Fall 2002 AAO Trustee Report

"AAO Board of Trustees Meeting, Philadelphia, PA April 30 – May 2 and May 8, 2002"

By Dr. Don Joondeph, PCSO Trustee

EARLY TREATMENT

The Board approved the recommendation from the Early Treatment Ad Hoc Committee that all statements regarding the benefits of early orthodontic treatment in AAO communications and marketing materials be evidenced based.

AAO-SPONSORED SPEAKER AT ADA ANNUAL SESSION

The AAO will sponsor a full-day annual lecture at the ADA Annual Session beginning in 2003. The AAO Board of Trustees will both recommend and have final approval of the speaker.

2004 SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE

The Board of Trustees approved Dr. David Solomon from the Middle Atlantic Society of Orthodontists as the Speaker of the House for 2004.

DISTANCE LEARNING

A committee of the Board was appointed to study the financial and intellectual property issues associated with the AAO’s distance learning program and to make recommendations to the Board no later than February 2003.

ANNUAL SESSION MANDATORY ROOM DEPOSIT

The Board adopted the following new policy: Annual Session policy includes a two-night mandatory room deposit that is non-refundable within 14 days of arrival, beginning with the 2002 Annual Session, except for extenuating circumstances as determined by the Executive Director or the Associate Executive Director.

PRESIDENTIAL BILL-SIGNING CEREMONIES

The Board approved a recommendation from the Council on Governmental Affairs that the AAO, through its Washington, DC lobbyist, pursue the possibility of attending any relevant Presidential bill-signing ceremonies.

OFFICER ATTENDANCE AT CONSTITUENT MEETINGS

AAO Officers assigned to attend fall constituency Annual Sessions may attend as much of the meeting as they are able to; the Officer should determine their participation with the concurrence of the constituency Board so that the AAO is represented appropriately.

BRACES IN THE MILITARY

The Board requested staff, in conjunction with the AAO Governmental Relations Consultant, get an official copy of the Department of Defense Policy on recruits entering the military with braces and pursue any appropriate policy changes; and that the General Counsel author an article in the AAO Bulletin advising members on the proper procedures to comply with the policy while protecting themselves from professional liability.

TASK FORCE ON ENDORSEMENTS REPORT

The policy of the AAO regarding non-dues revenue, as recommended by the Task Force, is now as follows: That the AAO research and develop only non-dues revenue sources that meet the criteria established by the Board of Trustees and that provide tangible member benefits.

The Board also adopted the criteria recommended by the Task Force for identifying and evaluating products offered to AAO members and will, at the time of contract renewal, make efforts to evaluate other companies that provide the same product/service to assure the best value for AAO members.

AWESOME SMILES PROGRAM

The AAO will support the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry’s Awesome Smiles Program.

NEW TRUSTEE

Dr. Michael B. Rogers was welcomed as the new AAO Trustee representing the Southern Association of Orthodontists.

DIRECT REIMBURSEMENT

President Gjerset appointed a Task Force to study the entire issue of Direct Reimbursement, including whether or not there should be an AAO program.

The Task Force will consist of Drs. Terry Pracht, Chair, Bob Bray, Ray George, Norm Nagel and Leo Sinna. Chris Vranas will serve as staff liaison and Tom Watters, John Terranova and Chuck Brightwell will serve as resource persons.

DENTAL ASSISTING NATIONAL BOARD (DANB)

The issue of recognition of DANB as a national certifying board for orthodontic assistants was referred to a committee of the Board which will conduct a “state by state” analysis of auxiliary certification with a report due to the Board at its August 2002 meeting.

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