Journal IDA Spring 2023 : simplebooklet.com

The Journal is owned and published by the Indiana Dental Association, a constituent of the American Dental Association.The editors and publisher are not responsible for the views, opinions, theories, and criticisms expressed in these pages, except when otherwise decided by resolution of the Indiana Dental Association. The Journal is published four times a year and is mailed quarterly. Periodicals postage pending at Indianapolis, Indiana, and additional mailing oces.ManuscriptsScientic and research articles, editorials, communications, and news should be addressed to the Editor: 550 W. North Street, Suite 300, Indianapolis, IN 46202 or send via email to kathy@indental.org.AdvertisingAll business matters, including requests for rates and classieds, should be addressed to Kathy Walden at kathy@indental.org or 800-562-5646. A media kit with all deadlines and ad specs is available at the IDA website at www.indental.org/adverts/add.Copyright 2023, the Indiana Dental Association. All rights reserved.Journal IDAPersonnelOfficers of the Indiana Dental AssociationDr. Thomas R. Blake, PresidentDr. Lisa Conard, President-ElectDr. Rebecca De La Rosa, Vice PresidentDr. Lorraine Celis, Vice President-ElectDr. Jenny Neese, Speaker of the HouseSubmissions Review BoardDr. Rebecca De La Rosa, AvonDr. Caroline Derrow, AuburnDr. Steve Ellinwood, Fort WayneDr. Sarah Herd, Co-EditorKathy Walden, Managing Editor Dr. Joseph Platt, Vice Speaker of the HouseDr. Nia Bigby, TreasurerDrs. Karen Ellis and Sarah Herd, Journal IDA EditorsDr. Jill M. Burns, Immediate Past PresidentMr. Douglas M. Bush, Executive Director, SecretaryDr. Jerey A. Platt, IndianapolisDr. Kyle Ratli, IndianapolisDr. Elizabeth Simpson, IndianapolisDr. Karen Ellis, Co-Editor

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4 Journal of the Indiana Dental Association | VOLUME 102 · 2023 · ISSUE 2I have a toddler. His hands are sticky. Not only because he gets into everything, but because his baby skin seems to have extra grip. The texture will allow him to hold on to me regardless of how I try to disentangle myself. His feet are this way too. His sticky appendages allow him to climb on the smoothest of surfaces, and nearly vertically, with ease. These clingy appendages are attached to my most prized possession. When I stop to think about it, I get 2½ hours a day during the week with this often wild creature (and not at his best hours). He sometimes wakes up grumpy like a teenager and then is delirious in the evenings. My most holy days are those where I get to see my sweet boy in action all day long. Those days seem so long and exhausting, yet they are ying by. So when I give my precious commodity of time, the least I expect in return is respect. The Indiana AIR (Accept, Include, Respect) Leadership Development Program was created as a project for the ADA’s Institute in Diversity in Leadership program by Dr. Sue Germain. Dr. Germain practiced dentistry in Zionsville and volunteered her time to teach at IUSD. She was a member of IDDS and joined and did all the things you do. She got involved and became a board member, an ocer, and a delegate to the IDA. She saw inappropriate behavior by her colleagues at professional meetings and thought that there must be a better way! She realized there is no way to change people, but maybe there would be a way to get more dentists involved to start to change the accepted norms. I believe, as Sue did, there is no place for racism, sexism, homophobia, or xenophobia in a professional organization. We are all dentists and our professional organization represents all dentists in the state of Indiana.I joined the inaugural AIR cohort after an unfortunate experience teaching at IUSD. I was absolutely berated in front of a clinic full of students and patients for not properly requesting a consultation with one of the other specialties. I am unsure if the dentist thought I was still only a resident, but this blatant lack of respect was stunning. I was left speechless and horried. I didn’t know what to do and knew I needed to do something. This was a learning experience and I was unprepared. In the rst session of AIR, we learn about our top ve leadership strengths using a StrengthsFinders test. Many of that rst AIR cohort, and each cohort since, have “Learning” as a strength. Dentists constantly seek out education and many go well beyond the required continuing education hours. We want to know the new and best ways to treat our patients and make our lives easier. One of my other strengths is “Harmony.” It may surprise some of you, but I actually enjoy when there is a consensus! I also believe that most of our colleagues just want to get along and not rock the boat. This is a good thing and a bad thing. When the leadership all gets along and doesn’t want to cause waves, it is too easy to just let things slide or not speak up. I think of a quote from Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone. Dumbledore said “There are all kinds of courage. It takes a great Dr. Sarah Herd, Journal IDA co-editorEDITOR'S MESSAGE AIRACCEPT, INCLUDE, RESPECT. Acceptance, Inclusion, Respect. Isn’t that what we all really want in life? To feel like we belong and are a part of something bigger? We only have so many minutes in a day, a week, a year. ABOUT THE AUTHORDr. Sarah Herd is co-editor of the Journal IDA along with Dr. Karen Ellis. Dr. Herd is a periodontist in Indianapolis and can be reached at drherd@perio-indy.com.deal of bravery to stand up to our enemies, but just as much to stand up to our friends.” This is simply human nature – to avoid unnecessary conict. But this is exactly why it is crucial to develop leaders who will ask the uncomfortable questions. We all grow through learning and understanding. We need more points of view and experiences represented to teach us what we don’t even know we don’t know.

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5VOLUME 102 · 2023 · ISSUE 2 | Journal of the Indiana Dental AssociationAIR has brought about change. I didn’t join AIR to become a member of the Board of Trustees, but I was asked to serve as the rst New Dentist Trustee. I asked questions at the board meetings and was told this was unusual. When I was on the board, I was obviously the youngest and one of only two women trustees. There was one woman ocer out of eight. Your most current ocer roles are 7/8 female and 5/8 AIR graduates! We have our rst AIR presidency coming up with Dr. Lisa Conard. Things are changing all around us. The IDA needs to represent all dentists in the state of Indiana. AIR has been a successful program to help develop leaders who want to participate in leadership roles both in the IDA and in other organizations with causes near and dear to their hearts. The program gives participants skills to be a better leader in their lives, whether it’s in their oce, their home, or any other organization. AIR is not only a program designed to get you involved in organized dentistry. As dentists, we are actively involved with our communities. We will be asked to serve on the boards of schools, churches, and chairtable organizations. Many AIR graduates are serving their communities on non-dental boards. This is a leadership development program for all.And make no mistake; this program is not only for “others.” This is not only for new dentists. This is a leadership development program for all. Our organization is stronger with more voices and participation. And June is the best time to celebrate our diversity and rainbow of dierences. There is learning in every experience and we should all take each opportunity to grow, both professionally and personally. (And as AIR’s biggest cheerleader, I encourage you to learn more about the program and consider participating.) Be a part of the change—and then get back to those you love the most, because in the end, that is what really matters.

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6 Journal of the Indiana Dental Association | VOLUME 102 · 2023 · ISSUE 2PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE Meet 2023-24 IDA President Dr. Tom BlakeAFTER MORE than 40 years as a dentist, Dr. Tom Blake is ready to start his next career challenge as 2023-24 president of the IDA. Inaugurated as the 116th president on May 21 at the Midwest Dental Assembly in Indianapolis, Dr. Blake is enthusiastic about the opportunity to lead the association and is grateful to his colleagues for giving him the chance to serve as president during such an important time in the profession.Dr. Blake has never doubted that dentistry was the perfect career for him. “From the time I was sitting in chemistry class in junior year of high school, I realized that I really loved science and chemistry. I had this ah-ha moment,” he said. “I thought about going into medicine, but I determined that dentistry was more people-oriented and less beholden to hospitals. I love people and knew that dentistry was the perfect combination of science and people skills. I knew it would be perfect for me.”Growing up in Fort Wayne, Dr. Blake recognized his love for people early on. Throughout school he was very involved in Student Council and school athletic organizations and competed on the swim team. Even his work as a teenage lifeguard helped guide his career path toward dentistry. “I loved teaching swimming and coaching kids, but my nal boss was irritating. He liked to nitpick and micromanage,” Dr. Blake recalls. “I realized I liked to run my own show, and in about a day I decided I was going to be a dentist and I never looked back.”His father was an electrical engineer and his mother was a bank teller who also put her education degree to use as a frequent substitute teacher. Dr. Blake credits his father with giving him his “science brain” and his mother with his love for people in general and children in particular. In fact, he took a large number of education classes as an undergraduate at Indiana University so that he could become a teacher in case dentistry didn’t work out for him.But dentistry did, in fact, work out for him, and he graduated from IUSD in 1981. In addition to the support of his parents, Dr. Blake credits the encouragement of his own dentist and mentor, 1990-91 IDA President Dr. Gerry Kaufman, for his interest in dentistry and eventual graduation from dental school. “He really paid attention to my academic progress, and he was really encouraging,” Dr. Blake said. “At the stage when I got into IUSD, he was probably one of the rst people who knew I was accepted to dental school. He was super excited and he encouraged me to get involved in the IDA and organized dentistry.” Following Dr. Blake’s graduation from IUSD, it was Dr. Kaufman who alerted Dr. Blake about a practice for sale on the south side of Fort Wayne.Dr. Blake bought the practice, long since renamed Blake Aesthetics Family Dentistry, and remains there as the sole practitioner almost 42 years later. He also kept his promise to Dr. Kaufman that he would get involved in organized dentistry. Although Dr. Blake delayed volunteering on committees and in leadership until his two sons were older, he gradually became more involved and has served in numerous leadership roles, including chair of the Communications Committee and treasurer. Kathy Walden

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7VOLUME 102 · 2023 · ISSUE 2 | Journal of the Indiana Dental AssociationHe was also elected as president of the Isaac Knapp District Dental Society in 2010. “It was the same year that Dr. Kaufman died, and I would have loved for him to be there,” said Dr. Blake. “In my speech I said, ‘If he were here, he’d say, Yep, you kept your promise!’”In addition to organized dentistry, Dr. Blake has committed a signicant part of his career to helping others in need. He is a longtime volunteer and board member at Fort Wayne’s Matthew 25 Clinic, which provides free medical and dental care to low-income Hoosiers in the Fort Wayne area. In 2019, along with fellow Fort Wayne dentist Dr. Todd Briscoe, he served as co-chair of Indiana Mission of Mercy, a massive undertaking that culminated in a two-day event treating over 1,000 patients. His charity work also expanded internationally with the 2009 creation of Sonrisas Siempre, a charity clinic for children in Comayagua, Honduras. Dr. Blake rst visited Comayagua as part of a Lions Club opthalmology and dental clinic and was so moved by the medical needs of the population that he founded Sonrisas Siempre along with former IDA President Dr. Steve Ellinwood. The mission started with just a few people traveling with Dr. Blake and has now expanded to 30-35 volunteer dentists, hygienists, assistants and “worker bees” on each annual mission. See page 10 to read Dr. Jill Burns’ editorial on service and more photos of Sonrisas Siempre missions.Mindful of how his own dental mentor shaped his career trajectory, Dr. Blake has returned the favor to younger practitioners, including Fort Wayne dentist Dr. Matt Kolkman. “Tom is more responsible than anyone else for my professional development and specically my involvement “We need to make this associationapplicable to all ages and populations so that after 42 years, they can still say they love this profession as much as I do.Left top: Dr. Blake with Dr. Jill Burns and Dr. Mara Catey-Williams, both of whom he describes as “two of the best organizers” of Honduras dental mission Sonrisas Siempre.Left bottom: Dr. Blake with Schuster Study Club dentists from around the U.S.Right bottom: Dr. Blake’s son Matthew and his wife Lyndsay with daughters Sophia, Harper and Monroe.

