eNewsletter » Issue 2

Dear Members:

Our Association, on March 29, 2003, successfully completed the ceremony of installing the New Executive Council during the Annual Banquet. We were honored with the presence of dignitaries such as: Congressman Ed. Royce, Dr. Eugene Sekeguci – President-elect ADA, Dr. Dennis Kalebjian – CDA President, and Mr. H.H.Viswananthan – Counsel General Of India.

The program got off to a rousing start with master of ceremonies, Dr. Nitin Mody introducing Congressman Ed Royce. Mr. Royce warmly recalled the association’s start with much fewer members than today’s 450 membership. His speech brought a unifying accent to the evening’s activity as everyone was reminded that we have chosen to settle in the United States and make this our home.

The counsel general of India, H.H. Vishwanathan , was also present to honor the IDA and its progress in the dental community as well as to recount how the Indian community has made major inroads in the United States’ scientific fields.

ADA President Eugene Sekiguchi was on hand, after a hectic schedule in Washington, DC, to bring everyone up to date on the terrorist concerns that are faced by the health community and how best to address them should the health professionals be needed.

CDA President Dennis Kalebjian was the keynote speaker. He was present to bring the IDA members up to date on the DentiCal issues and the latest budget updates that are being discussed by the governor regarding the DentiCal recipients. Dr. Shailesh Bhatt , picked to update the membership regarding the DentiCal issues, kindly thanked Dr. Kalebjian for “doing the job” for him already. His speech then went on to encourage IDA members to become members of the CDA and the local component societies so that we could make ourselves heard as well as participate in the mainstream of our profession.

The evening ultimately was to honor the outgoing council that had done a marvelous job for the past two years. Dr Surjit Kalra presented a rousing speech that thanked the council members who helped to make his term as smooth as possible. His comment of people working together was well received and his thanks to each individual were heartfelt. Dr. Atul Suchak , the past president, then took over in his own inimitable style. He presented the new incoming committee for the next two year term.

A thunderous applause was heard when Dr. Parimal Kansagra was introduced. Dr. Kansagra gave a speech that was humorous as well as insightful in its observations of what the life of a dentist is like. Some of the comments will be helpful suggestions to both the ADA and CDA presidents in incorporating changes to include ethnic dentist groups in organized dentistry.

Finally, the performers gathered to perform their individual pieces to the hearty cheer of the onlookers! Three groups of young ladies danced to the delight of the audience as well as their parents, I’m sure.

The Annual Banquet was a great success with attendance of over 260 people. We had received good support from our own membership, the California Dental Association and it’s local components, and also other Ethnic groups, as well as the well-wishers of the Indian Dental Association. We take this opportunity to thank all those who supported us to make this a smashing event. The success of any organization depends on this kind of support. It shows that the Indian Dental Association of California is one such organization, and it is moving in right direction to achieve its objectives. The Indian Dental Association is striving hard to excel at a professional level, and be a part of organized dentistry, and takes great pride in working with the ADA, CDA and all the local societies. These organizations view IDA as their vital partner, and we are willing to work with them on issues that affect our profession.

Dr. Eugene Sekeguci has personally talked with our new President, Dr. Parimal Kansagra, and will convey his message to the ADA. He has offered to work with Dr. Kansagra during his term. Today we have a voice in the ADA. The Indian Dental Association of California will serve its members as a bridge to reach new levels in our profession. Be part of it and achieve your goals.

a) Continuing Education Seminar: Next Seminar will be on Endodontics, June 8, 2003.

b) “ Long Term Care” – Seminar, organized by Mr. Siddhartha Shah, CPA from American Express Financial Services. On April 10, 2003 at Diamond Palace Restaurant. Mr. Shah has graciously sponsored several IDA functions and is a good friend of IDA. Please plan on attending this seminar with your spouse.

c) “HIPPA” Seminar organized by Pearson Dental Supply Company. Members who were unable to attend the HIPPA seminar in March, can now take advantage of this seminar sponsored by Pearson Dental. For more information call Pearson.

d) “Sunday at the Movies” program. Due limited time and short notice, IDA cannot notify members through mail. We request our members to please visit our website on a regular basis, for such announcements. If our members prefer to receive such notice through e-mail rather than “snail mail” please let us know and give us your e-mail address. Please visit the IDA website, it has a new, better look to provide more user friendliness. Thanks to Dr. Shailesh Bhatt for such marvelous work. The IDA website address is www.ida-ca.org.

e) Support the IDA and its activity on a regular basis.

Thank you,

Executive Committee
Indian Dental Association