After the November 6 General Election, which was then followed by 12 days of recounts in three statewide races, two House races, and one Senate race, the election results were certified by the Election Canvassing Commission on November 20.

Republican Rick Scott prevailed over incumbent US Senator Bill Nelson by a margin of 10,000 votes, while Republican Ron DeSantis maintained a 0.41 percent lead over Democrat Andrew Gillum in what was a hotly-contested race for Governor. His win will allow him to appoint three new justices to the Florida Supreme Court (unless any justices retire before their terms end) and shape the composition of the Court for many years to come.

In the race for Florida’s Agriculture Commissioner, Nikki Fried defeated Republican Matt Caldwell to become the only statewide elected Democrat in Florida.

The Republican caucuses of the House and Senate held onto most of their respective seats and maintain a 23 to 17 majority in the Senate, as well as a majority in the House, securing over 70 of the 120 seats. As a result, Senator Bill Galvano (R), Bradenton, and Representative Jose Oliva (R), Hialeah, will lead their respective chambers as Senate President and Speaker of the House.

Of the 12 Constitutional Amendments on the ballot, all except Constitutional Amendment #1, Homestead Property Tax Exemption, received the required 60 percent voter approval.

September 8, 2018

To: FSOMS Membership

Re: Donation of Equipment to FLA MOMS

Hello,

I have been contacted by the leadership of the Florida Dental Association MOMS co-chairs, Dr Jim Antoon and Don Illka, and Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery leads, Dr Marcos Diaz and Mike Pikos, for the FLA MOMS event. They have asked if there is any way we as individuals would donate OMS equipment to the MOMS event. They are desperately in need of hand instruments and forceps. They would prefer new instruments if possible.

This event has become so large that they are routinely running out of OMS instruments. This group is trying to increase their inventory of equipment to alleviate this shortfall. I am sure we can help with forceps and hand instruments. You can contact Hank or me directly at dsgesek@comcast.net to arrange pickup of any donation or bring them to the annual FSOMS meeting in Orlando. Anything is greatly appreciated.

The second request was to ask for more participation at the annual events. This year’s event is in Orlando at Edgewater High School. The date of the FLA MOMS is March 23 and 24. Participation can come in the form of your time providing care to needy patients or donating money to aid in the purchase of necessary supplies. Both would be welcome. This is a great way to show just how strong the FSOMS is in supporting care for the needy.

To learn more about this event, please go to FLAMOM.org.

Thank all of you for helping the FLAMOM become self sufficient and allow for the treatment of more patients with the equipment we graciously will be providing.

Sincerely,

Dan Gesek DMD

President elect FSOMS

Dr. Andre U. Buchs, one of Central Florida’s best-known Oral Surgeons died peacefully on August 25, 2017 surrounded by his loving wife and three daughters. He was 78 years old.

Andy was born May 23, 1939 to Laura L. and Andre O. Buchs of Darien, Connecticut. He graduated from Darien High School in 1957 where he was selected First Team All-State in football. He set the school record in track with the shot put, and played hockey as a defenseman. He also played baseball with his high school team. Andy was President of the Latin Club and also served on the Student Council Board of Directors.

In November 2013, Andy was honored at the Darien High School Old Timers Athletic Association Sports Award annual dinner.

He graduated from Colgate University in 1961with a BA degree in Geology. At Colgate, he played guard in football and threw the shot put in track for 4 years.  After Colgate, Andy did graduate work at the University of Connecticut where he met his future wife, Verna Payer of Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. They were married in 1962. He then went to the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine graduating with a DMD degree in 1966.  After graduation, Andy served on active duty in the Army as a Captain in the Panama Canal Zone. While there, he received the Army Commendation Medal. Following his military service, he took a three year Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Residency at the Pennsylvania Hospital in Philadelphia.

Dr. Buchs was a nationally recognized pioneer in dental implants having placed more than 16,000 in the 43 years he practiced in Orlando with Central Florida Oral Surgery.  He retired in June 2016.

Andy is a Diplomate of the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, a Diplomate of the American Board of Oral Implantology, a Diplomate of the American Society of Osseointegration, a member of the Academy of Osseointegration, a member of the American Academy of Implant Dentistry and International Congress of Oral Implantologists. He is the past President of the Dental Society of Greater Orlando, a past member of the Board of Directors of the Florida Society of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons and past Chairman of the Department of Dentistry of Florida Hospital. He was also and Adjunct Associate Professor of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine.

From the mid-80s to the mid-90s Andy lectured extensively on dental implants both nationally and internationally.  He has authored more than 20 articles in professional journals and has co-authored a chapter in a text on dental implants.

He also provided needed dental care in Providenciales, Turks & Caicos Islands for several years while accompanied by his wife.

 He is survived by his wife Verna, of 55 years, and their three daughters and seven grandchildren. They are Susan Carey (the late Peter Carey) of Winter Park, and granddaughter Paige, Kristen Calendrille (John), of Port Jefferson, NY and grandchildren Grant, Courtney, and Lauren, and Anne Van Vleck (Chris) of Chatham, MA and grandsons Travis, Will and Charlie.

Two sisters and a brother also survive him. They are Barbara Connolly of New York, NY, Doug Buchs (Merrily) of South Hamilton, MA and Priscilla Williams of Nelson, NH. Nieces and nephews include Andy Irvine, Curtis Buchs and Chris and Kate Williams.

Andy’s family was the pride and joy of his life; he was happiest when they were all together.  He and his wife, Vern, enjoyed special travel experiences with their daughters. Through the years, they had numerous ski vacations in Colorado and Utah, a Christmas in France, spring break in Bermuda, and bike trips in Vermont, North Carolina, Cape Cod, Bike Florida, and The Five Borough Bike Tour, NY.  As the grandchildren arrived, the travelling continued with destination vacations to Grand Canyon, Vermont, Amelia Island, and a Disney Cruise.

Andy also traveled extensively throughout his life with Vern and many friends throughout Europe, Canada, the United States and the Caribbean Islands. He loved to cheer on his grandchildren at their sporting events, as well.

He will be greatly missed by his many friends and especially his loving family and grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held at First United Methodist Church, 125 N Interlachen Avenue, Winter Park on Saturday September 2, 2017 at 2pm.  A reception will follow at the church.

Gifts in his memory may be given to the Andy Buchs Memorial Fund at Colgate University, Colgate Gift Records, 13 Oak Drive, Hamilton, NY 13346.

Or, gifts may be given in memory of Andy Buchs to Orlando Science Center, 777 E Princeton St., Orlando, FL 32803

We mourned the passing of FSOMS member James Driscoll of Naples, FL. James was a graduate of St. John’s University and Georgetown University Dental School and served as an Officer in the U.S. Navy. An Oral Surgeon extraordinaire, he had offices in Manhasset and Great Neck, New York, before moving to Ft. Lauderdale, where he practiced for 26 years.

He then retired to Naples to play golf as much as possible. James (Jimmy to his many friends) was a true gentleman, who never said an unkind word about anyone. He is survived by his wife, Roberta; daughters, Julie and Carrie; brothers, Jack, Richard, and Joseph; and extended family and friends. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, Avow Hospice of Naples, or your favorite charity.