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8 Journal of the Indiana Dental Association | VOLUME 102 · 2023 · ISSUE 2in organized dentistry,” said Dr. Kolkman. “He gave me my rst local volunteer opportunity as part of the Young Dentists Committee and then at Matthew 25 on the dental advisory board. He brought me to Honduras and exposed me to the benets of dental mission work. He has been a devoted friend and I consider him family.”Dr. Blake is eyeing retirement and is planning to sell his practice to a colleague, after which he will work as an associate in his own practice and scale down to three days per week. He has no intention of slowing down in retirement, though. In fact, he’s committed to fullling his other professional interest, education, as a substitute teacher of rst, second and third grades in Fort Wayne. He spent his rst day as a substitute in late April and is enthusiastic about keeping sharp in retirement by teaching.Dr. Blake maintains plenty of interests outside of dentistry as well. He likes traveling and has taken vacations and work-related trips throughout the United States and around the world. He also rises at 4:30 each morning to exercise. “I’m a big workout fanatic,” he admits. “I go to the gym every day. That’s a part of maintaining my sanity. I go as much for my body as what’s between my ears. It keeps me in a happy, positive mood.”Home and family life are also important to Dr. Blake. In addition to spending time with his partner of seven years, Jared, and their Maltipoo Ozzie, Dr. Blake sees his two grown sons and three granddaughters as much as possible. His son Chris works for an antique boat restoration company, and Matthew works as a COO for a construction company. His three granddaughters are 11, 9 and 4 and all live in Fort Wayne.As president, Dr. Blake’s main goal for the IDA is unication under the banner of dentistry. He has been a longtime proponent of diversity initiatives in dentistry and initially planned to focus more on diversity in his presidential year. “I spent hundreds of hours on webinars, reading, speaking to other states,” he said. “But it’s such a broad topic that it’s hard to get a dart out and hit a bullseye and hone in one thing. So instead of honing in on one thing, I want to focus on unication because we’re all dentists, no matter who we are or what we look like or how we practice. I want to promote unication without singling out anybody and making everybody feel accepted.”Dr. Blake will feel successful if his ideas resonate to all populations within the IDA. “We need to make this profession applicable to all ages and populations so that after 42 years, they can still say they love this profession as much as I do.”Top: Son Chris with his three nieces.Bottom: Maltipoo Ozzie. Dr. Blake is fairly certain that he’s the cutest dog in the world.PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

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10 Journal of the Indiana Dental Association | VOLUME 102 · 2023 · ISSUE 2Within the IDA, we have a program to train leaders and volunteers. It is called AIR (Acceptance. Inclusion. Respect.) Dentists are trained in leadership, advocacy, and volunteerism. We have reaped big rewards from this program. Look at our Board of Trustees, ocers, and members of committees: Many are AIR graduates. There are other articles in the Journal with details about AIR, so I won’t go into to the program in depth. But I will say my favorite part of the program is the projects that the participants nish before the end of their second year. Many of these projects have become a part of the fabric of the IDA volunteerism. If you are interested in learning more about AIR and perhaps joining the program, contact Jay Dziwlik at the IDA.Another popular outlet for service in the past has been the Missions of Mercy. We have put on three of these, and they were very successful. I have had many people ask me when we will do one again. MOMs take large amounts of planning, fundraising, and organization. It needs leaders who feel passionate about the event and have time to commit to it. If you have a heart for this program and want to put in the work that it will need to make it a success, please contact the IDA oce. There are many places within Indiana to donate dental care. We post charity events and opportunities on the IDA website. These charitable clinics need your help and expertise. Please consider volunteering on a regular basis. PAST PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE ServicePART OF our DNA as dentists is to serve others. We take care of other people every day in our practices, and a lot of us also volunteer for various events, clinics, mission trips, and other charitable organizations. Many of you volunteer for the IDA. (Thank YOU!) Service can be so many dierent things. Here at the IDA we have many opportunities to serve and also ways to guide you to organizations and groups that need your help. It feeds my soul to take part in these activities.ABOUT THE AUTHORDr. Jill Burns is a dentist in Richmond and 2022-23 IDA president. She can be reached at drjill333@gmail.com.My favorite way to give back is a mission trip that serves orphaned children in Comayagua, Honduras. Drs. Tom Blake and Steve Ellinwood founded Sonrisas Siempre in 2009. Our mission is to bring dental care to children in Comayagua. I will leave the details of the founding to Dr. Blake because I know that he will share it with you during his presidential year. This article is about my experiences and how much I love the people of Honduras and my teammates that go to Honduras with us. We have four dierent positions available, dentists, assistants, hygienists, and worker

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11VOLUME 102 · 2023 · ISSUE 2 | Journal of the Indiana Dental Associationbees. The number of people going on the trip usually runs around 30. The worker bees are the foundation for all that we do. If not for them and their foundational work to keep us up and running, we wouldn’t get anything done. Their tasks range from sterilization, to repair, running instruments, to comforting and amusing children. This past year we had a retired judge with a denite talent for construction, a videographer who also was good at building things, and an attorney with a air for sterilizing instruments. We all check our egos at the door and just get to work taking care of these children.I started going to Honduras in 2012. Dr. Ellinwood had been asking (actually nagging) for me to go since they rst started Sonrisas Siempre. The rst year was eye opening on several levels. I had been a Navy dentist and had served for three years in the Philippines, so I had lived in a poor country. That part wasn’t a surprise. The surprises were the Comayagua Lion’s Club members and their dental clinic. They take wonderful care of us while we are there. We stay at the Hotel la Posada de mi Viejo and the owners, Lions Club members Byron and Karla, make sure that we want for nothing. On this mission trip, we are fed and housed well.Practicing dentistry is dentistry no matter where you go. It’s the people you care for that change. But kids are kids the world over, and Honduran children are an absolute delight. Even though I have been going for many years now, my Spanish is still abysmal. My brain just doesn’t do language. Fortunately, Dr. Blake is uent, and we have translators. These are high school students from an English Immersion school, and they are a pure delight to be around. The years when we haven’t had enough assistants, I’ve trained these teenagers to assist, and they do a fantastic job. The words that I deploy the most are abra grande (open big), tranquillo (calm), and mastica (chew). Spanish is not a prerequisite. I am living proof of that.There are two dierent areas for dentists to participate in. Half of the dentists stay and work at the clinic and the other half go to the mountains in rural areas. They usually work out of schools or community centers. The treatment rendered in the mountains are extractions for the most part. Sometimes if a tooth is salvageable, the mountain crew will send the patient to the clinic if they can nd transportation and we take care of them there. We have dental chairs, dental units, and suction at the clinic. We can care for the patient’s operative and hygiene needs. This year we had both a pedodontist, Dr. Caroline Derrow, and an endodontist, Dr. Joe Platt, join us, so the variety of services rendered to the children was extensive. Continued on page 12

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12 Journal of the Indiana Dental Association | VOLUME 102 · 2023 · ISSUE 2Volunteering for missions takes a lot of exibility, teamwork, and sacrice. You will not have your favorite composite available. You won’t have ready access to radiographs. Your workow will be dierent from home. You may have to make do with some weird equipment. You may have to make some treatment decisions that you would never do at your own practice, such as extracting a tooth. The bottom line is to get these patients as healthy as possible before we leave the country and sometimes that takes hard choices. It’s a mindset change. One of the best parts is seeing the same children and caregivers year after year. 2023 was very dierent because we weren’t able to go to Honduras during the pandemic, so many of the children we had been seeing for years had aged out and left the orphanages. But now we have a whole new set of children to look forward to seeing for the years to come.If you have a heart for service and want to get involved, let us know. We will help you nd an avenue that will feed your soul. If you are a part of something that needs volunteers, let us know. We’ll help you nd them. And for all of you that give back, thank you. You are appreciated. PAST PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE

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14 Journal of the Indiana Dental Association | VOLUME 102 · 2023 · ISSUE 2So exactly what is Donated Dental Services?Donated Dental Services (DDS), a operated by the Dental Lifeline Network, was established 1991 through in large part the eorts of founding president Dr. George Vail. The DDS program is a network of Indiana dentists and dental labs on standby to donate care to special needs Hoosiers. DDS recently surpassed $20 million in donated care since the program’s incep-tion. Similar programs are operated in every state. Indiana has its own Board of Directors led by current president, Dr. Larry Goldblatt.There are lots of ways dentists can provide charitable care, with many outstanding clinics and event-oriented charitable eorts such as Give Kids a Smile and Mission of Mercy (MOM). The DDS program is dierent in that the care is provided by dentists in their own oces, on their own schedule, with the assistance of their own sta. Here’s how it works:1. Dentists volunteer to be on call for cases that emerge in their area. 2. When a need arises, a care coordinator contacts the dentist, briefs them on the patient’s situation and determines if the volunteer is available to help. If timing is good for the dentist, he or she is more fully briefed on details of the case, including the patient’s medical problems or conditions, the anticipated dental care need, and the patient’s income and nancial situation. The nancial screening, conducted by the clinical coordinator, assures the dentist that the patient legitimately needs assistance. 3. The dentist decides if they wish to schedule an initial exam and consultation with the patient. Afterwards, once the patient’s dental needs are determined, the dentist can decide whether they choose to proceed with the case. DDS patients often need extensive care. The average case involves $3,000-$5,000 in donated treatment. 4. The care coordinator stays in touch with the volunteer dentist and patient until treatment is completed. The coordinator also arranges specialist or laboratory care, which is also donated. In recent years, funding cutbacks led to reductions in the number of care coordinator hours. Further, COVID prompted many DDS dentists to retire, leaving a shortage of volunteers. Combined, these two issues led to a backlog of 214 patients waiting for care. Because of the waitlist, applications are currently not being accepted from 16 Indiana counties. That’s why DDS needs your help. The increase in state funding allows us to add an additional full-time care coordinator. We Mr. Doug Bush, IDA Executive DirectorEXECUTIVE DIRECTOR'S MESSAGE So We Got the Money...Now What?ONE OF our wins in a very successful 2023 legislative session was a signicant increase in funding for Indiana’s Donated Dental Services (DDS) program. The State appropriation for the program was increased from $34,000 to $200,000. Legislators saw the eciency of the program, recognizing an excellent return on the state’s investment. ABOUT THE AUTHORMr. Doug Bush is serving his 27th year as IDA Executive Director. He can be reached at doug@indental.org. currently have 470 dentists, and a second coordinator will allow us to in-crease that number to 800 volunteers. So our outstanding need is for more volunteer dentists. Most DDS volunteers take one case per year. Some elect to take on more cases, but others may go for well over a year before a need arises in their area. Our goal is to have at least one volunteer dentist in every community,

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16 Journal of the Indiana Dental Association | VOLUME 102 · 2023 · ISSUE 2Jay Dziwlik, IDA Assistant Executive DirectorCelebrating Indiana AIR and the Next Generation of Dental LeadersI WAS at the IDA at the beginning of the AIR Leadership Program. I recall Dr. Sue Germain asking me what I thought about creating a new leadership program that would build future leaders, one that would look more like the makeup of the profession of dentistry. We did not have experience or specics on a program. There was no budget. There was little support or room in our schedules for taking on time and energy for such a major project, but one thing we had was passion. It is the thing that carries you through the times when you wanted to quit, or should have quit. It was passion that understood that dentistry’s face was changing and the organization was changing. The way leaders were developed and cultivated was changing. The blurbs below show how AIR graduates have beneted and grown personally and professionally from participation in the program.COVER STORYEach AIR participant completes a project in the second year. Dr. David Austin focused on grassroots advocacy and worked with U.S. Representative Andre Carson (above, left) as part of his project. He also presented at the Annual Session (right) on economic and demographic changes in dentistry.

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17VOLUME 102 · 2023 · ISSUE 2 | Journal of the Indiana Dental AssociationDR. DAVID AUSTINIndianapolisBeing a member of the AIR 1 cohort was a worthwhile and valuable experi-ence. My decision to apply and partici-pate was based on my desire to gain more visibility in organized dentistry here in Indiana, since I was not a native of the state and did not attend IUSD. The Myers Briggs analysis and the StrengthsFinder exercises have stuck with me and have helped shape my career from the moment I completed them. I say to anyone considering being a part of the AIR program, every lesson, every project, and every relation-ship you build will enhance your understanding of yourself and of the power that exists in professional collaboration.DR. SAVI ABEYCarmelI was accepted into the AIR program two years after I moved to Indiana to start my career as a prosthodontist. I did not go to dental school or residency in Indiana, but I was teaching within the prosth predoctoral program at IUSD. I initially chose to participate in AIR because I simply wanted to meet people and make friends in my new city. Several of the part-time faculty members I was teaching alongside at IUSD were associated with AIR. They encouraged me to apply based on their own positive experiences.AIR was formative for me as I was starting my career. The AIR courses were exciting and taught me dierent aspects of leadership, including how my own personality has changed over the years. It was helpful for me to see how to develop as a leader even as I was starting my practice. So much of how we are trained as dentists is to be technically sound with science, practicing the art of dentistry with developing our hand skills, and decision making, but we aren’t taught in school how to be diplomatic, to work with other personality types, and how to communicate eective-ly to patients and our teams. AIR helped me learn tools and understand how to navigate these issues with being the leader of a practice. Many of my volunteer eorts since my involvement with AIR have been because of AIR colleagues or initiatives because the people involved in AIR are inspiring. I want to “show up” and support my AIR friends. I know that once life settles a bit for me again, and I’m able to spend more time in organized dentistry, I will be able to do so alongside other AIR graduates who are trying to make a dierence and respect the profession that means so much to me. DR. ALLISON BERGDOLLFort WayneAIR provided me with amazing resourc-es and training —anything from person-ality assessments and StrengthsFinder tests, to books on leadership skills and conict resolution, ways to contact and correspond with leaders in government, and allowed me to make connections with other leaders in dentistry. It helped me develop my strengths and weaknesses by making me aware of them, embracing my unique qualities, and nding ways to improve. AIR also assisted in building my con-dence as a leader, both in my practice and in organized dentistry. A friend of mine was in the very rst AIR class and raved about how amazing it was. She believed in me as a leader and gave me a push to apply for the program. Apply to the program—you won’t regret it! Once you are accepted, be open to learning new skills and ways of thinking. Embrace the experience and get the most out of it by participating in all of the weekends oered, read all of the material you are provided, and be vulnerable with the other dentists in your AIR class. Before AIR, I imagined a leader as having certain qualities that I didn’t necessarily have. Through my participation in AIR and interacting with my classmates, I realized that many dierent types of people can be and should be leaders. I no longer felt that I needed to try to be someone who I wasn’t and instead embraced the person I truly am. DR. LAUREN ALAVANJASouth BendI am a board certied pediatric dentist in South Bend and serve as vice chief of oral/dental surgery at Memorial Hospital of South Bend. My experience in the AIR Leadership Program has helped to shape me into the professional and leader I am today. My AIR experiences in public speaking, state government and public health and policy have served as the foundation for my current profes-sional issue, which is access to operating room time to care for children with severe dental needs, mostly from disadvantaged backgrounds. I am thankful for the tools and skills AIR provided me to help those in need in my commu-nity.

