Thursday, June 23, 2011

Kerr to Launch Customer Protection Program

Kerr to Launch Customer Protection Program

ORANGE, CA – June 7, 2011 - Kerr Corporation, a leading manufacturer of technology for dental procedures, has announced the launch of a new customer protection program.  The program has been created in the interest of protecting Kerr customers from fraudulent, counterfeit or grey market products and preserving the company’s reputation for quality across its entire spectrum of offerings.

“We are taking several steps designed to proactively prevent counterfeiters from being able to generate and/or distribute fraudulent product,” said Leo Pranitis, Kerr’s Vice President of Global Marketing and Innovation. “We’ll be rolling out our protection plan in several stages over the coming months with the ultimate goal being to discourage tampering and prevent reuse or placement of counterfeit items in Kerr packaging coming into the North American channel. By incorporating this program, both the reputation of the Kerr brand and our customers are protected.”

Pranitis added that the best way to be certain that products purchased are legitimate is to only buy from an authorized Kerr dealer (http://www.kerrdental.com/kerrdental-contact-2#dealers) or by contacting the company directly at 1-800-KERR-123. 

“As our products are strictly regulated by the FDA and Health Canada, it is important that there is full traceability from manufacturer to distributor to clinician and ultimately to the patient,” said Pranitis. “That chain of custody is lost when products move outside authorized distribution channels.  Our goal is to ensure lasting smiles for years to come.”

The infiltration of counterfeit and grey market dental products into North America is a growing issue of concern affecting the dental industry, and Kerr has chosen to proactively address it as a form of quality assurance for its customers.  Counterfeit dental products pose obvious safety and efficacy risks, while grey market products are sourced from markets outside of the United States where storage times and conditions can be compromised.

“We’re very proud of our safety and efficiency records,” said Pranitis. ”Proactive steps are being taken to protect that reputation as well as the reputations of the dentists with whom we work. All our constituents can rest assured that the Kerr Customer Protection Program will help prevent fraudulent, counterfeit and grey market products from getting into their hands.”

Kerr Corporation, a wholly owned subsidiary of Sybron Dental Specialties, Inc., is a manufacturer of premiere dental consumables. Advancing esthetic dentistry through education and sustainable solutions based on clinician input, Kerr has become synonymous with integrity for dental professionals worldwide.

Media: For more information, please contact Paul Williams at 949/916-6880 or via pwilliams@salesfish.com.  

Thursday, May 12, 2011

Friday, April 8, 2011

Rita Zamora – Where is Your Facebook Page Headed?

Rita Zamora spoke at our recent ACE Tampa 2011 Conference on Social Media & Marketing for Dentistry. She writes an excellent blog on relationship marketing for dental practices. Please check it out and add it to your favorite sites. Rita understands how to "connect" with people on a personal level and her presentation style allows your team to instantly understand how to create happy, paying, referring patients!

Thanks Rita!

Sunday, April 3, 2011

Thank you Jackie Hopkins!

I wanted to give a shout out and say "Thank you" to Jackie Hopkins for her efforts over the past several months in coordinating this past weekend's ACE Tampa 2011 Conference on Social Media & Marketing for Dentistry. Jackie does a lot of work everyday in helping ACE become a better organization and she really cares about our group!

So, thanks Jackie...we couldn't have done it without you! :)

Saturday, April 2, 2011

Manhattan dentist sent 31 pounds of pot, worth $50K, in the mail




Manhattan dentist sent 31 pounds of pot, worth $50K, in the mail



Manhattan dentist got a mystery UPS package Friday from a real dope - it was filled with 31 pounds of very pungent pot.






Dr. Richard Lyons couldn't believe his nose when he opened the box that was delivered to his Chinatown office.
"From my 70's days, when I saw the green and smelled it, I knew it was marijuana," said Lyons, whose graying ponytail could qualify him for a bit role in a Cheech and Chong movie.
Lyons, 61, said he had no idea how the pot - worth up to $50,000 on the street - wound up at his place, but he immediately called the cops.
"I was shocked - shocked! And annoyed," he said. "Even if I got an ounce of marijuana, I would have notified the police.
"It's not legal. I didn't buy it!"

