President’s Message
by Kristopher P. Rappold, D.D.S. – NODA President
Esteemed NODA Members,
The end of the year has arrived and so has the time for my final President’s Message. I heard in the beginning of my term as NODA President that it goes by quickly and that has proven true. It was a great honor to be considered for the Board of Governors and even more so to have become President. It feels like a short while ago where Dr. Raymond Unland, Jr. approached me at a NODA meeting. Approached me, just some little kid out of dental school not knowing which way was up in dentistry, about becoming more involved in NODA. Thank you, Ray, for showing faith in me. I hope that I have made you proud and continue to do so going forward.
I have had the privilege to get to work alongside several wonderful individuals with the Board of Governors and various committees. I have gained a vast amount of respect for these individuals. These selfless, caring individuals truly want to see the profession thrive for the benefit of the members. Look, I get it. Being at a meeting and attending events, one would assume that these individuals do these activities to be self-promoting. I can assure you that they truly care about you as a member and are completely grateful for your participation. These individuals do many activities behind the scenes and then will often deflect credit to others, looking often to praise others rather than being praised themselves. The success of the organization, the meetings, participation at various events, the dental conference, coordinating preferred providers, to name a few, do not happen without these individuals giving their time and great effort to provide the best product that they can. Thank you very much to the Board of Governors. You have made my time as your President enjoyable, productive, and memorable.
Thank you, Andrew Hale and Gina Brewer, for your hard work with the association. Gina has been a star with helping the conference committee and I look forward to working alongside her going forward. Andrew, you have been a great friend and have kept my presidency very fun throughout the year. I am very fortunate to have you always there for me.
NODA members, thank you very much for being a part of the association. Your participation in organized dentistry is what keeps the profession great. Without the members, there is no organization. Without the organization, there is no voice, no vote, no stance, and no agenda in existence to help keep the dental profession moving in a positive direction. We can sometimes take this for granted but it is highly important that we continue to be a strong unified force. Please continue to stand alongside one another to promote and protect your profession for the benefit of the patient population and for yourself and your family.
I would like to thank my mother and late father for inspiring me to work hard to achieve dreams and goals. Yes, it was a dream and a goal to serve as your President. I encourage others to participate as well. The NODA presidency was a very special honor and I hope that some of you reading this will pursue the opportunity. I can assure you that you will be glad that you did.
My time has come to an end as your President. I pray that I made a positive contribution to an organization that had ninety-nine individuals, who served as President prior to me, work hard to progress. Thank you for the wonderful honor and God bless you all.
I wish everyone Happy Holidays and Happy New Year!
Your President,
Kristopher Rappold, DDS, MAGD, FACD, FICD, FASD
