KDA Today

KDA Today

For Immediate Release

Date: Aug 18th, 2017
Contact: Dr. Bill Collins
Phone: 800-292-1855
Email: info@kyda.org

Our Associations Future depends on the Engagement of Every Member

As my term of President slowly comes to an end, I want to thank all of those who supported and assisted me in making this a very successful year. I especially want to thank all the KDA staff, Todd, Melissa and Janet; you have been wonderful and deserve the appreciation of all our members. Rick Whitehouse, a special thanks to you, I know you are still testing the waters of the Association, but you are very talented and capable of great things that will move this association forward. I wish you many more years with us and pray you continue the loyalty and dedication. Rick, don’t worry, you will learn Kentucky politics as time progresses. It has taken many years for our state government to become this convoluted, so patience will be important. Also, my thanks to McCarthy Strategic Solutions for spending the time and efforts in Frankfort and opening doors for the dentists of Kentucky.

My sincerest thanks to Sharon Turner, David Narramore, Mike Johnson, Fred Howard, Barry Curry, Greg Bentley, Chad Street, Josh Raleigh, Randy Ransdell, Darren Greenwell, Lee Mayer, Andy Elliott, Julie McKee, Garth Bobrowski, Susie Riley, Laura Hancock-Jones, Beverly Largent, Matt Johnson, Jerry Caudill, and all the others who advised and assisted me with legislation, trips to Frankfort, Kentucky Medicaid, Oral Health Coalition meetings, and all issues that arose during the last one-and-a-half years. I apologize if I missed anyone; it was not intentional, because everyone that I approached was of great assistance. I want to especially thank David Narramore as he served as Chairman of the Executive Board during the past one-and-a-half years and to Garth Bobrowski for his dedication to Medicaid and to the people of the Commonwealth. Both, Garth and David, have worked very hard on many issues this year. Special thanks also to Sharon Turner who became interim PAC Chair and to Mike Johnson who became interim Secretary/Treasurer.

I wish Ansley Depp a very calm and successful year for her presidency. Ansley, I truly hope I have started to lay a foundation on which you can build. I want to thank you for all your advice and willingness to help make the KDA a better organization. Bill Lee, you are a remarkable leader, I wish you the best as your term will be very special as we return to the Galt House for our annual meetings. As you both proceed to your presidencies, I want you to leave this thought from Winston Churchill, “Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts.” If I can be of assistance, please do not hesitate to ask. BJ Moorhead, thank you, for without your guidance we would have never returned to the Galt House, I think this will be a historical homecoming.

During this past year, the University of Louisville School of Dentistry came under new leadership. I want to welcome Dean Gerry Bradley and wish him much success. Being U of L alumni, I know that both faculty and students will give him the much needed support. I have also had the opportunity to work with Dean Bradley, as he officially signed an affiliation MOU with Red Bird Clinic, Inc. in Clay County as an outreach site. Welcome to the bluegrass state, Dean Bradley.

To all our members, I ask you to not be just dues-paying members, but to become active members. Our association and societies need everyone to take an active role as our profession transitions into the next century. New legislation is being written, boards are being redefined, dental insurance is changing rapidly, schools are changing curriculum, and as baby boomers, our time is nearing the end. We must accept and assist the Gen-x’ers and millennials as they become the leaders of tomorrow. We need to teach them how to navigate the political inroads and the importance of knowing the legislators on a personal basis. As members, we must also support our KDPAC. It is essential to the health of our association to have a strong PAC. David Narramore, Sharon Turner and Mike Johnson have done an excellent job, this year, with their efforts to keep funds at an acceptable level.

Last, I want to thank John Thompson. I first met John in 2008 at a RAM clinic in Pike County. Our first meeting was a memorable encounter. Since that time, John has encouraged me to develop leadership abilities. I want to thank him for being a driving force directing me to become president of this Association. But most of all, I want to thank John for being that ear that listens and the voice that provides direction while calmly listening to all my rants and raves and then giving sound advice.

Avesis is entering the commercial insurance market. Many of you may have received the orange envelope - please review the enclosed information carefully as you complete the paperwork. The state is revising the Medicaid Waiver and have hearings scheduled. If you need the dates and times, please call Rick at the KDA office or watch for an email blast.  

In the last issue, I addressed membership; I want to reinforce the need for a strong membership. Our association is strong, nationally, compared to other associations of our type. Some say we are a trade organization or association. I really don’t think they want that or we would become a union; we would become like the steelworkers, boilermakers or the auto workers. Our organization has one similarity - strength is in numbers; therefore it is very important to have a strong membership for many reasons.

As the sun begins to set over the mountains of Clay County, I will end this final message. Thanks to everyone for your support over the last one-in-a half years. Earl Nightingale once said, “We are at our very best, and we are happiest, when we are fully engaged in work we enjoy on the journey toward the goal we've established for ourselves. It gives meaning to our time off and comfort to our sleep. It makes everything else in life so wonderful, so worthwhile.” Stay loyal to dentistry and engaged in our association, for our happiness and future depends on every member.

I will leave you with these words from Charles Dickens, “The pain of parting is nothing to the joy of meeting again.” Thank you for allowing me to serve, and goodbye until we meet, again, at the annual meeting at French Lick!

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