Annual report

Annual report

Annual Report Jack G. Dale, president T h e theme of this historical meeting, appropriately being held in this beautiful city of Washington, the capi...

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Annual Report Jack G. Dale, president

T h e theme of this historical meeting, appropriately being held in this beautiful city of Washington, the capital of the most powerful country in the history of mankind, is Our Heritage. The United States of America is the only country on the face of the earth that guarantees, for all her citizens, "the pursuit of happiness." "We hold these truths to be self evident that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certah2 unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty a n d . . . THE PURSUIT OF HAPPINESS.'" The Declaration of Independence What Thomas Jefferson had in mind was not the happiness of a good time, nor the happiness that comes with materialistic possessions. What Thomas Jefferson had in mind was freedom, precious freedom; freedom to seek information, freedom to make full use on one's talents, capacities, and potentialities, and freedom to pursue a goal, to experience the joy of fulfillment, and to be at peace with oneself. As Theodore Roosevelt once said: "One of the most treasured gifts by far, is to have the opportunity to work hard at somethhlg that is worth workhlg hard for." That is the essence of the American Board of Orthodontics to provide an opportunity, within the freedom of this great country, to work hard at something that is worth working hard for--diplomate the American Board of Orthodontics. It provides the Directors with a very special opportunity to work hard. They are incessant builders, dedicated to the building of a better service to society; they are skillful, committed to the pursuit of perfection and excellence, and they are industrious. In fact, I have never had the honor and privilege of working with a more industrious, more involved, more serious, and more hardworking group of professional men than I have had during these past 7 years with the Directors of the American Board of Orthodontics. Dedicated guardians of the highest standard of orthodontic diagnosis and treatment, ethics, and professionalism, the Directors have altered the landscape dramatically, Presented at the annual meeting of the American Association of Orthodontists, May 1990, in Washington. D.C. 8/8/Z3272

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through their untiring efforts and hard work, by totally altering the certifying process during the past 60 years. In the interest of honesty, fairness, and perfection, they continue to orchestrate changes. During the past 7 years, the number of orthodontists who have achieved diplomate status has increased from 13% to 23%. An estimated 50% of all orthodontists in America are involved at either one end or the other. Candidates taking the Phase II examination have increased from 176 in 1983 to 254 in 1989. Candidates taking the Phase III examination have increased from 62 in 1983 to almost 200 in 1990. In large part, these increases are the result of the ingenuity, the untiring efforts, and the solid support given by the College of Diplomates. On behalf of the Board, I would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge this support and to express our deepest gratitude to the members of the College for their help. 1. Phase II

The Phase II examination has been completely revised under the supervision of Richard Diemer. The reading list is new and the examination book is new. This year, for the first time, all five sections, including lI and IV, use objective questions to be marked by the computer. One hundred twenty new questions were added to sections II and IV of the Phase II examination and 21 new case reports were added to the examination book. The Phase II examination must now be written within 5 years after approval of the Phase I application. 2. Phase III

The Phase III examination revision has been the most remarkable change to take place during the past 7 years. The major modifications in the requirements, including the reduction in the number of case reports and the more comprehensive oral examination, have not lowered standards but have provided an alternative method of examination that omits time-consuming preparation and a prolonged waiting period for the third set of records. It is hoped that this will increase the number of candidates. To date it appears that it has. The number of candidates taking the Phase III examination has increased dramatically from 62 in 1983, when the old requirements were in effect, to 193 in 1989 and 194 in 1990 with the new requirements.

Volume 98 Number 4

The increase in candidates produced several new problems. This year, for the first time, the Phase III examination is being given in two sessions instead of one: February 23 to March 2, and October 27 to November 2. Each session will include 97 candidates. This has provided a much needed relief in the schedule and a fairer evaluation of the candidate. It has provided more time for thought, discussion, and action when the Directors are together as a group. Examination of the case reports is done during the afternoon, instead of the evenings and early mornings. A major report on the new Phase III protocol has been prepared with much effort, consultation, deliberation, and just plain hard work, especially on the part of Don Joondeph. This document will be the bible for the Phase III examination. 3. Central office

