My Dear Patients, Family and Friends,
It has been my pleasure to care for your dental needs over the 30+ years of my dental career. I have always sought to provide you with the best that modern dentistry has to offer. I have been able to do this because I have devoted my personal time away from the office attending continuing education programs, so that I am always aware of and using the most current and efficacious techniques and dental materials. As many of you know, I participated in and supervised many continuing education programs for my colleagues through leadership positions in the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD) and the Chicago Dental Society (CDS). I found I enjoy helping my colleagues further their dental education and accumulate new skills to improve patient care. Recently, a position with the Chicago Dental Society dealing with continuing education became available. This full-time position, the Director of Scientific Programs, involves hiring speakers, arranging courses and executing the CE program for one of the largest dental education meetings in the world, Chicago Midwinter Meeting, as well as several smaller meetings. I applied, interviewed, and was selected from a number of qualified candidates for this position. I will annually supervise a meeting consisting of over 200 courses, 150 speakers, a veritable army of volunteers, as well as a seven-figure budget. Since this is a full-time position, it will mean the end of my clinical career and my time caring for you.
Drs. Mike, Cassie and, our newest addition, my son-in-law, Stephen Patterson, will continue the tradition of providing outstanding dental care for you and your family at Hawthorn Dental Associates.
I am not leaving dentistry but rather, I will be furthering the skills and knowledge of my dental colleagues through the Chicago Dental Meeting and other educational activities that I will supervise. Thank you for the opportunity to have been part of your healthcare family for all these years!