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18 Journal of the Indiana Dental Association | VOLUME 102 · 2023 · ISSUE 2DR. SVETLANA BERMANCarmelDr. Sarah Herd, my IUSD classmate, called me one day back in 2013 and told me about this wonderful AIR program, which was initiated in Indiana by Dr. Sue Germain. Having a great respect for Dr. Herd and Dr. Germain and excited for a new adventure, I followed her advice and was grateful I did! Only with time I realized the many layers and meanings this leadership program brought into my life. In Soviet Moldova, the requirements to be a good girl were to perform her common obligations right, knit and bake, look pretty and to be a follower—rst, of her parents, then the husband, and of course, the boss and the government. Leaving Moldova when the Soviet empire collapsed made me, if not a leader, at least a leadership partner of my amazing husband, Dr. Solomon Berman. Together we had to start from scratch twice, learning new languages and proving our professional degrees to survive and raise our incredible children in the free world. I am enormously grateful to my family for their absolute trust, love, support of my professional dreams, and perseverance. But I had never even thought about the aspect of leadership, even after I had opened my own endodontic private practice in Carmel. So, when I encountered a 7-year-old patient who was prescribed opioids by her dentist for management of pulpitis without actual treatment, I felt shocked and help-less, since dentists barely used opioids in my previous countries of residence. It was shortly prior to the national recognition of the opioid epidemic and of the importance of regulated dental opioid prescribing. The AIR program gave me the knowledge, condence, power and support to stand up for what I feel is important. My AIR project was founding a Pain Management and Sedation in Dentistry Study Club for dental professionals in Indiana with the mission to promote eective and safe orofacial pain and dental anxiety management, prevent opioid abuse, improve management of dental anxiety, and subsequently increase patients’ access and acceptance to dental care.The AIR program gave me the sense of being a part of the dental community, where we can listen, understand and support each other and our patients. From my rst AIR project to everyday tasks such as advocating for my patients’ health, improving teamwork of my sta, or more global issues, like ghting for democracy and peace in Ukraine, I feel empowered and obligated as a professional to be able to do it. DR. NIA BIGBYIndianapolisIn dental school I was very active in student organizations, AAWD, SNDA and I served as ASDA President at Meharry Medical College School of Dentistry. I was also the National Student Representative to the National Dental Association House of Delegates. However, after moving to Indianapolis and starting my career, I was not involved like I used to be. I did not know a lot of dentists in the city. I joined the IDA immediately but did not go to too many events or meetings, as I did not know anyone. I rst heard about the AIR program from AIR1 participant Dr. David Austin. He said it was a leadership training program the IDA was starting. Fast forward a few months and I had attended an event that the AIR1 participants were at and had talked to several of them about their experience thus far. Everyone had wonderful things to say and highly recommended the program. My experience with the AIR program was great! I thorough-ly enjoyed meeting new colleagues and sharing our leader-ship experiences. Most of us were considered new dentists and had not had much involvement with organized dentist-ry. We worked through dierent scenarios we were given during each of the sessions and discussed some of the struggles of leading during a time of change. My rst time visiting the Indiana Statehouse was with the AIR program. That trip opened my eyes to a part of dentistry I had not thought about, advocacy. The wealth of knowledge avail-able to the participants of this program is unbelievable. The training the program provided has allowed me to become a better individual, provider, and leader. Whether it be encouraging sta at work, handling dicult conversations between sta members, with patients or friends, or running a committee meeting, AIR has given me the tools I need to handle each of these situations. For anyone who is considering applying to the AIR pro-gram, I would say DO IT! You will not be disappointed. Take that time o work, spend some time with new colleagues and work on those leadership skills. It is a terric way to see some of the behind the scenes of our association, meet some of our leaders and nd an area in our association that you may consider pursuing leadership in. This is an experi-ence you will not regret and can only help make you a better you. Since completing the AIR program, I am now involved in organized dentistry. I currently serve my local component, IDDS, on the Board of Directors and Peer Review Commit-tees. I am a mentor for the AIR program and on the AIR subcommittee. On the state level, I serve as IDA Treasurer and Finance Committee Chair. COVER STORY

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19VOLUME 102 · 2023 · ISSUE 2 | Journal of the Indiana Dental AssociationDR. JILLIAN BRADYIndianapolisI got much more than I ever expected from participating in the AIR program. Going into it I was expecting to gain some basic leadership skills and networking experience. What I learned through all the exercises, presentations, and personality assessments helped me learn how to approach sta and patients on an individual basis and this was priceless. These are the things you aren’t taught in school, but are so important in daily practice and even everyday life. DR. LISA CONARDLebanonAIR is an excellent opportunity to develop leadership skills. The program allows you to comfortably learn how to use ideas and your abilities to help lead to positive outcomes. Although AIR was developed to increase trained leaders in our organization, the skills you learn will help in any facet of your family, practice, and relationships. I would strongly encourage anyone who loves this profession to consider participating in the program and then leadership in IDA. My inspiration came when Dr. Sue Germain (the founder of this program) approached me at an awards program and encouraged me to apply. Once the program was complet-ed, I have proceeded in leadership within my own compo-nent and then the IDA.I would encourage anyone who feels compelled to lead, as well as anyone who is encouraged to do so by someone who recognizes leadership in them to participate in this worthwhile program. I would be happy to talk to anyone considering it if there are any questions.DR. JOHN EMHARDTShelbyvilleAIR helped my leadership in many ways! Most importantly, I met incredible mentors, peers and leaders who I still work with today. I regularly reference the AIR leadership books, board training and curriculum as I grow my practice and train residents, associates and sta. I serve on the Infant Oral Health Subcommittee with the Indiana Dental Association. I also serve on a Girls Inc. board in Shelby County, the Indianapolis Tennis and Education Board at North Central High School and the Indiana University Pediatric Dentistry Alumni Board. DR. SHIRA DANCYIndianapolisThe AIR program challenged me to step outside of my comfort zone. I had the opportunity to connect and engage with a small group of my colleagues and learn about the leadership oppor-tunities in organized dentistry, oral health policy, and managerial skills. I am also more condent with public speaking and networking.I chose to participate in the AIR program because of the positive reviews from past participants. I became a participant during my rst year as a professional and wanted to be a part of a program that provides resources and networking opportunities for new graduates.I encourage anyone that is considering the program to apply! It is not a big time commitment and the required weekends are more like a retreat and there is time to self reect and relax on your own or with others. AIR has inuenced me to become more involved in orga-nized dentistry. I have been a member of the ADA, IDA, and IDDS since I graduated in 2016 and have experienced the many benets of being a part of these organizations. I aspire to become a board member of a non-prot organi-zation in my community; AIR has been instrumental in providing guidance towards this goal.

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20 Journal of the Indiana Dental Association | VOLUME 102 · 2023 · ISSUE 2COVER STORYDR. ROB HOLLANDIndianapolisAIR was a great experience in learning about organized dentistry as well as learning interrelational skills to help me in my private practice. One of the most memorable days was during the rst meeting where we learned about the Clifton Strengths. I was able to utilize this new perspective to better help my colleagues and employees realize their strengths and apply them. Participating in AIR is, for lack of a better term, a “no-brain-er.” The IDA sponsors continuing education leadership skills and a great opportunity to network with fellow Indiana dentists. My advice to anyone considering the program would be to apply! You will learn from the experience. Furthermore, as I learned during my AIR program, many of the AIR graduates stay involved and return to speak with and listen in on classes from future programs and continue the education, long after their program has concluded.The AIR program helped me improve my leadership skills which I was able to apply to my involvement in dentistry as a profession as well as managing an oce in private practice. I am a lifelong learner, still improving every day!DR. MARION HEDGERLafayetteAIR helped me see that leadership is not always about being out front talking and knowing all the answers. It is more about inuencing those in your sphere of inuence to do the right thing. Often that is just you yourself modeling the right thing for others. Sometimes however you do have to speak up and there can be conict. Learning about the dierent personality types gave insight on how others may have a very dierent perspective and approach to problem solving. That gave me insight on how to better work with and empathize with others when solving a dicult problem. I heard about it from past participants that spoke very highly of the program. I knew I would benet with profes-sional and personal development and it did not disappoint!The advice I would give is DO IT! It doesn’t matter how little or great your leadership experience has been you will take away something from the program. The camaraderie with fellow participants and presenters is awesome too!I learned a lot about interoce conict management, coaching up co-workers, and the unpleasant task of disciplining and giving constructive criticism when needed. Currently I am a trustee with the IDA and active with my IDA component. I am a CPT in the Army National Guard as a dentist as well and the things I have learned in AIR have transferred over to all areas of my life where I lead. Dr. Valerie Seifert focused her project on mental health in dentistry and presented her ndings at the 2022 ADA SmileCon.DR. LUCIANA KANO-WILSONColumbusWhen I rst learned about the AIR program, what drew me to apply was the opportunity to learn how to be a better leader. Through my dental education, I encoun-tered dierent opportunities to be a leader, but AIR provid-ed me with tools to know how to lead my dental team more eciently. For instance, I was shown how dierent person-alities can react dierently to giving and receiving feed-back, and I have applied that knowledge within my own team through training and discussion. Also, my AIR program experience allowed me to expand my involvement with the high school and community college dental programs in my community. Public speaking is not a strong suit of mine, but AIR gave me opportunities to practice that skill.

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21VOLUME 102 · 2023 · ISSUE 2 | Journal of the Indiana Dental AssociationDR. PATRICK KELLYIndianapolisI chose AIR dental leadership develop-ment because I am a developing leader. I lead a team every day within my practice and a family within my home. I actively participate in committees dedicated to organized dentistry and leadership. I lead patients through their oral surgery experiences and lead investigations into pathologies, etiologies and proper treatment planning with each case.Dentistry requires practice. I believe leadership does, as well, because the two are symbiotic. Our professional and our personal lives continue to evolve and progress and we must grow with them in order to be the example and the change we want to see mirrored by our leadership and those we follow, ourselves.AIR focuses on practice of and understanding of leader-ship; identifying strengths, weaknesses in ourselves and others, and aims to improve our leadership to help grow those who follow us or identify those called to leadership.AIR is a pathway to organized dentistry, which is the voice of leadership in dentistry. If you choose to not to participate in organized dentistry, then you are forfeiting your right to speak for and mold your profession and ultimately your career.AIR allowed me the opportunity to compose an article for the Journal of the Indiana Dental Association. I was so positively impacted by the feedback I received that I have since published another JIDA article and regularly think of ways to reect and share what I have learned from experi-ence. Hopefully the experiences that have improved my professional life, and hopefully the lives of my patients, will be relayed and improved upon by the reader.AIR encourages condence as a leader and decision maker and positively improved my understanding of the personal learning and leadership styles of others. I encourage anyone who cares about their future, their patients, their sta, their profession to take any opportunity to practice leadership. AIR is a one of those opportunities.DR. TYLER KIMMELFort WayneBeing a dentist is as much about being a leader as it is about being able to practice dentistry. While Indiana University did a great job teaching us to practice dentistry, there was not a lot of room in the curriculum for leadership training. But that is what dentists are: leaders of their clinical teams and practices! So it was wonderful to see the IDA step in to ll that void with a curriculum that helps new dentists to learn the skills needed to be eective leaders, both in their practices as well as the profession. Organized dentistry is as important now as its ever been to ensure that the profession is able to eectively be the voice of oral health in our communities. In order to do this, organized dentistry needs strong leaders. The AIR program is helping grow/develop tomorrow’s leaders today. It does so in a really fun, dynamic program that also involves a signicant amount of networking so that you can build relationships with fellow participants that will last a life time. The resources given, books read, speakers heard were also invaluable in giving me the skills I needed to succeed. Since AIR, I have committed to serving the IDA as the New Dentist Delegate to the American Dental Association’s House of Delegates (two years) and as Chair of the Dental Public Health Committee (six years). Locally at the Isaac Knapp District Dental Society, I committed to being a Delegate to the Indiana Dental Association’s House of Delegates (six years), Chair of the Communications Com-mittee (one year), Editor of our Reveille newsletter (two years), and member of the Dental Public Health Committee. I’ve been serving for 10 years as the Chief Dental Ocer for Neighborhood Health, an FQHC in Fort Wayne. I have also participated in the Indiana Oral Health Coalition (two years) and been tapped to serve on the DentaQuest Indiana Provider Advisory Committee (six years) and the CareSource Provider Advisory Committee (starting in 2023). I have served as Volunteer Adjunct Faculty for Indiana University School of Dentistry’s Community Based Dental Education rotations (eight years) and on the Indiana University Fort Wayne Dental Hygiene Program’s Advisory Board (seven years). The skills that I learned in AIR have been so helpful in each of these endeavors. For anyone interested in applying for AIR, I say “Go for it!”

