Dear Colleagues and Friends,

It is an honor and privilege to serve as President of the Jacksonville Dental Society this year. I am grateful for the opportunity to work alongside such a talented and dedicated board and community of dental professionals.

One of the things I am most excited about this year is our outstanding lineup of continuing education programs. Our board has worked diligently to bring together exceptional speakers, including well-known and respected local experts such as Dr. Jason Olitsky, as well as nationally recognized educators like Dr. Steve Shufflebarger, a mentor who has had a profound impact on my own professional journey. Reference our schedule for more opportunities. We hope these programs provide valuable clinical insights while fostering meaningful connections among colleagues.

In addition to education, we remain committed to serving our community. We look forward to another successful Give Kids A Smile event, made possible through the collaboration of our members, vendors, and partners at FSCJ. This event exemplifies the spirit of service that defines our profession and allows us to make a lasting impact on the lives of children in our community.

This year also offers a unique opportunity to celebrate our nation’s 250th birthday during our annual Military Night hosted in October, as we honor those who have served our country and recognize the important role military dentistry has played throughout our history.

As a practice owner and working mother, I understand the challenges of balancing professional growth with the demands of everyday life. One of the greatest strengths of our local dental society is the ability to access high-quality continuing education, mentorship, and professional networking right here in Jacksonville. I firmly believe that what sets dentistry apart is our willingness to learn from one another, support one another, and advocate together for the future of our profession.

Whether you are a longtime member or considering joining for the first time, I encourage you to become involved. The Jacksonville Dental Society exists to support your professional growth, strengthen our dental community, and help each of us provide the highest level of care to our patients.

I look forward to seeing you throughout the year and working together to make it a memorable and successful one.

Sincerely,

Dr. Bethany Burton
President, Jacksonville Dental Society