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“The L.D. Pankey Institute for Advanced Dental Education was conceived in 1969, believed possible in 1970, and achieved in 1971. The first class was conducted in September 1972.” These words begin Dr. H. Loren Miller’s book The L.D. Pankey Institute, How It Was Conceived, Believed and Achieved. Dr. Miller reported that at the 1969 meeting of the Florida Academy of Dental Practice Administration, Dr. Jack Wilkins of Winter Park, Florida – along with Dr. Lindsey D. Pankey’s associate, Dr. James W. Cosper, and Mr. L.M., “Billy,” Andersion, Jr., president of the largest dental supply company in Florida, were searching for a proper gift that would show Dr. Pankey the depth of their appreciation for how his seminars and Philosophy had been manifested in the lives of colleagues. Mrs. Rose Quick, Dr. Pankey’s administrator, was brought into the conversation. She suggested that they start a foundation in his name, surprise him with it, and allow him to be part of the decisions relative to the use of the money raised. Dr. Pankey wrote years later that the Foundation would have never been achieved without Mrs. Quick. Realizing the enormity of what they were hoping to create, these individuals brought into the planning Dr. F. Harold Wirth, a close friend of Dr. Pankey’s from New Orleans, Louisiana. Dr. Wirth brought in Dr. H. Loren Miller of Dallas, Texas and Dr. John A. Anderson, Sr. of Grand Forks, North Dakota, and together they generated parts of a plan. A committee was formed chaired by Dr. Wirth. Its members were Dr. Jack Wilkins, Mr. Billy Anderson, Dr. Bob Barkley, Dr. Peter Dawson, Dr. Jim Cosper, Dr. John Anderson, and Dr. Loren Miller. A tax-exempt foundation was established, the committee contributed $200,000 toward their $1,000,000 goal, and attendees of Dr. Pankey’s classes were given the opportunity to give. When the committee was within $40,000 of their goal, Mr. Hal Pearson, president of Den-Tal-Ez, provided this amount in appreciation for John Anderson assistance with the design of the dental chair for which the Den-Tal-Ez company was named. The L.D. Pankey Dental Foundation, Inc. was announced at the 1970 Florida State Meeting. Dr. Wirth was the Foundation’s first president. The 1970s: During the Midwinter Meeting in 1971, the Planning Committee of the L.D. Pankey Dental Foundation, then less than two years in existence formed the L.D. Pankey Alumni Association. An annual newsletter was undertaken to maintain communication with some 3,000 supporters worldwide. In the first newsletter, Dr. L.D. Pankey writes, “All of you must realize this is your institution. Even though I have been honored by having it carry my name, it is really yours. The quest for knowledge by conscientious dentists in their attempt to close the gap between what is known but is not being clinically applied makes the Institute desirable and necessary.” By 1972, construction had begun in Miami’s Dupont Plaza to establish innovative teaching facilities. A hands-on Continuum of educational experiences was offered with its first course scheduled in September. The Institute was directed by Dr. H. Loren Miller and Dr. John A. Anderson, Sr. The resident faculty was composed of Dr. Miller, Dr. Anderson, Dr. Pankey, and Dr. Jim Zuccarelo. The visiting faculty was called “the cadre” and composed of Dr. Richard L. Alpert, Dr. Guy E. Haddix, Dr. Richard A. Green, Dr. Edward Quinn, Dr. Roy G. Cowan, Dr. Tymon C. Totte, Dr. Fred D. Begeman, Dr. W. Keith Thornton, Dr. David C. Hildebrand, Dr. William R. Griffith, Dr. William E. Bryant, Dr. Fred Cory, Dr. Donald D. Culp, Dr. Michael Schuster, and Dr. M. William Lockard, Jr. Throughout the 1970s, courses increased in number and frequency. Thousands of additional square feet were leased and renovated in the Dupont Plaza for the expanding program. Fundraising for these capital efforts was continuous. In keeping with the expansive ‘70s, Dr. L.D. Pankey wrote, “Hardly a week goes by but that I receive mail relating to stress. The Institute is dedicated to minimizing the stress and improving the quality of life of the dentists and people they serve.” In 1973, he wrote about his belief that the Institute could evolve from its ideals with details worked out step by step. In 1974, he made a plea for dentists to educate their patients about comprehensive dentistry. In 1975, he expressed concern over future health care delivery systems and applauded those working to preserve the private practice system. In 1976, he wrote about the joy of seeking self-fulfillment first and monetary rewards second; the money would abundantly follow. The 1980s: The economy weakened at the beginning of the decade and Dr. L.D. Pankey reflected on the down turn, recommended that dentists use down time to further their journey toward technical expertise in dentistry and improved ability to relate to staff and patients. A marketing study was done of the Institute and a development department was