Impressions from the California Dental Association meeting

The CDA cleverly staggers the ending of its educational presentations so that the commercial floor is never inundated or overcrowded at the same time. Rather, participants have room to converse with knowledgeable personnel at the booths before making a purchase. This appeared to be more efficient for both the purchaser and the commercial booths.

As I was a presenter in this meeting, the attentiveness of the participants in my auditorium was so positive that questions continued after the completion for more than 45 minutes. My hands-on course participants had enthusiastic questions and comments. Other presenting colleagues relayed the same response.

They included David Garber, Joseph Blasé, James Dunn, Ron Jackson, Tieraona Low Dog and Joseph Massad, to list just a few.

The CDA worked throughout the year — volunteers working along with regular staff — to produce this crescendo of a smoothly orchestrated meeting. Yet, on Saturday evening, it took the time to honor and say thank you to one of their own — Dr Dan Miyasaki.

Miyasaki was honored for all his years of hard work toward the goal of a successful, enlightened meeting and for all the tireless years he spent making it easier for the committee members to achieve their goals.

This is the first time that this award has been presented. In attendance and glowing with pride were his wife, his children and their spouses and, of course, his grandchildren.

Dr Jeff Brucia, a fellow of the International Academy for Dental Facial Esthetics, and this year’s chairman of the Board of Managers, was doubly proud.

Not only did the CDA have a wonderful, productive meeting, but his father, Dr Frank Brucia, was responsible for creating the Legacy Committee, a watering hole for retired dentists to meet, reminisce and offer experienced advice to those bright enough to request it.

The beautiful city of San Francisco indeed enhanced all that the CDA meeting had to offer its attendees.

David L. Hoexter, DMD, FACD, FICD, is editor in chief of Dental Tribune U.S. Edition.