Council on Orthodontic Education Report
Dr. Mark Felton
The 2005 Coenraad F. A. Moorrees Education Leadership Conference and Educators' Workshop will be held on Friday, May 20th , 2005 in conjunction with the 2005 AAO Annual Session in San Francisco. A suggested topic of the conference may cover computer systems for orthodontic clinics. Another topic may be CDA standards relative to research requirements (Standard 6).
A sub-committee is investigating the usage of Internet 2 in and among universities. A resolution has been sent to the AAO BOT proposing that the AAO sponsor an Internet 2 course for universities that have Internet 2 capability. There would be an attempt to tie in as many schools as possible to demonstrate what Internet 2 can provide for the schools.
A sub-committee is exploring the use of the ABO Phase II exam as a standardized exit examination. The ABO has been approached about this subject and realizes the significance of using the exam for this basis.
The AAO is offering one-year unlimited access to the online portion of the AAO Distance Learning Program for only $100. Both doctors and staff may use the unlimited lectures, however, only doctors may print out CE verification. To subscribe or if you have any questions, call the AAO order department at 1-800-424-2841.
From a four-part resolution coming out of the May, 2004 AAO House of Delegates meeting in Orlando, a task force has been created among members of the Councils on Orthodontic Education, Orthodontic Practice and Scientific Affairs. The task force held its first conference call on September 27th, 2004. The four resolutions which the task force is to examine are:
1. Definition of Evidence-Based Practice
2. Guidelines and Speaker Criteria for Topics and Selection of Speakers
3. Scheduling of an Evidence-Based Practice Conference
4. Continuing Education Committee
The task force has asked the COE to study the feasibility of establishing a continuing education committee to:
1. Develop and initiate an overall long-term plan for continuing education for all AAO-sponsored educational activities.
2. Work to coordinate all educational activities of the AAO, including the selection of topics, speakers and meeting formats.
The COE will once again host a luncheon for orthodontic educators during the 2005 American Dental Education Association (ADEA) Annual Session to be held in Baltimore next March. A possible topic for a speaker may cover technology/computer systems and software in orthodontic programs.
The next face-to-face COE meeting will be in March, 2005 in Baltimore in conjunction with the ADEA Annual Session.