formed. The Continuum and Technician courses were updated. The Class One Triple Plus Club celebrated its first anniversary, and Dr. L.D. Pankey retired from teaching. By 1982, the Institute felt the pinch of having funded so much expansion now that expectations for increased demand were not met. The question arose as to whether the Institute should liquidate. Mr. Christian B. Sager was appointed Director. Fund-raising was renewed and was very successful under the leadership of Dr. Peter Dawson. In 1984, Dr. Irwin M. Becker was appointed Chairman of Education. By 1985, the financial picture improved due to the generosity and hard work of supporters, as well as sound management. The Institute moved to its newly leased and equipped quarters at 240 Crandon Boulevard on Key Biscayne. Dr. L.D. Pankey wrote, “For those of you who feared the worst three years ago, it’s unbelievable how much has happened in such a short time. We revamped our programs and organizational structure, and Executive Director Sager has taken us from $50,000 in the red to $800,000 in the black.” During this time, the book A Philosophy of the Practice of Dentistry was co-written by Dr. L.D. Pankey and Dr. William J. Davis, and it has become the touchstone of the Pankey philosophy. Alumni support continued to build. In 1987, Dr. Becker wrote about refinements in the Continuum, saying, “Curriculum additions and revisions fall into three main categories: technical, philosophical, managerial. They are primarily based upon participant critiques and truly reflect an Institute attempting to be as responsive as possible. As the needs and psychographic make up of our participants change, the curriculum revisions must accurately reflect these currents.” On the passing of Dr. L.D. Pankey, on March 4, 1989, Mr. Sager wrote, “Dr. Pankey knew true leadership is pulling people toward a worthy goal. He perpetually affirmed other people’s strengths and avoided conversations or people who did not share his regard for the positive. He correlated positive self-regard with self-motivation. He told us that we can create the environment, provide the stimuli and the example but all real motivation is self-generated.” The 1990s: The Foundation purchased nine condominium units that it had been leasing for student lodging. In 1992, the Institute celebrated its 20th anniversary. Dr. Irwin M. Becker reflected on the appropriateness of the Institute’s commitment to balance technical excellence with the study of philosophy, realizing science gives us knowledge but only philosophy gives us wisdom. Mr. Sager wrote, “Dr. Pankey said that if we continually follow the principles found in the Philosophy we would not lose the proper balance, and those committed to excellence would always seek us out.” So many new developments are occurring in dentistry that Dr. Becker wrote in 1993, “True natural beauty is now achievable. Things that were difficult have become routine procedures with high predictability. Because of the rapid decline in caries, we now have the opportunity to spend 90% of our time on function, periodontics, and esthetic considerations. The approach can now be toward diagnosis and treatment planning of the entire stomatognathic system.” In 1994, Mr. Sager reflected on freedom of choice taking courage. The Institute community raised concerns about managed care. Several articles were written over the next few years about “Tier IV” and “5 Star” practices. Many participants aspired to this level. In addition, the efforts of Dr. Richard A Green in the new Business Systems Development Department resulted in an expanding financial management curriculum and development of a Patient Satisfaction Survey. Dr. Lindsey Pankey, Jr., wrote, “It seems trite to use such words as exciting or exceptional to define what transpires during a Continuum class. Students form a fellowship together and then with their staff, patients, and team of specialists. The warmth, caring and integrity is apparent. It infects everyone and everything.” In 1998, the Foundation purchased land at One Crandon Blvd. Architectural plans were developed and a capital campaign launched to build a state-of-the-art teaching facility owned by the foundation. Under the campaign leadership of Dr. William J. Davis, Institute supporters generously gave $2.5 million to complete and equip the building. The Institute moved to its new home in August of 1999. 