SAO Spring 2024 Newsletter

SAO NEWS

IN THIS ISSUE

SAO LEADERSHIP

President

Dr. Beth Faber

Tappahannock, VA

President-Elect

Dr. Eric Nease

Spartanburg, SC

Secretary-Treasurer

Dr. Preston Miller Jackson, TN

First Senior Director

Dr. Donald Balhoff Lafayette, LA

Second Senior Director

Dr. Jeremy Albert Trinity, FL

Immediate Past President

Dr. Debbie Sema

Birmingham, AL

AAO Trustee

Dr. Richard Williams

Southaven, MS

President, The American Board of Orthodontics

Dr. Tim Trulove Montgomery, AL

SAO CONTACT INFORMATION

P.O. Box 1154

Brandon, FL 33509

Phone: (404) 261-5528

Fax: (844) 214-1224

saoevents@saortho.org

The views and opinions expressed in this newsletter are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the association.

Presidential Thoughts – Dr. Beth Faber

Steering Committee for the Southern Society of Orthodontists: Update

Notice: General Assembly Meeting of all SAO Members will Occur at the AAO Annual Session

SAO & SWSO Strategic Planning and Board of Directors: Update

AAO Trustee's Report – Dr. Richard A. Williams

AAO Advocacy

AAO Political Action Committee Report – Dr. Ed C. Davis

The American Board of Orthodontics Interim Constituency Report, January 2024 – Dr. Timothy Trulove

ABO Announces Newly Certified/ Recertified Orthodontists

Committee on Annual Meeting Planning (C.A.M.P.) Report – Dr. John Metz

2024 SAO/SWSO Leadership Development Class – Dr. Angela McNeight

American Association of Orthodontists Foundation Update – Dr. Wanda Claro

Dr. Andy Brown Named ADA Trustee Elect

Parliamentary Pearls: Voting – Dr. Jeff Rickabaugh

How Would YOU Treat This Patient? – Dr. Timothy Shaughnessy

Central Office Update

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Presidential Thoughts

Dr. Beth Faber

Things seem so much brighter in the Spring, and what an exciting Spring it is for the SAO!

As the world around us blooms with vibrant colors and fresh scents, we are thrilled to embrace a season of renewal, growth, and exciting new beginnings

Our journey towards unity as the NEW Southern Society of Orthodontists (SSO) this June fills us with anticipation and enthusiasm. The Executive Committees of both the SAO and SWSO are dedicated to forge a stronger and more dynamic organization. Together, we will deliver enhanced member benefits, elevate our annual meeting and form a united front as the SSO.

In January, the Executive Committee members met in Charlotte for a robust strategic planning session. Together we formed a steering committee of members from both associations. This team, meeting weekly, is diligently addressing the final details for our new entity’s establishment. Guided by our skilled facilitator, we’ve identified areas for improvement and devised a roadmap to achieve our shared objectives.

During our Ad Interim Meeting in Nashville, we watched the budding leadership potential within our association during the Leadership Development Class. Dr. Angela McNeight, the committee chair, provided an article in this newsletter about the activity of the 2024 LDC class. If you have not participated in this class, we strongly encourage you to apply for the 2026 class.

The SAO and SWSO board of directors met for a joint Ad Interim meeting where we worked in small groups to create a plan for the committee structure of the new SSO. We are excited to launch a call for volunteers with numerous opportunities for involvement. We know the work of our joint membership will enhance and improve our member benefits.

This spring, I have had the privilege of attending several of our components’ annual meetings. Witnessing the exceptional leadership at the state level is truly inspiring. We encourage your active participation in your state meetings; your engagement is pivotal to our specialty’s advancement.

I continue to hear about the importance of Advocacy at the State, Regional and National levels. Many SAO members joined the AAO in February for our Advocacy Day on the Hill in Washington, DC. Advocacy affects us all, please read Dr. Ed Davis’s report and see how you can get involved.

The next big step for us to become the Southern Society of Orthodontists is a membership meeting during the AAO Annual Meeting in New Orleans. Join us on Saturday, May 4, 2024 from 1:00pm - 1:30pm at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center in room 201.

Your voice and vote are important to us. See you in New Orleans!

– Dr. Beth Faber

STEERING COMMITTEE FOR THE SOUTHERN

SOCIETY OF ORTHODONTISTS

Members from the SAO and SWSO have been working on a plan to become one entity. In June 2024 they will begin operating as the new Southern Society of Orthodontists (SSO). Empowered by the full Executive Committee of both the SAO and SWSO, a Steering Committee was formed to create a vision and strategy to guide the formation of the SSO. With a commitment to being Stronger Together, the SSO Steering Committee meets weekly to advance the business of the new combined entity. The Steering Committee members are: Dr. Beth Faber, Dr. Onur Kadioglu, Dr. Eric Nease, Dr. Matthew Ng, Dr. Kyle Shannon, and Dr. Jeff Rickabaugh.

Our Path Forward

In March, both the SAO and SWSO Boards of Directors voted to approve a resolution that outlines the path forward to a formally and legally combined entity while ensuring alignment and adherence to the AAO bylaws. On June 3, 2024 we will commence doing business jointly as the SSO. While June 3rd represents a significant milestone in this process, additional work will be required to finalize the combination of our organizations. The Steering Committee is committed to keeping our respective Boards of Directors and all members updated along the way.

Southern Society of Orthodontists Board

Our combined operations will commence on June 3, 2024, governed by a Board of Directors that is representative of both the SWSO and SAO.