Lyons said the pot was wrapped in a black plastic bag "with a bunch of baby wipes on top" that had been placed inside a plastic bin and then the box.
It arrived at his office at 10:30 a.m. and was signed for by an assistant. When he got in about 3 p.m., he opened the box to discover the tightly packed fresh-plucked buds.
He said called police, but when they hadn't arrived after an hour, he got nervous that the intended recipient might show up to collect the weed - and called the press.
When cops arrived at the office on Worth and Mott Sts. - where a large red canopy advertises "Dr. Toothy's Dental World" - they had to borrow blue dental masks because the fumes gave them a headache.
The box had a return address for a Gwendaline Lyons in Katy, Texas. No listing could be found for the person.
A UPS spokeswoman said the express delivery service would open an investigation in the matter and contact the NYPD.
Anyone wishing to claim the package can contact the 5th Precinct detective squad at (212) 334-0742.
With Jefferson Siegel


Read more: http://www.nydailynews.com/ny_local/2011/04/01/2011-04-01_manhattan_dentist_sent_31_pounds_of_pot_with_street_value_of_50k_in_the_mail.html#ixzz1INfqhBtx

Friday, April 1, 2011

10 Great Ideas to EXPLODE Your Practice from The Madow Brothers!

10 Great Ideas to Explode your Practice from the Madow Brothers. For more information on their 2-day Social Media program visit http://www.Madow.com

1. Use the Flip Video

  • pt. testimonials
  • clinical demontstration
  • pt. relations - Happy Birthday!
  • team member miss a meeting
  • what was that thing I saw at the convention
  • Great social media use - dental health tip

2. List to the Marketing Geniuses - McDonalds/Walmart & other major companies know more than you do about marketing
3. Add a Shade Guide to your Exam - take a base shade on all your patients
4. Don't use Bad Language - speak in terms the pt. can understand
5. Never run late! - do your hygiene checks whenever dr. has free time
6. Perform cosmetic procedures on your team members and have them brag about you
7. Stay in close touch with your patients in-between appts.
8. Create an "invisible sign" for your practice. FREE WiFi with SSID name of practice & phone # for practice.
9. Incorporate this "marketing machine" into your practice. Create "testimonials" for businesses in your community by autographing photos of yourself for local businesses and having them framed for the business to hang in their businesses.
10. Establish a mastermind group! Brainstorm ideas among like-minded docs.

Dr. Frank Incaprera's message from ACE Tampa 2011



Dr. Frank Incaprera of Texas has a message for those who missed the ACE Tampa 2011 Conference on Social Media & Marketing for Dentistry! Check it out!

Fred Joyal...are YOU smarter than a 5th grader?



Great job Fred! Too bad you weren't smarter than the 5th graders! :)

Dr. Peter Boulden & Jeff Kopeck giving a great presentation at ACE Tampa 2011 Conference on Social Media & Marketing for Dentistry!

Dr. Peter Boulden & Jeff Kopeck just walked everyone through creating a FB campaign a few minutes ago. They showed how to think through your campaign and plan it out before starting it on FB and the Goals/Objectives/Tactics needed to get your campaign virally noticed! Great stuff at ACE Tampa 2011 Conference on Social Media & Marketing!

Jim Higgins speaking at ACE Tampa 2011 Conference on Social Media & Marketing for Dentistry!

Jim Higgins of Smile Reminder is on now and just shared a lot of information about the new Google +1 feature and how it relates to your practice website. He's also showing how FB can be a great way to stay connected with your existing pts and market to new pts.

Fred Joyal one of the keynote speakers at ACE Tampa 2011 Conference on Social Media & Marketing for Dentistry!

The excitement is building for the ACE Tampa 2011 Conference on Social Media & Marketing. Fred Joyal's kicking off the program now! The entire conference is being recorded by HDIQ and we'll share information on how to purchase copies later.

