D E N T A L T R E A T M E N T

Leadership building partnerships Kishore Shetty, DDS, MS, MRCS, Assistant Professor

Louisiana State University Health Scicnces Center; New Orleans, Louisiana 701 19

Spec Care Dentist 25(11: 5. 2005

“He that would be a leader must be a bridge. ”

-Welsh Proverb

n October 1987, the Federation of Special Care Organization in Dentistry was founded with its com- mitment to the oral health of the

elderly, persons with disabilities, and the medically compromised. I t was a unique event with the amalgamation of three dedicated organizations that were operat- ing for more than a quarter of a century individually; the American Association of Hospital Dentists (founded in 1927), the American Society for Geriatric Dentistry (founded in 1965) and the Academy of Dentistry for Persons with Disabilities (created in 1952). These three joined hands and created a significant chapter in the history of special care dentistry. Two years later the Federation held its first ever joint three-day conference, and ever since, this annual event has been a catalyst for attracting the best and the dedicated members in special care den- tistry.

As we consider our strong history and dedication to oral health care, we can only assume that it has been possible due to the strong leadership of our mem- bership and its determination to provide a high level of holistic care for a chal- lenging group of people. As clinicians, we have always lived to care for our patients. Dentistry is not called a noble profession just by the virtue of treatment. It is the passion, empathy and caring nature that draw us to our patients. We always strive to attain the best for our patients and in so doing we sometimes are thrown in the crucibles of leadership.

What makes a leader? Is it nature or

nurture? There is no formula for leader- ship greatness. There are, however, char- acteristics that recur in the conduct of leaders. Leading by example is a cliche, but is also a valid leadership style. Leadership studies grew out of historians’ great man theories, which examine the role of highly influential individuals to explain events. Be it Alexander the Great or Joan of Arc, great men and women are heroic; they are larger than life. Their strength, integrity, perseverance and vision inspire us. It is their hidden inner capacity to recognize others’ feelings, for motivating everyone around, and effec- tively managing and optimizing the most valuable resources available. It’s this act of compassion and emotional intelligence that allows a leader to sustain his or her effectiveness.

We have had leaders in our organiza- tion who partnered and championed the causes of special care dentistry - water fluoridation, children’s oral health insur- ance programs, the surgeon general’s report on oral health, participation in Special Olympics and more. They gave not only their unending devotion, abili- ties, and talents but also a part of their lives to the success of their mission. One of the key elements in their success was building coalitions and synergistic part- nerships. Partnerships multiply strengths and provide the diverse expertise, sup- port, key contacts, and additional time required for success in our field. However, working together towards a common goal is an element of every successful cooperative venture. Truly

exceptional leaders - those who acknowledge the value and gift of part- nership - move effortlessly with an intu- itive grace. This year the meeting will be held in the nation’s capital, Washington, DC, - a fitting place to consider the theme of this meeting, “Call for Action: Partnerships for Ensuring Access to Care for People with Special Needs.” I hope we can take a cue from our history and motivate ourselves to be leaders in a complex, ever-changing and demanding health care system. As clinicians and advocates we have to be Januslike, to look both to the past from which we can draw inspiration and to the future in which we can strive to fulfill our mis- sion.

R e f e r e n c e s 1. Haward Business Review Aug 2003. Leadership

2. Haward Business Review Jan 2004. Inside the in a changed world.

mind of a leader. 3. Arnold D. Steinberg, Robert Runzo, Special

Care Dentist 22 (4): 133, 2002. The 50-year history for the Academy of Dentistry

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