• Drs. Beth Faber & Onur Kadioglu – President

• Drs. Eric Nease & Matthew Ng – President Elect

• Drs. Preston Miller & Christie Ellis – Secretary-Treasurer

• Dr. Donald Balhoff – Senior Director

• Dr. Kyle Shannon - Junior Director

Key Milestones

• January 2024: SAO and SWSO Executive Committee members met to finalize the details and scope of work for the new Southern Society of Orthodontists.

• March 2024: SAO and SWSO Board of Directors met and voted on the new SSO Board and approve a combined policy manual.

• May 2024: SAO and SWSO will have a membership meeting to vote on bylaws for the SSO.

• June 2024: SAO and SWSO will officially become the Southern Society of Orthodontists and the new SSO Board of Directors will meet.

• September 2024: The Southern Society of Orthodontists will hold their annual meeting in Orlando, Florida and celebrate the Stronger Together SSO!

A General Assembly Meeting of all SAO members will occur at the AAO Annual Session

The Southern Association of Orthodontists will hold a general assembly meeting for all SAO members during the AAO Annual Session. During this meeting there will be a vote on the revised merger bylaws.

This meeting will occur: Saturday, May 4, 2024 1:00pm - 1:30pm

Room 201

The Ernest N. Morial Convention Center 900 Convention Center Blvd., New Orleans, Louisiana 70130

SAO & SWSO Strategic Planning

The Executive Committees of the SAO and SWSO met in January in Charlotte for a strategic planning session. With the assistance of a facilitator, the group outlined goals and tasks to reach the common goal of completion of the merger.

“ It was a great weekend of team building, planning, and fun!”

Get Involved!

We invite you to join us as a volunteer and would like to know how you would like to get involved. Your response will be reviewed as part of the annual appointment process or as additional needs or opportunities arise. Please scan the QR code below for more details.

The SAO and SWSO held a joint board of directors meeting in Nashville. They worked to identify opportunities for enhanced programs, increase member benefits and build stronger committees.

SAO/SWSO Board of Directors

AAO Trustee's Report

Dr. Richard A. Williams

“ Greetings to my fellow SAO friends and colleagues! It seems 2024 is off to a great start.”

I have been in a stretch of weekends away from home that started with the strategic planning session in Charlotte with the Executive Committees of both the SAO and SWSO. The discussions proved to be fruitful.

Ellen Karsey led the group through the final handful of issues that hindered the merger between the two bodies. It seems the differences proved to be minor obstacles instead of major stumbling blocks. We left those discussions with a new and revitalized energy to address our differences in a constructive manner. Currently, work groups are in the process of working out the final details.

The AAO Leadership Development Conference kicked off a wonderful visit to San Antonio that found the SAO well represented with eight component officers and a number of emerging leaders. As the kickoff to the program, Tracy Spear, a leadership speaker, guided us through an introspective look at ourselves and at character qualities and traits we each possess. Once we prioritized our individual personal traits from strongest to weakest, she guided us on how to leverage those qualities in our relationships with others. These relationships could be in leadership with our colleagues, our practices, communities, and homes. Even after having served all these many years, I never cease to be amazed that we can all still grow in our knowledge and skill sets. I certainly felt that was true for me at this conference.

It was at this meeting that the AAO Board of Trustees had the task of selecting our next Chief Executive Officer. Lynne Thomas Gordon has retired to become a full-time grandma and has moved to Florida. In her 6 years at the helm of the AAO, she positioned AAO to be a very attractive and desirable place to work. Because of that, we enjoyed high interest in the search and ultimately interviewed two highly qualified and impressive candidates. Our selection was clear after the interviews, and we can rejoice in the fact that our very own Trey Lawrence is our next CEO. He certainly knows the organization inside and out. He has led our legal and advocacy team during some extremely complex times. He has a vision for our future that will help us as we move ahead.

The Winter Conference may have been one of the best I have ever attended. The topic was “Finishing” and we had a number of wonderful speakers who offered insights into different aspects of the topic in order to provide our patients with highest quality outcomes of treatment. It will likely be noted as a benchmark meeting because we had over 900 in person attendees and another 440+ who attended virtually. It is a unique format in that it is a meeting with a topic and everyone is in the same room. I personally enjoy this format a great deal.

Spring is the season for Component meetings. It is a busy time for our SAO Leadership. I continue to believe there is value in our officers interacting with each component on a person to person interaction. It provides context for our leadership about the unique needs of each state unit. It also serves as a way to disseminate all information that occurs at the national and constituent level. Beth Faber and our officers have divided the privileges of these visits. I am sure you will enjoy the interactions and what you learn from them.

Our Board meetings have moved from an operational focus a few years ago to a focus on the future and the challenges we will encounter that affect our specialty. There are several items I could highlight from our most recent time in St. Louis, I will however, choose two of them that I believe will have a lasting and profound impact on our future. The first is that our technology needs to engage our future. You will hear about our Technology Transformation during our spring discussions. After an assessment of where we are, there are some critical needs we must address. Our association management package and our financial management package are aging pieces of our infrastructure that are nearing end of life and must be replaced in short order. These are not optional decisions – but mandatory for our function. They are the foundation for this project.

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You will also hear of our educational needs. We are finishing an assessment of all things we do in order to provide education for our members, from content to how it is delivered. Finding methods to engage members, in many instances, is unique to the member. Our focus in this project is to make certain we are providing the highest quality content, but also providing it in the format and engagement style preferred by the unique member. Probably the most important piece to this Transformation is the engagement of Artificial Intelligence (AI). We know that AI is the direction of the future. It is incumbent on us to figure out how to leverage it appropriately to engage our membership. That will be the most interesting part of this journey.

