There are times in life when we pause, put down the work that lies before us, and reflect on things that have been done by others in our lives. For various reasons, the past couple of months have given me opportunity to do just that. I would like to share some of those reflections here. The following just touches on the lives of a few people who have made significant impact in my life. My desire is that, by taking a minute or two to read it, you might pause and reflect and, perhaps, gain encouragement in your life from what they have done for you.
In November 2015, the American Dental Association honored Dr. Richard V. Tucker with its Distinguished Service Award during its annual meeting of the House of Delegates. ADA President Dr. Maxine Feinberg presented the award stating that “His dedication to excellence in dentistry and to high ethical standards has impacted countless dentists around the world. The fact that there are more than 50 active Tucker Clinical Operating Study Clubs around the globe speaks to Dr. Tucker's leadership in his field.”1 He is the namesake of the academy of study clubs that has committed support to this journal, just another way that Dr. Tucker continues to impact the practice of dentistry. An interesting factoid that may not be widely known is that Dr. Tucker was born in the town of Orofino1 – get out your Spanish dictionary for that one! The Academy of Operative Dentistry previously recognized Dr. Tucker with its Award of Excellence in 1992.2 The example of Dr. Tucker continues to provide inspiration around the world.
With the close of 2015 comes further change. Dr. Bruce Matis has served as an Associate Editor for Operative Dentistry for sixteen years. During that time, he took on the major role of interfacing with our corporate sponsors, successfully keeping the subscription rates for this journal among the most attractive available. Bruce has: provided countless manuscript reviews when other reviewers were difficult to find; helped shape the bleaching content published in the journal; consistently contributed unique perspectives during our quarterly Editorial Board meetings; and has been a steady support for the journal editor and staff alike. The lack of his regular presence will certainly be felt by us all. He is another shining example of someone who lives devoted to his commitments, someone who could always be counted on to do what needs to be done. It is one of his qualities that I hope many would recognize and desire to emulate.
Also leaving the editorial staff is Dr. William Browning. He retired from his academic life in 2015 and resigned his Associate Editor position shortly after that transition. Bill came to the journal staff with his move to Indiana University where he held the Indiana Dental Association Endowed Chair of Restorative Dentistry position. Bill's insights and expertise in clinical research provided much needed support in the editorial process. Although his tenure was shorter than some, his contributions had huge impact during his time with us. I wish him well in the years ahead.
These three individuals have gone above and beyond the call of duty. Working with gratitude for what they have and what they have been given, their lives provide examples of service and mentoring that have touched countless numbers of people.
As this New Year begins, take a moment to reflect on the power of the influence that you can have and ask of yourself, “Am I living my life in such a way that others are being served and mentored?”
If not, why not?
Thank you Dick, Bruce, and Bill for all that you have done for our profession and, consequently, for humanity. May each of you continue to find ways to serve in the years that lie ahead!