AOS MEMBERSHIP NEWS Learning and Sharing Your Orthodontic Achievements The great actor Alan Alda was quoted as saying, “Awards can give you a tremendous amount of encour-agement to keep getting better no matter how young or old you are”. One of the most amazing outcomes of a credential earned, or award received, is the hunger that builds within you to learn and achieve even more. Maybe it comes from a sense of responsibility or maybe it is the imbued personality of those that strive for awards, such as our AOS Diplomates. The award or credential is often seen as the “ultimate” prize. Nothing could be farther from the truth. With achievement comes an even greater quest for knowledge, as well as the imparting of that knowledge to others. AOS Diplo-mates become our strongest mentors, not because of their unique clinical skills, but because of the encour-agement the credential provides to keep getting better. Personally, I strive to learn new skills while question-ing the way I have always done my business. I look to others for ideas and then I try those ideas. Some work, some don’t. But with each success or failure, I become a better clinician and instructor. The Academy of General Dentistry has offered a Mastership for several years. This rigorous program, much as our Diplomate, leads to this prestigious award. Once Juan C. Echeverri, DDS achieved, it would seem obvious AOS President that the classroom would become less of a priority. Interestingly, the fastest growing groups in the AGD are the Post-Mastership Programs. I charge all of you who have been creating quality smiles for years to examine the AOS credentialing process, and see how it can improve your skills ---and, to see what a burst of energy it will give your practice and your life. Visit us at www.orthodontics.com or contact our home office with your questions. Also, now is the time to circle October 6-9, 2016 on your calendar. Those are the dates for our AOS Annual Meeting in San Antonio, TX. This is always a “don’t miss” event for the Society, and a chance to meet our Board-Eligibles and Diplomates. See you there! Juan C. Echeverri, DDS www.orthodontics.com Spring 2016 43
Journal of the American Orthodontic Society Spring 2016: Page 43