The second major discussion was about the future of a program the AAO started several years ago – the Full-time Faculty Teaching Fellowship (FFTF). It is a program AAO has funded for $180,000 annually from Undesignated Net Assets (UNA). Eighty-seven and a half percent of the individuals we have supported over the years continue to be in full time

academics. Ten of those individuals serve as Chairs of departments or Program Directors. Needless to say, it has been an extremely successful program. The Council on Education has proposed to make the program permanent. The mechanism to accomplish this without moving it to a budgetary consideration is complex. I have been privileged to be a part of the discussions, and we have devised a plan to accomplish the task. We can create a program to raise the funds through a commitment of some funds from the AAO’s UNA. The other portion would need to be raised through a giving program. The AAOF will need to be a part of this effort because the AAO has no mechanism to do it alone. It is, in my opinion, a unique opportunity to do something with high impact for the future of our specialty. You will hear more as we approach the House of Delegates.

Advocacy is one of the functions of the AAO that our members value most. We recently experienced a sold-out Advocacy Day on the Hill in DC. 47 residents participated. Cozen O’Conner has positioned

AAO Advocacy

SAO members joined over 120 AAO members at the Professional Advocacy Conference in DC in February. Together, they met with over 60 members of Congress and their staff to advocate for safe, effective, and quality orthodontic care.

AAO Advocacy Picture L to R

Drs. Dan Joseph, Lance Pittman, Kevin Toms, Ed Davis, Richard Williams, Jenna Schneider, Ernest Goodson, Paul Sproul, Madison Smith

AAO well with strategic relationships for our discussions in Washington. While we see very little movement of our legislative priorities in a gridlocked capital, we can be proud of the influence we have developed with regulatory bodies through Cozen O’Conner’s guidance. Our meeting provided an opportunity to review some of our biggest wins which are occurring at the state level. We recently saw Nevada enact AAO language in a teledentistry bill that reiterates all the key points we think are important. That same language has now been unanimously passed by the Florida Statehouse and Senate and awaits the governor’s signature to become law. By the time you read this, it will, hopefully be a done deal.

As you can see from this report, our AAO is very active as we prepare for our future. It is a humbling privilege to serve each of you and our storied constituent! Thank you for allowing me to serve!

– Dr. Richard A. Williams

AAO Political Action Committee Report

Dr. Ed C. Davis

“

The Southern Association is doing amazing work with Advocacy.”

We had a strong showing of representatives, doctors and residents, at the 2024 AAO Advocacy conference in Washington, DC, February 27-28.

Groups of 8-10 doctors and AAO personnel swamped Capitol Hill to visit Senate and House members in order to bring AAO initiatives to their attention.

The main priorities of the AAO, defined by the Council on Governmental Advocacy, were mail-order medical devices, student loan reform and flexible spending accounts. These concerns were derived from the 2023 survey sent to the AAO members that asked about member priorities.

Many of the Congressional members and their teams were not aware of the pitfalls that surround direct to consumer aligner products. All of them seemed genuinely concerned about the effects of lack of proper diagnosis and in-chair exams. The legislative staffs were also alarmed by the amount of student debt that most orthodontic residents have. The average student loan debt is presently $570,000 but many residents have a debt of $700,000 to a million dollars.

Another item that was discussed was workforce challenges – burdensome regulations for dental auxiliaries who work in orthodontic offices. These workforce problems need to be addressed.

Our National Advocacy Network is growing! A majority of the SAO components have either a Component Advocacy Liaison or a PAC captain. A few states have both. I congratulate Eddy Sedeno for his help in securing a team of CALs for the state of Florida. Speaking of Florida, a lot of work on a telehealth bill has been done in that state, thanks to our orthodontic colleagues and our advocacy team. HB 855 passed the Florida House of Representative unanimously. And if it passes the Senate, the bill will require a dentist of record to be responsible for all dental treatment of a patient through telehealth, require advertisements of dental services provided through telehealth to include specified disclaimers for certain dental services, and create a standard of care for orthodontics that includes an in-person examination and review of x-rays prior to the movement of teeth.

SAO continues to provide an example for giving to AAOPAC. As of February 26th, SAO members have gifted $78,748. 153 members have donated. This amounts to 4.8% of SAO members. The total given throughout North America is $286,365, with 546 members donating. Our goal is $430,000.94 and 1303 members. Why those strange numbers? This is the 30th anniversary of the AAOPAC! So that’s why there are lots of 3’s and the 94 cents for the inaugural year of 1994. Residents are encouraged to donate at a level of $30.94.

There is a lot happening with advocacy on both the state level and the national level, but none of this happens on its own. Your gift is crucial to AAOPAC efforts. I would love to see all SAO members donate, but we MUST achieve a 10% member donation level. It’s not about the amount! It is more important to show solidarity with our membership. We must all support our AAOPAC.

Please scan the QR code or visit aaopac.org to pledge for this year if you have not done so.

– Dr. Ed Davis

The American Board of Orthodontics Interim Constituency Report

January 2024

Dr. Timothy Trulove

The ABO is committed to upholding our mission to elevate the quality of orthodontic care for the public by promoting excellence through certification, education and professional collaboration.

ABO Examination Update

Currently, 61% of AAO orthodontists are board certified. To reach this level of accomplishment is significant because it allows us to make a collective impact on our specialty.

Once an orthodontist successfully completes the ABO Written Examination and graduates from a CODA accredited advanced specialty educational program in orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics in the United States or Canada, the orthodontic professional may register for the ABO Scenario-based Clinical Examination. Once board certification is achieved, a time-limited certificate is awarded, with a Certification Renewal Examination required every 10 years to remain board certified.

