Funds Will Support AAOF Craniofacial Growth Legacy Collection, an Unprecedented Undertaking to Preserve Historic, Irreplaceable Growth Records of Children Who Did Not Have Orthodontic Treatment; Materials Available to Researchers Online

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The AAO Foundation Board of Directors has increased the AAOF awards fund total for 2012 to $500,000. Biomedical Research Awards will once again be offered and will be available for junior faculty and mid-career academics. Funding also will cover Orthodontic Faculty Development fellowships for junior faculty, and Education Innovation Awards focusing on craniofacial anomalies and special care patients. The deadline to apply for all awards is December 15, 2011.

Learn More and Apply for an AAOF Award

Getting to Know Platinum Sponsor Patterson Dental

NESO members should be more familiar with the Patterson Dental name these days. As the new Platinum sponsor of our Annual Meeting in November, the company is educating the orthodontic community about the full range of cutting-edge equipment, essential supplies and stellar service they offer.

Patterson Dental is pleased to make available Dolphin Imaging & Management Solutions’ innovative imaging, diagnostic and case-presentation technology. A generous rebate program, called “The Wave,” makes it easy and affordable to bring Dolphin into any practice.

Learn more about Patterson Dental and Dolphin at the Annual Meeting, November 10-13.

Patterson Dental’s Platinum Sponsorship will benefit Annual Meeting attendees

Patterson Dental is pleased to be the Platinum Sponsor for the Northeastern Society of Dentists Annual Meeting. This is the first time NESO has welcomed a Platinum sponsor. In preparation for the annual meeting, Patterson is developing a variety of special promotions just for NESO members and meeting attendees.

Patterson also provides the orthodontic community with Dolphin Imaging & Management Solutions’ cutting-edge imaging and diagnostic capabilities.

Watch the NESO newsletter for more details as we get closer to the November 10-13 meeting dates. Visit Patterson Dental and Dolphin in the Exhibit Hall.

Introducing the Platinum sponsorship from Patterson Dental

NESO members might be familiar with the Patterson Dental name. The company’s new Platinum sponsorship of our Annual Meeting in November, however, will further introduce Patterson to the orthodontic community. Patterson Dental provides orthodontic and specialty practices with everything they need to successfully treat the patient, from cutting-edge equipment and technology to essential supplies.

Recently, Patterson acquired Dolphin Imaging & Management Solutions to make Dolphin’s innovative imaging, diagnostic and case-presentation technology available to more practitioners. A generous rebate program, called “The Wave,” makes it easy and affordable to bring Dolphin into any practice.

Learn more about Patterson Dental and Dolphin at the Annual Meeting, November 10-13.

ABO renames examinations for Gateway Diplomates to clarify certification, recertification process

The American Board of Orthodontics (ABO) recently renamed the examinations that Gateway Diplomates must take to maintain their Diplomate status in the coming years. Gateway Diplomates are those practicing orthodontists who accepted the Gateway Offer, a pathway to certification that was available from 2005 through 2007. The ABO Board of Directors renamed the examinations to clarify the board-certification and recertification process for these individuals. 

The first examination is now named the Gateway Certification Examination. The ABO offers this examination during its Clinical Examination sessions throughout the year. Gateway Diplomates must take this examination within five years of accepting the Gateway Offer, or they risk losing their board certificate. For some, this time frame has already passed. Others still have time to take this examination. After Dec. 31, 2012, the ABO will no longer offer this examination.

Gateway Diplomates paid for the Gateway Certification Examination when they accepted the Gateway Offer. Orthodontists are required to register and take this examination prior to the expiration date on their certificate. An up-to-date list of Clinical Examination sessions and the registration deadlines are listed on the ABO website, www.americanboardortho.com. Information on the patient source, the components of the Gateway Certification Examination, and the case criteria for the Gateway Certification Examination are all available on the ABO website.

For those individuals who are unable to accumulate a sufficient number of cases to complete the Gateway Certification Examination by their deadline, the ABO offers the Beginning Certification Examination. Individuals may register and pay for this examination whenever they are ready to restart the board-certification process.

