January 1, 2007 is fast approaching; with it comes an end to my tenure as President of the Nassau County Dental Society. It seems as if it were only yesterday that I thanked you for your support when I assumed my position. I would now like to reiterate my appreciation and take this opportunity to thank each of you for making this year both enlightening and enjoyable. The following key events have helped make 2006 a notable year for the Nassau County Dental Society.

"Give Kids a Smile Day" continues to grow and was a wonderful success. The number of children screened has increased exponentially with additional schools inquiring about participation. The Nassau County Department of Health has been intervening on our behalf, helping to arrange treatment for the children flagged at this screening. Our partnership has led to a coalition between the Nassau County Dental Society, the Suffolk County Dental Society and the Nassau County Department of Health dealing directly with the access to care issue present in our community. The various dental diseases are being recognized as a major health concern placing tremendous demands on our communities resources. Prevention is paramount to curbing these costs. The coalition is currently exploring the possibility of re-instituting water fluoridation programs in selected communities, recognizing the dramatic and direct positive impact this action would have on the general dental health of these communities. I would like to thank the Membership and Communications Committee and our Executive Director, Gabriele Libbey, for their dedication and tireless efforts on our behalf. You have ensured the continued success of this event!

The Dr. William Boyd New Member Brunch followed with a fact filled lecture on legal do 's and don'ts in the dental practice. Dr. Boyd served as a mentor for many of us including myself. He was instrumental in recruiting many of our members and ensuring that they became involved. It is truly fitting that he be honored at an event designed to welcome our new members. Once again, we owe our thanks to Gabriele Libbey and the members of the New Dentist Committee for another wonderful event.

We are resurrecting the Nassau Academy of Dentistry, which will serve as the educational branch of the Nassau County Dental Society. It is sure to advance the outstanding continuing education program already offered to our members free of charge. We are fortunate to have so many talented lecturers who volunteer their time and expertise with our members. My personal thanks to Dr, James Fitzgerald and his committee members for another wonderful educational program.

Once again, the Children's Dental Health Month Award 's Ceremony was a standing room only event held at Adelphi University. We received thousands of wonderful entries, each reviewed by committee members and judges to select the category winners and runner-ups. It's truly amazing to see the excitement in the children's faces as they are called to the podium to receive their certificates and awards, parents and school officials posing for treasured photographs. Dr. Peter Blauzvern continues to serve us well and you should be proud of this direct community event.

Member benefits including the Peer Review Committee and the Professional Liability Committee truly serve our members and take what can be a devastating event and transform it into something manageable. There is a sense of assurance and security in knowing you are not alone, you have the support of your peers to help guide you through.

As a non-profit organization, the Nassau County Dental Society is truly dependent upon the generous support of our sponsors. I encourage you to support them as your needs arise and personally thank them for their past and continued support.

Volunteers are vital to the success of the Nassau County Dental Society. To the members of the Executive Committee, the Board of Directors, Committee Chairs and Committee Members, I thank you for you time and expertise. Your commitment to the Nassau County Dental Society has truly established it as a premier dental organization. We are well respected both locally and nationally. Our own Mark Feldman will surely reach the pinnacle position of organized dentistry, President-Elect of the American Dental Association. We have much to be proud of and must continue in our efforts. The Nassau County Dental Society is your voice in organized dentistry. It is at the local level that your needs and concerns are best understood, and it is at this level that your participation can help achieve your goals. It's your decision, your voice; let it be heard!

The staff of the Nassau County Dental Society includes Gabriele Libbey, Executive Director; Jenny Filingeri, Executive Secretary and Vivian See, Administrative Assistant. These are the people responsible for the day in, day out activities of the society. They made my job flawless and I would have found this year nearly impossible without their support. I sincerely thank you for keeping me sane.

I thank you for your support, guidance and friendship. I wish you continued health and professional fulfillment in the coming year.

I am extremely confident that I leave you in the very capable hands of your elected line officers for the upcoming year. Congratulations to President James Fitzgerald, President-Elect James Dolin, Vice President John Cerrato, Secretary Michael Shreck and Treasurer Steven Novick. It has been my pleasure and honor working with you and I look forward to another productive year.

My final note of appreciation has been reserved for my wife Bonnie, my son Jeffrey and my daughter Lindsay. I thank you for your support and understanding over the past several years. You inspire me each and every day to be the best I can be. Know in your hearts that I will always be there for you as you have been for me.