President’s Message
by Byron C. Ganucheau, D.D.S – NODA President
Hopefully everyone had a safe and festive Mardi Gras. Now that Mardi Gras has passed, NODA is preparing for a busy month of March. First, I would like to congratulate and thank Drs. Nicole Boxberger - Christie and Suzanne Fournier on leading another successful Give Kids A Smile event at the LSU Dental School and the volunteers who gave back to the community by donating their time to this event.
On March 12th, there is a Caucus meeting at the NODA office for the Delegates and Alternate Delegates to review and discuss resolutions being proposed at the March 21st Louisiana Dental Association’s House of Delegates meeting being held at the Baton Rouge Marriott. Additionally, NODA Drs. David Hildebrandt and Frank Martello will be recognized at the House of Delegates with them receiving the 2020 LDA Distinguished Service Award and the 2020 LDA Humanitarian Award, respectively. Congratulations to our colleagues on being selected for those prestigious awards.
Between those dates fall the President's Installation Banquet and NODA Honor Dentist Award Recognition on March 13, 2020 at the Metairie Country Club. LDA President Dr. Kristi Soileau will install the President and Board members. Dr. Kevin Collins will receive the 2019 NODA Honor Dentist Award. There is a reception starting at 6:30 pm with the program beginning at 7:00pm. Invitations have already been sent. Please RSVP to the NODA office before March 6, 2020. Come celebrate the night with us!
The Hilton Riverside is hosting the New Orleans Dental Conference/Louisiana Dental Association’s Annual Session from May 7-9, 2020. PRE-REGISTRATION DEADLINE IS MARCH 27, 2020. Register early to get your first-choice course and at a reduced fee. Mail in registration ends on April 3rd and online registration ends on April 10th. Dr. James Burns and his committee have worked diligently since the last Conference searching for well-known and recognized speakers, evaluating them, and negotiating a contract with them to provide quality and relevant Continuing Education courses for attendees. Remember, this is YOUR state meeting. Volunteers are needed in various roles: contact Gina at the NODA office (504/834-6449) or gina@nodental.org and/or Dr. Kristopher Rappold (504/462-7791) or krappolddds@gmail.com to volunteer. For more information and registering, go to www.nodc.org.
The March General Membership meeting sponsored by NODE will take place on Wednesday, March 18, at the LSU School of Dentistry. Dr. Hisham Nasr will be speaking on the “Impact of Soft Tissue on Implant Outcomes” and will demonstrate long term outcomes through clinical cases performed over the past 25 years. Registrations will be sent via email and fax.
April 1, 2020 is Dentists' Day at the Legislature. It begins at 2:00pm and concludes with a 5:30pm reception at the Pentagon Barracks.
The annual Crawfish Party will be at Southport Hall on April 17th with the April General Membership Meeting. NO CE credit will be provided. It is a time to mingle and reminisce with colleagues, co-workers, staff, and spouses. Please RSVP to the NODA office via email, fax, or phone. More information will follow.
As always, please do not hesitate to contact the NODA office and/or Board members with feedback, comments, or ideas concerning the association. Volunteers are always welcomed. Surely there is a committee that would benefit from YOU! Remember YOU are the key to a successful NODA and New Orleans Dental Conference/Louisiana Dental Association’s Annual Session. Let's work together to benefit and make stronger OUR ASSOCIATION.
A note to end on and a big surprise to many is that Mr. Ward Blackwell announced his resignation as Executive Director of the Louisiana Dental Association after 23 years. We wish him the best in his future endeavors.
