Steve Diogo, Editor of DentalCompare, the online journal (www.dentalcompare.com ) has asked me, Jonathan Bregman, to become a member of his editorial advisory board. In addition (drum roll please!!) he has asked me be the editor of the Laser Learning Center!! Both are huge honors for me.There are 11 learning centers that are now coming live. I am working very hard, already, bringing talent together to contribute to this learning center. (our own Brad Dykstra has agreed to be a contributor!) My goal is to keep the Laser Learning Center in alignment with the overall mission of DentalCompare which is creating an excellent source of accurate information maintaining the highest of integrity. If there are any SCN’ers who would like to become contributors to my Center or know of anyone who might be a good candidate for same, please do not hesitate to contact me.

In 2007 Patti DiGangi acted very much like the pink bunny on TV. She kept going and going.  Patti presented 41 programs, she attended 4 conferences including the SCN meeting, she wrote 19 articles, worked clinical part-time, hosted her son’s high school graduation party, planned a wedding for her other son, helped her daughter move, and then slept all of December!No, Patti didn’t really sleep through December – she used her “month off” to prepare for her latest venture as a faculty member of Career Flow.  Patti also prepared for her 2008 schedule by updating her courses, adding new courses and reading the most up-to-date information regarding her passion for early detection of oral cancer. 

2007 has been a  busy year for Dr. Jonathan A. Bregman. He presented 24 programs in NC, SC, FL, TN, OH, NY,OR and went to the NSA Annual Meeting in July as a full fledged member . Jonathan also published 7 lead articles in major dental journals and was interviewed for the ADMC ‘A Step Above’ audio-newsletter. His greatest speaking accomplishment of 2007 was being the featured clinician for an all-day World Clinical Laser Institute regional program for the very first time. Personally, Jonathan once again hosted huge family Thanksgiving and Passover events this year besides a big open house for son Justin’s college graduation from University of North Carolina. His personal travel was dive trips to French Polynesia and Belize besides a two week driving trip through upstate New York State and an amazing and life changing  three weeks in Israel and diving in the Red Sea. What is in store for 2008?  In dentistry, more programs on laser-assisted dentistry, and his new ‘transitions in dentistry’ program, pursuing his passion related to early cancer detection and treatment, writing for DentalCompare, and a new business venture. He will celebrate both sons’s graduations from grad school, his older son, Eric’s wedding and his being honored by the Duke Cancer Center for his contribution to the Cancer Patient Support Program. In his ‘free time’ he hopes to have fun fishing on a nearby lake, bicycle more, scuba dive more, read more and have as much family time as is humanly possible.

It was great to hear from Jerri this week and to hear just how busy she is.  She is still a Sr. Regional Network Manager for Guardian.  She and Dr. Charles Blair have been working on a couple of projects and we look forward to hearing about them soon.  Jerri was named Co-Chairman for the SkillsUSA Technical Committee for Dental Assisting in 2007. Our caring Jerri has been busy giving back to the community while volunteering with the Dental Missions of Mercy and with TeamSmile.We salute you for sharing your gifts!

Brad has given over a dozen presentations on Digital Radiography in the United States and Canada this year.  He was asked to present at the PracticeWorks Users meetings and his most interesting challenge of 2007 was being filmed for a segment by Dental Compare on integrated offices.  On a personal note, his first grand daughter, Mariana, was born, so now he has two grand sons and one grand daughter.  We can’t wait to see the new photos of the new boat and Mariana in March at SCN Lite. 

We have just heard the good news.  SCN member Danny Bobrow has been named Contributing Marketing Editor of Dental Practice Report.  We look forward to hearing all about this new assignment at the SCN Lite Meeting. 

pinkTooth.net is an e-newsletter founded by SCN member Lori Trost.  In Issue 9, we find 4 SCNers as featrued writers.  Congratulations to Kate Willeford, Leslie Canham, Bethany Valachi and Pat Firer!  Let’s thank these four for contributing to continued dental education.

Leslie Canham, Peter Barry, Mike Canham, Dr.Jonathan Bregman and in front SCNer Serena Oldroyd with husband Clyde.

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