Dear distinguished members of the Korean Academy of Periodontology,

  I sincerely give my best regards to all of the members as well as their family members.
The Korean Academy was established in 1960 and in the year 2010, we will the hosting the 50th anniversary and there are a total of 1800 members at present. All of the contributions go to the efforts and sacrifice of many senior members. However, distinguished members, I truly believe that it is not possible to maintain the best academy if we do not challenge and reform according to the fast changes of the medical environment. During my term as the president, I will prepare several takeoffs as we will be holding the 50th anniversary of the academy.

  I will publish a booklet for the Korean Academy of Periodontology commemorating the 50th anniversary of the academy. As it goes without saying that ‘Without the Past, There is no Future’, I think it important to organize the past historically. In order to carry out this work, we need enthusiastic participation and collection of information from many counselors as well as senior members. I will organize the committee in charge for the journal of the 50th anniversary. We will sum up the history and systematically analyze the contents of the journal and show you the flow chart of how the studies have come along so far.

  As we are approaching the 50th anniversary of the Academy of Periodontology, I would like to suggest the vision and goals suitable for the 21st century. The 50th anniversary logo will be made and there will be a proclamation ceremony for the 50th anniversary. The vision and goals will be announced there. This will allow the Korean Academy of Periodontology to define its identity and strengthen its competitiveness. I, as the president believe that the following be involved as the vision and goals.

  As a vision, I think the periodontal health of the people should be promoted through the worldwide communication of basic study and clinical study of the periodontal disease. As for the goals, firstly, there should be a development in the leading basic study and clinical foundation of periodontics. Defining the causes of periodontal disease, formation of molecular biological study, study of gene therapy should be active as the future agenda. In addition, there should be revitalization in the periodontal tissue engineering, implants, gene therapy correlated with basic dentistry for the development in clinical periodontics. Secondly, the academy should take interest in increasing the people’s interest of periodontal health. There should be an interest in the establishment of preventive program of the periodontal disease as well as the epidemics of the periodontal disease, medical administration reinforcement, early discovery and early treatment, public relations and medical services. Thirdly, there should be an upbringing of the physicians correlated with the Academy of Periodontology. I think there should be efforts in nurturing the periodontal specialists, certified periodontists, embracement of the dental hygienists, dealing with the problems of education of undergraduates and residents and the interest of practitioners of periodontics. After discussing with the committee, I will announce the vision and goals at the 50th anniversary ceremony.

  I will announce the strategy of development of the Korean academy of Periodontology for the 50th anniversary. First, I will promote the academy and symposiums globally through the formation of network with the American, Japanese, Chinese and Asian and European academies. Second, I believe that the Journal of Korean Academy of Periodontology should be improved as an SCI level. For this to happen, there should be continuous finance and human investment. Third, I will establish and organize the specialist and certified periodontist system through discussion with the involved group. Fourth, I will reinforce the importance of periodontal health through the public relations and on “Periodontal Health Day.” Lastly, I will improve the insurance system, support and activate the district, and form relationship with the committee professors of the Korean periodontics.

  In order for the above projects to drive forward, there needs to be a financial foundation and if this to become possible, there needs to be an increase of active members and their interest. As a president, I will try my best, in and out, to expand financially. Let us all overcome the financial difficulties in 2009. As for the 50th anniversary in the upcoming November, let’s all take this as a new challenge and make the Korean academy, “For the members” and a “Helpful academy.” I truly wish that you would give me feedbacks and I wish you happiness for you and your family.

Thank-You.