The Pankey Institute
Local Dental Institute Celebrates 25 Years of Leadership
Key Biscayne, FL – The local Pankey Institute for Advanced Dental Education held its 19th biennial alumni association meeting at the Ritz-Carlton Key Biscayne, FL, on October 11-14. At this meeting, The Pankey Institute and its Alumni Association celebrated the 25 years of leadership of Dr. Irwin M. Becker, the Institute’s Emeritus Chairman of Education, and recently retired Executive Director, Christian B. Sager.
Becker, of Coral Gables, and Sager, of Ponte Vedra, were surrounded by more than 350 well wishers at Saturday night’s Gala at the Ritz and Sunday morning’s keynote presentations. One of the Institute’s founders and chief fundraisers, Dr. Peter E. Dawson, of St. Petersburg, FL, presented a history of The Pankey Institute and the many achievements of Becker and Sager during their 25 years leading the Institute. Both Becker and Sager expressed their own perspectives on professional ethics and leadership, as well as gratitude.
Outgoing Alumni Association President Dale A. Sorenson, D.D.S. of Newburgh, IN, and incoming President, Edmond O. Mukamal, DMD, of Woodmere, NY, planned an outstanding program that included two days of clinical and behavioral presentations by members of the Academy of Pankey Scholars, a golf tournament at Crandon Golf Course, deep sea fishing and other activities. All past and present faculty of the Institute were honored, and the members of the Academy of Pankey Scholars recognized.
The Pankey Institute, at One Crandon Blvd., on Key Biscayne, is a nonprofit organization that promotes optimal oral health care through advanced continuing education for dentists (www.pankey.org). Founded in 1972, it was the first institute of its kind and remains among the most prestigious, attracting dentists from 42 nations to its educational programs. It is estimated that nearly 20,000 dentists and specialists have attended its courses and now serve millions of patients worldwide.
PHOTO CAPTION: During a gala dinner dance at the Ritz-Carlton Key Biscayne, on October 13, Christian B. Sager, retired Executive Director of The Pankey Institute, and Dr. Irwin M. Becker, Emeritus Chairman of the Department of Education, received gifts commemorating their 25 years of leadership at the Institute.
