Philosophy of the Academy

PHILOSOPHY OF THE ACADEMY

INTERNATIONAL SPEAKERS:

Much of our early dental training is received from faculty in dental schools who, only naturally, express points of view limited to their experience. �Later, we listen to local speakers whom county dental societies, with their limited financial resources and time restraints imposed by the business meeting portion of the program, have selected.

Fortunately for the Academy, many of our members attend and participate in international meetings. �These members are responsible for bringing to our attention the existence of outstanding worldwide clinicians who normally would not be known to local study groups.�The Academy has made a concerted effort to enlist these renowned international speakers, and we have been privileged to hear the presentations of more than seventy-five speakers from Europe, Asia, Australia, South America, and Canada. �We�firmly believe that the knowledge gained from such a global perspective vastly improves the selection and quality of treatment available to our patients.

PRACTICE MANAGEMENT PROGRAMS:

Change is a constant in our profession; technology is moving forward at a remarkable pace. At the same time, patients deserve the personalized care, skill, and judgment required to master complex restorative treatments. �With that in mind, we seek advice from those who will challenge our thinking as it relates to management and ethics. �It is the Academy�s aim to expose members to new concepts that will improve each unique practice, thereby bringing more joy, satisfaction, pride, and profit to their enterprise.

There may exist a conflict between business and professional ethics. Without a concrete philosophy of practice, taking into account our individual skills, temperament, and objectives, one may be diverted from the path to excellence. Therefore, it is essential to examine timeless principles underscored by specific ideas to ensure growth, success, and excellence. �We strongly feel that a practitioner benefits from those presentations that teach the ability to communicate to patients, thereby enabling them to better serve the needs of their patients.

DECEMBER CULTURAL CELEBRATION:

Each December, NHAD members are challenged to grasp concepts that may seem far removed from the day-to-day practice of dentistry. These lessons of collective wisdom embody centuries of artistic creation and extol a timeless esthetic value. This end-of-the-year celebration seeks to impart to members and guests an appreciation for the esoterics of gifted thought and performance.

Over the years, these outstanding cultural programs have included the musical virtuosi of piano, cello, French horn, oboe, brass quintet, theatre organ, and Spanish guitar; modern jazz and contemporary gospel music; outstanding vocalists of opera and American musical theater; distinctive dance forms, from classic ballroom to flamenco and tap dancing; the art of film, playwrighting, journalism, one-man theater, and computer animation; and the remarkable science of solar exploration, primate behavior, and the origins of man.

The objective of these programs is to encourage our members to venture beyond their dental horizons and, at the same time, celebrate our friendship and good fortune.

ENLIGHTENMENT IN DINING:

For more than four decades, the Academy has encouraged its members to share good friendships and cultivate professional relationships while enjoying a fine dining experience of delicious cuisine with exceptional wines, served by accomplished wait staff.

Currently, our menus are selected from the six books of Dine with Europe�s Master Chefs�in order to expose members to the preparation of diverse dishes that are not only beautiful in presentation but exquisite in taste. �

Accompanying these multicourse meals are carefully selected wines from every area of the world, revealing infinite varieties of extraordinary grapes and winemakers who have reached the pinnacle of their craft. �A fine wine, carefully chosen to complement the flavors of the cuisine, can become the catalyst for table conversation that unites the membership in friendship and celebration.

Before each luncheon, a video presentation (orchestrated by Baldwin Marchack and Robert Rosenfeld) demonstrates the complicated and often exotic preparation required for a fine culinary and viticultural experience.
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MEETING DECORUM:

Despite the current trend to dress in overly casual attire at some dental meetings, the Newport Harbor Academy of Dentistry continues to maintain a recommended coat-and-tie dress code for men and professional dress for women. �The philosophy of the Academy is that the prescribed dress etiquette reflects the professionalism of the audience and, more important, conveys a nonverbal message of appreciation for the speaker�s presence and a respectful consideration for his or her ideas.

This de rigueur standard of conduct is also expressed in the members� punctuality and polite demeanor�behaviors that contribute to the quality of the educational experience and prepare the dentist to become, yet again, a student. As excellent as a teacher�s skills may be, without a willing and participating student there can be no education.

The suggested professional dress code and maintenance of decorum appropriate to the ambience of a first-class hotel venue serve to enhance the unique and elegant educational experience the Academy strives to offer.