Leadership
Taking a leadership position is a great way to shape the future of your profession and can be the start of an exciting journey that takes you to new heights of achievement. Becoming a leader has many benefits:
- Learn leadership and organizational skills that will serve you in all aspects of your life
- Have the chance for your voice to be heard
- Increase your knowledge of our wonderful profession and have the satisfaction of knowing you’ve helped to make it better
- Have the pleasure and satisfaction of working with some of the best and brightest in our profession
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Leadership Profile
Douglas J. Gordon, DDS
Contra Costa Dental Society
What have you gained from your leadership experience?
I gained the opportunity to make an impact on the future of dentistry for both the new dentists and the children of this state. Young dentists are fired up to make a difference and a kick to work with. They deserve to have the opportunity to practice quality dentistry and enjoy a commensurate standard of living. The children in our community deserve preventive care that protects them from pain and loss of teeth. Working to protect both groups of young people is very fulfilling.
What did you enjoy about being a volunteer?
The best part of having served as a trustee and on the Leadership Development Committee is the excitement of making new friends. This group of successful, dynamic, and caring dentists and spouses with diverse interests has expanded my horizons. It is energizing to be with them.
How did you decide to become a volunteer?
Very simply, friends of mine wouldn’t let me say “no.” They provided mentoring and pushed me to overcome my fear of public speaking. Their confidence in me left me no choice but to step up and work to make a difference for our profession and our children.
What does leadership mean to you?
The most important aspect of leadership to me is developing future leaders. The most rewarding part of my involvement in CDA has been seeing the growth in younger dentists. I enjoy seeing the pride in young leaders after they step up to the mike, voice their opinions, questions, or exercise their intellect. They learn their “one” voice can change the direction of our 22,000-member association. It is gratifying, knowing I have had an impact in acquiring and developing quality dentists to lead CDA and ADA.