SWSO CHIEF DELEGATE REPORT ON THE 2008 AAO HOUSE OF DELEGATES
Dr. Kirt E. Simmons
The big news this year concerning the House of Delegates actions is related to the passage of the Council on Communications proposal to continue and expand the Public Relations campaign and fund it to the level of $2,320,000. This will result in a $550 annual assessment for all U.S. and Canadian active and affiliate members (active academic members excluded) during FY 2008-09, FY 2009-10, and FY 2010-11. It also meant passage of a deficit budget, of which the deficit will be funded out of excess reserves, so no increase in dues was necessary for FY 2008-09. This spends most of our excess reserves so to continue the campaign at this level beyond FY 2008-09 may well require a dues increase. That will be a subject for next year’s House.
The qualifications and selection procedures for American Board of Orthodontics (ABO) Directors was defined and passed. The schedule of the House was revised so that the House meets on Friday afternoon and Monday afternoon, continuing until business is completed. This allows Delegates to essentially plan departures on Tuesday whereas in the past Delegates were expected to be available for the House on Tuesdays as well. Some other “housekeeping” resolutions regarding the House were also passed, as were updates to the Strategic Plan. A number of resolutions dealing with inappropriate advertising, “certifications,” ethics, etc. were referred.
I’m proud to say the AAO continued its leadership in the support of our academicians by setting aside a total of $300,000 to augment the salaries (by $30,000) of up to 10 new junior faculty in the USA and Canada, and another $600,000 was approved to continue to fund the Full-time Faculty Teaching Fellowship Program for 2008-09. Speaking of academics, a resolution addressing the makeup of the Council on Education (COE) was referred until next year. A SWSO resolution, allowing orthodontic fellows to be student members of the AAO, was also passed.
Regarding dues, international members will be able to pay their dues in one lump sum for a 3-year period if desired. Also, the termination date for membership was moved from September to December 31. A number of resolutions dealing with assessment/dues relief for educators and cleft/craniofacial orthodontists were referred as well. Our SWSO resolution on development of payment plan options for payment of dues and/or assessments by members was sent to COMEJC to work on.
I was proud to represent the SWSO at this year’s HOD and proud to chair our delegation of hard-working volunteers. If you happen to run across any of them (Vann Greer, Larry Tadlock, Mike Mizell, Jeff Thompson, Darrin Storms, Mark Felton, Devek K. Frech, and Dean Jensen) I encourage you to thank them for their dedication and hard work and share any issues/concerns you might have with them. Also please feel free to share with me, your input or suggestions on any AAO matters or activities.