Gary Newman (D.D.S. '66)

Let’s celebrate dentistry! You are cordially invited to attend the 2002 Midwest Dental Conference, March 21-24, in Kansas City , Mo. You’ll enjoy the warmth of Kansas City ’s hospitality, rekindle old friendships, and learn from an all-star lineup of clinicians. The UMKC Dental and Dental Hygienists’ Alumni Meeting, which is held concurrently with the Midwest Dental Conference, is reputed to be one of the largest alumni meetings in the country. Our attendance has been steadily increasing over the years, so our goal for 2002 is to reach 4,000 attendees.

And don’t forget that the 2001 ADA Annual Session will be held in Kansas City this October. This offers a great opportunity for us to showcase the excellence of our dental school:  its exceptional students, faculty, staff and facilities. Having had the honor of representing the dental profession at both state and national levels, it has always been with great pride that I tell others that I am a graduate of the UMKC School of Dentistry.

As proud as I am of our school, though, I also am aware that our students’ financial indebtedness continues to increase. So I am pleased to tell you that your generous contributions to the Alumni

Association and to the Rinehart Foundation have resulted in the distribution of nearly $500,000 to student scholarships and toward dental clinic improvements. We must remember that our graduates represent the future of our profession and that our continued commitment is needed to maintain the high caliber of educational programs at UMKC.

The educational programs at the Midwest Dental Conference, too, are of a high caliber. This year we are fortunate to have commitments from speakers for the Scientific Sessions who will appeal to all members of the dental team. On Friday, Cathy Jameson will speak on practice management; Dr. John Svirsky will present “Oral Pathology Cases Only Your Mother Would Love”; Dr. Richard Collier will talk about tax savings, investments, and practice transitions; and Hans Diehl will speak on “The American Diet:  Suicide on the Installment Plan.” Saturday’s programs include Dr. Jeff Brucia on dental materials; Dr. Robert Fazio, dental pharmacology; and Dr. Myer Leonard on “Safe, Sane and Remunerative Oral Surgery.” Sunday features a continuation of Hans Diehl’s presentation on nutrition, and Dr. Myer Leonard will hold a hands-on surgery clinic.

Fortunately, the improved exhibit hall at the Hyatt accommodates a larger number of exhibitors. Therefore, this year you can expect new and innovative materials, instruments and equipment to be displayed by over 150 exhibitors.

You won’t want to miss the Welcome Party scheduled for Friday evening. This event will provide an opportunity to greet old friends, and to meet new ones. You’ll enjoy an informal evening of fun, food and music.

I look forward to seeing you at the 2002 Midwest Dental Conference for a long weekend of professional growth and friendship.