Tuesday, Nov 18, 2014
Walter G. Weber, DDS, was installed as the new CDA president last week at the House of Delegates meeting in San Diego.
Weber, a general dentist with a private practice in Campbell, is a graduate of the Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry and Santa Clara University. He also earned a master's degree in Business Administration from Golden Gate University. Weber succeeds Immediate Past President James Stephens, DDS.
During his speech to delegates, Weber emphasized the importance of CDA continually looking for ways to best serve its members in the profession's changing landscape. Current trends in dentistry, including shrinking dental insurance benefits, pressures to reduce costs, and increasing costs of dental education, make it important for CDA to understand members' needs and develop strategies to help them succeed and best serve patients, he said.
"Our members' success is critical for our organization," said Weber. "A strong membership is crucial for CDA to continue to be the voice of the profession."
Weber stated that CDA's new strategic plan will guide efforts to meet the needs of current members and attract new ones, whether they provide care in a private practice, group practice or corporate setting.
"We need input from young dentists to make sure that we are meeting the needs of dentists who are just starting their careers," said Weber. "While supporting and honoring our long-term members, changes that support and attract new members should be the focus."
Harbor Dental Society delegates and alternates who attended the House of Delegates November 14-16, 2014 in San Diego included Dora Lee, DDS, Ashok Mehta, DDS, Ravipan I. Smith, DDS, Gary L. Glasband, DDS, Simona C. Arcan, DMD, MD, Ron F. Antimarino, DMD, Max B. Martinez, DDS and John L. Blake, DDS. Trustees Michael W. Marshall, DDS and Belinda L. Balais, DMD also attended. Dr. Balais was recognized for her dedication and service as a two term trustee during the house.
In addition, John L. Blake, DDS and Gary L. Glasband, DDS, won CDA public policy awards in recognition for their support of CDA's policy to improve access to dental care in California's Medi-Cal dental program through direct advocacy, and a willingness to share their experiences and expertise with the general public through the news media.