Barry Daneman

There is great uncertainty in the State of Missouri about economic conditions. The recession seems to be ending or over, yet there's concern about a potential relapse, a "double dip."

The state's budgetary picture is even cloudier. Measures taken last year at the end of a very stormy legislative session only temporarily resolved our problems. The so-called balanced budget, all agree, was balanced with winks and nods, and smoke and mirrors, as well. Additional cuts, too painful to enact last year, will be the first items on the agenda in January when the legislature reconvenes.

The University of Missouri System , sadly, took some of the heaviest cuts last year. Whether that was because legislators felt we could offset the costs with tuition increases or because, among state-assisted institutions and programs, we have the least vocal supporters, one cannot say for sure. Whatever the case, however, the U of M fared poorly.

In a perfect world, legislatures would seek to apportion cuts in a manner that minimizes the damage to important state values. Since the University was hit hard last year, they'd give us a bye this year, recognizing that we'd already done our fair share.

In the real world, however, where legislatures are filled with politicians who need to get votes and raise large sums of money to run expensive campaigns, things don't always work out that way. If you've been cut before, it actually increases the likelihood you'll be cut again. Oh well, life isn't always fair.

The purpose of this message, let me assure you, is not to whine (or, at least, not simply to whine). It's to encourage you to get involved politically in this year's budgetary decisions.

What can you do? If you live in Missouri you can call, write or visit your state legislator and tell them you're concerned about the future of dental education in Missouri . You can say that cuts to the School of Dentistry ’s budget jeopardize its ability to prepare an adequate dental workforce for Missouri .

You can tell them that the School of Dentistry has historically been one of the University of Missouri 's most successful units. By any measure of academic achievement — clinical education, community outreach, sponsored research, alumni service — the School of Dentistry has been a national leader. Tell them that temporary setbacks in state revenues cannot be allowed to endanger such a precious state resource.

Their address information can be found on the Internet at the following locations:

• House members:  http://www.house.state.mo.us/   

• Senate members:  http://www.senate.state.mo.us/

The Rinehart Foundation and Dental Alumni Association, at their mid-year meetings this past August, agreed to take a more active role in advocating for public support of the school. A public affairs committee was created. Drs. Robert Peterson, Joe Spalitto and Terry Williams are leading the effort. If you are interested in helping them, please call 800-887-4477 or write to the following address:

Public Affairs Committee
Rinehart Foundation
UMKC School of Dentistry, Suite 411
650 E. 25th Street
Kansas City , MO64108

Please make plans as well to attend the school's Oral Health Policy Conference, Friday, January 10, 2003 , from 11:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.It will be held at the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation, 4801 Rockhill Road , and will focus on "Caring for Vulnerable Populations." Call Karen Wilson at 816-235-2022 or 800-643-9671 for more information.

In closing, I want to thank the more than 1,300 people who contributed this past year to the School of Dentistry and Rinehart Foundation. Your generosity energizes us to move forward with confidence. Have a wonderful holiday season and be sure to join us in March for the 2003 Midwest Dental Conference.

Explorer Fall 2002 Index