For most of us, the word “tripartite” entered our vocabulary while in dental school. It is generally not a word used in casual conversations, but is part of organized dentistry’s vernacular. All states participate in the American Dental Association’s tripartite structure. However, there are governance variations among the state and component societies. The position of “editor” is a good example of those variations. In some states the editor is an elected position and in others it is an appointment. Some editors are officers of the association, some are equivalent to standing committee chairs and others are regular volunteers.
When I first agreed to consider the position as editor, the Wisconsin Dental Association was in the midst of some discussions regarding changes in our governance structure. One of the questions was whether or not an editor should be an officer position. Governance restructuring had met with some resistance, and has been relegated to a low priority issue, but as our association grows and changes the topic will certainly resurface. It is my strong recommendation that the editor should continue to be an officer of the association.
The editor is not the journal’s grammar police. Not only do we have spellcheck software, but we have a very capable communications staff who can insure a quality publication. The editor is not and should not be the association’s mouthpiece. You could easily hire a college intern to report on the activities of committees and leadership. The editor needs to be the conscience of the association, making a deliberate effort to bring all voices into the conversation. The editor should strive to ask – but not necessarily answer – the hard questions that do and will face us.
Properly posing those questions requires an intimate knowledge of all sides of the issues and what is at stake for all involved. Every generation of dentists needs to be reminded that our careers exists to serve the health of the public.
Finally, our increasingly diverse membership challenges us to avoid a variation on the Animal Farm paradox, “All dentists are equal, but some are more equal than others.”
The WDA is an exceptional organization. It has been an honor and a privilege to have served as your editor.
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Bob, you did an amazing job as editor. The awards speak for themselves. Thank you for adding the WDA staff in their support. Your insight on matters relevant to the WDA kept us engaged as dentists. I thank you for that!
Thank you for your commitment to the profession. Your efforts have been appreciated. It is a challenge to balance all parts of professional/personal lives. You left your mark, enjoy the next steps in your life.
Bob, thank you for your leadership and your mentorship. I will take this advice to heart.
Bob- You have certainly succeeded in your goal to be the conscience of the WDA over your time as editor and thereby have made the WDA better and stronger. For that we all thank you so much. Enjoy some leisure time and your photography.
Bob:
Thank you for a great run as the Editor! I enjoyed great Journalism, as well as the new formats for contacting us! You have allow the communication to grow in quality and at the great speed we need. I appreciate your tireless efforts for the year of dedication. I hope you continue contributing, especially with your photographs!
Bob:
Thank you for a job well done. I always enjoyed reading your insightful editorials but as you know the editors job was much more than that and I appreciated your commitment to the job and the WDA
I am humbled that the some of the same dentist / leaders who have inspired me took the time to reply to my post. Thank you all for your kind words.