Welcome to a busy season for dentists. Snowbirds call on us to care for them while they escape the cold up North. Dentists' Day on the Hill taking place in Tallahassee this week, where we have direct conversations with Florida legislators. February is also Give Kids A Smile (GKAS), click here to learn more about this national event. On February 24th the Clearwater Health Department will be hosting a GKAS event and many UPCDA members will be participating. 

We are also finishing another biennium for required CE courses. Make sure your records are complete. Many of us enjoyed the WCDDA meeting on February 2 in Tampa, featuring Dr. Stanley Malamed and Larry Guzzardo as speakers. We sharpened our knowledge of medical emergencies, patient communication and treatment plan acceptance. On February 1 dentists and their significant others enjoyed an elegant cocktail and award social at the Oxford Exchange, also in Tampa.

There's more! On January 17, Dr. Mark Davis gave us a personal, urgent message:  treat each day in dentistry like it is your last. Sometimes our goals and dreams are cut short by accidents and health changes, so be sure to enjoy your work and give it your best effort EVERY DAY. Thank you Dr. Davis for your poignant advice!

Please take note of a controversial bill, Senate Bill 1498, which is gaining some momentum in Tallahassee.  If your professional feathers were ruffled when Sam's Club opened up whitening booths, or when dental hygienists were give permission to administer local anesthetic, then you're going to take flight if SB 1498 passes! Dental Therapists, theoretically, could be diagnosing, restoring and extracting teeth without dental school or residency training. 

On Friday, February 23, UPCDA offers you a unique implant/prosthetics course, starting at 8AM at Countryside Country Club.  Conrad Rensburg is a skilled lab technician who will show how to succeed and avoid pitfalls with implant-supported overdentures.

Before politicians begin dictating when and where we serve needy patients, here is your chance to make a big bang that the politicians will hear. Mission of Mercy takes place in Fort Meyers on March 9-10. In three previous volunteer events, over $5 million of dental services were donated to residents of Tampa, Jacksonville and Pensacola. Hundreds of dental team members will meet on March 9-10. PLEASE help this year, either with direct volunteering, donating supplies or funds to support the equipment rentals. The UPCDA will host 50/50 raffles at the February 23 Friday lecture, and at the Team Bowling Night on March 2.

Finally, dentists and periodontists invite your hygienists to hear Dr. DeWitt Wilkerson speak on Integrative Dental Medicine on April 18 at Bon Appetit Restaurant. Also, the end-of-the-year party will again be at Clearwater Beach Hampton Inn on May 11.  Stay busy!