President’s Message: Endodontic Gratitude

With Thanksgiving leaving us with full bellies, we have officially entered the holiday season of 2023! The holidays are a time to gather with family and friends. It is a time to reflect on the many blessings that have been bestowed upon us, as endodontists are a blessed group of people. We are intelligent, motivated, focused, dexterous, and generous. When I reflect on my blessings, I am thankful for the obvious: God, family, and friends. I am honored that I have been able to serve on the board of the Foundation for Endodontics. The Foundation’s mission is to support endodontic education, research, access to care, and engagement. With my time on the board, I have realized that my path reflects the mission of the Foundation.

Education has been the most impactful in my life. I was the first to graduate from college, professional school, and residency in my family. My education provided freedom and allowed me to choose my path in life. Educators throughout my career have encouraged me to elevate my academic aspirations, and they have offered me the confidence to move forward to achieve my goals. Thank you to Drs. Spatafore, White, Pagonis, and Goldstein, who supported and guided me through my endodontic education and beyond. Thank an educator who impacted your life this holiday season. I encourage you to share your expertise and love of endodontics by teaching at a dental school, GPR, AEGD, or endodontic program. If you do not know the path, ask me how I got involved!

My first foray with research was as an endodontic resident. My research mentor at Boston Children’s Hospital was Dr. Erdjan Salih, and he taught me that research means searching again! Research requires patience, creativity, and dedication. Our researchers do the heavy lifting for our specialty. Without the science, endodontics would simply be a trade. Thank you to the dedicated researchers for advancing endodontics and allowing me to be a clinician. Thank you to the Foundation for Endodontics and the donors for making science a priority.

Unfortunately, not everyone has the means to save their teeth. As endodontists, we are in a unique position to provide gratis care or to support care for the underserved financially. We have the gift to heal infection, relieve pain, and create a beautiful smile. This can lead to elevating self-esteem, securing a job, or finding a life partner. This holiday season, I respectfully ask you to consider the following: what can you do to change a person’s life? The Foundation supports domestic and international access to care projects! Would you like to donate to support access to care, be a mentor on an international access to care trip, or donate to support an existing project?

I believe endodontists have a gift to provide superior care to save teeth, can support the advancement of the science of endodontics, and support endodontic education. I hope you share your gifts. What can you do for your community this holiday season?