For the second year in a row I went to the world’s greatest dental meeting, CAREERfusion in Florida. It took place in Daytona Beach (where the race track is right next to the airport and the cars are loud) from January 5-9 and since it is the best meeting in the world I have already committed to it for next year.
Why is CAREERfusion so great. First off the set up of the meeting is incredible. This is an intimate group of dental professionals, the vast majority of which are hygienists. The meeting has a very good format where there are table clinics interspersed between lectures of varying topics. The days are fully schedules and there were activities for night time for 3 of the 4 nights. (Please don’t ask for any video of me doing any karaoke…it will kill you eardrums).
But it is the people at the meeting that make it so special. First, I need to publicly thank all the corporate sponsors who were at the meeting. They were, in particular order, Voco (the Dentalist), Xlear (the xylitol experts), Coltene, Crosstex, American Eagle Instruments, Oragenics (oral probiotics), Smile Reminder, Perio Protect and Crest+Oral-B. I am sure that without their support the meeting does not happen the way it does. And the support they provide, the information to the hygienists, the job leads for the hygienists, is unbelievable.
I next want to extend my public gratitude for the vision of such a meeting to one Beth Thompson. It is her vision, along with the help of Shirley Gutkowski (who got me to the meeting last year and continues to provide entertainment every year) Fran Pangakis and Tim Twigg that allow CAREERfusion to offer the only professional development resource for dental clinicians to prosper.
But I have to save the best for last and that is the other attendees. Nowhere have I ever felt a more genuine environment for support anywhere in the dental world. And if you were there you know exactly what I mean. To the ladies (and few gentleman) I thank you for allowing me to start the new year with such an outstanding meeting with the most loving and caring people. My heart and appreciation go out to all of you.
CAREERfusion was started for hygienist by hygienists. So how cool is it that Crest+Oral-B held the initial celebration honoring 100 years of hygienists at the meeting. Can you imagine that, 100 years of practicing the only truly preventive medicine in this country, dealing with all types of patients (and all types of dentists). Special thanks to the unflappable Wendy Bebey and the entire crew for a wonderful party at CAREERfusion. It was my honor to be able to share in the celebration.