[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 19 (Tuesday, February 8, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E167]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                      TRIBUTE TO DR. GARY JEFFERS

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. THADDEUS G. McCOTTER

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 8, 2011

  Mr. McCOTTER. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor and acknowledge Dr. 
Gary Jeffers as he concludes his term of service as President of the 
Michigan Dental Association.
  After receiving an Artium Baccalaureatus degree from Malone College 
in 1969, Gary Jeffers went on, in 1971, to earn a Master of Science 
degree in Physiology and Pharmacology at Ohio University. He earned a 
Doctor of Dental Medicine degree at the University of Pittsburgh in 
1975. Dr. Jeffers pursued graduate training at the United States Navy 
Regional Medical Center in Portsmouth, Virginia, the Veterans' 
Administration Medical Center in Atlanta, Georgia and at Emory 
University.
  Dr. Gary Jeffers was a member of the United States Navy Dental Corps 
from 1972 until 1979. He was employed as a Resident Instructor at Emory 
University and then as a Clinical Instructor at the University of 
Pittsburgh's School of Dental Medicine. Dr. Jeffers built a private 
practice of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery in North Canton, Ohio before 
joining the staff of the University of Detroit Mercy School of 
Dentistry in July 1985 where he continues to be a Tenured Associate 
Professor.
  Prior to being elected as President of the Michigan Dental 
Association, Dr. Jeffers served on the MDA Board of Trustees as the 
trustee of the 18th district before serving as MDA president-elect and 
as vice president. Having completed his term as President, he will 
continue to serve the MDA Board as past president.
  Dr. Jeffers' extensive involvement with the MDA and organized 
dentistry is evident in the numerous committees and task forces on 
which he has served. These include the Reference Committee on 
Membership, Bylaws and Dental Practice; Board Committee on Finance, 
Board Planning Work Group for Strategic Planning, and the Washington 
VIsitation team. In addition, Dr. Jeffers chaired the Committee on 
Governmental Affairs; MDA Insurance & Financial Group Endorsed Services 
Committee; and the MDA/MDAA and the MDA/MDHA task forces. He is also a 
past president of the Detroit District Dental Society and has served 
the American Dental Association in various capacities.
  Dr. Jeffers' work outside the MDA bears acknowledgement. He is a 
licensing examiner for the North East Regional Board and spent four 
years serving on the Michigan Board of Dentistry. He also served as 
assistant to the Dean of Legislative Affairs at UDM and instigated the 
dental school's legislative activity on both the state and national 
level. During his tenure at UDM, Dr. Jeffers spearheaded a proposal 
resulting in an important $2 million HUD construction grant that was 
used to help relocate the dental school to its current facility.
  Mr. Speaker, as Dr. Gary Jeffers concludes his term as President of 
the MDA I am reminded of the words he spoke to first year dental 
students. These words bear remembering; ``Ethics is not something that 
is easily taught or learned. It comes from within your heart and your 
soul.'' Today, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Dr. Gary 
Jeffers and in recognizing his years of loyal service to our community 
and country.

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