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MAN ON THE RUN
These days Gene Sekiguchi spends
almost as much time at 30,000 feet as he does at sea level. As
president of the American Dental Association and associate dean
for professional, international and legislative affairs here at
the School of Dentistry, Sekiguchi rarely finds himself in the
same city for more than a few days.
"It's virtually non-stop. I
try and take advantage of flight times as quiet times. Of
course, I lug my laptop everywhere," says Sekiguchi with a smile. Given
the brevity of their one-year tenure, a sense of
urgency pervades the agenda of all ADA presidents. With such a
short time to accomplish his goals, Sekiguchi is determined to
make the most of it.
He is currently addressing two
major issues. The first is a complete review of the
accreditation process, including the accreditation of special
programs and foreign schools. The latter is of particular
interest to Sekiguchi.
"The ADA is really trying to
set a single standard of education. That means that if a foreign
school would ask us, and pay for the process, we would go there
and review their program for accreditation," says Sekiguchi.
Once these schools were
accredited, their graduates would be eligible to take U.S.
licensure exams. A recent trip to the National University of
Mexico (UNAM) confirmed that the potential for such a program
existed. Sekiguchi was impressed with the school's facilities
and students. He is optimistic, yet cautious, that the foreign
accreditation program will move ahead.
"It's important that we
maintain high standards. Once a foreign program is accredited,
it becomes the model or current standard," says Sekiguchi.
The second issue receiving a lot
of attention in the early stages of Sekiguchi's tenure is access
to oral health care. According to Sekiguchi, access can be
hindered by economic, social, cultural and geographic factors.
At present, Sekiguchi’s
attention is focused on several tribes of native Alaskans who,
unable to come to clinics in towns distant from their nomadic
grounds, are sending members of their own communities to New
Zealand for training as dental therapists. As a sovereign
nation, the tribes are not obligated to abide by state and
federal licensure regulations.
The ADA is committed to uphold a
single standard of care for all. Sekiguchi is concerned this
effort will be undermined if dental therapists, the equivalent
of a medical nurse, are allowed to practice dentistry. The two
sides are currently discussing the matter, and Sekiguchi hopes
to arrive at a solution satisfactory to both parties.
“The ADA must find a way to
uphold the standard of care and provide an alternative way to
deliver care to this underserved population,” says Sekiguchi.
With one-year to accomplish his
goals, Sekiguchi is uncertain how much he will be able to
achieve. However, he doesn't seem unduly concerned with his
legacy. His principal concern is getting the disparate segments
of the dental profession working together as a team.
"It's about all the parts of
the profession, insurance companies, regulators, practitioners,
and educators all being on the same page. Our principal concern,
as a group, should be patient care. That's the name of the
game," says Sekiguchi. In February, he plans to bring
representatives from each constituent group together for a
unique meeting. Rather than gathering to discuss issues among
each other, attendees will listen to the perspective of real
dental patients from all segments of society.
"I want the leadership to be
the audience. My point is that we have to really begin to look
at some of these things we consider outside the box and really
seriously consider them," says Sekiguchi.
As the first minority member to
serve as president, Sekiguchi hopes to draw more
underrepresented groups into the ADA.
"The main thing is it's
possible, get involved, be really positive about your
opportunities. I hope people become encouraged by my presence
and become involved in the leadership of ADA," says
Sekiguchi. |
