Wednesday, Jan 1, 2025
Dear Harbor Dental Society Colleagues,
It is an honor to serve as your president for the Harbor Dental Society in 2025. As I step into this role, I cannot help but reflect on how dentistry is one of the few professions where we spend our days staring into peoples mouths while they try to talk to us. And somehow, we understand them. That is a skill set they do not teach in dental school. But beyond the daily challenge of deciphering muffled ahs and uh huhs, what truly makes our profession special is the sense of camaraderie and shared purpose that brings us together.
Dentistry can be isolating at times between running a practice, keeping up with CE requirements, and dealing with that one patient who insists their uncle in another state said they do not need a crown even though you can practically see the decay from across the room. But that is where organizations like the Harbor Dental Society shine. HDS is not just about staying compliant with licensure requirements or checking boxes for CE credits. It is about connection, mentorship, advocacy, and ensuring that we, as dental professionals, do not have to navigate this ever evolving field alone.
The Strength of Membership
One of the best things about HDS is the collective wisdom and support it provides. Our members range from new graduates nervously performing their first real world crown prep to seasoned dentists who can do one blindfolded but should not. This spectrum of experience is what makes our society invaluable. We can learn from one another, share successes and a few horror stories, and keep each other sane in a profession that requires equal parts clinical precision and social finesse.
Membership in HDS gives you access to a wealth of resources, from top tier continuing education courses to networking opportunities that can lead to lifelong friendships and mentorships. And let us not forget advocacy because let us be honest, dealing with insurance companies and changing regulations is about as fun as trying to take a perfect final impression on a gag prone patient. Through HDS, we can amplify our voices and shape the future of dentistry together.
This year, I encourage every member to take full advantage of what HDS offers. Show up to a meeting we promise the food is better than what is left in your staff lounge fridge, attend a CE event, or just connect with a colleague. Investing in yourself and your profession is one of the smartest decisions you can make right after deciding not to take that four thirty p m emergency patient who just needs a quick look.
The Power of Mentorship
I think we can all agree that no one survives dental school without a little help. Whether it was a professor who took the time to explain occlusion one more time because, let us be real, the first five explanations did not stick or an upperclassman who reassured you that your first class two prep was not that bad, mentorship is what keeps us going.
Now, as practicing dentists, we have the opportunity to pay it forward. Mentorship is not just about clinical skills it is about career guidance, business management, and sometimes just having someone to remind you that yes, the stress is normal, and no, you are not the only one who has dreamed of throwing an insurance appeal letter into a bonfire.
This year, HDS will be focusing on expanding mentorship opportunities, making it easier for new and experienced dentists to connect. Whether you are looking for guidance or willing to share your wisdom and a few battle scars, I encourage you to get involved.
Giving Back to the Community
Let us face it dentistry is a demanding profession. We juggle patient care, staff management, and a never ending stream of paperwork. But despite the challenges, we have one of the most rewarding jobs in healthcare. We do not just relieve pain we restore confidence, function, and health.
And what better way to remind ourselves why we chose this path than by giving back. Whether it is through free dental clinics, community outreach programs, or mentoring the next generation of dental professionals, volunteering allows us to reconnect with the core values that brought us into this field.
HDS has always been committed to community service, and in 2025, we will be expanding opportunities for members to get involved. Even if you do not have time to commit to a full day clinic, there are plenty of ways to make a difference because sometimes, just one restored tooth can change someones life.
Looking Ahead
As your president, my goal is simple to foster an environment of collaboration, positivity, and open communication. I want every member to feel heard, valued, and empowered to contribute to the direction of our society.
Dentistry is evolving rapidly, from new technologies to shifting regulations, and it is easy to feel overwhelmed. But remember you are not alone. HDS is here to support you, advocate for you, and provide the resources you need to thrive.
So, as we kick off 2025, I encourage you to engage with HDS in a way that fits your needs. Whether that means attending events, mentoring a younger colleague, or simply reaching out to say hello, let us make this year one of growth, connection, and a little bit of fun.
And if nothing else, remember this you cannot control everything in dentistry, but you can control your composite shade selection so choose wisely.
Looking forward to a great year together!
Amir
Dr. Amir Kazim DDS FACD FICD FPFA
2025 Harbor Dental Society President