We're LIVE at the ACE Tampa 2011 Conference on Social Media & Marketing

We're here LIVE at the ACE Tampa 2011 Conference on Social Media & Marketing.

I'll be posting blog updates live from the Conference with some of the highlights! Check back frequently!

Here's the link to view the photos from the event: http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=350520&id=105589329362&l=1b803e7d92

Friday, February 25, 2011

ACE's Social Media & Marketing Conference...Time to Register. Space is going FAST!

http://myemail.constantcontact.com/ACE-s-Social-Media---Marketing-Conference---Time-to-Register--Space-is-going-FAST-.html?soid=995469828718&aid=KwjJTLOZzUo


ARE YOU REGISTERED?
Space is going fast!!
Register Now for the Marketing Event of the Year!
Position Your Dental Practice at the Forefront of Social Media's
Marketing Revolution! 
                
Social media is not just having a Facebook account. It's so much more than that and is one of the best tools for dental practices to create client loyalty. Social media is used to educate, entertain, entice and enlist current & prospective clients to your dental practice 24/7. Utilizing social media to your dental practice's advantage requires a plan of action....one you will learn to create at this event!

The ACE 2011 Conference on Social Media & Marketing for Dentistry - April 1-2, 2011 at the Grand Hyatt Tampa Bay - will bring you the information you need to position your dental practice at the forefront of this dental practice marketing revolution!  
Space is Limited

Friday, February 18, 2011

Isolite Systems unveils small DV mouthpiece

Isolite Systems, maker of the award-winning Isolite™ and Isodry dental isolation systems, will debut a new small deep vestibule (DV) mouthpiece for its dental isolation systems at the Chicago Dental Society’s Midwinter Meeting in Chicago, Feb. 24–26.

Both dental isolation systems hold the patient’s mouth open, keep the tongue out of the working field and guard the patient’s airway –— all while continuously evacuating saliva and excess moisture. Working with Isolite Systems’ dental isolation technology allows dental professionals to perform procedures more efficiently with greater control over the oral environment.

The super-soft Isolite mouthpiece used with the Isolite and Isodry systems makes for a more comfortable experience for the patient, allowing the patient to rest his/her jaw on a soft-bite block versus having to hold it open for the entire dental procedure. With the tongue comfortably retracted by the Isolite mouthpiece, it is kept safely away from the dental procedure and the dental drill in order to avoid unintentional injury of the tongue. Additionally, the Isolite mouthpiece shields the patient’s airway as an added measure of safety to prevent inadvertent aspiration of a foreign body, such as a broken or extracted tooth, crown or implant.

With the addition of the new small DV mouthpiece to its product line-up, Isolite Systems now makes available six distinct super-soft mouthpieces that are designed to fit patients varying in size — from small children to large adults.

The new size was developed for patients that need a small bite-block, but have a relatively deeper vestibule compared to other small-mouthed people. For these patient types, the new shape and design of the small DV mouthpiece allows for an even more complete tongue retraction and better fit in the mouth. Its expanded cheek shield shape provides improved suction that goes deeper into the vestibule. The new design also features a more stable bite block that provides for additional suction capacity behind the bite block, insuring saliva does not pool behind the mouthpiece.

The new small DV mouthpiece was developed based on customer feedback. “We had such a positive response to the medium DV mouthpiece that we introduced, we wanted to bring those advantages to our smaller-sized mouthpiece,” said Dr. Thomas Hirsch, Isolite Systems co-founder and director of clinical relations.

For more information about Isolite Systems and its products, including a video tour and clinical videos, please visit www.isolitesystems.com or call (800) 560-6066.

Thursday, February 17, 2011

5 Tips to Increase Your Productivity Today!

From Dr. Marvin Berlin of Mckinney, TX and www.McKinneyDentist.com who is, without a doubt, the MOST productive dentist I've ever met!


1. Today, instead of thinking of reasons to put off doing the dentistry start it today.  
By the time it takes to think of a reason to reschedule a patient, you could have had them numbed.

