Fall 2002 From the Executive Director:

PCSO Update

by Phillip Rollins, CAE, Executive Director

As the date approaches for the 2002 Annual Session in Monterey, there are many new projects in motion. I thought I'd like to take this opportunity to provide an update on the major area we're working on, most of which will be finalized during the Monterey meeting.

Planning for the Future

Under the guidance of President Dale Rhoney and Strategic Planning Committee Chair Robin Jackson, we are looking at a number of areas, some new and some old.

Earlier this year, the Board approved a new plan, which called for the formation of no less than eight new ad hoc committees, each to consider, review, and report on a specific issue. It is the Board's desire that recommendations from some of our best volunteers will provide the justification to modify, eliminate, or initiate programs. Here are the highlights.

Last year, the AAO began frequently surveying a randomly selected "family" of about 300 members. This concept allows for a faster, more effective and less expensive method of determining member needs, wants and preferences.

Technology Committee Chair Richard Savage and his committee are looking at a similar approach for PCSO. The cost of our last written survey almost reached $20,000.

Tech Committee also continues to follow the AAO "distance learning" project, which allows members to view AAO lectures on line. There is interest in offering similar opportunities for PCSO presentations.

Chuck Wear leads a small group looking into the orthodontic staff and recruitment problem, an area of extreme importance to many members. The AAO and state dental societies are also working on strategies to address this area.

Rod Dubois' committee will review the PCSO organizational governance and existing programs. They will determine if there are more efficient ways for us to operate the organization and if any existing programs should be dropped.

The Bylaws are undergoing a complete legal review under the oversight of Barry Hoffman.

In an effort to improve PCSO member contributions to the AAOF, Harry (Hap) Dougherty, Jr. heads up an effort to determine more effective ways to present the AAOF message, particularly during the annual session. Look for an increased presence at future meetings.

Many members provide reduced fee or complimentary treatment for children from low-income families. Some states offer programs to help identify those most in need and may even provide partial fee reimbursement.

However, due to the difficulties of dealing with some state programs, many members choose to avoid the process. One small committee is looking into this area of the underserved to determine if there is anything we can do to help those members interested in making this commitment to their communities.

USC Orthodontic Program Director Bob Keim and several others are considering how PCSO might contribute to the faculty recruitment and retention problem. Many departments (only one within PCSO) have vacant chair positions.

ABO Director John Grubb and CDABO Director Richard Ridgley are working together to determine how PCSO can encourage more members to consider becoming ABO certified. We continue to offer the Phase III preparatory course during the Annual Session, but there may be additional ways we can help members with this seemingly daunting task.

New Membership Committee Chair John Coombs continues the arduous task of locating and recruiting non-members. With two-thirds of the membership, California represents the biggest challenge for the committee. We believe upwards of 95% of qualified orthodontists in the PCSO region are members, but do not have absolute proof.

Last year, Stan Hall took over as chair of the Continuing Education Committee, which for several years has been working towards a reorganization of the procedures used in the selection of meeting topics and speakers. Their next meeting is scheduled during the Monterey meeting. Look for a more centralized process of determining future meeting topics and presenters.

California Proposition 65

The Calif. Association continues to follow the issue of dentists being required to post hazardous materials notices in their offices.

On July 22, a settlement meeting was help with representatives from CAO, the Calif. Dental Association, the state Attorney General's office, and the organization that has brought actions against 80 California dentists.

The amalgam challenge is the primary issue, with the orthodontic appliance question far in the background. CAO is providing to the Attorney General all known research into the risk of appliances containing nickel and chromium. It is expected that a final settlement will be completed by the end of August.

Finances

The Budget and Finance Committee has just completed its annual meeting and is making recommendations to the Board regarding the 2003 budget, which is just under $1 million.

In order to balance the budget, small increases in dues, Annual Session fees, and regional meeting fees are being proposed for next year.

The committee also looked at a five-year projection, which suggests a budget deficit of over $200,000 by 2005. Through continued review of existing programs and small increases in dues and fees, it is expected that future deficits will be adequately addressed.

New Trustee in 2004; AAO Council Opening

Don Joondeph will complete his eight-year term as our AAO trustee in 2004, when he will move up to the officer ranks, ultimately to serve as president in 2006-07.

This fall, we will begin the process of seeking a new trustee. During its fall meeting, the PCSO Board will consider a new selection process.

Chuck Wear is serving as our temporary representative to the AAO Council on Orthodontic Practice. We are seeking a member with strong interest in all matters related to the management of an orthodontic practice.

The Council has organized the 2003 "Orthodontist as the CEO" meeting scheduled for next spring.

Donald Joondeph and Gerald Nelson Recognized

During the May AAO Annual Session in Philadelphia, the ABO announced PCSO member and Trustee Donald Joondeph as recipient of the 2003 Albert Ketcham Award.

The award's criteria are quite simple: "an individual who, in the judgement of the ABO awards committee, has made notable contributions to the specialty of orthodontics." Dr. Joondeph definitely meets that criteria.

During the Monterey Annual Session, Jerry Nelson will be recognized for his many years of service as the PCSO Editor and member of the Board of Directors. As part of the Opening Luncheon program, Jerry will receive the annual Award of Merit. The Award's purpose is to honor an orthodontist or para-professional, within the geographic boundaries of the PCSO, who has made a significant contribution to the profession of orthodontics over a number of years.

Rearranging the PCSO Deck Chairs

The Annual Session will mark the end of the term on the Board of Directors for several members, including Dr. Parker Fuhriman, OR, Dr. John Ive, WA, Dr. Ross Remmer, SK, Charles (Chuck) Wear, CA.

We are appreciative for the time and energy exhibited by each of these PCSO leaders. New officers and directors will be announced after the Monterey meeting.

Please contact the headquarters office if the PCSO staff can be of any assistance or if you wish to participate in any activities as a volunteer.

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