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Professional Courtesy We Want You to Floss and Vote! Thomas Giacobbi, DDS, FAGD, Editorial Director, Dentaltown Magazine

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We Want You to Floss and Vote!
– by Thomas Giacobbi, DDS, FAGD, Editorial Director, Dentaltown Magazine
Choices. We feel better when we have choices because it means we’re in control. However, there is a saturation point where the number of choices becomes so overwhelming that you might be unable to make a decision. When I was in grade school, there were three major TV networks, ABC, NBC and CBS. Finding a show to watch was a fairly simple process. Today there are literally hundreds of TV channels competing for your attention. Thanks to the invention of the remote control, we are able to browse these channels with ease.

When it comes to dental products however, there is no remote control. You can attend a large trade show such as the ADA Annual Session, Greater New York Dental Meeting or Chicago Midwinter Dental Meeting, and browse the aisles of products organized into manufacturer booths. This, in my opinion, is one of the best ways to connect directly with the companies that make the products you use every day. They can provide advice on indications and review the directions as this is most often the cause for dissatisfaction with a product. Dental meetings are a two-way street and the smart companies are also there to listen to their customers. Take the time to tell them about your clinical challenges as this is the genesis for new product development.

According to a 2011 Dentaltown poll, approximately 44 percent of dentists attend at least one major trade show each year. That leaves the other 56 percent to rely on other sources for product information. Naturally, my favorite source of product information and discussion is Dentaltown.com. We provide an online resource accessible 24/7/365 where you can discuss any dental topic with dentists from around the world. Whether you visit a trade show every year or you live the life of a hermit, take advantage of this terrific resource.

In a few short months Dentaltown Magazine will announce winners of a very important vote. It does not matter if you are Democrat or Republican, Tea Party or Green Party, I’m not talking about the Presidency; it’s Townie Choice Awards time! The voting season is upon us and it is time to make your voice heard throughout the profession. Are you total-etch or self-etch? Do you use polyvinyl or polyether? Is there an E4D or CEREC in the office? And so much more.

If you complete the entire ballot before July 20, you will be eligible to win $500 in our Earlybird drawing. A second random drawing will occur in September at the close of voting. The prize includes $1,000 and your photo on the cover of the December 2012 issue of Dentaltown Magazine! The ballot is organized into sections to allow voters to complete it in multiple sessions or all at once.

Your feedback each year helps to improve the balloting experience. I’m excited to announce that this year we will offer an opportunity to customize your ballot. This member-generated suggestion will remove any items from the ballot that you do not currently own. It works like this: After you register to vote and verify your information, you will see a screen that contains a list of items. Simply mark yes or no if you have the item in your office. The “no” responses will not appear on your ballot. If, on the other hand, you don’t want to take that extra step, there will be an option for you to bypass the checklist and go straight to the full ballot.

If you have any suggestions for next year, please be sure to let us know. We want your input. Thanks again for taking the time to vote. It is as important as flossing.

Dentaltown Magazine
September 2025
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