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22 Journal of the Indiana Dental Association | VOLUME 102 · 2023 · ISSUE 2COVER STORYDR. SHANIKA MADDOXNashville, TNI graduated from IU School of Dentistry in 2019 and participated in AIR Leader-ship graduating Class of 2020. As a previous AIR participant, I was able to navigate my early years of practicing through the leadership skills acquired during our matricula-tion in AIR. This program helped to accelerate how I implemented leadership methods to manage myself and my reactions to all the challenges that being a new gradu-ate throws at you.Most importantly, I think the biggest lesson I gained from this opportunity was increased self-condence and awareness as a leader. I quickly had two babies right after dental school, and with this rapid change, I had to learn to adapt quickly not only in my career but as a mom most importantly. AIR changed my point of view and outlook on a lot of things which has made this journey a lot easier than I could imagine.As not only a woman but also a black minority, I decided to participate in AIR to collaborate with other highly success-ful dentists who were already practicing. As a rst genera-tional doctoral graduate from both parents’ sides, it was important for me to equip myself with as large of a network as possible. With this collaboration I was not only to gain an invaluable leadership experience, I was also able to make career long connections with providers that I am able to utilize often for advice and guidance. I have found that dentistry is not all about clinical skills but its also about your ability to adapt to every patient’s needs through communication and a team minded workmanship. AIR leadership also helped me as a small business owner in Medical Corporate Housing here in Nashville, TN. I have been able to build, manage and operate my real estate portfolio all while leading a practice and being a single mother on a day to day basis. For those who are considering AIR as a leadership oppor-tunity I would say go for it. You deserve to invest time into becoming the best leader and doctor for your family and team. Dental school will teach you clinically all you need to know, but experience and programs like AIR will help you to cultivate skills that you may not even know exist. I can honestly say I found my voice in this program and have been able to accelerate my career due to my ability to advocate for myself and my patients. Good luck to you all and if you are ever looking for a mentor or network partner do not hesitate to reach out to me directly at spmad-doxdds@gmail.com.DR. PAMELA LINDERIndianapolisAs a dentist who trained and practiced the rst part of my career our of state, I knew I wanted to continue my member-ship in organized dentistry once I relocated to Indiana. However, as soon as I began to feel settled in Indianapolis and within my practice of academic dentistry, I started to realize that I wanted to dip my toe in the leadership pool but was not sure how to integrate into this new landscape. AIR has helped cast a broad net to understand leadership opportu-nities in Indiana ranging from the IDA or local societies to interactions with the legislature, or even participation in dental or community organizations as a board member. Furthermore, tools such as communication styles, person-ality traits and resources are discussed in a way that is approachable and is a great foundation for whatever venture into leadership is desired. If you are considering it and you have the time availability, apply. This was a program that was on my radar for several years, but the timing was not right after having two little boys and other commitments. I am so glad I was able to participate this year and am enjoying the involvement in the IDA from the program now and am excited about what the future holds. I think in a day-to-day way, early leadership skills learned in AIR are introspective about communication style and personality. These have led to more productive interactions in my work environment and in other extracurricular groups that I participate in. Sometimes as clinicians we have tunnel vision for the ideal outcome of a procedure and within the patient care realm, but all aspects of your oce, depart-ment or group activities are important, and AIR has helped me cultivate those interactions in a more productive way. I recently took a position on the Board of Directors for the Special Care Dentistry Association, an American Associa-tion of Hospital Dentists aliate group. In this way I am hoping to use skills learned through AIR as I participate in the governance and regional representation committees.

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23VOLUME 102 · 2023 · ISSUE 2 | Journal of the Indiana Dental Association9BDR. JENNIFER NEESEZionsvilleIn 2016, I graduated from the IDA AIR3 class. This experience and educational program motivated me to continue with volunteer roles at the IDA. Through my current positions as Vice Speaker of the IDA, Ben Hur President and my previous role as Vice Chair on Council of Governmental Aairs, I have been able to help progress the mission and strategic plan of the organization. The IDA AIR program helped to rene and hone in my leadership skill sets through enjoyable, thought provoking program sessions, which ranged from application of DISC proles to basic parliamentary procedures and so much more! The connections developed with my colleagues were mainly based on discussions outside of normal dental jargon, which was refreshing. Another huge benet as a participant has been connecting with all the past and current AIR participants across the state of Indiana. Anyone who is looking to expand their leadership skills and gain new perspectives on organized dentistry should consider applying for the IDA AIR Pro-gram. DR. CATHERINE MURPHYGrithYears ago, when my mentor, Dr. Sue Germain, asked me to introduce her prior to accepting an IDA award, I was both honored and incredibly nervous. I wrote the introduction and practiced and was still nervous. The AIR program took me from knocking at the knees for a small introduction to being an international speaker seeking opportunities to get in front of larger and larger groups. The AIR program also helped to prepare me to be president of the Northwest Indiana Dental Society during a time when our executive director was working very limited hours due to a family health concern and while pregnant with my rst child. The AIR program has blessed me with connections, friendships, and a deeper embodiment of my love for organized dentistry thus continuing to ignite in me a desire to dedicate more time and energy to it. I truly believe that anyone wanting to give back but feels limited due to their experience and leadership should reach out and apply for the AIR program. DR. ELISABETH NICHOLSONMooresvilleI did not know a lot about AIR until some friends of mine that had gone through the program encouraged me to apply. I am glad that they did so with such enthusiasm! Dental school prepared me for the tooth challenges that would come my way every day, but it did not prepare me for the sta dynamics that I would be faced with each week. The AIR program guided me through self-discovery where I learned what kind of learner I am, how I interact with others around me, my personality type and what kind of leadership style I use. We then took what we learned and used it as a tool to uncover how to utilize those traits to enhance our communication skills and leadership potential. I have seen such a change in myself and my sta. Not to mention, I now glide through sticky situations and conict when before I would get bogged down and anxious. If dealing with a sta argument on a Monday morning makes you cringe, then you should consider applying to the next AIR class. You will learn a lot about yourself and you will graduate with skills that will make your work life much less stressful.The rst AIR cohort in 2011, when the group visited the ADA and its executive director at the time, Dr. Kathleen O’Loughlin.

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24 Journal of the Indiana Dental Association | VOLUME 102 · 2023 · ISSUE 2COVER STORYDR. VALERIE SEIFERTLaPorteYou never know what you don’t know. I joined AIR3 in 2014 when I was 32 years old, seven years out of IUSD and seven years into a private practice start-up. Since completing AIR, my practice has grown larger than I ever imagined and my involvement in organized dentistry has expanded from LaPorte County to Northwest Indiana Dental Society to the IDA and the ADA. I’ve gained a huge community of dental colleagues. I’ve become a mentor and Key Opinion Leader for a couple of awesome dental companies. I got married. All of which I credit to AIR, even the married part—a couple of AIR classmates convinced me to start dating and I met my future/now husband only a month after our last AIR ses-sion. The best leadership skill I learned in AIR was actually about myself, my personality, my strengths and my weaknesses. I already recognized little things like I didn’t like to go to malls during Christmas time. Prepping for our very rst AIR session, I took the assigned StrengthsFinders and Myers-Briggs personality tests and discovered my incredibly introverted personality traits. Being able to dene and understand myself better, I was better able to embrace my strengths, protect my weaknesses and nd a way to harness them into Tony Robbins-esque personal and professional growth. I recently completed the ADA’s Institute for Diversity in Leadership, which was the impetus for the creation of our own AIR Leadership Program, where the ADA sta and leaders still praise Indiana’s work to create future leaders with AIR. Through AIR and my work with NIDS and the IDA, I have met dentists from around the state, and during the Institute for Diversity in Leadership, I connected with current and past leaders of the ADA and dentists from Boston to Alaska to Puerto Rico. Continuing to attend AIR sessions as a mentor to each new cohort, I relish the opportunity to meet our new members and share even just a little of what AIR gave to me. I hope that each new AIR participant gains a community, professional success and maybe a spouse. If I had only learned how to recharge my introverted self and gained nothing else, I’d still be a better dentist, leader and person because of AIR.DR. RENEE SHIRERIndianapolisParticipating and learning with other dentists in the AIR program helped boost my self-condence. The visit to the Indiana State Capital building was my rst time ever. We had legislators talk with us and I realized how important it is to advocate for our patients and dental community.When practicing dentistry in Lafayette I served in several leadership positions but never had formal leadership training. In 2011, I relocated to Indianapolis and knew I wanted to become more involved in organized dentistry. The AIR application process was presented at the IDDS Leadership Welcoming reception, and I knew it would be perfect for me. The AIR program was an excellent way to meet new dentists and leaders in dentistry and to gain valuable leadership skills.I always encourage dentists to apply for the AIR program. In the rst session we learned more about ourselves by taking the Myers Briggs Personality test and the StrengthsFinder test. I enjoyed the dierent lecture topics, the group outings and getting to know the members of our group. Many in our group now have leadership roles in academia and/or organized dentistry.The AIR program’s common thread is about accepting, including, and respecting diversity and the importance of kindness. Having leaders from a range of backgrounds means a variety of viewpoints and perspectives can enrich decision-making processes, build greater equity, and serve as role models for the next generation of leaders.

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25VOLUME 102 · 2023 · ISSUE 2 | Journal of the Indiana Dental AssociationDR. ELIZABETH SIMPSONIndianapolisI participated in the IDA AIR program in 2015 and 2016. At the time, I had been practicing dentistry for a couple of years and was in my day-to-day silo of seeing patients and going home. I had been involved in organized dentistry in dental school, but looking back, I realize that my involvement was to pad my CV. I didn’t understand that through organized dentistry you have a stronger voice and that organized dentistry is the voice that can make change. As a dentist in an oce seeing patients, you can have big ideas about changes you want to see, but for the most part, without being involved in some dental organization that is recognized for its validity, your ideas might end up blowing in the wind. AIR helped me realize that I was part of something bigger. It also showed me how so many of my colleagues had brilliant ideas. I have always been an “idea” person, and it was refreshing to be around other “idea” people as well. In AIR, the rst year we had our leadership training sessions, and the second year of the program we had no in-person sessions but were tasked with putting together a project of our own design. I started a mentoring program that paired underrepresented minority dental students from IUSD with underrepresented minority dental assisting students at Warren Central High School who were interested in pursu-ing a career in dentistry. I am so proud to say that of the six high school students, one is now in her rst year of dental school at Meharry Medical College School of Dentistry. Our projects were all unique to our interests and therefore they were all unique, and yet served our communities in various ways. Dentistry can be an isolated profession. Even with the changes that social media have brought in being able to connect with colleagues through it, day to day in our oces or clinics, we can get wrapped up in our own work life. Day to day, in patient care, we are in charge of our own little worlds as we x people’s teeth. The products of our handiwork are out in the world helping people live their lives, and that is important. AIR helped me step outside of that, and it helped me see a dierent way I can change lives, still in dentistry, but outside of the mouth. It is very likely that without AIR, I wouldn’t have joined the IDA. Outside of dental school, I didn’t understand the importance of being involved in organized dentistry. I had to be a member of the IDA to apply to AIR, and then once I was a part of the program and attended some meetings, I saw what we can do together to make our profession better for us and for our patients. One person can make a dier-ence, but a team of people working together with a com-mon goal, can make a bigger and better dierence.DR. JILL TORKEOFort WayneThe IDA’s AIR program was a great experience in developing me as a dentist, business owner, and leader in the dental community. I was lucky enough to be accepted to the 10th cohort, and learned alongside colleagues who quickly became friends. Our organization is truly beneted by the leadership development that we were able to participate in! Through my AIR training, I became more in tune with my personal leadership style, my strengths and weaknesses, and even my interests within organized dentistry. I am beyond thankful for the investment that the IDA member-ship has put into this program, and for the experiences that will allow me to continue to develop as a leader in orga-nized dentistry. I encourage anyone who is interested in applying to AIR to reach out to a graduate of the program, learn more about the opportunity, and to consider the investment in your future. This program has an incredible and diverse group of alumni, and the IDA as a whole benets from the many alumni who have participated in AIR for the past 10 years! DR. MONA SINGHIndianapolisI was already at a leadership position in school but didn’t know how to be in-volved further in organized dentistry. AIR helped me with dierent options and the program helped me nd my strengths to see where I would t the best in organized dentistry. It sharpened my skills of public speaking and gave me the tools to become a condent leader. I was in IDA’s Peer Review Committee for a year and am now on IDA’s Medicaid Committee. I chose to participate in AIR because I knew I needed some direction to be able to participate in leadership outside of school. AIR not only helps with building condence to be able to handle challenges in leadership situations, it also helps in day to day life. I use several of AIR’s teachings in my private practice while dealing with sta and even patients. I see my sta’s strengths more than their weak-nesses and assign tasks to them based on their strengths. Overall I am a more condent dentist and person because of AIR.

