President's Message

A Message from SDDS President Dr. Paul W. Teplitsky

Dear Colleagues:

It is an incredible honor to serve as your president of Second District Dental Society (SDDS) for 2025. I want to begin by thanking each of you for the trust and confidence you have placed in me. As we embark on this year together, I reflect on the path that has brought me here and look forward with optimism and dedication to the work ahead.

I did not become an active participant in organized dentistry until relatively recently. My journey in the profession began with 34 years of involvement in hospital dentistry, administration and leadership. For 27 of those years, I had the privilege of participating in resident education, an experience that was both personally and professionally rewarding. Watching new dentists grow, develop their skills and find their place in our profession has solidified my belief in the importance of mentorship, community service and continuing education. My immersion in organized dentistry began about a decade ago. From my service on various SDDS committees to my time on the SDDS board of trustees, I have seen firsthand the dedication and hard work of so many individuals who devote their time and energy supporting our organization and our profession.

I am proud to have represented SDDS while serving on the Greater New York Dental Meeting (GNYDM) Organization Committee and to continue to volunteer with the GNYDM. This Meeting, which is co-sponsored by SDDS and New York County Dental Society, has historically been the largest and most successful dental meeting in the country. Special thanks to the GNYDM Immediate Past General Chair Dr. Richard Oshrain, current GNYDM General Chair Dr. John Young, Jr. and GNDYM General Manager Dr. Tom Loughran, all of whom have helped us navigate through the challenging post-pandemic environment.

I served for five years as Second District’s representative on the New York State Dental Association (NYSDA) Council on Ethics and am now in my second year as chair of that council.  I have also been a delegate on numerous occasions to both the NYSDA House of Delegates and the ADA House of Delegates. These roles have reinforced for me the critical role of advocacy, leadership and collaboration in advancing our profession. They have also given me the opportunity to learn so much more about dentistry, visit new places, meet new colleagues and make new friends.

As I take on the role of SDDS president, I believe it is important to acknowledge the challenges we at Second District will face in the coming years. Transitions in leadership, declining membership, the evolving financial landscape and what I perceive as a “dental generation gap” all require our attention. My vision is to address these issues in a collaborative fashion. I remain confident that together we can accomplish our goals with insight, strategy and innovation. My priority is to ensure that SDDS remains positioned to not only overcome these challenges but to continue to thrive as a cornerstone of dental excellence and service.

Our Society has a proud tradition of leadership and success. Individuals such as former NYSDA President Dr. Craig Ratner, former NYSDA Speaker of the House Dr. Steven Gounardes, former NYSDA trustee Dr. Mitchell Mindlin, current NYSDA trustee Dr. John Demas, current ADA Council representative Dr. Alyson Buchalter and former GNYDM General Chairs Dr. Ian Lerner and Dr. Lauro Medrano-Saldaña are just some of the examples of Second District members who have excelled in their roles and gone above and beyond. Programs such as the SDDS Loan Forgiveness Program, our sponsorship of the Greater New York Dental Meeting, Children’s Dental Health Month activities and our extensive continuing education offerings are just a few examples of how we provide value to our membership. The annual four general membership meetings, which are offered free to all members, reflect our continued commitment to professional growth and connection.

Looking forward, I envision a Second District Dental Society that builds upon these successes while working and innovating to meet the changing environment and the needs of our members. Of course, none of this would be possible without the invaluable guidance, advice and help of our Executive Director Mr. Bernard Hackett and our dedicated administrative staff members Ms. Christine Terrio, Ms. Stephanie Carter and Ms. Shayo Farinre. By managing the transitions in leadership and finances, strengthening outreach to younger dentists and addressing their needs and attitudes, and encouraging and fostering greater participation across all levels of membership, we can ensure that SDDS remains a vibrant and relevant resource for all. I am committed to working alongside our talented board of trustees, staff and membership to keep SDDS strong, engaged and forward focused.

Finally, I want to express my gratitude to the many leaders and volunteers who have given their time and talents to this organization. It is because of their dedication that SDDS has earned its reputation for excellence. As we move forward into 2025, I encourage all members to take an active role in our society—to share your ideas, lend your voices, and join us in this ongoing journey.

Thank you for this opportunity to serve as your president. Together, we can honor the traditions that make SDDS great while embracing the challenges and opportunities of the future. I look forward to working with and for each of you in the year ahead. 

Regards,

Paul W. Teplitsky, D.M.D
2025 Second District Dental Society President