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TAPD Officer Spotlight—Steve Siedow
Name: Steve Siedow
Position: President
Number of years in practice: Four
Where you went to dental school and completed residency: The University of Texas at San Antonio / Texas A&M College of Dentistry
Number of years as a TAPD member: Four
What made you decide to get involved as a TAPD officer: Organized dentistry was emphasized throughout my dental education, and I felt it was important to incorporate that into my professional life. I feel a responsibility to give back. I believe it was the late, great, Dr. Paul Taylor who once said “there’s more to pediatric dentistry than just drilling and filling holes.” Our practice in McAllen has followed that motto.
What is your goal for the year: My goal is to continue to push forward our legislative agenda and continue to provide guidance to the managed care organizations.
What have you learned in your time as a TAPD member: Every decision that is made is done as a group. Everything we publish has been discussed at length by both local and nationally recognized providers. The caliber of individuals involved at TAPD is phenomenal and I love learning from them each and every time we get together.
What surprised you the most about the legislative process: I am always surprised how fragile the legislative process is and how massive decisions are influenced by people who have no clear picture of dentistry in general. We have taken great strides to become patient advocates and more integrated in the state’s legislative process.
What are you most proud of about TAPD: We are one of the nation’s premier pediatric dental organizations. Other states look to us for guidance. Our position has been built by the work of few, yet many benefit. It is imperative that we keep expanding our efforts to help not only the kids, but also the wonderful providers who have the privilege to treat them.