LDA - Louisiana Dental Association

Dr. Hooton (center) and his four daughters, Sage, Maurie, Ainslea
and Babbette.
What are your goals for the LDA during your
term as president
Serving as president-elect has allowed me to attend
several components’ installation banquets and attend
the ADA Presidents-Elect Conference in Chicago. The
topic of many conversations has been membership.
I believe we can not only expand our membership
but increase membership involvement. Those that
realize the value of membership believe it is priceless
to the profession. An informed involved membership
is not only key to the issues we face, it is vital to our
profession. I believe an involved membership directly
effects how we provide for our families. I would like to
be very active in this.
In March, the LDA hosted its first Presidents-Elect
Meeting for its components’ newly installed presidents
and presidents-elect. Its purpose was for information
sharing to see what we can learn from and help each
other. It was a very productive meeting, and I hope we
can continue this new tradition.
There will be a resolution before the House in April
having to do with beginning an oral health education
program as part of the regular curriculum in Louisiana
public schools. I would like to see this taught yearly
in grades K-6. We’re not asking for much, maybe an
hour or two a year, but repeated and built upon as the
child grows. I believe I can at least get the ball rolling
during my year. I’m very excited about this project.
Besides Childrens Dental Health Month, I would
like to see the LDA participate in other kinds of
humanitarian outreach. By this, I mean something
along the lines of a C.E. course in Disney World in
conjunction with bringing a Make a Wish child or a
combat wounded veteran and family. These are really
early discussions but lifting another up is always a
worthy endeavor. Let’s overflow some baskets.
What, in your opinion, are the most
important issues facing dentists right now,
and how would you like the LDA to respond
to these issues
Obviously the mid-level provider issue is well known
to everyone. I believe that what started out as somewhat
of a noble concept is beginning to evolve into a wolf in
sheep’s clothing. This is slowly creeping into other states
and we need to monitor it closely and be prepared.
Even though we do well in Louisiana, membership
is always an area we watch closely. We need to pay
attention to the concerns of young dentists and dental
students. We should recognize our emerging leaders
and keep them involved. We need to stay on top of the
fluoride issue, sales tax exemptions and budget cuts to
dental programs. Even though we might not participate
in any of these, they still directly effect our profession.
Organized dentistry is something that we should want
to be a part of. It’s not about group insurance, it’s about
a national voice, and we need to keep ours strong.
I believe the LDA stays at the forefront of many of
the issues that affect us. We are kept fully informed
in a timely manner, and any responses or actions
needed are usually rapid. I appreciate our LDA office
staff, Ward, Annette, Debra, Sharon and Tiffany,
for their commitment and the quality of their skills.
Having been to the past two ADA House meetings
and listening to the platforms of those running
for ADA president, I can tell you the leadership is
impressive. I believe the ADA is becoming stronger
and more focused and is speaking with a voice that
begins at the grassroots level. By staying very proactive
and keeping our long range vision for the
profession of dentistry at the forefront, I feel the
future of our profession will be very bright.
I also invite any member with questions or
comments to email me at ehooton@comcast.net.
Editor’s note: Dr. Hooton is a U.S. Army veteran
and served two tours of duty in Vietnam as an Air
Traffic Control Tower Chief.
6 LDA Journal