Ben Jernigan, D.D.S.

It is my honor and privilege to assume the Presidency of the Northern District Dental Society for the 2009-1010 year. My first duty was a very exciting one, to announce to those assembled at this years’ Gala for Smiles the formation of the NDDS’s own charitable entity, the Greater Atlanta Dental Foundation. The GADF is the culmination of what started out ten years ago as an idea for a way to give something back to the community in the form of contributions to Atlanta area dental clinics that were treating underprivileged patients. The Gala for Smiles was our fundraiser, and it has been very successful. We have raised and contributed over $200,000 since the first Gala, but we feel the opportunity exists to do better. By creating our own Foundation, we can approach other organizations that may be willing to provide financial support for our mission of treating the underserved. Our funding will not be limited only to the amount raised at the Gala, but can be a year round process.

The success of the Greater Atlanta Dental Foundation is now up to us. We will need all NDDS dentists to use their contacts with potential donor organizations, their creativity to develop new funding, and of course their own financial contributions to make the Foundation successful. Please contact either me or the NDDS office with any potential donor contact that we can pursue.

Thanks to the Gala for Smiles committee, chaired by Dr. John Muse for another great event! This years donations totaled over $66,000 which will make a great start for the
GADF. Congratulations again to the Dentist of the Year Dr. Jim Granade, and thanks to all of you who attended and contributed.

Be sure and mark your calendars now for the Legislative Reception night on December 10th. The event is being held at Druid Hills Golf Club. This is a great chance to meet and talk with legislators in a relaxed and informal manner. This year we have also invited all of the gubernatorial candidates to attend the Reception as well. Please come and join us for this important event.

On a more personal note, many of you are aware that our President Elect, Dr. Jeff Kendrick was seriously injured recently while working on his property. Even though he will be wheelchair bound for weeks, he fully intends to carry out the duties of his NDDS office.  He thanks all of those who supported him during this difficult time with their thoughts and prayers.

We have a great organization in the Northern District Dental Society, due to the hard work of our members, officers, and staff. Please contact me with any concerns or ideas that you may have. I look forward to serving this year,