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26 Journal of the Indiana Dental Association | VOLUME 102 · 2023 · ISSUE 2COVER STORYDR. LAQUIA VINSONIndianapolisLet’s see—what am I doing in orga-nized dentistry? I’ve attended the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) Advoca-cy event in Washington D.C. three times and plan to continue that participation next year. I’ve met with then-Senator Joe Donnelly, as well as Senators Mike Braun and Todd Young, Representatives Andre Carson and Trey Hollingsworth. Our visit to the Indiana Statehouse was eye opening for me in AIR and really helped put many things into perspective for me as both a constituent and practitioner. You truly have the opportunity to change the trajectory of the profession when you understand the process. I currently am a CODA (Commis-sion on Dental Accreditation) site visitor and go out an evaluate and provide feedback to other advanced educa-tion in pediatric dentistry programs. I’ve continued my work with the AAPD as a consultant for their Committee on Special Health Care Needs, and have joined several committees with the American Cleft Palate Craniofacial Association. AIR made me more comfortable speaking to larger audi-ences about dentistry and specically pediatric dentistry. I’ve had the opportunity to represent dentistry/pediatric dentistry on every major media outlet locally (WISH-TV, FOX59, WTHR, and WRTV). Some of my media appearanc-es have been pick up by national media including, Fox News. AIR also gave me a deeper dive into organized dentistry and truly what it means. It isn’t just about being part of a organization and paying dues. It is about being part of a larger force that has the ability to have a local, statewide and potentially global impact. I chose to participate in AIR because it focused on leader-ship and helping you to hone your craft as a leader on both the local and national level. Advice I would give to others is do it! There is no reason to hesitate. This program has an immense amount of knowl-edge to impart and share with its participants. How does AIR inuence me? I think any time you have the opportunity to learn something knew like we did in AIR, that will eventually manifest in some way in your work life with your patients. Whether its being the leader you didn’t know you could be during a global pandemic, or advocating for your patient’s best interests in a time of crisis, your inu-ence always shows up in ways you were not aware of. AIR is everything you as a provider want for your patients and the world: acceptance, inclusion, and respect. DR. JENNA VOEGELEIndianapolisI am a graduate of the AIR4 class. I currently direct the Indianapolis Richard L. Roudebush VAMC General Practice Residency Program and hold a position on the IDDS Board of Directors. I was inspired to participate in the AIR program by an AIR3 graduate and former Veterans Aairs Medical Center GPR resident, Dr. Jillian Hodge, whose enthusiasm for her experience (and her enthusiasm in general!) encour-aged me to apply. We discussed the program benet of understanding one’s leadership style and relating to other leadership styles to eectively accomplish tasks or create change. I felt this would be a signicant benet in the VAMC setting where change requires the involvement of multiple tiers of stakeholders, within the VAMC and be-tween institutions. The program provided just that – tools to hone my leadership strengths and a broad network of mentors and colleagues to collaborate with to guide change within our clinic and residency program. While participation in the AIR program has indirectly supported my development of new resident rotations and the program’s practice management curriculum, I feel it has made its greatest impact in a more direct way. My nal AIR project was to integrate the VAMC general practice resi-dents into the AIR leadership training program. Through the sponsorship of the IDA, our residents have been fortunate to annually participate in the rst year of the program since 2017. In participating in the program, our residents continue to broaden their network of mentors and colleagues with varied backgrounds and resources and improve their understanding of legislative advocacy. They also improve their self-awareness of their respective leadership types and broaden their leadership skills for application in all contexts of life. Most importantly, our residents emerge from the program with a clearer direction and greater inclination to be involved, applying their strengths, and positively impacting both their communities and organized dentistry. For these reasons, I strongly encourage anyone to apply to the IDA AIR program!

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27VOLUME 102 · 2023 · ISSUE 2 | Journal of the Indiana Dental Association7BDR. KASSIDY WOLFHollandOne of the reasons I chose to participate in AIR was to become acquainted with colleagues of the profession throughout the state of Indiana. Up until this point, all of my dental training has been done outside of Indiana. I thought this program would be a great way to meet people, as well as improve upon skills that could be utilized for a totally dierent purpose, now that I am in a leadership position as a private practice dentist, a role I had never held before until right around the time I was considering applying for the program. AIR has helped me with my leadership skills in an unconventional way; it has not been your run-of-the-mill “leadership training” that we often think of and don’t get overwhelmingly excited about. AIR has been something I genuinely look forward to, because I know I will walk away with a better understanding or appre-ciation for another skill set that I will be able to put to use in my everyday life. The AIR facilitator and IDA Assistant Executive Director Jay Dziwlik works very hard to make sure these sessions are informative, but in a way that we might not have considered looking at that topic before. The sessions are always active, where we actually get to practice playing out that particular topic in real-life scenarios. There have been several times throughout the program where a light-bulb has gone o in my head as a connection is made about how some topic actually does relate to things that I deal with in my practice, in my personal relation-ships, and so forth. The program has also accelerated my interest in organized dentistry and has really highlighted the importance of banning together as an organization, ultimately for the greater good of our patients. I hold several positions in my local component society, the First District Dental Society, including serving on the Executive Board as an alternate delegate for the Midwest Dental Assembly and an out-of-town repre-sentative for the society. My hope is that these roles, combined with my experience with AIR, will lead me into additional roles in the future where I can make more of an impact on our profession. In my opinion, the AIR program is invaluable to the members of the IDA and is something that young dentists who see the importance of serving the profession and our patients should consider participating in!1069610112012 96 276111 15 $2,300 68 511Total enrolled or graduated leadersTotal AIR alumni trained leadersCurrent AIR11 future leader participantsCohort groups Inception date of AIR programIndiana residentsHours of leadership CE taught annuallyCurrent IDA Board of Trustee and OcersADA Golden Apple Award Local components with AIR-trained leadersDierent faculty/leaders proled in the program Approximate dollar investment in each AIR participantPercent alumni currently volunteering at the ADA/IDA/local levelCurrent chairs of an IDA committee/ subcommitteeYears of training dentists to be stronger leadersAIR Program by the Numbers

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28 Journal of the Indiana Dental Association | VOLUME 102 · 2023 · ISSUE 2COVER STORYDr. Sue Germain: Blazing a Path for Dental LeadershipDR. SUE GERMAIN has always been committed to dentistry and improving the profession. Her dental career started her senior year of high school as an assistant for Dr. James Shupe, Sr. through a co-op program. She graduated from the Indiana University hygiene program in 1981. Upon completion of that program she worked at Riley Hospital for Children, then private practice in both general and pediatric dentistry. Her hygiene career ended at the Indiana State Department of Health Dental Division working in public health. Dr. Germain graduated from Indiana University School of Dentistry in 1996. After graduation, she worked as an associate dentist and taught clinical dentistry at IUSD. She opened her private practice in Zionsville in 1999, from which she retired in 2019.While in dental school, Dr. Germain learned the value and importance of organized dentistry. She was active in the school’s ASDA chapter and immediately joined the tripartite membership when she became a dentist. Dr. Germain was a very active member and served in many leadership positions at the local and state level. She was the chairperson for the inaugural Indiana Mission of Mercy event and the creator of the Indiana AIR program. While her involvement in organized dentistry was rewarding, it also became frustrating as she began to notice inequities in leadership and the problems that needed to be addressed. Dr. Germain said “Indiana AIR was developed out of frustration with the IDA and the ADA’s leadership style and current leadership process. The only avenue for leadership advancement was ‘time,’ and the same gender. There were meetings that I attended where dentists in leadership demonstrated through their actions and their words a complete lack of respect for their fellow professionals who were new dentists, female dentists, or dentists from dierent ethnicities and religious backgrounds. My rst response was to discontinue my membership in organized dentistry, as being a member meant I condoned this behavior. That is when I came across a small article in the ADA newsletter about the IDL (ADA Institute of Diversity Leadership). It was then that I decided that with the right leadership skills and tools, that maybe I could make a change.” Many told her she would not get accepted to the competitive ADA Institute of Diversity of Leadership program, but Dr. Germain applied anyway and was accepted to the 2011-2012 class. “The IDL program was a game changer for me. I discovered that ‘leadership’ can be a learned skill. You can learn how to be an eective leader. You do not have to be a born leader, nor must it take years of experience under someone else’s direction as the only avenue to better leadership practice.” After her completion of the ADA IDL program, Dr. Germain was inspired and motivated to create the IDA AIR program, now in its eleventh year. I interviewed Dr. German to learn more about her motivation to start the AIR program and to become involved in dental leadership activities.Dr. Karen EllisDr. Sue Germain with two fellow volunteers at Indiana Mission of Mercy in 2017.

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29VOLUME 102 · 2023 · ISSUE 2 | Journal of the Indiana Dental AssociationABOUT THE AUTHORDr. Karen Ellis is co-editor of the Journal IDA along with Dr. Sarah Herd. Dr. Ellis is a general dentist for the Marion County Public Health Department and can be reached at ellis_karen@yahoo.com.Why do you feel it is important to have leadership training oered by the IDA to underrepresented groups? One can be an eective leader through multiple avenues. They can have innate skill, years of mentorship and experience, but there are also training programs that can provide you with these skills. Leadership engagement like the ADA IDL and IDA AIR programs provide younger and underrepresented dentists an opportunity to grow as a leader and participate eectively in the future progress of their profession. Do you feel that AIR met its intended goal?I believe the AIR program exceeded its goals. The IDA, in particular, was missing out on some amazing potential leaders who have not only found their voice through the AIR program, but have demonstrated exceptional leadership qualities and successes. The IDA has been the direct recipient of these individuals and their leadership qualities. I am extremely proud of our AIR graduates. All I wanted to do was give them a voice and oh, what a voice they have. Discovering your personal leadership style and uncovering your strengths is a big component of the AIR program. What kind of leader are you? I would like to think that I lead by example and I am willing to pass the torch when it is time to do so. My strengths, I believe, are in creating and implementing. I do not believe in hanging on for the sake of hanging on. Leadership includes providing opportunity for others. What did you learn about yourself in the creation and implementation of AIR?The AIR program allowed me to grow in so many ways. I learned to be a better communicator as a dentist, boss, colleague and wife (not necessarily in that order!). It exposed me to so many dierent colleagues, who impressed me with their commitment and passion for this thing called dentistry. Many had continued drive to be better dentists and leaders in dentistry, if given the chance. Dentistry is multi-faceted as are dentists. Getting a better understanding of both makes us a much stronger profession. Quality leadership skills and professional strength result in quality patient care which is the ultimate goal of our profession.What are you up to now? Are you enjoying retirement?I loved practicing dentistry, but it was time to pass the torch. I created a practice model and I implemented it for over 20 years, but it was someone else’s turn. I had an amazing practice and an amazing sta. I love retirement. Retirement is crazy good. Chuck and I love our mountain community in North Carolina. We see the grandchildren as often as we can, but I must admit, we are as busy as they are. I work part-time in a wine shop. Now, if that isn’t the fox guarding the hen house! We are starting to travel again. I am still running and playing golf. I will admit I miss my colleagues and friends in dentistry. You cross my mind frequently. I wish you all good health and happiness.AIR has denitely left an impact on our organization. Dr. Germain, you have created a lasting legacy with AIR. Thank you for your leadership and contributions to our profession. Dr. Sue Germain, left, with the 2013 ADA Golden Apple Award that the IDA received in recognition of the AIR program. Presenting the award on the right is 2013-14 IDA President Dr. Desiree Dimond.About the Author

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30 Journal of the Indiana Dental Association | VOLUME 102 · 2023 · ISSUE 2COVER STORYAIR Program GraduatesAIR 1 Class 2012-14Dr. David AustinDr. Bolanle BalogunDr. Susanne BenedictDr. Caroline DerrowDr. Sarah HerdDr. Kathy PycinskaDr. Renee ShirerDr. Kelton StewartDr. LaQuia Walker VinsonAIR 2 Class 2013-15Dr. Savi AbeyDr. Jason Au-YeungDr. Svetlana BermanDr. Nia BigbyDr. Allyson FeaselDr. Catherine Murphy AIR 3 Class 2014-16Dr. Allison BergdollDr. Beth Ann CarterDr. Lisa ConardDr. Jillian HodgeDr. Kevin LudwigDr. Jenny NeeseDr. Yuliya PinskayaDr. Lynna ScottDr. Valerie SeifertDr. Joy Troxel (Nordin)Dr. Stephanie White AIR 4 Class 2015-17Dr. Michael HarrisDr. Jason HuaDr. Afaq KheiriDr. Lauren MummertDr. Matt PierceDr. Kyle RatliDr. Liz SimpsonDr. Diana TeverbaughDr. Veronica TurnerDr. Jenna Voegele AIR 5 Class 2016-18Dr. Erika CoombsDr. Shira DancyDr. John EmhardtDr. Dalibor PlecasDr. Stacey RochmanDr. Phil RuckmanDr. Kurush SavabiDr. Karen SchenkDr. Sarosh ShamsiDr. Nathan WebsterDr. Tim Treat AIR 6 Class 2017-19Dr. Ghada BatarsehDr. Emilia BlaserDr. Adam BroadyDr. Andrea DeanDr. Karen EllisDr. Benjamin FischerDr. Ross KnepperDr. Connie MiddletonDr. Hengameh MotevaselDr. Mona Singh AIR 7 Class 2018-20Dr. Nabeel AtassiDr. Jeyanthi BhaheethraranDr. Wesley BurchamDr. Emily HorchaDr. Luciana Kano-WilsonDr. Patrick KellyDr. Tyler KimmelDr. Shanika MaddoxDr. Jamila Dunigan MillerDr. Elisabeth NicholsonDr. Julia RectorDr. Cameron RitzDr. Teal SmithDr. Ashley Sullivan AIR 8 Class 2019-21 Dr. Andrew BartelsDr. Kathryn CoghlanDr. William CrosbyDr. Molly DwengerDr. Santiago OcampoDr. Sawan PrabhuDr. Krithika RajkumarDr. Joseph ThompsonDr. Sarmed Toma AIR 9 Class 2020-22 Dr. Jillian BradyDr. Devanshi GajjarDr. Marion HedgerDr. Jeni HeselbarthDr. Neena KamathDr. Ramandeep KaurDr. Kayla LeachDr. Caley MintzDr. Nefeli Vasilakou AIR 10 Class 2021-23Dr. Tess BunnellDr. Kyle FrostDr. Travis ParkerDr. Samuel PattersonDr. Devon RamaswamyDr. Peter StrakaDr. Jill Torkeo AIR 11 Class 2022-24Dr. Michael ChuDr. Robert HollandDr. Jannaye HuserDr. Pamela LinderDr. Logan MorrisDr. Clarisa OliveiraDr. Esi ParkerDr. Joseph RollingsDr. Tyler WhiteldDr. Kassidy Wolfe

