Society of American Indian Dentists annual conference meets in Phoenix
The 2008 annual conference of the Society of American Indian Dentists met on the reservation in Phoenix, Ariz.
Hosts were the ASDOH and the M, two new dental schools in Phoenix. The SAID visited their campuses and heard from American Indian dental students who are attending these dental schools.
The SAID were guests of the HEARD Museum, where many historical and artistic American Indian artifacts are housed, honoring the indigenous people of the United States.
The attendees were from across the country, including Alaska. There were more than 25 pre- and dental students who attended the conference. For most, this was the first time they saw an American Indian Dentist. SAID's goal is to mentor pre- and dental American Indian dental students, encouraging them about practicing in the profession.
The SAID has the support of many dental schools that also sent attendees--the University of Detroit Mercy, Creighton University School of Dentistry, Tufts University School of Dental medicine, the University of Mississippi School of Dentistry, the University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Dentistry, the University of Michigan School of Dentistry and Howard University College of Dentistry.
Corporate sponsors which help the SAID in meeting its goals are Brushtime Products, Inc., Sullivan-Schein and Colgate-Palmolive. These three companies have helped the SAID for many years.
The Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community again contributed to the scholarship fund.
In 2008, the National Dental Association helped the SAID. ADA representatives also attended the conference, and the ADA sent much information for students.
From the CEU speakers, SAID attendees learned about the oral-systemic health connection from Dr. Smith, a review of oral pathology by Dr. Dovigi; and the latest in laser technology from Drs. Hartfield and Levine.
Ideal impression techniques were emphasized by 3M. Dr. Delecky shared his vision for a dental home for Head Start American Indian children. Dr. Haliday explained the difficulties facing the Indian Health Service dental division.
If you can help the SAID, contact Dr. Jessica A. Rickert at Society of American Indian Dentists.
To read more about the Society of American Indian Dentists, go to SAID.
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