New York State Dental Association alters governance structure

Saratoga Springs, N.Y.鈥擬embers of the New York State Dental Association have spent the last few months weighing a historic proposal to change the association’s governance structure to mirror that of the ADA.

When the final votes were tallied before the May 28 NYSDA Board of Governors meeting, the decision was clear: membership overwhelmingly favored changing the association’s Constitution and Bylaws to allow for the creation of a House of Delegates and Board of Trustees.

NYSDA was the last single-constituent society trustee district within the ADA without a House of Delegates. Its Board and House will replace the current鈥攁nd much smaller鈥擡xecutive Committee and Board of Governors, respectively.

There will be 101 delegates in the NYSDA House, most of whom will be chosen by the component districts they represent. Officials say the new structure will lead to broader and more equitable representation in the Association’s decision-making process.

“I am proud to announce that our membership has overwhelmingly approved a new Constitution and Bylaws that will expand representation as we move from a Board of Governors to a House of Delegates and a Board of Trustees,” said NYSDA President Michael Breault. “I look forward to the increased input this will give to our volunteer leadership as we chart the course of our profession in the years ahead.”

NYSDA leaders May 30 elected Dr. Robert M. Peskin of Nassau County to serve as the association’s first Speaker of the House. The NYSDA House will meet annually and will be charged with legislative and governing matters. The 13-member Board of Trustees will meet more frequently to handle administrative issues.

NYSDA will celebrate its first House of Delegates meeting in June 2010 in Chicago.