Our year, 2026, came upon us so quickly – and it will pass before we know it. Before that happens, know that the American Academy of Restorative Dentistry committees are preparing for an amazing program for 2027! AARD committee chairs, Dean Kois (Essay) as well as Drew Johnson (Projected Clinic) and Michael Loden (Table Clinic) along with their respective committees have developed a lineup of exceptional presenters for the 2027 Annual Meeting. Their efforts continue as they collaborate with the presenters to ensure the meeting’s content matches the standards of past years. Roxanna Esguerra (Arrangements Chair) and her committee will continue to shine with the multitudes of year-round behind-the-scenes details that elevate the Restorative Academy meeting to the superior level provided year in and year out. Adam Winckler will lead the Reception Committee, infusing the warm personal touch for which the AARD is renowned. Leadership is service and these members – along with all the other members involved in the myriads of committees associated with the Academy – are providing us with their service, their leadership, and I want to extend a heartfelt thank you for their service.
While the Saturday and Sunday programs are often the best in the business, that is not the sole lure of our Academy. The friendships in the room, the results of the hard work of these many members giving their time and the warmth of the welcome we feel walking up the stairs to the eighth floor at the Four Seasons in Chicago all generate the aura of the Restorative Academy at our Annual Meeting. Our membership is made up of dentists who are being pulled in as many directions as possible to fulfill roles for our Academy, their local dental societies and study clubs as well as other national organizations. All that on top of their daily work in private practice, our military and in education. Yet, despite these responsibilities, we see such dedication and effort on a yearly basis to develop and provide the weekend of learning, growth, camaraderie and warmth that draws all of us together. Personally, I am so grateful for the opportunity to work with all of you to generate the 2027 Annual Meeting and welcome you when you arrive in my hometown of Chicago.
On behalf of your Executive Committee, President-Elect Brian Vence, Secretary-Treasurer Chris Mack, Chair of Council Michael Sesemann, Vice-Chair of Council Betsy Bakeman, and myself, I want to express that we are working to uphold the standards known to the Academy while we manage the challenges that come our way to the best of our abilities. Leadership is service. Leadership is also making tough decisions, decisions that are challenging. Decisions may not always be fully understood by those not in the room, but all Academy members should have confidence these decisions are made with the core knowledge your EC has been infused with along our paths. We all thank you for your continued support on this journey.