2. In hygiene today, if anyone needs treatment, ask if they'd like to do it today.

3.  If you're doing any restoration next to an old amalgam, offer to do the neighbor as well ... they're already numb.

4. Skip lunch today and work in a quadrant of dentistry.

5. Have fun!

See you guys at 5 ... off we go!

Wednesday, February 16, 2011

ACE Member Benefit - Local Search for Dentists

Subject: Why 99% of Dentists Fail at On-line Marketing...Plus A No Cost Personalized On-line Practice Analysis <$1500 Bonus>

Dear Doctor,

Ever wonder why you are failing to totally DOMINATE your market in the rapidly-growing segment of patients searching for a local dentist online? Do NOT ignore this number, 97% of consumers go online to research products and services in their local area (The Kelsey Group)

Stop trying to figure it out and simply read a free report that'll show you step-by-step why what you are doing is...probably a total
waste of your hard-earned money!

Click on the link below to claim instant downloadable access to your Free Report & CD:
"How Google Has Completely Changed The SEO Game: The Top 10 Mistakes 99% of Dentists Are
Making Online and How to Avoid Them Like the Plague!" (PLUS To First 7 Doctors Who Request This Report Get $2997 IN FREE BONUSES)


==> http://www.LocalSearchForDentists.com/ace(only 50 copies)
Here's a critical mistake most dentists fail to understand:
Google has completely changed the SEO and Search Engine game forever!
It's not about Global SEO (search engine optimization) for your website, but, rather Local Search optimization for your business! You must understand this paradigm shift. Over the past 2 years dramatic changes in buyer behavior has turned the Dentistry world upside down. People do not gather information the same way they did 2 years ago, heck even 60 days ago. The world has become an instant information factory and Google has led and is leading the way.

Stop trying to figure it out and simply get this free report & audio that will show you step-by-step why you are vulnerable on Google and what you are currently doing is a total waste of your hard-earned money!

Here are 3 ONE-TIME-ONLY Special Bonuses for the first 7 doctors who request this report ($2997 Value):

FREE BONUS #1: A no-cost, no obligation, personalized online patient analysis and local search audit, so you can see with pin point accuracy why your dental practice is not getting patients from Internet. I will take a detailed look at your online presence and tell you if you are dead in the water, just treading water or riding the wave! ($1,500 Value)
FREE BONUS #2: My Exclusive Video Training “Disturbing Truth How Rogue Dentists Are Stealing Your Patients By Manipulating Google” ($997 Value)

FREE BONUS #3: My "Get More Online Patient Reviews" Attraction Letter & Email ($500 Value)

In this report, you'll also read about Dr Stall & Dr. Potempa's disturbing story on how a sneaky competitor actually went online and clicked a button to notify Google that....their practice was...CLOSED! It was a criminal lie, and you will also learn how they are now at the top of Google..crushing there competition.
BELIEVE ME.. IT COULD BE HAPPENING TO YOU RIGHT NOW AND YOU ARE NOT EVEN AWARE OF IT.

Get yours at http://www.LocalSearchForDentists.com/ace(only 50)

In this Special Report & Audio You'll also discover:
  • Why Your Website Isn't Getting You New Patients...and How To Change That Fast!
  • How To Get A Mobile/Smartphone Compatible Website For Free
  • How To Use Groupons & Other Offers To Your Patients With ZERO Give Away Fee's
  • How To Get To The Top of Local Search (Google, Yahoo & Bing) and Stay There!
  • How to STOP other dentists from taking over your Google listing and snagging your patients
    (yes, this could be happening right now!)
  • How to know if Website Design Company Is Burning Your Money with Outdated SEO Strategies 
  • Learn how to prevent falling victim to SEO “gurus” and 'companies' unethical spammy tactics that
    get you banned from Google
  • And much, much more!

