It is my pleasure to join with your board of trustees to invite you, your family, staff and guests to the 61st AAPD Annual Session and Scientific Session in Washington, D.C., Thursday, May 22 through Sunday, May 25, 2008.
Your Child's Future Starts Here is a perfect theme for this year's Annual Session being held in the city where policy is created that impacts our ability to treat children to the best of our ability. This year it was decided to move the AAPD Annual Lobby Day meeting from March to the Wednesday before the Annual Session begins. We will have a record number of member participants visiting their representatives and senators and speaking to them about the AAPD's most pressing legislative priorities.
The Scientific Program Committee, led by Michael A. Ignelzi, will offer a variety of courses allowing you to choose what best suits your needs. There are outstanding programs that include the topics of restorative materials, orthodontics, behavior guidance, practice management and risk management. Other topics offered based on member feedback are staff retention, stem cell research, age 1 visit, how the media affects children and so much more!
Healthy Smiles, Healthy Children will feature Dr. Gregory L. Psaltis on Thursday during their CE Course. Dr. Psaltis will describe how you can Live your Dreams and love your work.
You won't want to miss the Welcome Reception on Thursday evening, as we will have the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum all to ourselves. The evening will include great food and drink and time to spend with your family, staff or friends.
Bob Woodward, reporter of The Washington Post and Watergate fame, will officially open the meeting at our first opening general session on Friday morning
Friday evening the New Dentist's reception will take place at a trendy and popular restaurant called Tabaq Bistro. This get-together has gained popularity each year and gives our future leaders of AAPD an opportunity to meet each other and exchange ideas.
Following the Alumni Receptions on Saturday evening, Healthy Smiles, Healthy Children will reprise their donor party from last year with exciting entertainment. The Silent Auction will also wrap up this evening, so bring your best bid and be prepared to fight for your favorite item!
Sunday night's Presidents' Dinner will be a wonderful opportunity to view some of the world's most precious art at the Smithsonian American Art Museum and National Portrait Gallery. In addition, you'll get to dance the night away under the stars in the museum's new glass-enclosed courtyard -- an evening you won't forget!
Local arrangements have been wonderfully coordinated by Warren A. Brill and Ricardo A. Perez. They and their committee have found the best of the best for each event. They will be available to welcome attendees, to guide them to meetings and events, and to offer advice when needed. They have arranged tours and excursions that highlight the nation's capital from the National Mall to Mount Vernon. Our hotels are in the Rockcreek neighborhood, close to the National Zoo and National Cathedral. Annual Session Chair William C. Berlocher has organized and planned four days of outstanding education, social events, relaxation and camaraderie that make this meeting the grandest event of our Academy's year.
I look forward to seeing you and sharing this wonderful experience!
Keith R. Morley, C.D., B.Sc., D.M.D., F.R.C.D.[C]
AAPD President