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32 Journal of the Indiana Dental Association | VOLUME 102 · 2023 · ISSUE 2NEWS & FEATURES IDA Achieves Multiple Legislative Successes in 2023 General AssemblyTHE 2023 Legislative Session adjourned Sine Die in the early morning hours of Friday, April 28. The conclusion of this year’s legislative session marked the culmination of nearly four months of debate and deliberation by legislators at the Indiana Statehouse. State lawmakers passed a two-year $48.8 billion budget; made record investments in K-12 education; increased investments in public and mental health; passed legislative reforms aimed at lowering prescription drug prices and rising costs of healthcare in Indiana, among other things.The IDA Advocacy Team was active at the statehouse lobbying key issues impacting dentistry. Here is a rundown of successful IDA-supported legislation that passed this session.House Bill 1001 – State BudgetLawmakers passed a $44.5 billion biennium budget to fund state government operations for the next two years. Top priorities for the IDA in this year’s budget were greater investments in dental Medicaid and increased funding for the Donated Dental Services (DDS) Program. Dental Medicaid Reimbursement RatesIDA was active in advocating for increasing provider reimbursements rates for Indiana’s dental Medicaid providers. Prior to the start of this year’s legislative session, IDA held seven legislative forums across the state. These forums provided an opportunity for members to interact with lawmakers on issues impacting dentistry. A recurring topic of discussion at these events was the antiquated dental provider reimbursement rates that have led to a signicant decrease in the number of providers participating in the program.IDA submitted its funding recommendations to the General Assembly, as well as provided public testimony before the House Ways & Means Committee and Senate Appropriations Committee. The approved budget appropriates up to $254 million in FY 2024 and up to $340 million in FY 2025 to update reimbursement rates for dental services, home health, non-emergency medical transportation, division of aging waivers, division of disability and rehabilitative services waivers, and the child mental health wraparound program.IDA advocated for dentistry to have its own line-item appropriation in the budget. While this was not the end result we hoped for, we are optimistic that dentistry will see an impactful increase given the substantial appropriation allocated to update reimbursement rates for these providers. We will continue to work with members of the General Assembly as well as the Indiana Family and Social Services Administration (FSSA).DDS Program Funding: Increased annual state appropriation from $34,000 to $200,000IDA was also active in advocating for an increased state appropriation for the Donated Dental Services program. In recent years, state funding for the program fell to levels that led to a cutback in program stang levels and ability to see more patients. As a result, a backlog of more than 200 Hoosiers seeking access to these services has amassed. This new Shane Springer

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33VOLUME 102 · 2023 · ISSUE 2 | Journal of the Indiana Dental Associationappropriation will allow the program to restore stang levels and provide more care to our most vulnerable populations. This appropriation also makes Indiana the #1 state in the country for grant funding to the DDS program.House Enrolled Act 1113 – Dental Compliance FundHEA113 passed overwhelmingly out of the House and Senate. Authored by IDA member and State Representative Dr. Denny Zent, the bill removes the $20 compliance fee paid on licensure renewals for dentists and dental hygienists. The new law also stipulates that money in the compliance fund be used solely for the purposes of compliance.House Enrolled Act 1460 – Professional Occupational Licensing HEA1460 makes several changes to health care regulatory boards in Indiana. Specically, it allows for electronic communication for board meetings and establishes time periods for posting meeting agendas and minutes for the Indiana Professional Licensing Agency (PLA). The bill also requires licenses to be submitted electronically and establishes a timeframe for lling board vacancies. Under the new law, the Governor will have 90 days to ll a board About the AuthorShane Springer has been the IDA Director of Government Aairs since 2020. He can be reached at 317-634-2610 or at shane@indental.org. vacancy. If the vacancy is not lled within these 90 days, PLA will have the ability to make the appointment.Senate Enrolled Act 273 – Administration of Anesthesia in Dental OfficesSEA273 claries in statute the current practice of physician anesthesiologists providing anesthesia care in dental oces. Prior to the passage of this bill, it was unclear whether physicians were allowed to administer anesthesia in dental oces given the permitting and accreditation inconsistencies between the dental and medical community.SEA273 waives the site accreditation requirement for dental oces allowing physicians to continue to provide these crucial services. On behalf of the IDA Governmental Aairs Committee, I cannot thank our members enough for their tireless eorts this session. The countless emails, letters, and phone calls were critical to our legislative success. Members of the Indiana General Assembly heard our voices loud and clear this session.While the 2023 Legislative Session may be over, IDA’s advocacy eorts are not. We will continue working with lawmakers on ensuring adequate state investments are made in public health and continue to advocate on behalf of dentistry in Indiana. Please feel free to contact me on with any questions you may have on legislation passed this session.2022-23 IDA President Dr. Jill Burns testies in support of higher dental Medicaid reimbursements at the Indiana Statehouse on March 30.

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34 Journal of the Indiana Dental Association | VOLUME 102 · 2023 · ISSUE 2NEWS & FEATURES Dr. Nelly Chawla Aims to Improve Hoosier Oral Health Through the IDOHIN SPRING 2022, Dr. Nelly Chawla began her work as the State Oral Health Director at the Indiana Department of Health. The IDOH’s Oral Health Division aims to promote, protect and improve oral health for Hoosiers, and in the year since her appointment, Dr. Chawla has demonstrated her commitment to this mission and to the dental profession in Indiana.What is your background and path to dentistry?I grew up in the northern part of India and went to Kurukshetra University, India, to pursue my goal in dentistry. With persistence and perseverance, I was able to fulll my dream of becoming a dentist, and I excelled with gold medals in the second year and nal year of my dental school graduation. How did you end up in Indiana? I moved here with my husband and two children after my husband joined IU as an infectious disease physician. Why did you choose to work in oral health? Since I was little, I’ve been an observer, always probing problems with a chain of questions and enthusiasm for nding solutions. I loved to help the people around me as well as learn about the human body, and I saw the two elds intersect in dentistry. Having the ability to alleviate a patient’s pain and equipping them with a healthy smile to foster hope and condence is an extremely rewarding experience and something I always strive for through my work.What do you love most about working in the field of oral health? The most poignant experience I had while working as a dentist in India was seeing a patient walk into the clinic with a glass of water, tears streaming down her cheek. She told me how she’d been in extreme pain for days, going from dentist to dentist to no avail. She had come to my clinic in the hopes of nally addressing her excruciating pain. After calmly listening to her and consoling her, I was able to diagnose the problem and executed the treatment. I will never forget how she reacted –– her elation, gratitude and pure relief brought me a sense of joy as well. Being a dentist has gifted me with the ability to solve problems, and I am eternally grateful for that. How has your additional education in public health helped you in your current position? My rst experiences with oral public health were on the clinical side, when I practiced dentistry in India and the United Arab Emirates. After relocating to the United States and shifting my focus from clinical dentistry to public health, I began to realize how policy changes and research could exert a far greater impact on the population’s oral health than individual appointments and treatments. Identifying and attacking the root causes of many of the world’s biggest oral health problems today, such as caries, periodontal diseases, and oral cancers, could prove far more eective on a societal level. This motivated me to pursue a Master’s in Public Health and Certication in Public Health to gain a broader understanding of

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35VOLUME 102 · 2023 · ISSUE 2 | Journal of the Indiana Dental Associationhealth issues and to develop the skills and knowledge necessary to contribute to the improvement of population-wide health. Now, as Oral Health Program Director here at the Indiana Department of Health, I’m working to combine my clinical and public health experiences in dentistry and oral health to better help the community and address the oral health crisis at large. Where did you practice before this position?Before coming to IDOH, I worked as a clinical examiner at the Pediatric Dental Department of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, which allowed me to work with preschoolers as a part of the Zero Out Early Childhood Caries project and collect data that could be studied to improve oral health in younger generations. After moving to Indiana, I initially took a role as an epidemiologist in the Vital Records Department, where I helped transfer the reporting system to a new platform. Now I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to direct the Oral Health Program here and channel my eorts into statewide eorts to improve oral health for Hoosiers from all walks of life. What are your goals for your position as State Oral Health Director? I hope to improve oral health practices in our state and ensure that everyone has equal and aordable access to viable dental health care. Given the potential for complications associated with caries, I’m looking to pay special attention to childhood caries and identify mitigation factors and ways to work with schools and daycares around the state to build upon current education and advocacy initiatives and identify new avenues for growth. Early childhood caries is one of the foremost challenges facing pediatric public health initiatives and has greater prevalence than diabetes, obesity, and asthma in children. I’m excited to work alongside statewide oral healthcare providers and advocacy groups to spread a unied, common message and to encourage all Hoosiers to regularly visit the dentist, get screened for caries, periodontitis and other problems and educate their children on the importance of oral hygiene. This would be the quintessential example of the state working with other groups to demonstrate commitment to health advocacy and could serve as models for future collaborations in other elds outside of oral health. What do you enjoy doing outside of work? Outside of my work with IDOH, I enjoy going on long walks and hiking with my husband, my two sons and my dog Gizmo. I also enjoy visiting museums, cooking new dishes, volunteering at my kids’ schools and the occasional heated badminton match. Dr. Nelly Chawla, center, with IUSD Dean Dr. Carol Ann Murdoch-Kinch and former State Oral Health Director Dr. Mark Mallatt.

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36 Journal of the Indiana Dental Association | VOLUME 102 · 2023 · ISSUE 2CLINICAL FOCUSHowever, for others within our communities and in our operatories, COVID-19 is not just present in the social landscape and ever evolving norms of what the season may bring for masking rules and booster recommendations. For these individuals, the virus resides within them and has changed the patient’s overall health and daily norms. “Long COVID” is a medical diagnosis and something we as dental providers should be keenly aware of in caring for our patients. This is a new normal for all clinicians, dentists included. As a disclaimer, this article is by no means an all-encompassing review of this newly evolving condition. Rather, it is a preliminary, anecdotal discussion of how the post COVID realities for patients in recent years should guide the profession to inquire more and under-stand that this as an ocial medical diagnosis for some. According to the Center for Disease Control, “Long COVID” is ocial-ly a diagnosis that can result in disability as dened by the Americans with Disabilities Act. But the actual determination that a residual con-dition resulted from a recent COVID infection, is not a simple conclusion to draw and is often a diagnosis of exclusion. Currently, for most adults, a COVID infection results in mild to moderate illness. There are risk factors that can tip the scales towards a higher propensity to develop a more serious infection such as immunocompromisation, asthma, or even renal impairment. However, time and medical science has also brought to the table many options and treatments that can help temper these risks in a way that has allowed us to leave our homes, remove our masks in some environments (if aligned with the individual’s comfort level) and return to work and school. Since early 2020, when the hallmark of a COVID infection for many was temporary partial or complete loss of taste and smell, the virus itself has evolved and variants changed in virulence, infectivity, and prominent symptoms. The advent of anti-viral medications, vaccines, and boosters has also played into how a patient may experience an infection today in 2023 vs. early in 2020. Compounding the pandemic in 2020 was the shortage of PPE and ventilators. Today, our oces are stocked with masks and gloves, N95s are abundant, and most patients have returned to routine appointments and not just a one-time visit due to dental emergency. So, what is the role of a dental provider in understanding the presence of “Long COVID” in the landscape today and within our patients’ daily lives?Dr. Pamela LinderLong COVID and DentistryFOR MOST, the pandemic has felt long and unending. The realization that two weeks sheltering in place at home was not the end of COVID-19 and that the evolution of this virus has meant likely an endemic presence for the entirety of our lifetimes, is now very much a reality.