After completing the Gateway Certification Examination, Gateway Diplomates must take recertification examinations every 10 years to keep their board certificate current. These examinations are now named the First Recertification Examination, the Second Recertification Examination, the Third Recertification Examination and the Fourth Recertification Examination. Information on the patient source, the components of the recertification examinations and the case criteria are all available on the ABO website. The ABO will begin offering these examinations starting in 2013.

About the ABO
The ABO, founded in 1929, was the first specialty board in dentistry. It is the only orthodontic specialty board recognized by the American Dental Association and sponsored by the American Association of Orthodontists. The primary purpose of the ABO is to elevate the level of orthodontic care for the public by encouraging excellence in clinical practice and specialty education. In its mission statement, the ABO clearly defines four objectives: 1) to evaluate the knowledge and clinical skills of graduates of accredited orthodontic programs by conducting exams and conferring time-limited certificates; 2) to reevaluate clinical knowledge and skills through administration of recertification exams throughout a Diplomate's career; 3) to support the development of quality graduate, postgraduate and continuing-education programs in orthodontics; and 4) to promote and encourage certification expertise throughout the world.

The certificate issued by the ABO signifies a certification of attainment. It does not confer any legal qualification, privilege, or license to practice orthodontics. It is not a professional or academic degree. In essence, board certification is a process by which an individual orthodontist is voluntarily examined by his/her peers as to orthodontic knowledge and clinical skills. The passage of the examination process is a demonstration to the dental profession and the general public of the orthodontist's pursuit of continued proficiency and excellence in orthodontics. 

To learn more about the ABO, visit the website www.americanboardortho.com.
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ABO announces new Diplomates, newly recertified orthodontists

The American Board of Orthodontics (ABO) certified or recertified 136 of the 172 examinees who participated in the Clinical Examination Feb. 19-23 in Dallas.

Eighty-eight orthodontists successfully completed the First Recertification Examination, thereby maintaining their certification. Of the 60 orthodontists who presented cases for the Initial Certification Examination (ICE), 48 became Diplomates, and 11 banked more than 50 cases for the eventual completion of the ICE. As of March 24, five examinees’ case presentations were awaiting further examination.

Visit the ABO website, www.americanboardortho.com, to review the list of orthodontists who successfully completed the Clinical Examination. The direct link is www.americanboardortho.com/about/diplomate_digest/newDiplomates.aspx. The orthodontists are listed by constituent organization.

The ABO will also conduct Clinical Examinations June 16-20 and Nov. 16-20. Registration for the June 2011 examination is now closed, but orthodontists may register for the November 2011 examination through Aug. 15. Registration is also open for the 2012 Clinical Examinations. Go to www.americanboardortho.com to register.

About the ABO
The ABO, founded in 1929, was the first specialty board in dentistry. It is the only orthodontic specialty board recognized by the American Dental Association and sponsored by the American Association of Orthodontists. The primary purpose of the ABO is to elevate the level of orthodontic care for the public by encouraging excellence in clinical practice and specialty education. In its mission statement, the Board clearly defines four objectives: 1) to evaluate the knowledge and clinical skills of graduates of accredited orthodontic programs by conducting exams and conferring time-limited certificates; 2) to reevaluate clinical knowledge and skills through administration of recertification exams throughout a Diplomate's career; 3) to support the development of quality graduate, postgraduate and continuing-education programs in orthodontics; and 4) to promote and encourage certification expertise throughout the world.

The certificate issued by the Board signifies a certification of attainment. It does not confer any legal qualification, privilege, or license to practice orthodontics. It is not a professional or academic degree. In essence, Board certification is a process by which an individual orthodontist is voluntarily examined by his/her peers as to orthodontic knowledge and clinical skills. The passage of the examination process is a demonstration to the dental profession and the general public of the orthodontist's pursuit of continued proficiency and excellence in orthodontics.

As of Aug. 1, 2010, the ABO had certified more than 4,800 orthodontists. This represents more than 50 percent of AAO active members.

To learn more about the ABO, visit the website www.americanboardortho.com.
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Dr. Jeremiah Lowney Wins AAO  Humanitarian Award

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Thanks a Million!

