President’s Message by Bill Purifoy featured in Probe
The Southwest Society of Periodontists
No. 69, Spring/Summer 2003
Who is a Periodontist?
Past
The American Academy of Periodontology was founded in 1914 out of a vision to promote the benefits of oral prophylaxis. The specialty soon evolved trough debate and differing opinions to include “pyorrhea work” and the establishment of “normal articulation.” Although the charter members had great insight, the organization’s primary emphasis was on remedies for the inflammatory reaction affecting the supporting tissues surrounding teeth. In the ensuring years the basic principles of etiology, histopathology, diagnosis, and treatment planning were developed. Fundamental advances were made in surgical and non-surgical treatment techniques. Prominent dental scholars began to recognize the foundational role of our specialty.
In 1960, Gerald Leatherman, secretary of the Federation Detaire International, proclaimed that “the whole dental curriculum should be built on the study and practice of periodontia.” Fifty years after he became a charger member of the AAP, John O. McCall wrote a foretelling remark in the preface to his textbook, Principles of Periodontics: “As I see it, periodontics in its various ramifications will be not only a means for improving oral health but will constitute the bridge between dentistry and medicine…” That bridge is presently being established through ongoing collaborative scientific efforts.
Present
The 1980’s and 90’s are truly golden years marked by explosive advances in cosmetic periodontal procedures, tissue regeneration, osseointegration, and the identification of links between periodontal disease and general health. By the new millennium, the quintessential services offered by periodontists extended far beyond prevention and treatment of inflammatory diseases.
However, the last twenty years are also distinguished by numerous external factors including substantial changes in the demographics, economics and delivery of dental services. Several trends have emerged which suggest that periodontics will face increased competition among general dentists and other specialists to treat the same pool of patients. The backlog of “reparative” dentistry which existed in the 1970’s has been completed, and the insurance industry will continue to restrain third party benefits. In additional, government oversight and regulation will continue to rise. These immutable trends are a strong incentive for periodontists to develop a future vision and be prepared for change. We are at an inflection point. The train is about to leave the station and we had better be on board!
Future
The AAP introduced its 2020 Vision at last fall’s Annual Meeting in New Orleans. The specific details are published in the latest AAP membership directory and on its website. The vision is a blueprint for the profession’s bridge to the future. It calls us to incorporate sophisticated therapies into our practices. It urges us to provide extraordinary value and service for our patients. It impels us to continue to educate ourselves and to become mentors and positive role models for others. It identifies the need to actively support technology, innovation and collaboration with others in our practices. It also requires us to become politically active.
To continue our success, we must adopt new long-term goals, initiate a process to achieve them, and head for a strong finish! Personal leadership will be the principal attribute of those periodontists who achieve measurable growth by 2020. To stay the course, a high level of commitment and initiative is required. In his recent book and speaking engagements following the tragic events of September 11th, Rudy Giuliani enumerates various characteristics that distinguish a leader. According to “America’s Mayor,” successful leaders exhibit the following attributes:
- strong beliefs and core principles to guide them through difficult times
- optimism to seek positive solutions to challenges
- courage to manage and overcome fear
- relentless preparation and careful attention to complete every task under any circumstance
- ability to team with others to identify and overcome weaknesses
- loyalty and communication to provide full empowerment to those around them
Daily application of these traits will propel us toward our vision. Another important step is to evaluate your practice or position relative to the future to identify specific challenges to pursue. Select one or two desired advances to develop in 2003-2004. If you want to walk on water, you gotta get out of the boat!
Piet Mondrian, one of the great painters of the 20th century, began his career by composing romantic landscapes in his native Holland. He evolved to complete abstraction over a twenty year period while living in Paris and New York City. His path to abstraction was an astounding transformation rooted in the pictorial traditions learned in Holland, yet vastly different at its conclusion. When asked to explain this, Mondrian replied, “The artist, born of the past, advances as far as his institution permits.” His words are an inspiration to each of us to advance our great institution as far as possible.
Thank you for the opportunity to serve the Society. Hope to see you in Vail this summer.
Bill Purifoy
President 2002-2003
|