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37VOLUME 102 · 2023 · ISSUE 2 | Journal of the Indiana Dental AssociationThe Department of Health and Human Services denes “Long COVID” more formally termed “Post COVID Con-ditions (PCC)” as: “signs, symptoms, and conditions that continue or develop after initial COVID-19 or SARS-CoV-2 infection. The signs, symptoms, and conditions are present four weeks or more after the initial phase of infection; may be multisystemic; and may present with a relapsing—re-mitting pattern and progression or worsening over time, with the possibility of severe and life-threatening events even months or years after infection. ‘Long COVID’ is not one condition. It represents many potentially overlapping entities, likely with dierent biological causes and dierent sets of risk factors and outcomes.”As inclusive as this denition is, there are patients who may have never sought healthcare treatment during their initial COVID infection, if mild or moderate, but are experiencing residual symptoms still. In this regard, as a medical provid-er, it may be the role of the dentist to be cognizant of the potential for “Long COVID” to be rst noted by the dental team or at a minimum, discussed in the management of a patient long-term. Therefore, it is imperative we are asking the right questions of our patients.It starts with the medical history review. Whether new patient intake or updates at periodic exam and cleanings, not only asking the common COVID questions of recent exposure, pulmonary symptoms, or presence of fever, but also other imperative questions: • When was your most recent COVID infection?• Are you vaccinated? • Do you have any residual symptoms? • Have you been told by a medical provider you have a “Post-COVID Condition?” This modied interview may prove to be eye opening for an oral health clinician. The armative answers I have person-ally received, often not voluntarily, but when the questions were asked, have been impactful. Although the prevalence is not a large portion of my patient population, the person-al tales of the road to a “Long COVID” diagnosis and the windfall thereafter of modied norms for the patients have been reason enough to embed them in my health interview during each updated patient interaction. Additionally, when a patient conrms a history of COVID infection, timing is essential. This is not just in regard to whether or not the patient is still symptomatic, contagious, or adhering to recommendations for isolation or masking. But instead it helps understand when in the lifetime of the virus the patient was infected, to in turn help understand the individual experience of “Long COVID” for that patient.Demonstrative of this, are several patients who report an-osmia (total loss of smell), parosmia (partial loss of smell) and dysgeusia (altered taste), all early signs of COVID in original and rst-generation variants. In these exam-ples, many report infection in 2020. For one patient in my practice, the loss of taste and smell remained and evolved into a partial return to normal, yet persists to this day three years after initial infection, as a notable deciency in olfac-tion. In fact, this patient, a nurse at a local hospital, who worked in the operating room at the height of early 2020, states that it took well over a year for her total loss to partially return. To this day, she nds the taste she does have is al-tered. This is very frustrating in her daily life, and she notes no more so than regarding her oral health. She cannot tolerate mint avoring in any capacity. Continued on page 38

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38 Journal of the Indiana Dental Association | VOLUME 102 · 2023 · ISSUE 2Mint, a avor she previously enjoyed, now tastes sickening-ly sour to her returned sense of taste. She can no longer in-gest any form of mint. Not in toothpaste, mouthwash, oss, during cleanings or even in topical anesthetic. Perhaps a simple example, but an alteration to dental care nonethe-less- her prophy paste preference must be modied to fruit, prescription toothpaste now altered to exclude mint products. Perhaps a more profound example of medical severity are other patients who have had escalation or new diagno-sis of other syndromes. Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) is one such example that has started to be correlated, in some, with a recent COVID infection and remains as a PCC. POTS classically is thought to be triggered by viral infec-tions (e.g., inuenza, mononucleosis, and Lyme disease). There is also a documented link to high impact medical treatments such as chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Despite its root cause, this syndrome aects involuntary nervous system functions. Typical hallmarks include a rapid heart rate, low blood pressure, fainting, lighthead-edness, overheating and severe fatigue often noted upon standing.One of the rst links of POTS to “Long COVID” was published in the journal Nature Cardiovascular Research in 2022. With the advent of the vaccination series, there were rebuttals in the medical community questioning whether the onset of POTS was instead related to recent vaccination rather than recent COVID infection. However, Cedars Sinai completed a study that indicated concern for increased risk for POTS with vaccine is not founded, as individuals are ve times more likely to experience POTS with COVID infection.CLINICAL FOCUSFor patients with POTS, treatment may include monitors, salt tablets, hydration protocols, medications (beta blocker, steroids). Furthermore, the dental impact is important to consider, as patients are seated for long stretches of time and may experience symptoms upon rising from the dental chair. Additionally, it may be important to consider stress management. I have two PCC POTS patients in my practice, one who experienced worsening of previously diagnosed POTS (thought to be correlated with past radiation treatment) and the other new onset. Certainly, in Indiana dental practices there are others. It is imperative to treat these patients not only with knowledge of the condition but also to under-stand if a COVID infection precipitated its onset. Finally, there are cases of “Long COVID” that are profound-ly life altering. Those documented may be categorized as outliers when looking at the spectrum of adverse events from de novo COVID infections across the world. But these patients have had complicated courses post infection and their persisting conditions warrant understanding from the dental community most of all. One such example is a 45-year-old female patient. By profession, she is a music therapist in a healthcare setting and was diagnosed with COVID in November of 2020. Her COVID infection was dened by neurologic symptoms and her only pre-existing condition was asthma. Her life pre-COVID was that of a marathon runner, intensely active with little need for medical intervention beyond a rescue inhaler. She was an “easy” dental patient, had never needed more than a one surface restoration.Her COVID infection and Post COVID Condition progressed as follows:• Initial infection symptom —loss of taste and smell >six months• Irregular taste persisting >two years• Four weeks post COVID- new onset cardiac issues- irregular heart rate, extreme hypotension• Diagnostic testing including a cardiac catheterization and stress test revealed no underlying cardiac issue; irregularities thought to pertain to autonomic nervous system. POTS ruled out as a diagnosis. • Now managed on Metoprolol• Eight weeks post COVID—sudden loss in hearing• Treated with an antibiotic for ear infection, steroid burst• Return of hearing abnormal, ltered sound remains

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39VOLUME 102 · 2023 · ISSUE 2 | Journal of the Indiana Dental Association• Severe bilateral hearing loss, almost total deciency in R ear and return to half of normal in L ear• Now uses hearing aids, on track for total loss in ve years• Eight weeks post COVID—severe vertigo• Consulted a neurotologist• Low sodium diet (challenging with taste changes), diuretic• Physical therapy, vestibular therapy• Meniere’s diagnosis• Chronic migraines• Brain bleed noted on imaging in a congenitally altered cavernous malformation of the left occipital lobe (thought to be an incidental nding)• Now on amitriptyline• Dry mouth daily, caries risk As you can see, this patient went from an easy encoun-ter between dentist and patient to a complex review of medical status, vigilance in monitoring her caries risk and overall alteration of treatment for comfort in posture, noise sensation and post treatment monitoring for cardiac or vertigo symptoms. Interestingly, this example brings to light another post COVID condition, the landscape of patient populations. There have been early discussions in medical circles and journals regarding the make-up of post COVID patient cohorts in specialty practices nationwide and around the world. Younger populations requiring medical specialties (cardiology, otology) post COVID for arrythmias and hear-ing changes traditionally seen in higher prevalence in older populations, are postulated to be related to the bolus of inammation circum-infection. More research and time is needed, but anecdotally, some medical practices typically with older patient populations are seeing the spectrum of their practice skew towards younger patients. Similarly, other forms of post COVID conditions are impact-ing dental practices in Indiana and the U.S. daily. Accord-ing to the U.S. Government Accountability Oce, it is es-timated that between 7.7–23 million individuals have been diagnosed with a PCC. For some practices that may mean they have patients who carry this diagnosis. For others, it may translate into dental workforce reductions in their oces or a change in provider availability. Others still, have chosen to consolidate practices, which may result in fewer chairs for patients in their communities. A ripple eect that stretches beyond the walls of our operatories. The bottom line: “Long COVID” is here for the long haul. It is an evolving diagnosis that does not follow a “typical” course and is variable in its nature. Perhaps many years from now, we as dental practitioners and medical providers will know more as to the cause and eect of why some pa-tients experience devastating and life altering post COVID conditions as compared to others. In the interim, we need to be vigilant in asking the right questions and taking the time to be informed not only about our patients, but also about those within our practice walls. We can only care for the patients and individuals we care about and that means understanding how COVID has impacted us all, physically, emotionally, or otherwise over time.References1. Agar, S., Morgan, E. & Lee, Y. A further plot twist: will ‘long COVID’ have an impact on dentistry and the dental workforce?. Br Dent J 231, 221–224 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41415-021-3321-4.2. CDC Museum COVID Timeline, https://www.cdc.gov/museum/timeline/covid19.html.3. Klobucista, Claire. “When Will COVID-19 Become Endemic?” Council on Foreign Relations.org; November 14, 2022. 4. Hospital Experiences Responding to the COVID-19 Pandemic: Results of a National Pulse Survey March 23-27, 2020. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Oce of Inspector General. https://oig.hhs.gov/oei/reports/oei-06-20-00300.pdf5. Science & Tech Spotlight: Long COVID, GAO-22-105666 Published: Mar 02, 2022. Publicly Released: Mar 02, 2022.6. “What is Long COVID?” https://www.covid.gov/longcovid/denitionsAbout the AuthorDr. Pamela Linder is the Director ofHospital and Special Needs Dentistryat IUSD, where she is a clinical dentalprovider and advocate for intellectuallyand developmentally disabled adults.She can be reached at pjlinder@iu.edu.

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40 Journal of the Indiana Dental Association | VOLUME 102 · 2023 · ISSUE 2Diagnostic Challenge: Spring 2023THE CHALLENGE: A 46-year-old black female presents for evaluation of a large palatal mass (Figure 1). Medical history is noncontributory. Intraoral exam reveals a large 3.3 x 2.8 x 2.0 cm exophytic, smooth nodule with intact surface mucosa the same color as the surrounding tissue. A panoramic radiograph was acquired but the region of interest was unremarkable due to poor diagnostic quality (Figure 2). An excisional biopsy was performed. Histologic examination reveals cellular mesenchymal connective tissue in association with variably sized droplets and trabeculae of bone and cementum-like material. The cellular connective tissue consists of spindle cells with small isomorphic nuclei in a background of myxomatous connective tissue. The spindle cells surround droplets of cementum. Small bony trabeculae containing osteocytes within lacunae are also present (Figure 3).Can you make the diagnosis?A. Fibrous dysplasiaB. Central ossifying bromaC. Palatal exostoses D. Calcifying epithelial odontogenic tumorE. Osteosarcoma The Diagnosis: Central ossifying fibromaCentral ossifying bromas (COFs) are benign neoplasms with considerable growth potential in the family of benign bro-osseous lesions (BFOLs). BFOLs are a heterogenous group of intraosseous diseases that share similar histologic features of normal bone being replaced by brous connective tissue forming variable calcications.3 BFOLs of the maxillofacial complex consist of developmental, reactive, and neoplastic lesions with the most common being brous dysplasia, osseous dysplasia, and ossifying broma.5 To establish a denitive diagnosis of BFOLs, correlation between the clinical history, clinical presentation and radiographic appearance, and histopathologic features is required. Other important considerations for the nal diagnosis include patient age, gender, ethnic group and lesional site(s) of distribution.5 Central ossifying bromas of the craniofacial skeleton can be classied into two categories: ossifying broma of odontogenic origin (cemento-ossifying broma) and juvenile ossifying broma which is further divided into trabecular juvenile ossifying broma and psammomatoid juvenile ossifying broma.2 Although COF is currently considered to be an osseous neoplasm by the World Health Organization (WHO), it is suggested that the Dr. Angela RitchieDr. Philip WongFigure 1: A large, exophytic nodule of the left posterior maxilla.CLINICAL FOCUS

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41VOLUME 102 · 2023 · ISSUE 2 | Journal of the Indiana Dental Associationcemento-ossifying variant represents a neoplasm of primary odontogenic origin.5Ossifying bromas (OF) typically arise in the 3rd-4th decade, with white females being most frequently aected. The molar and premolar regions of the mandible are the most common location for OFs. When OF presents in the maxilla, it usually presents in the canine fossa and zygomatic arch areas.5 OFs have a variable clinical and radiographic presentation. Some OFs are incidentally discovered on routine radiographic examination presenting as a unilocular, well-dened radiolucency. Early lesions are entirely radiolucent with radiopaque foci becoming more apparent over time. In long-standing lesions, a radiolucent rim is often seen at the periphery separating the radiopaque mass from adjacent bone.5 Displacement of adjacent teeth as well as root resorption are not uncommon. Large mandibular lesions are also known to cause a characteristic downward bowing of the inferior border.2 Since OFs are neoplasms, they do have considerable growth potential and can cause considerable deformity.2 Histologically, COF presents with cellular brous connective tissue and variable mineralized product. The soft tissue component can vary in cellularity, and the mineralized product can range from bony trabeculae to cementum-like areas. It is possible to see all of these features in one tumor. COF classically has a brous capsule separating it from the surrounding bone.5 COF is treated by conservative surgical excision with a low recurrence rate.2 Due to the brous capsule, these lesions often separate from bone easily in one piece which dierentiates it from focal cemento-osseous dysplasia which tends to be more fragmented during removal.5 A rare syndrome, hyperparathyroidism-jaw tumor syndrome, should be considered in patients with COF who also present with familial hyperparathyroidism, renal cysts, and Wilms’ tumors.5 Differential DiagnosisA. Fibrous dysplasiaFibrous dysplasia (FD) is a rare, developmental condition in the BFOL family. FD results from a failure in the remodeling process of immature to mature bone leading to the replacement of normal bone by cellular brous tissue containing irregular bone.5 FD lesions can aect single bones (monostotic), multiple bones (polyostotic) or in association with cutaneous and endocrine abnormalities depending on the developmental timing of the GNAS1 mutation. Monostotic FD accounts for the vast majority of cases in the craniofacial region. There is no gender predilection, and most cases of maxillofacial FD occur within the rst two decades of life.2 The most common site of involvement is the posterior maxilla and is often unilateral. Involvement of the maxilla may extend to involve adjacent bones, and these cases are often referred to as craniofacial FD.5 Painless swelling with facial asymmetry is often the rst sign of the disease. Radiographically, the lesions have classically been described as having a ground-glass radiopacity with ill-dened borders. Computerized tomography is recommended to determine the margins.5 Biopsy is recommended only in instances in which the radiologic diagnosis is uncertain. Histologic examination is very similar to COF, but the bone trabeculae in FD is often described as resembling Chinese script letters.2 Most cases of craniofacial FD stabilize after puberty, so simple contouring of the bone is often an eective treatment option.2 Malignant transformation has rarely been reported.2 C. Palatal exostoses Exostoses are exophytic protuberances of mature bone. Palatal exostoses are found on the palatal aspect of the maxilla. The exact etiology is unknown but is suggested to be a reaction to increased occlusal stress on the teeth in the involved area.4 They are often bilateral but may Figure 2: Submitted panoramic radiograph.Continued on page 42

