentor. Be the colleague that you wished you never had. It’s never too late.
We cannot wait and hope that “someone else” will “take care of business”.