AOS MEMBERSHIP NEWS The Value of Face-to-Face Learning & Enjoyment As a multi-generational North Lander who appreciates the simple life, I am drawn to the reflective thoughts of Minnesota resident and author, Garrison Keillor, when he writes, “Lake Wobegon, the little town that time forgot and the decades can’t improve.” Most often the simple life we yearn for falls victim to the technological changes occurring around us that complicates rather than simplifies. I recall telling folks recently as I left for a hunting trip, “I may not be reachable on my phone for a few days.” Seriously, who expects us to be reachable while out hunting in the wild? But with today’s gadgets we can fall into thinking that 24/7 contact is essential. Technology should leverage our skills and our life, not supplant the joys of simplicity. To me, one of the endearing aspects of dentistry is the one-on-one relationships, both with our patients and our colleagues. We are surrounded with e-learning, online degrees, webinars and more, yet the AOS has maintained face-to-face learning as our core David M. Thorfinnson, DDS model. Recently, I attended one AOS President of our weekend courses in Chicago. My greatest enjoyment was sitting and talking with members I had never met. Dentists from around the country learning together provide an educational experience that goes well beyond the lectures. Let’s embrace AOS continuing education in 2015 and create more, not less, simplicity in our life and career. We are excited for this coming year, with courses spread coast to coast, and a Clearwater, Florida beach experience for our Annual Meeting. I hope to see many of you this year. My best to you and your family and a successful New Year. David M. Thorfinnson, DDS 2014 AOS Rupp Scholarship Presented On September 15, 2014 AOS Executive Direc-tor Tom Chapman and AOS Board Member Anne Mary Orr presented the 2014 AOS Founda-tion Dr. Roger P. Rupp Scholarship for Outstand-ing Performance to Ms. McKinzie Jeffrey, a senior at the University of Missouri – Kansas City School of Dentistry. Upon graduation, Ms. Jeffrey plans to return to her home state of Arkansas and open a dental practice with her husband, who is also a senior at UMKC School of Dentistry The Dr. Roger P. Rupp Scholarship for Outstanding Performance was established in 2005 and is offered each year to talented students at the University of Missouri, Kansas City who have demonstrated superior performance in academic and clinical dental pursuits. The AOS Charitable Foundation provides educational grants only through the generous support of our members. If you would like to know more about our scholarship program or Above, left to right: AOS Executive Director, Tom Chapman, 2013 Rupp Award recipient, Jennifer Crumbaugh, 2014 Rupp Award recipient, McKinzie Jeffrey, AOS Board Member, Dr. Anne Mary Orr assist by pledging funds, please contact our Executive Director, Tom Chapman, at 800-448-1601 or tchapman@orthodontics.com. www.orthodontics.com Winter 2015 45
Journal of the American Orthodontic Society Winter 2015: Page 45
