Editor’s Note:

Andy Williams croons it every year right about now, and I have to say I agree with him – It’s the most wonderful time of the year.

The holiday season was always my favorite growing up. It’s hard to beat Thanksgiving and Christmas in a four–week span. Between all of the food, fun, and family, it really is a great stretch. When my daughter was born almost 11 years ago (wow, is that really possible?), the holidays took on an even bigger importance in my life. Putting together a Barbie dune buggy with my mom and dad at midnight on Christmas Eve and seeing her face the next morning are memories that I wouldn’t trade for anything. Of course, when she asked me how Santa got it down the chimney, I immediately said it was time to start opening more presents. Diversions can be a very good thing.

When I was deciding what theme this issue of Proofs® would have, I thought back to the feelings that go along with the holidays. There is no other time like the holidays, when people give of themselves to help others and are so geneorus with their time and money – or is there? You see, one thing I’ve learned about the dental industry is that the feel–good experiences of the holidays last all year long. This industry has the chance to impact people’s lives and help them 365 days a year … and you do that.

You’ll hear about Give Kids A Smile a lot over the next couple of months (be sure to read our GKAS article on page 69), but it’s not just one day when the dental industry gives back. GKAS is truly a great day, but there is so much done by so many beyond that. This issue of Proofs® is dedicated to all of those people (probably including you) who do so much during the year to help others.

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During a September trip to Kansas City, I saw firsthand how people can be impacted by the dental industry. Dr. Bill Busch, a dentist in the Kansas City area, has put together a fabulous program called TeamSmile (illustrated by the photo at lower left) and has worked with the Kansas City Chiefs to really build an amazing event. When I was there, I watched Dr. Busch and so many volunteers help so many kids who otherwise might not receive the dental care they need or deserve. You can see the magic of that day by watching my video from the Kansas City event at http://www.dentaleconomics.com/news/video_news.html.

While Dr. Busch and his volunteers were doing the actual dentistry, nothing could’ve happened in Kansas City without the support of numerous dental companies providing assistance. Because of your generosity, lives were changed – and this was three months before the holidays.

As you read through this issue, please know that I highlighted the efforts of some companies, hoping that this would give a general overview of the generosity of the dental industry. I know I didn’t include every company, and I know there will be some people who will ask me why their company wasn’t included. I truly wish I had enough pages in the magazine to showcase all of the good works done by every dental company. In 2009, I plan to highlight various companies who do good works, so keep an eye out for that.

The bottom line? Thank you for all you do throughout the year to make people have better lives. You touch more people than you realize. Happy holidays to you and your family. I’ll see you at the Greater New York Dental Meeting.

Read on … this is your magazine.