Stylish Smiles

I would like to thank the nominating committee for the opportunity to apply for a leadership role in the AACD and would like to officially be considered for a position on the Board of Governors for the 2002 elections. In 1991 I joined this Academy because I felt it was one of my best avenues to pursue a personal commitment to excel in the field of cosmetic dentistry. My first scientific session was a fabulous experience. I had the opportunity to learn from the best, share personal experiences and goals and enjoy the camaraderie of colleagues that were there for the same reasons as myself. What impressed me the most was the vision that the Academy had with the accreditation process. My decision to take the steps necessary to become an accredited member in the AACD has made me a better dentist.

I went through the review process twice before becoming successful as an accredited member. My first failure was initially disappointing and then slightly embarrassing because of the cases I decided to present. Through my own personal commitment and the commitment of my mentors to see me be successful, I became an Accredited member. It has been fun for me to help others try to be successful as their mentor, and an honor for me to be involved as a reviewer.

As with any large, growing organization this Academy has endured a variety of “tests” to undermine the accreditation process.Many people have worked very hard not only to become accredited but to insure that the standards and the process of accreditation are fair, attainable, and at the highest level of quality. I seek advancement as a Governor to help the existing board ensure that all their hard work continues to keep the accreditation standards implemented.

I believe that leadership style and the ability to get things done go hand-in-hand. With a team, on a board or in a dental office, every individual is going to have personal strengths that differ from the others. My style is to get the individual to realize their strengths and empower them to contribute with ideas to help the team be successful. Creating an environment where people are respectful of each other, openly communicating and enjoyably productive is conducive to accomplishing consensus for implementing constructive ideas. When guidelines are established I am mildly direct and persistent (sometimes not mildly) and expect people to follow the guidelines. Change is inevitable and beneficial if it improves the quality of life. I feel that if a team agrees that a positive change in a guideline is necessary than it should be done.

I am an idea person, creative and analytical and like to have a systematic plan that is ultimately put into action after it has preferably been accepted through a group consensus; however, I have no problem with self- implementation. I am able to make unbiased decisions and tend to be more productive in a team environment. I am willing to modify a plan if I feel the overall consensus is viable, otherwise I can be persistent with trying to get ideas I strongly believe in, accepted.

The high standards that have presently been established for accreditation and education in the AACD need to be kept in place and improve as the Academy continues to grow. I feel that through my years of membership in the AACD and my involvement with the accreditation process that I have a good insight as to what’s been done to implement the current standards and what needs to be done to stay on the right track. I feel that my loyalty to the Academy, my firm belief in the credentialing process, and my willingness to generate ideas and work hard as a team player are good qualities for a Governor. Promoting the AACD is easy for me to do both locally and nationally. I currently serve on the ethics committee and plan to contribute to the AACD through Board meetings and committee work.

My short-term goals for the AACD are for more public awareness of the benefits of cosmetic dentistry, keeping the credentialing standards set high and fair, and seeing improved professional acceptance of the AACD’s credentialing process. Long-term goals are based on being part of a proactive Board that is able to do their best to see that short-term goals are implemented and maintained for the future Board to build on.

I have been very involved in the Minnesota Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, an affiliate of the AACD, as a founding member, past president and board member. Our MACD is the most active affiliate in the AACD. We have a very successful study club format and annual meetings with great support from corporate sponsors and attendees. A small core group of board members have worked very hard to implement guidelines, plan meetings, expand membership and encourage new blood to join committees and become involved with the board. My experience with contributing ideas, implementing systems, and working with different personalities on the board throughout the success of the MACD, will be a beneficial factor for the membership of the AACD should I be elected to the Board of Governors.

Stylish Smile Gallery • Refined Technology • Stylish Welcome • Unique Team • Contact Us
Smile Enhancing Treatments • Testimonials • Meet Dr. Urich • Dr. Urich's Expertise • Letter to the AACD Board