    And to the first 7 docs to request the report & audio receive these BONUSES valued at $2997:
FREE BONUS #1: A no-cost, no obligation, personalized online patient analysis and local search audit, so you can see with pin point accuracy why your dental practice is not getting patients from Internet. I will take a look over your listings and tell you if you are dead in the water, just treading water or riding the wave! ($1,500 Value)
FREE BONUS #2: My Exclusive Video Training “Disturbing Truth How Rogue Dentists Are Stealing Your Patients By Manipulating Google” ($997 Value)

FREE BONUS #3: My "Get More Online Patient Reviews" Attraction Letter & Email ($500 Value)
***********************************************************************
Only 50 Reports Will Be Available So Jump In Now!!
Don't Let Your Competition Get A Leg Up! Click here now:http://www.LocalSearchForDentists.com/ace (only 50 copies)
***********************************************************************
Looking forward to your success!

Graig Presti
CEO, LocalSearchForDentists.com

P.S. Claim your 3 Free BONUSES:
The first seven doctors to request this free report will get a no-cost personalized online patient analysis and local search audit for free, PLUS Bonus #2 & #3 above (value $2997)!
To claim your free report go to: http://www.LocalSearchForDentists.com/ace

ACE Member Benefit - AMD Lasers

AMD Lasers - Picasso Lite or Picasso Special Deal for ACE Members – See Below!

The deal is for All ACE Members both Dues Paying Members and Non Dues Paying Members – ACE Dues Paying Members will save$300 off list price for the Picasso Lite and $500 off list price for the Picasso – Non Dues Paying ACE Members will simply pay the regular price and then NMDTech will then pay your $300 2011 ACE dues directly to ACE – ($300 Value).

Picasso Lite:
AMD Price $2495.00
ACE Dues Paying Member Price $2195.00 ($300 Savings!)

Picasso Lite Standard Package in white with Multi-Tip Handpiece:
  • One Picasso Lite Laser unit
  • One Transportation box
  • One Multi-Tip Handpiece with Permanent Fiber and Spool
  • 1 Disposable Starter Tip
  • Three Laser Goggles
  • Setup DVD
  • Universal Power Supply
  • Wired Foot Control
  • Quick Start Guide
  • Picasso Lite Operating Instructions Manual
  • 2 Year Warranty
  • ICLE Diode Laser Certification (set of 3 DVDs)
Picasso:
AMD Price $4995.00
ACE Dues Paying Member Price $4495.00 ($500 Savings!)

Picasso Package w/Multi-Tip Handpiece
INCLUDES:
One Picasso laser 7 Watts,
Whitening (Bleaching) Gel Kit (5-pack),
One Box of Disposable Tips,
One Transportation Box
One Multi-Tip Handpiece with Spool,
One Quadra Tip,
1 Disposable Starter Tip,
Three Pairs of Protective Laser Goggles,
Setup DVD,
ICLE 3-Disc Certification,
Universal Power Supply,
Wired Foot Control,
Quick Start Guide,
Operating Instructions Manual,
3 Year Warranty

To take advantage of this Special ACE Membership Benefit Offer - click on the laser picture below and proceed through the checkout process!

ACE Dues paying members enter the following Coupon Codes for the proper price adjustment:

ACEPICLT for the Picasso Lite
ACEPIC for the Picasso

When you process your order online your cc is not immediately charged the order is processed in a secure environment pending approval.

If you are a non paying dues member and enter the coupon code - your order will not be accepted!

Again, Credit cards are not charged until all orders are approved. 

The lasers are the same exact package as if you were buying them direct from AMD.

This is a great deal, so don’t miss out – support ACE for supporting you! 

Click the below picture to order today!

cid:image001.jpg@01CABD28.2612D3B0


Peter Maroon
A.C.E. - Academy of Comprehensive Esthetics
Co-Founder
603.505.6559

ACE Member Benefit - Live Dental Chat

ACE is pleased to present our latest Member Benefit from Live Dental Chat. 

Here's a message from Nora Sneberger who is involved with Live Dental Chat.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hello ACE Members:

I know many of you through my husband, Dr. Gary Radz.  I have worked with websites, SEO, internet marketing and social media for years.  I understand how to help websites produce results for my clients, yet even with great visitor traffic to a website, not all the visitors convert to patients.   As I was looking at Gary’s website and his traffic, I was trying to figure out how to help potential patients stay on the website and convert as new patients to the practice.  I really feel like I found the solution that is producing great results.