Written Examination

Online registration for the 2024

ABO Written Examination opened November 8, 2023, and closed January 10, 2024. The examination is scheduled for April 2, 2024, at Pearson Vue Testing Centers in the United States and Canada. In addition, April 9 has been identified for the 2025 examination, with registration scheduled to open November 6, 2024. To assist in preparation for the examination, a 2024 Written Exam Reading List, along with practice questions, can be accessed on the ABO website by scanning the QR code.

Should you have questions to submit for consideration on a future Written Exam (to include multiple choice with a reference), please contact info@ AmericanBoardOrtho.com.

Scenario-based Clinical Examination

Remaining dates for the 2024 Clinical Exam have been identified as September 17 (online registration currently is open and will close June 20, 2024, or once full). Examinations are administered at Pearson Vue Testing Centers Worldwide. Note that beginning in 2025, the ABO will transition to one fall Scenario-based Clinical Examination per year. In addition to the many resources already available on the ABO website to prepare for the exam, new documents recently added include ABO Case Preparation Work File, ABO Case Preparation PowerPoint Template, ABO Case Presentation Feedback Template. Scan the QR code to access.

Certification Renewal

Renewal of board certification is required every 10 years, with individuals set to expire within 3 years notified in advance by the ABO. Two options to renew are available and include an Online Board Case Exam or a Mail-In Case Report Exam, both which also require submission of completed AJODO online examinations with continuing education credits. Although there are unlimited numbers of seats available for the exam, registration is required, with specific deadlines. A BCE Study Guide, sample case and FAQs for the exam are included on the ABO website for reference. Scan the QR code to access.

ABO Practice Analysis

Board certified orthodontists were recently invited to participate in the ABO’s Practice Analysis Survey. This feedback is invaluable as we move forward with our oversight group, panel of board-certified orthodontists and ABO third-party psychometrician to conduct a Practice Analysis of all three ABO examinations.

Educational Update/Outreach:

• The ABO held the 2023 Educators Symposium, “Critical Case Analysis”, on November 11, 2023, in St. Louis, MO. The symposium was well represented by educators from Coda accredited orthodontic programs including representatives from the AAO Trustees, CDABO Council and ABO Emeriti. Dr. Peter Buschang, our honored speaker, shared his presentation, “Growth Related Questions that Future ABO Certified Orthodontists Should be Able to Answer” to the attendees. This taped video is also available on the ABO website. Other topics addressed during the symposium included an examination overview, update on ABO Pathway Program and status of the ABO Practice Analysis. A five-person educator panel discussed a variety of questions regarding orthodontic school practices related to board certification, followed by general discussion from the audience after each question.

• The ABO participated in the 2023 GORP meeting held in St. Louis, MO and enjoyed meeting the residents in attendance. Dr. Timothy Trulove, ABO President, presented residents with his personal story on becoming an orthodontist. ABO staff were also available to answer questions on board certification.

• ABO directors attended the 2023 CDABO Summer Meeting in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho.

• Dr. Jae Park, ABO President-Elect, Michelle Valenti, ABO CFO and Nicole Huson, ABO Certification Coordinator, attended the Dental Specialties Meeting in Chicago, IL. Attendees at this yearly meeting include National Boards for Dental Specialties recognized by the National Commission on Recognition of Dental Specialties and Certifying Boards.

• ABO directors attended their individual 2023 Annual Constituency Meetings. Tabletop displays showcasing board certification materials were available with directors speaking on board certification when possible.

• The ABO distributed complimentary measuring gauges for incoming residents to requesting CODAaccredited orthodontic programs.

• The ABO has replaced the former ABO Advocacy Program with the Ambassador Pathway Program, scheduled to be rolled out in 2024. This new program will consist of in-person (or virtual) presentations by ABO Ambassadors, as requested by orthodontic programs, and will focus on the pathway to board certification and the value it contains both personally and professionally. Additional information, including how to schedule an Ambassador visit to orthodontic programs, and how to serve as an ABO Ambassador will be announced soon. Currently, Drs. Mark Guevarra and Don Heon Oh are ABO Ambassadors and will assist in training new Ambassadors once identified. Thank you to both the University of Iowa and University of North Carolina who agreed to hold October 2023 pilot Ambassador presentations to residents at both schools.

• Please follow the ABO on Facebook and Instagram for the latest news and updates:

www.facebook.com/ americanboardoforthodontics

www.instagram.com/ americanboardorthodontics.

A variety of materials to support board certified orthodontists are available via the ABO website to include:

• Educational Toolkit materials (Brand Standard Guidelines, ABO Logo/ Seal, It Takes A Specialist video/ toolkit, suggested website wording, sample email signature and press release, board certification brochure and poster).

• ABO Store Front (Customizable consumer brochures and posters, patient handouts and team training tools, window clings, lapel pins and duplicate certificate with optional frame).

• Tracking of personal CE credit hours along with the ability to print a complimentary verification letter are also available. Items can be accessed via personal online dashboard accounts located on the ABO website for board certified orthodontists. In addition, an Orthodontist Locator is available on the ABO website for the public to search for a board-certified orthodontist in their area.

– Dr. Timothy Trulove

THE NEXT BIG WAVE

C.A.M.P is hangin' tough and havin' fun. That's the way we roll. Stronger Together

ABO Announces Newly Certified/ Recertified Orthodontists

The American Board of Orthodontics (ABO) granted certification to one orthodontist (There were no exams. This was a mail in candidate.) during the third and fourth quarters of 2023, while another 121 orthodontists completed their 10-year certification renewal requirements. ABO Board Certification is a voluntary credential that represents an orthodontist’s personal and public commitment to the standards of specialty practice and lifelong learning.