AAOPAC Ready to Move to the Next Level
By Lisa Peter Howard, DDS, MS

As Election Day 2010 draws ever closer, the chances for historic change are looking more likely than ever. Already this year, incumbents of both parties have been defeated in primaries and the sentiment of voters appears ready for major change in Washington. AAOPAC has been extremely active in this political season and we have had a major influence on recent legislation. As we close out the 2010 election year, our PAC stands ready to move to a new and dynamic level - we've have set a goal to become a "Million Dollar PAC" by 2012.

Just as our Association is unique, so must be our Political Action Committee. There is no other profession in the medical industry quite like orthodontists. Sometimes our interests are in line with dentists or other medical professionals and sometimes they are not. As a profession that has developed a specialty and a business model like no other, it is vital that our patients and practices maintain the freedom we have so enjoyed.

The idea of creating a "Million Dollar PAC" will continue to set us apart. Historically, we have grown from a PAC that raised and contributed around $300,000 each two-year election cycle to a PAC that raised nearly $650,000 in the 2007 -2008 cycle. Our objective is to grow that level of support to one million for the 2012 cycle. This level of support from AAO members will substantially elevate the significance of the PAC in the political community and will cause members of Congress to work hard to earn our support!

Recently, our Association has been fighting for the repeal of the "1099 reporting requirement" in the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. Unless repealed, this provision will cause additional paperwork burdens on our practices and add additional costs to doing business. Just last week, the US Senate refused to fix this bad provision of the health care bill. Hopefully, next year will afford another opportunity. There are constant fights in Washington over policies that could affect our work and our world. Making sure that our business is understood for the uniqueness and specialty that it is takes a good deal of effort. As we succeed together, each of us succeeds individually!

Over the years, AAO has been engaged and won several major legislative victories, due in no small part to the visibility and appreciation of AAOPAC. Whether it has been our carve-out in the financial services act earlier this year or our successful fight against repetitive motion requirements, time and again our association has prevailed in ways that have had a direct, bottom-line impact on each of our practices.

We will be launching new initiatives in the months to come asking younger orthodontists to participate in the PAC at lower donation levels. We are presently in the process of identifying "state liaisons" for the PAC across the nation in order to provide a deeper leadership level for our efforts. Whether you have participated in the PAC in the past or not, you may be hearing from your fellow doctors and asked to participate now. All of this is an effort to increase our exposure and effectiveness.
Our AAOPAC allows us to speak with one voice and get results for the entire profession. It has put orthodontists on the radar of people seeking public office and it has been a tremendously effective tool for our government relations objectives. Now the PAC is ready to go to another, higher-profile level. You can make a difference by contributing online via the member's portal at www.aaomembers.org.
As you attend state and regional meetings this fall, please consider doing your part or the AAOPAC. We're doing our part for you!
Dr. Howard is a member of the AAOPAC Board of Directors representing NESO. She can be reached at lisa@howardortho.com or by calling 207-885-1005 during the day or 207-967-4405 in the evenings.

DRAFT NESO Business Meeting Notice

The Annual Meetings of the Northeastern Society of Orthodontists will be held Friday, November 12, 2010.  The first business meeting is from 7:00 – 7:45 am followed by the second business meeting from 7:45 – 8:30 am.  Meeting will be held in the Hilton Montreal Bonaventure Hotel, Montreal Ballroom in conjunction with the 89th NESO Annual Session. 
All NESO members are encouraged to attend.  Current active members have voting privileges.  The meeting agenda will be posted in September at www.NESO.org

The 2010 – 2011 officer slate and 2011 NESO delegation members will be presented by the Nominating Committee:

2011 NESO delegates include:  David Angus, Nicholas Barone, John Callahan, Christina Carter, Lee Erickson, Jack Kacewicz, Christopher Lundberg, Patricia Timmeny and Leslie Will
2011 NESO alternate delegates include:  Dennis Hiller, Salvatore Manente, Philip Mansour, Terry Sobler, Carolyn Melita and Perry Opin
Please forward any Business Meeting related questions to NESO President Lee Erickson at bedfordortho@eastlink.ca or the NESO office at acraig@aaortho.org