2000-2005: The millennium began with a full schedule of courses at the new Institute. One-day outreach seminars were held around the nation during the summer and early fall. Dr. Becker wrote, “At this extremely important juncture in the Institute’s evolution, what we are all about is more important than ever. Our curriculum is extremely relevant to dentists who want to achieve excellence in both their clinical skills and relationships with patients and staff. It has become very broad based in its structure and objectives. Those, who are now rejuvenated in dentistry because of a new found passion in esthetics, can clearly benefit by adding predictable function, an enhanced sense of service, and a balance in their professional and personal life.” The Foundation reaffirmed its mission to be the most effective provider of advanced dental education, to inspire participants to achieve happiness and balance, to educate the public to the value of our approach to comprehensive oral health, and increase access to dental care to the underserved. Volunteerism was encouraged and recognized. The Pankey website, www.pankey.org, underwent a massive redesign and expansion. In response to market studies, the Continuum was revised to take advantage of web-based learning technology. Course work at the Institute was shortened to 3.5 days and students could stay over for individualized time with faculty. The new technology facilitated interaction with students and provided learning experiences after students returned home. A media campaign was begun to educate the public about comprehensive, relationship-based dentistry. Concerns over the commercialization of dentistry increased, and the Institute worked harder to impact the thought leaders of dentistry. A 2005 ad campaign asked the profession to envision an upwardly noble profession. 2005-2008: Dr. Lee Brady joined Dr. Steve Ratcliff, Dr. Gary DeWood and Dr. Irwin Becker on the Resident Faculty. Participants embraced the reformatted curriculum. Dr. Steve Ratcliff wrote, "We may change but we are still grounded in Dr. Pankey's philosophy, and you can hear and feel it permeate every level of the Continuum. Our commitment to you is that will never change." In 2006, the Alumni Association launched a public directory of Pankey dentists on www.pankeydentist.org. The Oral Health Report newsletter for patients of Pankey dentists was in its second year of publication. The Institute aired six public educational segments six times on prime time MSNBC. Outreach seminars were extended to six North American cities. An alliance was developed with the ADA to help new dentists. To take The Pankey Institute out into the dental community, the Education Department made time for faculty to schedule more offsite presentations. In 2007, Dr. Irwin Becker retired from Chairmanship to spend more time with students. Dr. Steve Ratcliff was appointed Chairman of the Education Department and wrote, "With Dr. Pankey's philosophy as the glue that holds everything we do together, we are moving toward a very bright future. We have a team of exceptionally dedicated resident and visiting faculty who are ready to knock themselves out to provide the very best educational experiences available in dentistry." Dr. Irwin Becker wrote, “After 22 years as your chairman (25 years with the Institute), I will be spending more time in direct interaction with students lecturing, mentoring, coaching and writing for years to come." In 2007, The Academy of Pankey Scholars was created. Dr. Gerard Chiche became a curriculum consultant to the Institute. Pankey Speakers Bureau information was put online at www.speakers.pankey.org. The Institute announced its first open international meeting for November 2008. This aesthetics program, A Gathering of Eagles, will be the Institute’s largest educational event to date (www.pankeygatheringofeagles.com). Focus groups met across the country in 2006-2007 to assist in the enhancement of the curriculum. Four courses, The Pankey Essentials, were designed to encompass the most important aspects of the Continuum and prepare dentists to implement their learning immediately upon returning home. A more open-architecture curriculum was established to permit participants wide flexibility in charting their own course through the Institute’s CE offerings. Mr. Christian Sager retired in July of 2007, after 25 years as Executive Director. The Foundation appointed Mr. Tony A. Trujillo as President and CEO. The 19th biennial Alumni Association Meeting celebrated 25 years of leadership, with tributes to Dr. Irwin Becker, Mr. Christian Sager, past and present faculty members, past and present leaders of The L.D. Pankey Dental Foundation, and the Pankey Scholars. Over 300 people were honored for their many contributions to the development and sustained success of the Institute. In early 2008, Victoria Champion joined the Institute as Development Director. The Foundation initiated the Pankey Dental Access Days program to organize Pankey dentists to provide quality dentistry to the underserved. Dr. Keith Phillips helped dentists shape and equip the first Pankey Dental Access Days clinic in Atlanta in April. A second Dental Access Days clinic will be held in Baltimore in August. The first four months of The Pankey Essentials sold out as Q1 enrollment rose over 60% from the previous year. The enthusiasm of participating dentists is extremely high. For more details of the past two years, please visit News & Articles on this website. There you will find news releases chronicling recent events and programs. | |||