Attaining first-time ABO certification requires successful completion of the Written Examination and then the Clinical Examination. Orthodontists gaining recertification must successfully complete the Recertification Examination and requirements.

The ABO currently represents 61% of AAO membership.

“ On behalf of the American Board of Orthodontics, I congratulate the orthodontists who have recently completed the Board certification or certification renewal process. They are to be commended for their professional commitment by becoming Board certified, and it demonstrates their willingness to protect the public through the delivery of excellent orthodontic care.”

– Dr. Timothy Trulove, ABO 2023-2024 president

Scan the QR code to learn more about ABO certification and the ScenarioBased Clinical Examination,or visit AmericanBoardOrtho.com. The website offers information about the Clinical and Written Examinations, including study aids and registration information.

Congratulations to the following recertified orthodontists from the Southern Association of Orthodontists:

RECERTIFIED:

Dr. Breck S. Brewer

Dr. Jay B. Burton

Dr. Angela H. Canales

Dr. Christopher N. Cetta

Dr. Rawah T. Eshky

Dr. Marie B. Farrar

Dr. Travis Fiegle

Dr. Maria Carolina Guia

Dr. Craig Hadgis

Dr. Jennifer N. Harville

Dr. Banafsheh Hosseinian

Dr. Gregory K. Inman

Dr. Nandakumar Janakiraman

Dr. Arthur L. Kapit

Dr. Lauren Rennick Lockhart

Dr. Bryan A. Lockhart

Dr. Matthew J. McCabe

Dr. Bhavna Shroff

Dr. Jeremiah W. Sturgill

Committee on Annual Meeting Planning (C.A.M.P.) Report

Dr. John Metz, C.A.M.P. Chair

Impact Your Tomorrow at our Annual Session

The SAO & SWSO Annual Session in Amelia Island in October 2023 was the first combined meeting to be planned by the volunteer doctors that make up the Committee on Annual Meeting Planning (C.A.M.P.). With representation from both the SAO & SWSO, we wanted to create an engaging and educational event that member doctors, their teams, and our exhibitors could enjoy.

A post-event survey of attendees showed that, overall, our members were impressed with the lectures and events. C.A.M.P. members will replicate successes in future years and have identified areas of opportunity to plan future meetings that will benefit all attendees and support our core organizational values. In the years ahead, our meetings will take place in some fantastic travel destinations –Orlando, Florida (September 2024), San Antonio, Texas (November 2025) and Nashville, Tennessee (October 2026). Our C.A.M.P. members serve on the committee for multiple years and are already putting plans in motion for these events.

Let’s Hit it Out of the Park in Orlando

Our 2024 meeting takes place at the Rosen Shingle Creek Orlando on September 26-28. Our keynote speaker, Roberto Clemente Jr., is the son of Roberto Clemente Sr., an award-winning Pittsburgh Pirates rightfielder who was as passionate about charity work as he was for the sport he loved. When he died tragically at the peak of his career, he became the first Caribbean and the first Latin-American player to be honored in the Hall of Fame, posthumously inducted in 1973.

Today, his family works to honor his legacy by continuing his charitable works.

I’ve had the pleasure of spending time with Roberto Clemente, Jr. and trust that you, too, will be enthralled with the stories he shares about his all-star dad. My hope is that all of us will be inspired to take action and discover within ourselves ways that we, like Roberto Clemente Sr., can impact the world around us. At the Orlando meeting, we will offer the opportunity for you and your colleagues to make a difference in the life of a child.

In an activity we call “Roberto’s Bike Build,” small groups will come together to build a bicycle from scratch that will be gifted to local Orlando kids in need. This is a heartwarming way for all of us to count our blessings as we sponsor and build a bike for a child to enjoy. We encourage practices that attend as a team to build a bike, and we are hearing that some state leadership boards, orthodontic residency groups and even exhibiting companies are stepping up to sponsor and build a bike. Let’s work together and hit it out of the park for this endeavor!

“ Any time you have an opportunity to make a difference in this world and you don't, then you are wasting your time on Earth. ”

– Roberto Clemente

Bring Down the Block at Universal CityWalk

Our meetings are known for our parties – from an historic ranch in 2022, to a tropical oasis in 2023. We are excited to take it the streets of Universal CityWalk this fall for a block party that will be fun for everyone. Roam venue to venue in our own private section of CityWalk to enjoy food, drinks and entertainment at Pat O’Briens with its dueling pianos, Bob Marley’s with live reggae music, and CityWalk’s Rising Star karaoke experience.

Watch your email and both the SAO and SWSO social media sites for more information about the meeting and our registration launch that will be coming soon!

– Dr. John Metz

2024 SAO/SWSO Leadership Development Class

Dr. Angela McNeight

On March 8-9, SAO/SWSO Leadership Development Committee hosted 19 member orthodontists for our in-person Leadership Development Program seminar.

This is a new committee that was formed to create and host our biennial program which is designed to develop leaders within the association and to support member orthodontists on their individual leadership journeys.

As orthodontists, we are routinely called to be leaders. Whether it is in the management of our practices, educating patients in our communities, or advocating for the specialty with local and state leaders, orthodontists are being asked to lead more and more frequently. To do all these things well, it takes clear communication, adaptability, personal drive, initiative, and self-awareness. While some of these traits, depending on one’s personality, may come naturally, many times it takes intention and training to hone the skills needed to be a good leader. The SAO/SWSO Leadership Program is designed to provide training for these skills with a focus on the orthodontist and his/her unique needs.

