Friday February 15, 2013

Inn of Governors

101 W. Alameda, Santa Fe, NM. 87501

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RSVP by e-mail, fax or phone to: narenas@nmdental.org (505) 294-9958 or (505) 294-1368

http://www.ada.org/news/569.aspx

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37 national and local speakers informed attendees over the three days.  Some of the most anticipated and highly attended presentations included Dr. Greg Psaltis, Dr. Jeffery Rouse and Dr. Tieraona Low Dog.  Additionally, the exhibit hall featured a rotating cast of speakers on the “Center of Leaning” stage. Pictured: Stan Reed addresses the crowd from the “Center of Learning” stage.

On Wednesday, the NMDA’s House of Delegates held a general session, followed by a caucus meeting.  Attendees were addressed by American Dental Association President Dr. William Calnon and 14th District Trustee Dr. Gary Yonemoto.   Dr. Calnon praised the work of the NMDA, and detailed his concerns that will face dentists of our state in the coming years.

Wednesday night, the NMDA held a dinner for outgoing President Dr. Shelly Fritz.  Dr. Fritz presented gifts to the board and the NMDA staff, and then welcomed the new board members to the podium to be sworn in by Dr. Calnon.  Pictured:  ADA President Dr. Calnon, Past-President Dr. Shelly Fritz, President Dr. Steven Moran, President Elect Dr. Julius Manz, Vice President Dr. Greg LoPour , Secretary-Treasurer Dr. Michael Brown and 14th District Trustee Dr. Gary Yonemoto.

Friday’s team luncheon featured a lively presentation from Dr. Mark Hyman.  Additionally, New Mexico’s students who have been accepted into dental school were acknowledged for their achievement.

Thursday’s opening session was held in the Kiva Auditorium.  Attendees gathered to hear speeches from ADA President Dr. William Calnon and NMDA President Dr. Shelly Fritz.  The NMDA’s Kansas Begaye opened the ceremonies by signing the national anthem.

The New Mexico Dental Association Elects New Officers

For immediate release:                                                                                                      contact: Michael Moxey

June 22, 2012                                                                                                               o: 505-294-1368     c: 505-259-3048

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M.- The New Mexico Dental Association (NMDA), the state’s leading voice on oral health, elected new officers at their 103^rd Annual Session, held in the Albuquerque Convention Center, June 13-16, 2012.  Dr. Stephen C. Moran of Roswell was elected new NMDA President, and will be joined on the board by President Elect Dr. Julius N. Manz of Farmington, Vice President Dr. D. Greg LoPour of Albuquerque, and Secretary Treasurer Dr. Michael Brown of Placitas.  Each of the new NMDA officers were unanimously elected by their peers at a vote taken during the Annual Session’s House of Delegates meeting, and will serve in their positions for one year.

“It is truly an honor to be voted into this position by my fellow dentists, and I will strive to build upon the great work done by my predecessor, Dr. Shelly Fritz,” stated Dr. Moran.  “Practicing in Roswell, I bring a new perspective on the oral health issues facing our state, and I am looking forward to working hard to strategically address those concerns.”

Meet the NMDA’s new officers:

President:  Dr. Stephen C. Moran, DDS, General Dentistry, practicing in Roswell.  After graduating from the University of New Mexico in 1976, he attended Creighton Dental School, where he graduated cum laude in 1980 with Omicron Kappa Upsilon dental honors. He is a past Roswell Pecos Valley Rotary president and Eastern New Mexico Dental Society president.   His hobbies include flying and spending time with his family.  Dr. Moran succeeds Immediate Past-President President Dr. Shelly Fritz of Albuquerque.

President Elect: Dr. Julius N. Manz, DDS, General Dentistry, practicing in Farmington.  Dr. Manz currently serves as the Dental Programs Director at San Juan College in Farmington.  He graduated from the University of New Mexico with a BS in Physics in 1985, and served 10 years as a Nuclear Submarine Officer in the United States Navy.  Afterwards, he attended the University of Colorado School of Dentistry, receiving his degree in 1998.  As President Elect, Dr. Manz will be next in line to assume the NMDA Presidency.

Vice President: Dr. D. Greg LoPour, DDS, General Dentistry, practicing in Albuquerque.  Dr. LoPour was raised in Lovington, and attended Abilene Christian University on a basketball scholarship.  He received his dental degree from Baylor College of Dentistry in 1995 and is currently the owner of LoPour & Associates DDS Smiles by Design.

