President's Message the FAP Membership, February 20, 2010
Florida Association of Periodontists

Welcome to summer! Hopefully you are all enjoying some family and relaxation time.

Although the summer months may be a slower time for many of us, I am pleased to report to you that we have been busy pursuing many of the goals set for our association for the coming year. In particular, our association leaders have been aggressively working to enhance our political involvement beyond the typical periodontal meetings we all routinely attend. Having
periodontists on multiple local, state, and national committees ensures that our specialty has a voice on the larger playing field. At this time, we have FAP representation on councils and the board of trustees of the Florida Dental Association, along with the Florida Delegation to the American Dental Association House of Delegates. We are also fortunate to have past FAP presidents serving on councils of the ADA and the Florida Board of Dentistry.

A few of the issues on our association’s radar screen include encouraging and working with the board of dentistry to develop guidelines for the use of lasers (for both dentists and hygienists) in our state. We will also be watching and commenting on the development of the revised specialty advertising rules in Florida. This has become particularly important after the lines have become blurry as to who and what a “specialist” is. We will keep you posted as to our progress and of any new developing issues.

As we move towards the vacation season, please do not forget to pencil in our association’s semiannual
meeting, August 13-14, 2010, in Orlando, Florida. We have added an additional halfday program on Friday afternoon focusing on IV and Oral Sedation for the Periodontal Practice. This course is being taught by Dr. Lee Young, whom is a periodontist, has a Masters in Anesthesiology from Emory University, and is a Diplomate of the American Dental Board of Anesthesiology. The program does meet the Florida biennium requirements to maintain your Conscious Sedation Permit and will be useful to any periodontist regardless of whether or not you maintain a permit. Surgical staff attendance is encouraged.

I look forward to seeing you all in August and will provide you with a more detailed report at that time.

Warmest Regards,

Lee R. Cohen, D.D.S., M.S., M.S.
FAP President, 2010-2011