Notice of NESO Proposed Bylaw Change

A change to the BYLAWS of the Northeastern Society of Orthodontists will be presented at the Annual Meeting to be held at the Hilton Montreal Bonaventure Hotel, Montreal Ballroom in conjunction with the 89th NESO Annual Session.   Both meetings will be held on Friday, November 12, 2010 with the first business meeting from 7:00 am – 7:45 am followed by the second business meeting from 7:45 am – 8:30 am.  The Bylaw changes will be proposed at the first meeting and voted on at the second meeting.
The proposed change is found Under Article VII, Section D of the BYLAWS and is listed below. 
ARTICLE VII — DELEGATES TO THE ASSOCIATION'S HOUSE OF DELEGATES:

Section A.  ELIGIBILITY, NOMINATION AND ELECTION:  Delegates and alternate delegates shall be elected and certified in conformity with the provisions of Articles III and IV of the Association’s Bylaws and Articles IV and V of these Bylaws.  Eligibility for the positions of delegates and alternate delegates is limited to active members in good standing.

Section B.  POWERS AND DUTIES:  To represent this Society in the Association House of Delegates in accordance with these Bylaws, policies and rules.

Section C.  TERM AND DUTIES:  The term of each delegate shall be one (1) year.

Section D. CHAIR OF DELEGATION ELECTION: The president of the Society shall serve as the chair of the delegation, or, at this/her request, a chair may be elected by the delegates and alternate delegates representing this Society, and the chair shall make an annual report to the Board of Directors of the Society at the time of its annual session. The chairperson will be nominated by NESO’s Nominating Committee in consultation with the Executive Committee every two years, and elected at the second business meeting of the Annual Session.  The first year, he will serve as vice-chairperson of the delegation.  The final two years he will serve as NESO’s House of Delegates Chairperson.  This individual will be chosen from the delegation representing NESO at the upcoming AAO Annual session. If the Chairperson is unable to fulfill their duties the vice-chair will preside.  If it is a year where there is only a chair, the immediate past chair will preside.

The primary duties of the Chairperson include, but are not limited to:
1.     Attend NESO’s Board Meeting
2.     Preside over all meetings of the delegation
3.     After consultation with the Vice-Chair, make reference committee assignments
4.     Represent NESO at the pre-AAO Annual Session Chairpersons meeting
5.     Submit NESO’s resolutions
6.     Coordinate the activities of the delegation on the floor of the House of Delegates
7.     Oversee the disbursement of reimbursement to delegates/alternates for expenses
8.     Submit a report to NESO’s Executive Committee within 60 days following the HOD meeting and make an annual            report     to the Board of Directors of the Society at the time of its annual session.
9.     Oversee the election of the next Vice-Chairperson/Chairperson
Underline – Addition
Strikethrough – deletion

NOTE:  The primary duties of the Chairperson as stated above will be placed in the Compendium and removed from the Bylaws.  It is shown here for information purposes.

Debuting a Mobile App for NESO

The Northeastern Society of Orthodontists in collaboration with the American Orthodontics offers our members the first ever fully integrated mobile application tailored specifically to the needs of NESO members.  Benefits include:

• Paperless conference information available in your pocket. As part of NESO’s commitment to staying green and limiting waste, your 2010 conference schedule and information is always on hand with information about speakers, exhibits and meeting location times and locations.
• Adding value for NESO members. The NESO mobile application brings you links, information, and communication tools to build a broader communications infrastructure between your practice, other NESO members and corporate sponsors, assuring you have all the resources available your practice needs to not only stay ahead, but set the trend.

AAO Leadership Conference

The AAO Leadership Conference is scheduled for February 24, 2011, in San Diego just prior to The Orthodontist as CEO Conference®.  The program is designed to provide volunteer leaders with the tools they need to be successful in various levels of leadership. In addition, the program will include resources available to the volunteer leaders from the AAO.  If you would like to participate, please forward your interest to Dr. Hugh Phillis hphillis@aaortho.org, NESO Trustee, for review and consideration before October 15, 2010. 