Secretary Treasurer: Dr. Michael Brown, DDS, Placitas.  After graduating from the University of New Mexico in 1969, Dr. Brown served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War.  He returned to school and received his dental degree from the University of Missouri at Kansas City School of Dentistry in 1977.  He served the Public Health Service in Kansas, and been a long time general practice dentist in Albuquerque.  He currently works for the Pima School of Dental Hygiene.

More on the New Mexico Dental Association: Established in 1908, the New Mexico Dental Association is the premiere dental association in the state. Its mission is to advocate for the art and science of dentistry, represent the interests of members of the dental profession, and foster an awareness of the obligation and responsibility of the dental profession to society.

Our View: A Mission that Brings a Bright Smile

The Las Cruces Convention Center was converted into a massive free dental clinic for two days earlier this month, and it truly something to smile about.

With equal parts compassion, efficiency and professional competence, the Mission of Mercy event, organized by the New Mexico Dental Foundation, brought free dental care services to the community. They treated some 1,600 patients during the two days, performing everything from routine cleanings to root canals and oral surgery.

More than 130 dentists from throughout the state came to Las Cruces for the event, along with an equal number of dental hygienists. Local dental students were able to lend a hand and gain professional experience at the same time.

The first Mission of Mercy was held 2010 in Albuquerque. Next year’s event is scheduled for Farmington. Each time, dentists from throughout the state travel to the host site to help out.

“There’s really a sense of camaraderie, and it’s a good opportunity for dentists from throughout the state to come together,” said Dr. Julius Manz of Farmington. “It’s been so gratifying to come down to southern New Mexico to help out. I’d love to see dentists from Las Cruces again in 18 months for the next Mission of Mercy.”

The stereotype, handed down throughout the years, has it that a trip to the dentist is something to be dreaded. With the Mission of Mercy, just the opposite was true. Many of those receiving free treatment were seeing a dentist for the first time in years.

And instead of dread, there was gratitude. “You’ve probably never seen people so excited to have dental work performed,” said Michael Moxey, communications director for the New Mexico Dental Foundation. “One woman wrote that she hadn’t been to a dentist in 20 years and was so grateful for this opportunity. People have said they’ll never forget what these dentists have done for them and I’ve even seen people hug the dentists when they’re done.”

The professionalism and coordination exhibited in treating patients ranging in age from small children to senior citizens was truly impressive. But what was most impressive was the level of care patients were able to receive with so many being treated at the same time.

Mission of Mercy is by far the largest and most visible charitable event by the Dental Foundation and its members, but it is far from the only one. Many local dentists give back to the community in smaller ways throughout the year.

We join with the 1,600 patients in offering our thanks.

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Captions:

22- Navajo Nation President Ben Shelly and Kansas Begaye

12- Kansas staffs our table

13- Communications Director Michael Moxey

14- Representative James Roger Madelena, Co-Chair of the Indian Affairs Committee, with Kansas Begaye and Stephine Poston

Free dental clinic

On behalf of the New Mexico Dental Foundation, in partnership with the New Mexico Dental Association and the local community, I would like to invite the residents of southern New Mexico to volunteer in assisting the largest charitable event in the state, the New Mexico Mission of Mercy (NM MOM). On March 1-4, the Las Cruces Convention Center will be converted into a free dental clinic to provide first come, first serve care to anyone with oral health issues. In October 2010, more than 1,700 volunteers donated their time to the inaugural NM MOM held in Albuquerque.

As chairman of the 2012 New Mexico Mission of Mercy, I can tell you that this event changes the lives of both patients and volunteers. But, we need the help of Doña Ana County and the surrounding communities to make it a success. Volunteering is the perfect way to give back and illustrate your interest in helping New Mexico overcome the barriers to oral health care. Concerned citizens will volunteer alongside 400 dental professionals to send notice that our state needs a solid infrastructure that will provide prevention, education and early intervention for all New Mexicans.

We will need every type of skill set, from translators to patient registration to general clean up. Whether you are helping direct traffic, serving meals, or providing entertainment to those in line, every job is critical. If you are an individual, or belong to an organization that wishes to help, please visit www.nmdentalfoundation.org to register.

Thanks to Delta Dental of New Mexico and ConocoPhillips for their generous financial sponsorship of the 2012 Las Cruces NM MOM. New Mexico Mission of Mercy is funded solely by community and individual donations. The NM MOM Las Cruces fundraising efforts are being chaired by Dr. David Warren and Dr. Chuck Murrell. Please consider a financial or in kind donation to the 2012 NM MOM event. A donation can be made online at www.nmdentalfoundation.org or by calling (575) 644-3238.

