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McGuire elected president of national dentists’ organization
By Lynn Hotaling
A Sylva dentist is now the head of a top national professional organization.
Dr. Patrick McGuire, a member of the third generation of his family to practice dentistry here, was installed last week as president of the American Academy of Dental Practice Administrators.
McGuire, who became a member of the invitation-only organization 15 years ago, said his selection as president means that he will head up plans for the group’s big annual meeting next March.
Sylva dentist Patrick McGuire, right, was installed as president of the American Academy of Dental Practice Administration during this year’s annual meeting in California. McGuire received the oath of office from Dr. Bob Ragan. Also present at the ceremony were McGuire’s wife, Jeanne, and Dr. Tom McDougal,
Set for Scottsdale, Ariz., next year’s gathering will include more than 700 people, McGuire said. As president, McGuire will have to hire the speakers and plan all aspects of the event.
Though the AADPA is made up of dentists, McGuire says its focus is more improving managerial skills and personal development than on technical dentistry.
“The idea is that we see improved relationships with our patients and our staff members through our own personal growth,” he said.
McGuire, the only local dentist to belong to the AADPA, is quick to tout the benefits of his membership in the group.
“This organization is the greatest experience I’ve had as an adult,” he said. “I would not be the person I am without it.”
That sense that he owes the AADPA a debt is what made him willing to devote the time required to become an officer, he said.
“Even though it’s a lot of work, I’m willing to do it to give back to the group,” McGuire said.
Experiences he has had as a result of his AADPA membership have made a big difference in his practice, he said.
“By virtue of things I’ve learned, I know more about management, and I’m more sensitive to the needs of my patients and staff members than I would have been without the exposure I gained through the AADPA.”
When the AADPA was formed some 50 years ago by a group of forward-thinking dentists, its focus was more technical, McGuire said. The group’s founders realized there was no good source of information on the knowledge needed to manage a practice. The AADPA was instrumental in a number of time/motion studies that led to improved efficiency and in the expanded role of dental hygienists, he said.
In addition, the group led the way in the development of what today is known as “four-handed dentistry,” where the dentist and assistant face each other across the patient, McGuire said.
“Its focus was technical in the sense that the AADPA determined ways for dentists to deliver their service better,” McGuire said. “The organization developed things that are commonplace now.”
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