Let’s Build a Treasure Together
Posted on September 29, 2011
Cite this as: J Can Dent Assoc 2011;77:b129
Dr. John O'Keefe
The concept of stewardship is gaining currency and importance in various parts of society. For instance, in some religions, the starting assumption is that our life is a gift and we are therefore obliged to contribute our time, talent and treasure to return a greater gift to those around us. Applying this concept to our profession, I believe that we can all contribute in our own way, to leave the profession in a better state than when we entered it—our professional stewardship legacy, if you will.
Let me begin with this question are you one of the 100 dentists willing to contribute some of your time and talent to make the new JCDA a treasure for years to come?
JCDA is an important institution of the Canadian dental profession, and I consider myself fortunate to have played a stewardship role with the publication for so many years. However, I am appealing for the help of more stewards to step forward and continue the legacy of JCDA.
A conversation with a much respected colleague made me reflect on these issues. This person called to complain that the articles in one of our JCDA publications were too academic and wouldn't be useful for his clinical practice. I told him that his comments resonated with me and that although we are not abandoning scholarly publishing, the new JCDA will place an increased emphasis on delivering useful clinical information in formats demanded by dentists to help support clinical decision-making.
I informed my colleague that we have set up a panel of 50 general dentists across the country who are identifying their clinical knowledge needs, defining the formats that this information could take and how JCDA can deliver and facilitate the exchange of such knowledge.
My friend said he was impressed with this user-driven approach and that he welcomed this orientation for the new JCDA. I seized the opportunity to ask if he would consider helping us along our path in creating this new clinical support service. But when I inquired if he would draft some specifically defined "clinical pearls of wisdom" that might work within the new infrastructure we are designing, he responded that he did not have the time or confidence to write such material.
This illustrates one of our central challenges—in order to create a new JCDA we also need a new model for capturing, shaping and delivering clinical information. More importantly, we also need new people to help us with this endeavour.
Our panel of 50 general dentists are continuing to outline what types of clinical information are needed and what the various information packets could look like. Based on this exercise, it is clear to me that the new JCDA must adapt existing clinical knowledge into appropriate formats that can meet the information needs of Canadian dental offices. With the right people dedicated to the task, I believe we can create something new and innovative.
That is why I would like to hear from at least 100 dentists who are prepared to give a fraction of their time to create rough drafts of clinical information packets that will fit into templates we are currently refining. Please contact me by phone or email if you are willing to devote your time and talent to create a new treasure for our profession. I look forward to working together with new stewards as we bring this worthwhile project to fruition.
John P. O'Keefe
1-800-267-6354, ext. 2297
jokeefe@cda-adc.ca
Our profession, our community, our future and the future of our generations - I hope that the effort I put in is invested for our children and theirs.
I have an article already written on the TanGer Technique for removal of fractured teeth or roots, that are not easily extracted with a standard forcep or elevator.
The dental manufacturer of some of the components used in this technique took this article with the promise of having it published quickly because of the clout his company has as a large advertizer.
It is six months, and they are still refininng the parts I have used, and hence it is not yet published.
I will be seeing this manufacturer at the annual AAID meeting in Las Vegas next week, and if there is no progress, then I will inform them of my intention and send it on to your journal to see if it is interesting to you.
I’ll need more information. Do you have existing templates? How can I help?
With kindest regards
Galina Mayer
In response to the JCDA editorial )ct 2011 I was awarded a Certificate of Merit in 1979 by the CDA for service to the Council on Research and Dental Therapeutics.I am presently Professor Emeritus at the University of Alberta and Chancellor and President elect to be inducted at the International College of Craniomandibular Orthopedics in Vancouver Renaissane Hotel on Oct 22nd 2011 . I was recently appointed as Chair of Research at Las Vegas Institute of Advanced Dental Studies. Yesterday I presented at the American Dental Association Panel on ‘Facts and Opinions on TMD’.It was positively received by the Joint Chairs Dr Glick Ed JADA, Dr Dan Meyer and other Reps of ADA as well as a packed Hall at the Annual Session of ADA. I was there as Chancellor of ICCMO.It is clear that the ADA upholds its Seal of Approval as well as the ADA classification of Electronic Instrumentation as CLASS 1 instrument despite the negative articles by Dr C.Greene to JCDA and JADA deprecating electronic instrumentation on behalf of the AADR. I would be very pleased to do similar contribution to CDA and in respect to Dr O’Keefe’s editorial asking for assistance from 100 dentists Norman R Thomas BDS(Hons);MB.BSc(Hons)Anat/Physiol/BioChem; PhD;FRCD;Certified Oral Pathologist and Oral Medicine;MICCMO.
I do not have an article but I do have a story on a project that could be of some use for other communities. We have created the “Tooth fairy fund” The project is to help the working poor in receiving dental care.Although the fund is fairly young(created in 2010)it has helped over 20 families. It is a community effort with Moncton Headstart, Moncton Dental Society, Dental labs,Dental college, Denturist and financial donors to the fund.It is also used as a tool for dental education.
Please do not hesitate to contact me
Dr Suzanne Drapeau-McNally D.M.D
Hi John
Hope all is great with you.
Kilby and I are happy to help. Need more specifics of what you are looking for info.
Cheers
Daniel and Kilby
Dear John,
I idea seems great. I would be more than willing to contirbute and help in anyway
cheers
Ravikiran
Hello John ,
I am a dental anaesthesiologist and would like to help you with any sedation questions and templates .email me more info .
Thanks and Regards ,
jasdev Bhalla
Hello,
Im a GP in private practice and I would love to get involved and be of some assistance towards this valuable endeavour. I did me dental residency at the Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto and have an interest in dental trauma management.
Thanks!
Aly