At the 2024 program, the day was broken into several topics. The morning focused on Emotional Intelligence (EI) with speaker Bobi Seredich from the Southwest Institute for EI. This seminar gave instruction on the soft skills that make a big difference as you interact with your staff, patients, and colleagues. Workforce shortages continue to be at the top of the problem list for orthodontists. Retaining staff is a priority. Ms. Seredich gave ideas on how to manage conflict within the ortho team and embrace change by using emotional intelligence. She discussed the relationship between doctor and patient and provided tips on communicating and educating patients as well as managing patient expectations.

The afternoon session started with a seminar by our SAO/SWSO Trustees, Dr. Richard Williams and Dr. Steve Robirds. They presented an AAO update of happenings at the national level.

Next, Dr. Jeff Rickabaugh gave a fun and interactive session on parliamentary procedure which elicited a lot of laughter and smiles while learning!

Finally, constituent presidents Dr. Beth Faber and Dr. Onur Kadioglu shared information on the future of the SAO/SWSO as well as their pathways to leadership.

Class members participated in round tables with discussion topics that focused on the direction of the SAO/SWSO, member benefits, meeting feedback, and faculty/ resident support. Class members spent time working on their projects which each group will present to the SAO/SWSO directors and delegates at the September 2024 Orlando meeting. As always, one of the highlights of the leadership development program is the opportunity it provides attendees to make connections with like-minded professionals. The 2024 program saw many new faces and was an overall success!

– Dr. Angela McNeight Leadership Development Committee, Chair

American Association of Orthodontists Foundation Update

Dr. Wanda Claro

• The AAO Foundation welcomes Brett Schott as its new Vice President. Brett began his time with AAOF in early January and looks forward to meeting AAO members at the Annual Session and this Fall at the PCSO conference.

• The Board of directors met for a strategic planning session February 22nd and for the annual meeting the next day.

• The BOD accepted the recommendations from PARC for 40 awards which will be announced at the AAO meeting in May.

• New resident directors were announced: Drs. Jennifer Schneider from WVU and Yuna Park from NYU to take over for the current resident advisors: Drs. Jennifer Shahar, from Harvard, and John Lorenz from UIC.

• Drs. Mark Berkman, Orhan Tuncay and Wanda Claro will term out at the end of the annual session and new directors will be announced.

• Donated Orthodontic Services (DOS) will roll out its new brand for the Annual Conference. It will be known as Gifted Smiles; A Charitable Program of the AAO Foundation.

Dr. Andy Brown Named ADA Trustee-Elect

Florida Association of Orthodontists (FAO) Executive Committee member and Florida Dental Association (FDA) Past President Dr. Andy Brown will represent the 17th District as a member of the American Dental Association (ADA) Board of Trustees.

Members of the 17th District delegation elected Dr. Brown at their Jan. meeting and the FDA House of Delegates unanimously ratified his election on Jan. 20. He is currently ADA trustee-elect and will be installed as trustee in October.

The ADA Board of Trustees is the managing body of the association; its voting members consist of 17 trustees (one from each trustee district), the president-elect, two vice presidents and the new dentist committee chair. The president, treasurer and executive director are non-voting members of the board which is responsible for the ADA’s success and growth.

• The Resident Education Program was accessed by orthodontic residents who attended the Chicago meeting. The AAOF supported 400 residents through this program in 2023: And it will be available again in New Orleans in 2024.

Save the Dates:

(1) AAO Foundation will host its annual breakfast Sunday, May 5, 2024 from 7:30-9:00am in New Orleans where several individuals will be recognized for supporting the AAOF mission through their contributions and volunteer work:

The Eugene and Pauline Blair Award will be presented to Dr. Eric Nease, and The 2024 Raymond George, Sr. Award for Outstanding DOS Service will be presented to Dr. Ken Dillehay.

(2) The next virtual grant workshop will be held Friday, June 7, 2024 from 11:00am-1:00 pm CST.

An orthodontist practicing in Orange Park, Fla. since 1984, Dr. Brown has been actively involved with organized dentistry throughout his career. He is a past member of the FDA’s Board of Trustees, is a member of the Governmental Action Committee (former chair) and is a liaison for the Council on Dental Health. He previously served the ADA as a delegate and as vice chairman of the Council on Dental Practice. Dr. Brown is also past president of the Clay County Dental Society and previously ran the Peer Review program for the Northeastern District Dental Association for nearly three decades.

While many of the ADA’s districts are comprised of multiple states, Florida is its own district—the 17th Trustee District—in the ADA governing structure. Dr. Rudolph “Rudy” Liddell is currently serving as the 17th District’s trustee.

Parliamentary Pearls

Dr. Jeff Rickabaugh

VOTING

Of all the activities a member in a leadership or governance position performs, voting is the most important. Stating one’s opinion and voting are the fundamental principles of any parliamentary authority: one voice/one vote.

After a motion or resolution (written motion) has been introduced and seconded, discussion ensues. The discussion is limited to either in support of, or against the motion/ resolution on the floor. When the presiding officer determines that the discussion is complete, the call for a vote is announced. When the vote is called, the presiding officer is obligated to advise the assembly, delegation, board, council, committee or task force of the voting threshold. For the adoption or approval of a motion a simple majority, or greater than 50% vote, is typically required. A tie vote count is not a majority and the motion fails. To amend bylaws and standing rules/orders, a 2/3rds vote is required. Very rarely is a 3/4th or even a unanimous vote required.

