AOS MEMBERSHIP NEWS The Future Is Bright: AOS’s New Vision, Goals & Expansion It is with great expectations that I write this message. I have been a member of the AOS for almost 15 years and, during that time, I have seen our leaders and instructors who have been so diligent to educate and encourage our members slowly join the ranks of the retired and hand off the baton to those of us who remain. As with any relay race, the handoff to the new runner is a challenging moment, and one of those moments that can make or break the race. Over the last 10 years, I’ve personally seen our membership dwindle and the momentum that once characterized the AOS slowly dwindle away. As difficult and discouraging as the situation looked, I have seen the leadership of the AOS set new vision for the future, develop realistic goals to reach dentists of all ages around the globe and take bold steps to imple-ment the goals developed by the board of the American Orthodontic Society. Change is always difficult, but if we do not adapt and change, we will perish as will any other organization that is unwilling to keep up with the times. Despite fear of change, I am proud be part of the process of rebirthing the American Orthodontic Society into an organization that will continue to grow and again become a place of continued learning, encour-Jeffrey P. Dahm, DDS AOS President agement and deep relationships! The mission of the AOS has not changed, in fact, I believe it has intensified! I believe in five years, our organization will be substantially larger; AOS will have an impact around the globe and, through online training, will encourage many dentists to consider adding orthodontic services to their prac-tice and give them their first steps in an outstanding orthodontic education that will ultimately benefit their patients in amazing ways! The AOS Institute and Event Center in Texas will be an amazing facility that will further empower our mission and give us a place that we can all call our home. I’m so proud to be part of the AOS, and for all the encouragement that I’ve received here and look forward to encouraging those who are yet to join our ranks. Jeffrey P. Dahm, DDS AOS Institute Event Center The AOS Board and Academy of Diplomates members were able to tour the new AOS Event Center during the Spring Meeting and Review Course. We are looking forward to completing the build-out this year and hosting our first courses this fall! You can learn more at https://aosinstitute.com/event-center/ Thank You AOS Members! We are beyond grateful to the members who have pledged their support for the new AOS Institute Event Center. To date, we’d like to thank Drs. Juan and Elsa Echeverri, Dr. Leonard Carapazza, Dr. Twana Duncan, and Dr. B. Octavio Elizondo for being early supporters of our fundraising campaign for the new AOS Event Center. You can learn more and pledge your support by calling us at 972-234-4000 or visit-ing https://aosinstitute.com/event-center/. www.orthodontics.com Spring 2023 33
Journal of the American Orthodontic Society Spring 2023: Page 33
