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• 85% of respondents have attended one or more Annual Sessions since 1996, where eight is the average number of sessions attended.

• The main reason members attend is the expected quality of the speakers (76%), and the topics presented (69%).

• The respondents were asked to rate a number of topics. This list fluctuates from year to year and the Continuing Education Committee is continually considering different topics for meeting presentations.

• The highest rated topics were: factors influencing treatment time; procedures that contribute to stability; surgical techniques to assist retrieval of impacted teeth; treatment of asymmetries; early treatment; growth management; scientific basis for finishing goals; advances in orthodontic materials; treatment of cases with missing teeth.

• The main reason people go is professional improvement

• The main reason members do not go, is as you might guess – travel difficulties and taking time out of the office. 33% have not attended their regional meeting within the last two years.

• The Bulletin was rated the most important source of information, followed by meetings, while the web site is the least important (44% visit the site). While 99% read all or part of every Bulletin issue, most are not aware that the Journal is posted on the PCSO website, a service that facilitates searching for topics and printing out articles. Respondents reported that they best liked the articles and summaries, the PCSO News, and the Case Report. High ratings for these were 55-62%, so there is room for improvement. The New Member Forum received a high rating of 20%. This is low, but I recognize that this feature is directed toward a small section of the membership. The Board continues efforts to draw new and young member into activities and volunteer participation. The Bulletin's New Member Forum by Dr. Mike Sales and the New and Young Member Report by Dr. Andrea Laidlaw are parts of this program.

• The PCSO Web Site: I consider the 44% visitation a promising figure. The use of the net by orthodontists is a growing habit. It will take time for members to routinely be connected and rely on the electronic stream of information. The survey revealed that 97% have access to the Internet. However, most still prefer mail or fax as the routine form of communication from PCSO.

• Most of us are in solo practice (80%). The average year members began practice is 1983. Over a third of members have joined the PCSO since 1990.

• Members are 92% in the US, and 6% in Canada, which is the same as in the 1994 survey. 58% of the members practice in California.

Threats to practice

The most often cited concerns were: difficulties with managing the practice, competition for patients, and the effect of insurance issues on the practice.

General satisfaction with the PCSO was high, increasing from 55% in 1994 to 71% this year. Approval of most PCSO programs also increased dramatically. I give Phillip Rollins Associates, the Board of Directors, and our committee volunteers credit for stepping up their commitment and expertise in their specific areas of responsibilities.

Results from our 2001 survey are being incorporated into the Strategic Plan, and ad hoc and standing committees have been formed to focus on member’s feedback from the survey. Thank you for your participation.

Gerald Nelson, DDS
Editor

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