The simplest voting method is a voice count. All those in favor say “aye”, opposed say “no”. Mr. Al Gage of the American Institute of Parliamentarians insists we say “no” instead of “nay”; we are not horses! The other commonly used method is a show of hands; “raise your hand in favor” now lower and “those against raise your hand”.

Sometimes in a large group, colored cards are given to the members at the outset to make it easier for the presiding officer to count the vote. Finally, the last visual method of voting is the standing vote; “all those in favor please stand”; be seated. “All those against please stand”. If, with any of these methods, the assembly feels the vote count is very close and perhaps the presiding officer ruled the vote count in error, a motion of “division” can be declared. A new vote is then taken with tellers actually counting hands or cards or standing members. This counting is performed by tellers, non-voting members or executive staff.

Other voting methods available are with paper ballots and with electronic machines. Paper ballots are typically used in elections to ensure confidentiality. Again, with paper ballots, voting tellers are required. Usually two separate groups tally the votes privately, then confer and generate a short written tally for the presiding officer so the vote can be announced. Electronic voting is simply as suggested, a small device is used to record a vote that is transmitted to a technician who then relays the tally to a visual screen or the presiding officer. The machines are required to be tested before the meeting begins.

In this day and age of virtual meetings, a voice vote or show of hands will typically suffice for routine meetings. For those meetings which may be of a more serious nature, a voting app (election buddy) with cell phones should be used. The vote tally is transmitted via a cell phone to a host who then relays the vote count to the appropriate officer. This same method is required with hybrid type meetings, those with some members in person while others are virtual. In this case, everyone must use the same method, even those in person.

Finally, when voting, there are technically 3 choices; yes, no or abstain. All parliamentary authorities recognize the abstain prerogative, but this author has a personal bias against abstention. An abstention is a nonvote. It obscures voting thresholds and demonstrates the unwillingness of a leader to make a decision on behalf of the organization. Enough said.

Somewhere along the way, a young member has caught the eye of a more seasoned leader. The seasoned leader is confident that the new leader will serve the organization in a matter that will justify this trust. Do not disappoint; do your homework, show up for the meeting and vote.

– Dr. Jeff Rickabaugh

Dr. Jeff Rickabaugh practices in Winston-Salem, NC. He is a member of the Dental Chapter of the American Institute of Parliamentarians, NC Delegate to the AAO House of Delegates and a delegate for the ADA 16th district.

How Would YOU Treat This Patient?

Dr. Timothy Shaughnessy

A healthy 11½ year-old, pre-menarcheal girl presented for orthodontic treatment. Her pediatric dentist observed a significant dental and skeletal Class II relationship, prompting a referral to the orthodontist. All four primary second molars remained. The permanent second molars, as well as the second premolars, were unerupted. The patient’s dental development favored a judicious delay in the start of treatment for time efficiency. However, consideration for growth modification made it prudent to obtain diagnostic records for a thorough review and thoughtful consideration of treatment timing.

The panoramic radiograph (Figure 3) shows delayed root resorption of the remaining primary molars and evidence of ectopic eruption of the second premolars.

The INITIAL facial photographs (Figure 1) demonstrate a Class II profile, camouflaged in part by good chin form and brachycephalic facial characteristics. The mandible appears to be retrusive, and the source of the Class II skeleton. The maxilla and nasolabial angle are within the range of normal. The INITIAL intraoral photographs (Figure 2) reveal a Class II molar and canine relationship bilaterally, anterior crowding, and a deepbite.

Figure 1: Initial Facial Photographs

Figure 2: Initial Intraoral Photographs

Figure 3: Panoramic Radiograph

Figure 4a: Cephalometric radiograph and analysis

Figure 4b: Cephalometric radiograph and analysis

The cephalometric radiograph and analysis (Figure 4a and Figure 4b) confirm a Class II skeletal relationship and reduced vertical facial dimension, ANB ~6 and MPA ~23. The mandible is measurably retrusive, with an SNB of less than 77.

How would YOU treat this patient?

Treatment Planning

The ideal treatment plan should address both the dental and skeletal Class II components. Growth modification therapy can be considered if the patient has adequate remaining favorable growth. Surgical correction of this type of skeletal Class II discrepancy might be considered in a non-growing patient when it is age appropriate. Orthodontic camouflage treatment could very well be an acceptable treatment alternative to surgery, or even growth modification therapy, when willing to accept the skeletal relationship, but correct the dentition. Which of the following options would YOU choose?

Option 1: Use a cervical headgear to promote differential growth of the jaws, provide maximum maxillary first molar anchorage, and possibly some distalization of maxillary teeth. Non-extraction treatment is planned as part of comprehensive fixed appliance therapy.

Option2: Place a Herbst appliance for forced compliance and full-time wear, to promote differential growth of the jaws and the dental side effects that contribute to Class II correction. The functional appliance will be coordinated with comprehensive fixed appliances, as part of nonextraction treatment.

Option 3: Extract maxillary first premolars and commit to camouflage treatment. The primary advantage of this plan is it decreases the need for patient compliance and additional appliances. It is also predictable and time efficient. However, the skeletal relationship is not a focus of correction.

Option 4: Any one of the category of appliances like Carriere Motion, D2, or Class II PowerBar fixed to the sides of the maxillary arch, utilizing Class II elastics and mandibular arch anchorage. Successful treatment results in non-extraction therapy. That is not to say that the details of the result are necessarily the same as those in Option 1 or 2 above.