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42 Journal of the Indiana Dental Association | VOLUME 102 · 2023 · ISSUE 2present unilaterally and are more commonly seen in men. Many patients with palatal exostoses will also present with maxillary and/or mandibular tori.4 Palatal exostoses are often clinically diagnosed, but if the diagnosis is unclear, a biopsy is recommended. Histology reveals dense cortical bone. No treatment is required unless excision is required to accommodate a prosthesis.D. Calcifying epithelial odontogenic tumorCalcifying epithelial odontogenic tumors (CEOTs) are rare neoplasms of odontogenic epithelial origin. CEOTs occur over a wide age range with no sex predilection. 1 They most frequently arise in the posterior mandible as a painless swelling. Radiographically they often present as a radiolucent defect frequently associated with an impacted tooth.1 Calcied structures of varying size are also frequently seen.1 CEOTs are diagnosed histologically and present with eosinophilic epithelial islands in a brous stroma. Large areas of acellular amyloid-like material are frequently seen. This material calcies and forms Liesegang rings.1 Treatment consists of conservative resection. E. OsteosarcomaOsteosarcoma (OS) is the most common primary malignant tumor of bone. Jaws are the 4th most common aected site.6 Osteosarcoma of the jaw (OSJ) is most often seen in the mandible. Swelling and pain are the most common symptoms. Risk factors for OSJ include Paget disease and radiation to the head and neck.6 Radiographically, OSJ often presents as a radiolucent lesion with some degree of periosteal reaction seen in most of the mandibular cases.6 Symmetric widening of the periodontal ligament could be an early radiographic nding.6 Treatment primarily consists of surgical resection with wide margins. References1. Bilodeau, E. A., & Collins, B. M. (2017). Odontogenic Cysts and Neoplasms. Surgical Pathology, 177-222.2. El-Mofty, S. (2014). Fibro-Osseous Lesions of the Craniofacial Skeleton: An Update. Head and Neck Pathology, 432-44.3. Eversole, R., Su, L., & El-Mofty, S. (2008). Benign Fibro-Osseous Lesions of the Craniofacial Complex A Review. Head and Neck Pathology, 177-202.4. Jainkittivong, A., & Langlais, R. (2000). Buccal and palatal exostoses: Prevalence and concurrence with tori. Oral Surgery, Oral Medicine, Oral Pathology, Oral Radiology, Endodontics, 48-53.5. Mainville, G., Turgeon, D., & A, K. (2017). Diagnosis and management of benign bro-osseous lesions of the jaws: a current review for the dental clinician. Oral Diseases, 440-450.6. Malik, F., JP, G., & Agarwal, S. (2021). Osteosarcoma of the jaw: report of 3 cases (including the rare epithelioid variant) with review of literature. OOOO, e71-80.CLINICAL FOCUSFigure 3: Photomicrograph at 10x revealing cellular connective tissue with associated cementum-like droplets and bony trabeculae.

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46 Journal of the Indiana Dental Association | VOLUME 102 · 2023 · ISSUE 2ClassifiedsINTRAORAL X-RAY SENSOR REPAIR/SALESWe repair broken sensors. Save thousands in replacement costs. Specializing in Kodak/Carestream, major brands. We buy/sell sen-sors. American SensorTech 919-229-0483 www.repairsensor.comEQUIPMENT REPAIRASSOCIATE DENTISTJoin our dynamic team at Hadley Family Dentistry as an Associate Dentist and embark on a rewarding career that combines excellence in dentistry with a supportive and fullling work environment. You will be working along side the same two EFDAs and two Hygienist’s daily. 4 day work week. No late nights, no weekends and o on all the major Holidays. www.HadleyDentistry.com, chelsea@drhadleydental.com.EARN EXTRA MONEY ON YOUR DAY OFFCenturion, proud provider of dental services to the Indiana Department of Correction, is seeking part-time dentists to join our team at our Edinburgh, Rockville and Carlisle correctional facilities. Our part-time opportunities are an excellent way to earn supplemental income on your day o! No nights, holidays or weekends. Contact Tiany Walden at twalden@teamcenturion.com or call/text 615-240-7235.ASSOCIATE POSITION Associate Dentist needed 1 day/week (Tu, Wed, Th or Fri). Our small oce is located in Zionsville, one of the fastest-growing communities in the nation. Expectations include the ability to run your own columns, coordinate your own treatment plans, and a focus on high-quality fam-ily dentistry with as much (or little) exposure to the administrative side as desired. 317-750-1844.ASSOCIATE DENTIST–INDIANAPOLISAssociate dentist needed one day per week for west side of Indianapo-lis general dentistry. 317-473-8334.ASSOCIATE DENTIST AND PEDIATRIC DENTIST–COLUMBUSColumbus Advanced Family Dentistry is growing and would like to add a Associate Dentist that is comfortable with some pediatric work, ll in for dental checks and teenage opps. We are also seeking a pediatric dentist. Our schedule has a low no-show rate. We are not a corporate oce and like to have our associates coordinate their own treatment plans and schedules, with out production pressures. 812-372-0123ASSOCIATE DENTIST OPPORTUNITY IN SOUTHERN INDIANA Join an established and thriving dentist-owned general dental practice in Newburgh, located next to Evansville. We are seeking a full-time As-sociate Dentist to help us care for our ever-growing patient base. You will have the opportunity to work with 3 other practicing dentists that will provide exceptional mentorship and guidance. Call 812-853-3313.EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIESMEMBER ZONEGENERAL DENTIST (LEAD)$5,000 sign on bonus! St. John, IN or Valparaiso, IN. McCarroll Dental & Dental Arts Group - Lead General Dentists needed for lucrative, established practice as our legacy doctors lead into retirement/semi-retirement. Flexible schedule, modern equipment, full benets. RRogers@BrightDirectionDental.comGENERAL DENTISTS/SPECIALISTS (NORTHWEST INDIANA)Family Dental Care is a dental group owned by dentists (over 200 employees) and is expanding and seeking general dentists and spe-cialists. Currently seven locations and growing. Our partners earn at the top 1 percent of dentists. Come and talk to them. No Public Aid or HMOs. Latest technology: digital X-rays, microscopes, CEREC, CBCT, LANAP with specialists on sta. Full-time or part-time positions avail-able. Very busy quality-oriented practice. Recent graduates welcome. 708.807.5526 (ask for Peter) or email peter@familydentalcare.com.EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIESPRACTICES AVAILABLEORAL SURGERY PRACTICE FOR SALE–INDIANAPOLISAn Indianapolis oral surgery practice is for sale. The facility boasts an impressive ve operatories, four of which are fully equipped with state-of-the-art technology to provide top-tier oral surgery services. The facility has been designed with the potential for expansion, oering ample space for additional operatories, catering to future growth and in-creased patient ow. Please contact Professional Transition Strategies. Email Bailey Jones: BAILEY@PROFESSIONALTRANSITION.COM or call: 719.694.8320. REFERENCE #IN53123.MUNCIE DENTAL PRACTICE AND BUILDING FOR SALE Long established Muncie dental oce for sale. Providing dentistry for over 50 years to the community. Single owner/operator is retiring but could work back for a new owner on a part time basis. Practice is priced to sell quickly. $315,000. Read more details on the IDA website: https://indental.org/advert/muncie-dental-oce-for-sale-plus-building/INDIANAPOLIS DENTAL SPACE FOR LEASE1,914 square feet of dental space available in Indianapolis. 4 opera-tories. Oce is located in a building with two other dental specialty oces. Please reach out if interested. 317-691-6446.HAMILTON COUNTY PRACTICE FOR SALEFor sale: a nice 2 operatory practice in a rapidly growing area of Hamil-ton County (just north of Indy). I am looking to retire but willing to work out transitional details. Database shows 800+ patients. Large oce space (leased) with plenty of room to expand the number of ops. Den-trix with 4 work stations, Digital pan and xray sensor, Cerec Primescan and mill. Landlord is on site and willing to continue to lease as a dental practice. 765-860-6917, mmontgom2@comcast.net.DOWNTOWN INDIANAPOLISFor sale or lease, 3 Private Operatories and private dr. oce. Private parking. Lease set and in place for the next 6 years. 317-379-4328.

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47VOLUME 102 · 2023 · ISSUE 2 | Journal of the Indiana Dental AssociationIN MEMORIAMDR. HARI DESAI of Dyer and member of the Northwest Indiana Dental Society passed away April 25, 2023. Dr. Desai graduated from Indiana University School of Dentistry in 2003.DR. M. GILBERT EBERHART of Mishawaka and member of the North Central Dental Society passed away June 14, 2023. Dr. Eber-hart graduated from Indiana University School of Dentistry in 1959.DR. EDWARD L. FRITZ of Evansville and member of the First Dis-trict Dental Society passed away March 20, 2023. Dr. Fritz graduat-ed from Indiana University School of Dentistry in 1957.DR. LINDA M. HOSS of Indianapolis and member of the Indianap-olis District Dental Society passed away April 15, 2023. Dr. Hoss graduated from Indiana University School of Dentistry in 1983.DR. GERALD F. LUEBBE of Evansville and member of the First District Dental Society passed away June 22, 2023. Dr. Luebbe graduated from St. Louis University School of Dentistry in 1955.DR. VAUGHN PAUL METZ of Connersville passed away March 23, 2023. Dr. Metz graduated from Indiana University School of Dentistry in 1972.DR. DREW F. OLDHAM of Fishers and member of the Indianapolis District Dental Society passed away February 14, 2023. Dr. Oldham graduated from Indiana University School of Dentistry in 1963.DR. BENJAMIN L. PORTER of LaPorte passed away March 31, 2023. Dr. Porter graduated from Indiana University School of Den-tistry in 2010.DR. GARY BRUCE YOUNG of Ashland, Kentucky passed away April 7, 2023. Dr. Young graduated from Indiana University School of Dentistry in 1977.

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48 Journal of the Indiana Dental Association | VOLUME 102 · 2023 · ISSUE 2New MembersEAST CENTRAL DENTAL SOCIETYDr. Haneen Afaneh (Midwestern Univ-IL 2020)FIRST DISTRICT DENTAL SOCIETYDr. Dustin Clevidence (Univ of Louisville 2013)Dr. Elizabeth Kandel (Univ of Louisville 2012)Dr. Alexandra Murphy (IU 2018)INDIANAPOLIS DISTRICT DENTAL SOCIETYDr. Sonia Alex (IU 1998)Dr. Jonathan Beker (Harvard Univ 2017)Dr. Marycarmen Carpio Hernandez (Rutgers 2020)Dr. Dyana Eidelstein (Midwestern Univ-IL 2019)Dr. Terri Ford (IU 1998)Dr. James Pierle (IU 2019)Dr. Rachel Reid (Univ of MI 2020)Dr. Remington Richardson (Meharry Medical College 2021)Dr. Joseph Rollings (Meharry Medical College 2022)Dr. Molly Sanders (IU 2019)MEMBER ZONEDr. Jaspreet Saran (Univ of Toronto 2022)Dr. Sabrina Feitosa Sochacki (Brazil Univ 2007)Dr. Nazia Zaidi (New York Univ 2018)ISAAC KNAPP DISTRICT DENTAL SOCIETYDr. Satyanarayana Kakarala (Univ of MI 2020)Dr. Ali Rahimi (Rutgers 2022)NORTH CENTRAL DENTAL SOCIETYDr. Christopher Coulter (Marquette Univ 2022)Dr. Jerra Sharp-Williams (Univ of Louisville 2010)NORTHWEST INDIANA DENTAL SOCIETYDr. Jennifer Niemzyk (IU 2021)

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50 Journal of the Indiana Dental Association | VOLUME 102 · 2023 · ISSUE 2Handmade Bracelets Help Support Dog Rescue CharityOUT OF THE OPERATORY Dr. Lorraine Celis RESCUING DOGS is a challenging business, but large breed dogs are even harder to place in their second home because of their massive size. Often people get cute little puppies but when they see them grow to gigantic size, they give up on them for dierent reasons, usually because they neglected to train the cute puppy.My college friend Cathy Csatari introduced me to the Giant Paw rescue out of Westville, Indiana. They try to come up with creative ways to raise funds for veterinary services. We all know what a dicult task that is. Going to events, I noticed the type of items they came up with to sell and it intrigued me. At the same time I had taken a beading class at the Beaded Peacock at Winona Lake, Indiana. I took the workshop as a way to entertain myself and quite honestly for therapy away from work. I was making lots of bracelets but there was no way I would be able to wear them all, so I decided it would be great to donate them to the dog rescue as merchandize. And it was a hit!It is challenging to keep up with the demand, but the volunteers are truly thankful for the items I contribute. Soon after I took another class on how to make glass beads, and this of course developed into a challenge for me to improve and get better. Glass is a fascinating medium because you are working with a material that is solid and can be melted into a molten form and re-shaped into a dierent shape. You can make glass beads, serving dishes, sculptures, paper weights—so many creative forms. I am now constructing jewelry made with glass beads I have shaped and formed guided by my imagination. It is pretty cool to be creating something with my own hands. Just like dentistry it is a form of art, but highly technical. This art is called ameworking or lampworking and it is an ancient art named after glassworkers that had to work using oil lamps. It was widely practiced in Murano, Italy, in the 14th Century. It is a great pastime and I hope to continue learning more.

Journal IDA Spring 2023

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