AOS MEMBERSHIP NEWS A Lifetime of Learning Opportunities With AOS Kimberly Suter, DDS AOS President One of the greatest lifetime learners I know is Dr. Bill Wyatt. Into his ninth decade, he is sharing videos worldwide with over 3,000 followers. Even now, he looks for newer, faster and better ways to provide quality orthodontics and encourages all around him to challenge conventional thought. I was recently a recipient of “conventional” think-ing about general dentists. After accepting an invita-tion to an orthodontic conference, I found myself a “lone eagle” in a sea of specialists. I was stunned at the number of orthodontists that wondered openly why a general practitioner would ever want to know orthodontic techniques beyond clear aligners or six-month smiles. There was even disdain shown for me being at “their” conference. I left there knowing that naiveté by many of our dental colleagues toward the skills of the general dentist and their availability of quality orthodontic education are the reasons the specialists believe we should be limited in our “conventional” scope of practice. The American Orthodontic Society enables the general dentist to be a lifetime learner, to work beyond their customary boundaries, and to do it with confidence. As we move into Spring and then into the Fall, I urge you to honor yourself and this great organization by attending our Annual Meeting, scheduled for September 19-22 in Washington DC. We have assembled a great lineup of speakers, headlined by four orthodontists who absolutely view the important role of delivering orthodontic care by the GP. Congressman Paul Gosar, DDS will be our guest speaker at the Awards Dinner. Come to DC to grow your knowledge, benefit from the camaraderie of colleagues, and enjoy the energy and sites that are unique to our nation’s capital. Kimberly Suter, DDS 20th Year of the AOS Foundation Dr. Robert G. Gerety Scholarship The AOS Foundation’s Dr. Robert G. Gerety Scholar-ship for Academic Excellence was awarded this year to Ms. Carlee Holland of Stillwater, OK at a luncheon hosted March 13, 2019 by Dr. Raymond A. Cohlmia, Dean of the University of Oklahoma College of Dentistry. Mr. Tom Chapman, CAE, AOS Executive Director, along with Ms Kay Gerety and members of the Gerety family were present to see Ms. Holland receive her award. Soon-to-be “Dr.” Carlee Holland is near the top of her graduating class, and plans on returning to her hometown of Winnsboro, TX to practice dentistry. “My varied experiences at the OU College of Dentistry have led me to pursue a career in general dentistry, so that I can continue to work in multiple areas of dentistry,” said Ms Holland. She was the 20th recipient of the Foundation’s award, making it the longest running scholarship for this charitable arm of the AOS. Scholarships at the University of Okla-homa, University of Missouri-Kansas City, and Tufts University School of Dental Medicine are only possi-ble thru the generosity of our membership. If you are interested in learning more about the work of your Founda-tion, please contact Tom Chapman at tchap-man@orthodontics.com. www.orthodontics.com Spring 2019 45
Journal of the American Orthodontic Society Spring 2019: Page 45