I recently partnered with a great company, Chat Taxi, and developed a specific line for the dental industry, Live Dental Chat (www.livedentalchat.com.)  Live Dental Chat is a live chat staffing service for the dental market that is designed to increase your new patient opportunities through your existing website.  How many people visit your website each month?  Do you attract the same number in new patients?  As you are reading this, there are potential patients browsing your website and looking into your services.  That is the good news.  The bad news is that statistically 97% of people will exit your website if their questions are not answered quickly and easily. 

Live Dental Chat reduces abandoned website opportunities in 3 ways:
1.       Engage your current and prospective patients with a live, knowledgeable US based chat agent trained in sales and the dental industry specifically
2.       Capture patient data online while answering basic questions
3.       Funnel this data instantly to your front office support staff so they can call and schedule an appointment OR
4.   Capture patient data and insert appointments for you, if you have web-based appointment software.(optional)

How Live Dental Chat impacts your dental practice:
1.       Maximizes website conversion potential
2.       Does not increase dental office support staff
3.       Circumvents email and phone wait times
4.       Provides a full-time service for much less than a part-time employee
5.       Increases new patients and practice revenue

Patient Benefits:
1.       Increases their online satisfaction and customer service experience
2.       Humanizes their web browsing experience
3.       Promotes loyalty to the dentist and their practice

Before Gary would let me offer this to his friends, we beta tested Live Dental Chat on his website.   Gary had great success immediately.  To ensure there was no bias in his evaluation, Gary suggested that we have Dr. Marvin Berlin and Dr. Tony Soileau test Live Dental Chat on their websites.  Again we saw impressive results.  At this point we feel the product works so well that we can help all of you get more patients and revenue into your offices.  To give you a better idea of how the agents handle the chats, I attached a copy of an actual “chat” that occurred the recently.

ACE Member Special:
·         One time $350 implementation fee
·         $349 monthly fee for Live Dental Chat ($50 off the standard $399 fee)
·         Three (3) month minimum contract
·         Monday thru Friday 8am – 4pm
Ø  COMING APRIL 1ST, 2011 – For those who have Web Based Appointment Software, Live Dental Chat taking a live chat then entering the appointment information for you.  Details coming soon!

Please call or email me with any questions.  You can also visit our website at www.livedentalchat.com to sign –up online (please enter marketing code LDC943 for your special pricing.)

 Nora E. Sneberger, VP Client Development
Live Dental Chat, A Division of Chat Taxi LLC
303.919.4794

Nobel Biocare CEO to step down


February 16, 2011 -- Dental implant maker Nobel Biocare announced today that its CEO, Domenico Scala, is leaving the company. The board of directors has appointed Richard Laube, a former executive with Nestlé, as its new CEO, effective May 1.
 
The board thanked Scala for his contributions to the company since taking over as CEO in 2007 and said his leaving was part of a "regular succession process." But some analysts suggested that Scala was replaced because the company has not performed well under his guidance. During Scala's tenure, Nobel Biocare's stock has lost 80% of its value and the company lost its market share lead to rival Straumann, according to a story in the Wall Street Journal.
 
"Scala took over the company at a highly critical time, and during the last three and a half years he has created a new footing, established a first-rate management team and successfully expanded the product portfolio," Nobel Biocare said in a press release.
Scala will be available to the company in an advisory capacity until the end of October 2011.
 
Nobel Biocare will report its 2010 financials on February 17, and the company's net profit is expected to be 50 million euros ($67 million), half of what it was in 2009, according to the Journal.

Tuesday, February 15, 2011

The Skin Gun

This is non-dental but it is an amazing video showing what the future of medicine holds. If this can be done for burn victims, how soon will stem cell research affect other aspects of medicine & dentistry?

Saturday, February 12, 2011

ACE - where dental FRIENDS meet!

