The Color of Dentistry

Did you know there was an official color for Dentistry?  Yes, Lilac was chosen in 1897 by the National Association of Dental Faculties.  It inspires compassion, purpose, and inspiration.

Here is a graduation gown for one of my classmates for her AGD (Academy of General Dentistry) ceremony.  My cap and gown were nearly identical to this when I graduated from dental school.  I wondered why all the bright color?  Why purple, lavender or whatever this was? (It's Lilac).  Now, I am pleased with this great color for our profession.  It's happy, professional and beautiful.

More here:   on the Symbols of Dentistry 

The American Academy Of Pediatric Dentistry's Annual meeting

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (the AAPD) met in Orlando this year.  I've been told an Orlando meeting is the most registered for, least attended meeting the AAPD schedules.  This year there were about 6500 people in attendance.

I was privileged to be asked to judge the annual poster competition.  These are presentations of research projects done typically by pediatric dental residents.  These presentations covered, trauma, oral pathology, orthodontics, sedation and general anesthesia, insurance, Medicaid etc.  Most were very well done and I learned a lot just being a judge.

Here a couple of photos taken with my iPhone (so they are not ideal lighting conditions.) They used an iPad to control the big screen plasma or projector image.  That was a nice use of that technology as they could expand or zoom in on desired items or photos.

In addition to the academic seminars, lectures, and academic presentations, there was some nice benefits to having the meeting in Orlando.  Here we are being welcomed into Disney's Hollywood Studios.  We (the AAPD), had exclusive use of the park that night.  They had a band, fireworks, no-line waits for rides such as Tower of Terror and Toy Story Mania.  The best part was the red carpet welcome: