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Pierce County Dental Society is a component society for current members of the American Dental Association and Washington State Dental Association.

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February President's Message -
Dr. Tina Olsson

Dear Members,

Welcome to 2026!

I hope everyone’s new year was just right—whether you chose action-packed or quiet and chill. I write from the east coast where the storms were less dramatic than the media predictions, but dang it’s cold! I will always bias the Puget Sound; it’s lovely temperate weather among the favorite qualities.

At the most recent HOD, I listened to Michelle Caldier and Kevin Schilling campaign. I learned new things and became aware of some topics and obstacles surrounding us that I had not previously had on the radar. I had a funny thought: thank goodness for politicians. They do things I just wouldn’t be willing to do. Meetings, red tape, conflicts that cannot be resolved in under ten steps. It’s valuable to peek into other professions and note how different skill sets support our communities with or without our awareness.

Over the holidays, my family and I visited Washington, D.C. Our state representatives were not in house, but it was fun to take the kids on a tour of the city and begin conversations about how our governing system works in the United States.

Dental action day was on January 21st this year. It is an event supported by the WSDA. The event is essentially an appointment with several representatives, allowing the opportunity to meet with more than one in a day without travelling to the east coast. The event is annual and usually occurs in January or February. Consider attending next year—whether you just want to observe and learn more about the issues being discussed in Olympia or you’re ready to get fired up, engage in advocacy, and perhaps join a committee. Your presence and voice make a difference.

The PCDS Board has found our new Community Outreach Coordinator position, Taylyr Breiner. The new position is intended to strengthen the affiliation between the Pierce County Dental Foundation and the Pierce County Dental Society. The Foundation has raised and manages funds designated for charitable, dental-related projects within Pierce County. However, it does not have the infrastructure—such as employees or administrative systems—needed to directly organize and run charitable events. The Pierce County Dental Society, on the other hand, is legally able to provide that infrastructure but has historically been limited by the availability of charitable funds. The hope is that the Community Outreach Coordinator will bridge this gap and help us revive and expand the charitable events our Society supported pre-COVID.

Our next general meeting features one of Tacoma’s pillars. Dr. Anderson-Elter will share new ideas to help us care for patients experiencing dental trauma. My favorite meetings are when our own local colleagues speak. If you don’t already know Aarika, come to the meeting a little early and get to know her. Happy hour is at 5:30.

Missing your faces, missing your warm hearts and missing the PNW weather! Dr. Tiffany Lamberton, PCDS president elect, is finishing this year out for us. Thank you Tiffany!

Tina Olsson, DMD
President, Pierce County Dental Society

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