Local groups retain control of Greater NY Dental

Looks like the Greater New York Dental Meeting -- billed as the largest dental meeting in the world -- will remain in the hands of the two local groups that have long co-sponsored it: the New York County Dental Society (NYCDS) and the Second District Dental Society (SDDS).

Last June, after the New York Legislature voted to adopt a bill that would give the New York State Dental Association (NYSDA) the right to "expel" the NYCDS, there was a flurry of editorials in New York newspapers questioning the motives of many of those involved, including New York Gov. David Paterson.

Last week, the NYSDA board decided to leave well enough alone.

"Our board did vote this summer to have another component serving Manhattan, but at last week's board meeting they decided not to do this," said Sandra DiNoto, the association's director of public relations. "They voted to have only one component serving one county." She declined to comment further on the board's decision.

As a result, the association that was formed earlier this year to take the place of the NYCDS -- the Manhattan Dental Association -- has been disbanded.

"For a time there was a second component serving that area, but they do not exist anymore," DiNoto said. "The NYCDS serves Manhattan."

She also dismissed speculation that control of the meeting might have changed hands had the NYSDA exercised its right to expel the NYCDS.

"The Greater New York Dental Meeting has always been a separate, independent business entity of the two local county dental groups," DiNoto said. "It was never part of this equation."

Thus it will be business as usual at this year's Greater New York Dental Meeting, which opens November 28 at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center and runs through December 3.

"There are no changes with the Greater New York Dental Meeting. It will be bigger and better than ever!" said Ellen Gerber, executive director of the NYCDS.