The weekend began with the first official meeting of the TDA BOD on Friday, to which all attendees were invited as observers. It was a great opportunity to meet with the members of the Board and see them at work on behalf of organized dentistry. I attended for the second year in a row and can confidently say that the Texas Dental Association is blessed to have these doctors serving their colleagues and the public. Every doctor who holds a position of leadership at the local, state, and national levels of organized dentistry is a volunteer who believes deeply in the importance of upholding the high standards of our profession. They all deserve our gratitude.

Dr. Richard Black, Chairman of the TDA Council on Legislative and Regulatory Affairs, updated the Board on the impact of recently passed bills by the Texas Legislature affecting dentistry and small businesses. Organized dentistry scored a major victory when legislation was passed that prevents insurance companies from imposing fees on contracted doctors for dental services not covered under a patient's policy. Insurance companies spend huge sums of money funding heavyweight lobbyists to influence politicians on their behalf. So it's nothing less than a miracle that common sense prevailed in this instance. But make no mistake - dental insurers will continue in their mission to minimize coverage for policyholders, increase profits for themselves, and assert themselves into the sacrosanct patient/doctor relationship.

Saturday's activities were focused on orientation for new component society Presidents and TDA Council members. Dr. Coleman presided over the day's activities. TDA President-Elect Dr. Michael Stuart invited the district Presidents to tell what they hoped to achieve during their time in office. Council chairpersons spoke about the work of their councils and upcoming goals. Attendees were introduced to TDA staffers and given an overview of the support services they provide to the Councils and Committees.

The weekend was informative and helpful in getting everyone ready for the work to come. The North Texas Dental Society is well-represented this year with President Dr. David Wilhite; President-Elect Dr. Art Nelson; TDA Parliamentarian and Chairman of the Council on Constitution and Bylaws Dr. David McCarley; TDA Council on Dental Education, Trade, and Ancillaries member Dr. Jerry Hopson; and, my appointment as a member of the TDA Council on Constitution and Bylaws. All of these men attended and participated in the conference.

Now it's time to get busy.