We encourage attendance for those who have not previously attended an AAO Leadership Conference. Selected representatives will need to fly into San Diego on Wednesday evening, February 23, to be ready for a 7:00 a.m. continental breakfast on Thursday.  Departure may be planned for Friday, February 25, at any time unless participants want to remain for the AAO Mid-winter conference on February 25-27 (at their own expense).
The 2011 AAO Leadership Conference objectives are to:

1. Provide an orientation to the AAO for constituent, component and council leaders
2. Discuss major issues that are of concern to dentistry in general and orthodontics in particular
3. Provide information on organizational and management skills for leaders
4. Provide training in communication skills to be able to represent the AAO to the profession and public

2011 AAO Leadership Conference

PRELIMINARY PROGRAM

COLLEGE OF DIPLOMATES
 OF THE AMERICAN BOARD OF ORTHODONTICS®

For Immediate Release:  July 28, 2010

Contact:  Karen Seiler, College Executive Director
Phone 636-922-5551  - e-mail cdabo@charter.net

The College of Diplomates Announces New Officers and Councilors

The College of Diplomates of the American Board of Orthodontics installed new officers and new councilors during its annual meeting held July 14-18, 2010 at The Samoset Resort in Rockport, Maine.

The College installed Dr. Dorothy Whalen of Glen Cove, New York as president.  Dr. Whalen served as 2005 – 2006 NESO President, NESO delegate and Reference Committee Chair.  As the new CDABO President Dr. Whalen stated, “One of my goals this year is to increase the participation of younger members.  We want to offer a summer meeting that is appealing to our "veteran " members but meets the needs of the younger members as well.  The 2011 meeting in La Jolla will be geared to the clinical orthodontist so that each attendee will find something that he/she can bring back to the office.  We are also doing an in depth evaluation of the Council to see that we are operating as effectively as possible.”

Dr. Rodney Hyduk of Troy, Michigan as president-elect; Dr. Michael Guess of El Dorado Hills, California as secretary and Dr. Robert Moss of Albany, Georgia as treasurer. Dr. James Williams of Austin, Texas; Dr. Paul Miller of Quincy, Illinois and Dr. Terry Sobler of New City, New York were installed as new incoming councilors. Dr. Kimsey Anderson of Albuquerque, New Mexico and Dr. Kenneth M. Hrechka of Oxon Hill, Maryland will continue to serve on the College Council. Dr. Philip Markin of Columbia, Maryland was honored for his contributions as 2009-2010 president and will continue to serve on the council as the immediate past president.

The College dedicated the 2010 Annual Meeting to Dr. Samir Bishara of Iowa City, Iowa for his dedication and leadership to the College and the College Council.

The 2011 College of Diplomates’ Annual Meeting will be July 15-19, 2011 at The Lodge at Torrey Pines in La Jolla, California. Registration materials will be mailed to members next spring.

The College of Diplomates was founded in 1979 to stimulate improvement among orthodontists, to encourage orthodontists to become board-certified and to educate the public and the dental profession on the benefits of board certification.

For additional information, please contact the College by phone at 636-922-5551,
e-mail at cdabo@charter.net or by visiting the College’s Web site at www.cdabo.org.

New to NESO

Cheryl Young has joined NESO as Education Administrative Associate.  She is a St. Louis native.  Prior to coming to NESO and the AAO, Cheryl established her career as an executive assistant with Jackson Products and earlier with Bussman Division, Cooper Industries.  Among her executive duties were handling administrative support operations for the CEO, CFO, VP Finance and Director of MIS.  Cheryl’s strengths include Microsoft Office Suite, problem solving, handling multiple projects simultaneously, meeting tight deadlines and working in a fast-paced professional environment.  She is an alumna of Lindenwood University in Human Resource Management.  In her spare time Cheryl is a movie buff and reads historical fiction and non-fiction.  She enjoys spending time with her family sightseeing and pursuing educational activities.  She is passionate about ocean cruises and looks forward to her next (unscheduled) trip.  Cheryl lives in Webster Groves, Missouri.

Cheryl Young
Education Administrative Associate
AAO / NESO
401 Lindbergh Blvd
St Louis, MO  63141
PH:  888.242.3795
FX:  314.997.1745
cyoung@aaortho.org