Dear Colleagues,
The past year was full of opportunities for engagement. Connecting with you has allowed me to better understand the needs, interests, and desires of endodontists in different practice settings. Addressing your suggestions and concerns head on benefits the specialty of endodontics as a whole. The Board of Trustees is committed to just this; they are working tirelessly to move the needle on goals directly addressing endodontic research, education, access to care, and practitioner engagement. Some of our greatest achievements in 2023 are highlighted within the pages of this annual report. I speak for the Trustees when I say, we are grateful for your philanthropy, which directly supports the genesis of scientific research, honors the commitment educators make to the next generation, and provides much needed specialty care to underserved patients. You will be pleased to hear: • The Foundation & Specialized Dental Partners Domestic Access to Care program funded eight programs in full or in part in 2023. Each provided valuable specialty care to patient populations, including low-income veterans and seniors, and Ukrainian refugees. • In addition to our celebrated programs and grants, several new opportunities were developed and approved in 2023. Part-time educators and residents should be on the lookout in 2024! • The 2023 Endodontic Educator Fellowship Award was the 28th fellowship awarded by the Foundation. This program has helped support some of endodontics strongest and most committed educators. • The fourth year of the five-year Dentsply Sirona Research Fellowship unfolded in 2023. Dr. Annie Shrestha continues her progress toward extramural funding for her project “Immune Dysbiosis in Diabetes and Apical Periodontitis – Role of Cell Microenvironment.”
I encourage you to review the details of these accomplishments and more to fully comprehend the impact the Foundation is making on the future of our specialty. We are sowing seeds for the future, and I am proud of the outcomes and impact the Foundation has made. One of my objectives as president has been to strengthen the Foundation at its roots and carry our mission forward. I am excited for the remainder of my term. I am honored to serve you and our specialty.
With much appreciation,
Margot T. Kusienski, DMS, MSEd, MMSc President, 2022–2024
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