The Treatment Plan Chosen

Option 2, growth modification with a Herbst appliance, was selected for a number of reasons. Most importantly, this 11 year-old, pre-menarcheal patient was judged to be a good candidate for growth. This girl also demonstrated beautiful facial esthetic appearance when she postured her jaw forward to a Class I canine position. This made it difficult to propose any solution other than growth modification of the Class II skeletal discrepancy. The Herbst was selected over a cervical headgear because of the benefit of guaranteed full-time wear. Finally, the segmental tooth movement techniques listed in Option 4 above require patient cooperation and do not intuitively address the skeleton in the same way as the Herbst appliance.

Summary of Treatment

All four over-retained primary second molars were extracted in order to expedite the arrival of the second premolars. This would enable comprehensive fixed appliance treatment in the complete permanent dentition while a greater percentage of growth remained. Over the first year of orthodontic treatment, braces were ultimately placed on as many permanent teeth as possible for alignment of the teeth, dental decompensation, and initial leveling of the mandibular arch.

PROGRESS photographs of the Herbst appliance in place, along with a cephalometric radiograph obtained near the same time are shown in (Figure 5). This patient wore the Herbst appliance for one year. After removal, braces were placed on the mandibular posterior teeth that conflicted with the Herbst appliance design in this case. Eight months of finishing and detailing followed. FINAL records were obtained shortly thereafter.

The FINAL facial photographs (Figure 6) illustrate improvement in facial balance and mandibular projection. The lip appearance is more pleasing as well. There is more tooth display in the smiling photograph after treatment.

Figure 5: Cephalometric radiograph

Figure 6: Final Facial Photographs

The post-treatment panoramic radiograph (Figure 8) exhibits the normal range of acceptable root parallelism. Root quality and periodontal support appear to be similar following orthodontic treatment.

The post-treatment cephalogram, its tracing and cephalometric values (Figure 9a and 9b) reveal a significant reduction in the ANB angle, a reflection of differential growth of the jaws. Mandibular growth contributed much more than maxillary inhibition to this reduction. Mandibular incisor proclination increased with treatment. The IMPA measurement is greater in patients with a low mandibular plane angle. Lower incisor position, measured independent of the mandibular plane (L1-APog, +1mm), is actually quite normal at the conclusion of treatment.

The pre-treatment/post-treatment superimposition (Figure 10) illustrates significant differential mandibular growth and compensatory eruption of posterior teeth. The skeletal vertical dimension remained approximately the same after treatment. There is no evidence that maxillary growth was inhibited.

Conclusion

Can we expect this type of treatment result every time with Herbst appliance treatment? Absolutely not. Variation in treatment response is the norm, not the exception. However, resolution of the dentoskeletal Class II discrepancy was made possible by the Herbst appliance. Patients are not expected to grow out of a Class II skeleton. It is safe to say that the skeletal component of correction would not have occurred with braces alone.

YOU may have treated this patient differently, and that is completely acceptable. Although there should be no disagreement regarding the diagnosis, the chosen treatment plan is influenced by our experiences, personal preferences, and biases. This case report is presented to illustrate one way to treat this patient and to provide the rationale for such treatment.

The FINAL intraoral photographs (Figure 7) show well aligned teeth, Class I molar and canine occlusion bilaterally, and resolution of the deepbite.

Figure 7: Final Intraoral Photographs

Figure 8: Post-treatment Panoramic Radiograph

Figure 9a: Post-treatment cephalogram

Figure 9b: Post-treatment Cephalometric radiograph and analysis

Figure 10: Pre-treatment/Post-treatment Superimposition

SAO & SWSO Annual Session

September 26–28, 2024

Rosen Shingle Creek Orlando

Keynote Speaker: Roberto Clemente, Jr.

BLOCK PARTY AT UNIVERSAL CITYWALK! Register

Central Office Updates

Updates from our State Associations

State meetings are a great opportunity to network with fellow orthodontists, discuss topics facing local orthodontists and enjoy continuing education.

Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia have all hosted their annual meetings.

Make plans to attend your annual state meeting:

Kentucky

Louisiana

West Virginia

August 23, 2024

May 4, 2024 (during the AAO Meeting)

July 19, 2024

AAO / SAO Leadership

Top left to right: Dr. Ben Samuelson, Dr. Desmond Foster, Lissette Zuknick, Dr. Christian Davillier

Bottom left to right: Dr. Matthew McNutt, Dr. Brent Benoit, Dr. Katie Bullwinkel, Dr. Richard Williams, Dr. Eric Nease

Attended but not pictured: Dr. John Cordoba, Dr. Jeff Gamblin, Dr. Katie McCormack

SAO Director Updates

There are updates to the composition of our 2024 Board of Directors. We extend our appreciation to the outgoing Directors for their dedication to our association and we welcome the new appointments. The SAO is very grateful for our volunteers!

OUTGOING MEMBERS:

COMPONENT DIRECTORS

• Dr. Allen Chance - Tennessee

• Dr. Jay Durham - Alabama

• Dr. Michael Hazey - West Virginia

NEW APPOINTMENTS:

COMPONENT DIRECTORS

• Dr. Tyler Allen - Tennessee

• Dr. Paige Whitt - Alabama

September 26-28, 2024

SAO & SWSO 2024 Annual Session

At the Rosen Shingle Creek Orlando, with a Block Party at Universal CityWalk!

2025 San Antonio, Texas

November 6–8, 2025 at the Grand Hyatt San Antonio River Walk

2026 Nashville, Tennessee

October 15–17, 2026 at the Renaissance Nashville Hotel

2024 Keynote Speaker Roberto Clemente Jr.