MARTIN H. POEL, DMD

New Mexico Mission of Mercy chairman

Las Cruces

November 7, 2011 505-294-1368

The New Mexico Dental Association Welcomes Michael Moxey to Post as Director of Communications and Government Advocacy

Albuquerque- The New Mexico Dental Association (NMDA) is proud to welcome the addition of Michael Moxey as Director of Communications and Government Advocacy. Thanks to a grant from the American Dental Association (ADA), Mr. Moxey will be helping the NMDA meet their media and legislative goals.

“We are excited to add Michael to our already excellent team,” stated NMDA Executive Director Mark Moores. “His background in media, community service and government affairs will be useful in helping the NMDA gain a higher profile across the state.”

Mr. Moxey comes to the NMDA from Charter Bank, where he served as the Community Relations and Marketing Director. Prior to that, Mr. Moxey served as the Communication Director for the New Mexico Economic Development Department in Santa Fe. His career also includes a dozen years in media in Albuquerque and Austin, Texas, as a morning radio show host and television personality.

“I am excited about the opportunity to work on behalf of the NMDA to help build on their successful track record of creating common sense solutions to the challenges of improving access to quality dental care for all New Mexicans,” stated Mr. Moxey.

For further inquiries, contact Mr. Moxey at 505-294-1368 or at mmoxey@nmdental.org.

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Michael Moxey

Director of Communications and Government Advocacy

New Mexico Dental Association

9201 Montgomery Blvd NE # 601

Albuquerque NM 87111

Office: 505-294-1368

Cell: 505-259-3048

By: Kevin Earle, Aug 17, 2011, Indian Country Today Media Network

Recent postings at Indian Country Today Media Network have highlighted roadblocks that stand in the way of many Native Americans receiving quality oral health care. It is apparent that there is a need for better education about oral health, tribal outreach and the coordination and facilitation of care in many communities.

However, these articles focused on a single proposal that has not been widely implemented or tested across tribal communities. We have learned that challenges and needs differ from reservation to reservation. It’s important to focus available resources on creating custom solutions that address specific tribal community needs.

We need a systematic approach in order to address access issues effectively. This includes identifying the most underserved populations within each reservation, conducting research to understand specific barriers to care, defining goals and measures for success, and using these findings to identify potential new solutions and ways to enhance efficiency. This is best done in collaboration with several partners and stakeholders who are committed to the community, and who can work together and pool their expertise and resources to enhance community members’ oral health.

With this in mind, I’d like to highlight two recent developments that have provided funds and advanced the discourse regarding Native American oral health.

(1) On July 26, the House of Representatives voted to accept an amendment from Rep. Paul Gosar (R-Ariz.), a former dentist, which allocates a $4.3 million plus funding increase to advance the oral health of Native Americans. When the final bill passes, the money will be given to the Indian Health Service, with a directive to use the funds on oral health.

As most of you are aware, these funds are sorely needed. Currently, in Native communities between 25-50 percent of preschool children suffer from extensive tooth decay, which requires full mouth restoration under general anesthesia, compared to less than 1 percent of non-Native children. The funds could help minimize these health disparities.

(2) Additionally, in April, the 2011 Arizona American Indian Oral Health Summit brought together representatives from tribes, urban Indian organizations, IHS and key state, public health and private sector stakeholders to share information, resources and strategies for improving access to dental services and the oral health of Native American communities in Arizona. The Summit focused on important knowledge and capacity building issues, and facilitated peer-to-peer mentorship and collaborative problem sharing. The participants continue to work together today to identify and push forward strategies to remove barriers and enhance oral health care in Arizona Indian communities.

The Summit discovered many possible solutions, including increasing funding for oral health initiatives, improving the use of IHS resources and adding new members to the dental team. These solutions are all Arizona-focused and came through analysis of Arizona-specific issues. If more summits like this are held throughout the United States, we will be able to identify barriers to care and develop the right solutions to address each community’s particular challenges.

Now is the time for collaboration. We must all work together with open minds and without set agendas in order to improve oral health care in Native communities using available resources most effectively.

Kevin Earle, MPH, is Executive Director of the Arizona Dental Association, a founding member of the Native American Oral Health Care Project. Earle served as Committee Co-Chair for the 2011 American Indian Oral Health Summit.