What is ACE all about? Check it out, then make plans to attend the ACE Tampa 2011 Conference on Social Media & Marketing for Dentistry, April 1-2, 2011 at the Grand Hyatt Tampa Bay in Tampa, Florida. Learn more about ACE Dental Meetings at http://www.ACEsthetics.com.

Dr. Ray Voller - ACE Testimonial

Hear what Dr. Ray Voller has to say about ACE Dental Meetings and why you should attend an upcoming event. Learn more about ACE at http://www.ACEsthetics.com.

Dr. Clayton Chan - ACE Testimonial

Hear what Dr. Clayton Chan has to say about ACE Dental Meetings and why you should attend an upcoming event. Learn more at http://www.ACEsthetics.com.

Dr. Tim Adams - ACE Testimonial

Hear what Dr. Tim Adams has to say about ACE Dental Events and why you should attend an upcoming event. Learn more at http://www.ACEsthetics.com.

Dr. Greg Friedman - ACE Testimonial

Hear what Dr. Greg Friedman has to say about ACE Dental Events and why you should attend an upcoming event. Learn more about ACE at http://www.ACEsthetics.com.

Dr. Dave Schmidt - ACE Testimonial

Hear what Dr. Dave Schmidt has to say about ACE Dental Meetings and why you should attend an upcoming event!

Is this all there is in life?

Here's what I want answered:

Is it ok to question, routinely, "Is this all there is in life?"

Some days, I'm sitting at the dental chair and thinking about how crazy life is that I'm using a drill to cut a hole in someone's tooth and filling it with some type of replacement material. How does this help me in understanding life and why "my time" on Earth is valuable?

Don't get me wrong...I've had many incredible experiences...being married...watching the miracle of birth of my three daughters...meeting so many wonderful people throughout my life...and...at the same time...I wonder if I'm the only person who questions what's it all about?

Some days I feel like I'm living some ridiculous scene from the movie, "Groundhog Day", where I'm basically doing the same thing over and over and over and I can't get to the next day. Other days I feel like I'm the "King of the World" and I know exactly what it is that I want and how to get there. I feel like my life can be summed up like "Mr. Toad's Wild Ride" at Disney World...with an endless array of twists and turns...some expected...most unexpected...that come at me from all directions...on my way to wherever.

What I really enjoy doing more than anything is helping other people...and I'm not just talking about fixing their teeth...I'm talking about helping them feel empowered to go beyond their self-imposed limitations and helping them reach new levels of awareness. ACE has helped me accomplish this in so many ways. This truly is a labor of love for me. I am more proud of this email network and the life that it's taken on than anything I've accomplished because it has allowed me...and all of you...to connect with each other. We all get to experience the good, the bad, the happiness & tragedy of each other's lives and whether we all want to admit it or not, WE ARE ALL FRIENDS!

What I really want is for the closeness of this group to continue to grow and to continually help others in need. Each new day brings different challenges to each of us on this group. Sometimes we can face those challenges and overcome them on our own. Other times, we need a little help from our friends.

Often times I think "If I died today, would my life have been worthwhile?" As long as my answer is "Yes" then I know I'm doing ok. Don't get me wrong...I want to live until I'm 120...but whatever is in store for me, I know that I acted more times than not on the opportunities that have been sent my way. Sometimes I didn't get the expected result. In fact, many times I really messed things up! But, I took away from each experience the knowledge of how not to do things and became stronger and better for having gone through the experience.

Life is short. Our timelines in the history of life amounts to nothing more that a speck. Why are we here? What will we leave behind?

What I really want is for ACE to become different that any other group out there. I want our group to really...truly...openly...care for one another. I want all of you and anyone who joins in the future to feel like ACE is where I can hang out with my friends and I can talk about anything (dentistry or life) at anytime and I know that I'll always get an honest answer. I want people to look back and see how this group nurtures people to accomplish their own personal definitions of success. We support you in your growth and help you achieve your goals...whatever they may be...in dentistry and life.

That's why I'm here and that's what I'd like to see happen.

Then, my answer to the question "Is this all there is in life?" will be, "Yes. And isn't it marvelous?"