NEWS Message From Our President

Too Soon Old - Too Late Smart

J ust as you get the hang of a job, it's over. Time flies when you're having a good time. It seems like

only yesterday that then president, Joe Maggio, handed me the gavel and wished me well as 47th president of the AAE. He was a tough act to follow.

Joe was such a solid president. With his great energy and knowledge of Association affairs, my greatest concern was that he would leave nothing for me to do.

I underestimated the process and the progress of events. It turned out there were lots to do. I must say that some of the problems and activities were not traditional and, hopefully, nonrepeating. It was an unusual year.

The year seemed to develop into one brush fire after another. Strangely, I really enjoyed it! It's been exciting; riding the edge, pushing the envelope, as test pilots say. High stakes make for great exhilaration.

No day passed without some conversation, discussion or decision made on an issue which could, for better or worse, affect the AAE for many years to come. That's fun! And now, in the blink of an eye, it's over.

rve particularly enjoyed the opportunity to bring you a message each month. In retrospect, most of my mes- sages were more philosophical than didactic, but my main

effort has been to stay optimistic. I sincerely believe that all of us in this specialty have a very rewarding future.

Many of you member readers have dropped me a line or personally passed a comment that you got something beneficial from one column or another. That alone makes the exercise of writing worthwhile.

It will soon be time to turn the gavel over to Dr. Jim McGraw who already worries that there will be nothing left for him to accomplish in his year of service.

Not to worry, Jim, the job has a way of demanding full service. Dr. McGraw is uniquely qualified for his job having just served as President of his own state society in Washington. I wish him well. I know he will be excep- tional.

In very short order many of us will be in Las Vegas - 35-40 percent of the membership will have the time of their professional lives reloading their minds and refresh- ing their souls amongst friends old and new. I hope to see you there. Please stop me and say hello since most presidents of volunteer organizations view the opportunity to meet and gain new friends as the chief benefit of the position.

I haven't forgotten all who have helped me this year, and they have been many. There will be time for all of that at the Riviera in Las Vegas. Hope to see you there.

Gerald C. Dietz, Sr., DDS, MS President

IFEA Congress a huge success Dr. Manuel Weisman, chairman of the U.S. Publicity for the First World Endodontic Congress, reports that the Congress, held in Mexico City, Mexico, January 24-27, was "one of the most interesting, educational, stimulating and thrilling endodontics events ever held."

The International Federation of Endodontic Associa- tions and President Jose Oynick's organizing committee met with much success as its Endodontic Congress featured over 100 reknown clinicians from around the world. More than 1,200 dentists from 24 countries attended this landmark conference at which a broad range of topics were covered, including lasers, computer- ized radiography, gold post and cores, sonic instrumenta- tion and filling techniques. Over 90 exhibitors from many nations displayed their goods as well.

Social events included the opening of the Prehistoric Dentistry exhibit in the Museum of Anthropology, com- plete with skulls, teeth, and other items relating to dentistry from prehistoric times.

IFEA is already planning the Second World Endodontic Congress, to be held in Paris, France in June 1992. Plan now to attend.

AAE takes off for Las Vegas

Beginning April 25, 1990, Las Vegas will become the stage for the 47th Annual Session of the American Association of Endodontists. Five full days of educa- tion, relaxation and socialization. But don't spend all of your time (and money) visiting the slot machines or poker tables because this year's Annual Session will bring you through an Endodontic Space Odyssey, in which you can explore the various spaces associated with endodontics. Whether it's the CE course offered on Wednesday preceding the Annual Session or one of the numerous courses offered during, do reserve your space and take off with the AAE in Las Vegas, April 25- 29, 1990. Join us on the AAE Starship Endoprise and discover the Endodontic Space Odyssey.

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