The central office has been enlarged and the facilities have been vastly improved, including a sophisticated computer network. The Ketcham Room, the beautiful new conference room, is the center of Director activity during central office sessions. Adjacent to the conference room is the area where our three dedicated staff members, Anita Milner, Dorothy Lohman, and Mary Jane Buescher, carry out their responsibilities. We are most grateful for their loyalty and support. George D. Selfridge was appointed Executive director in 1987. Dr. Selfridge, or"Satch" as he is affectionately called by his friends, has altered the landscape to an incredible degree in the time that he has been "aboard." His vast administrative experience, his wealth of knowledge of our profession, and his strong but sensitive leadership qualities have brought about major changes in the operation of the ABO and in the examination process. With him has come Richard Diemer, our new examination consultant, who has been invaluable in guiding us through major changes in the Phase II and Phase III examinations. Also with him has come Edward Gill, our new professional photographer, who has made a major change in documenting case reports of candidates who have either failed or not completed their requirements in the Phase III examination. 4.The examination information book

(specific instructions) An examination information book will be published this year which will include specific instructions for the Phase II and Phase III examinations, including the reading list. It will be illustrated with drawings and photographs and will indicate to the candidate, graphically, what standard is expected in the case report, including study models, facial photographs, intraoral photo-

American Board of Orthodontics 377 graphs, intraoral and cephalometric radiographs, and tracings. This has been a long-term project. The prime objective of this book is to raise the standard of the case report and to improve the quality of the records. The objective of taking quality records is clinical accuracy for the purpose of establishing a sound diagnosis. The objective of the American Board of Orthodontics is the pursuit of excellence, to provide a goal for the candidate to strive for and to establish a standard for orthodontists in America and, indeed, throughout the world. THE FUTURE

1. It is most appropriate that the first international president of the American Board of Orthodontics make a recommendation concerned with international relations. The ABO is standing on the threshold of an exciting new adventure. A golden opportunity is being thrust on us to provide leadership in the setting of standards of orthodontic diagnosis and treatment throughout the world. We have within our grasp the chance to alter the landscape globally. Let us introduce a new word into our vocabulary, globalization. According to Noel Tichy, the root cause of change in the 90s will be globalization. You will have to have global standards for quality and for s e r v i c e . . , you will have to have global leadership. This provocative and stimulating new development could result in an unprecedented standardization of orthodontic care globally; it could result in improved communication between nations, and it could provide continuity, unity, and a strong orthodontic bond on a worldwide basis. In May 1989, in Anaheim, California, I 1,923 persons attended the American Association of Orthodontists meeting. Of these participants, 3159 were orthodontists. Of these orthodontists, one third were from foreign countries, more than any other meeting. This year the numbers have increased. How well the theme of last year's meeting reflects the temper of our times, "It's a small world after all." Several contacts have been made with our Directors and with our Executive Directors appealing for guidance in the establishment of standards in other count r i e s - T h e United Kingdom, South Africa, Columbia, Australia, Republic of China, and France, to name a few. Requests have come from several countries and organizations for the new Examination Information Book. The Angle Society, the Tweed Foundation, constituent societies, and component societies have all requested the book and our advice. The Tweed Foundation is intimately associated with 60 countries around the world. It has never been a stronger organization,

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and its existence depends on foreign participation. We held our first international meeting of the Angle Society in Chicago in Sepember 1989. Europeans now have their own Angle Society. Everywhere I travel, I find orthodontists, superb orthodontists, who are interested in the ABO. Why not a W B O - - W o r l d Board of Orthodontics? Why not a World Federation of Certifying Boards? What better time to initiate the concept than with an international president? What better time to continue it than with an executive director who is active in the International College of Dentists, a past president, in fact? There will be many avenues to follow; there will be many ramifications to consider; there will be many bureaucratic challenges to overcome, but it will be worth it. 2. Our specialty is constantly being challenged by other less qualified groups and individuals, and it will continue to be in the future. To protect our specialty from unfair competition, and to remain in the official position as the legitimate specialty of orthodontics in America, to protect the public, the AAO and the ABO would be well advised to have substantial evidence available for support. We have a golden opportunity to collect this evidence at the ABO Phase III examination. Each year, we examine 2000 case reports in St. Louis. In 5 years we could have 10,000 case reports of superior quality in the computer to serve as protection. This impressive collection of digitally stored ABO cases could function as a resource library for orthodontic students, teachers, and research scientists in orthodontic departments and research institutes all over the world. We have, indeed, a golden opportunity to make a major contribution to the preservation and to the advancement of orthodontics in the future. To be appointed a Director of the prestigious American Board of Orthodontics is, without doubt, one o f the highest honors any American orthodontist could possibly wish to achieve. To be a foreigner and to be appointed a D i r e c t o r - - t h e first Director from a foreign c o u n t r y - - i s incredible. There are no words in existence to adequately express my feelings. As president, I would like to thank: Joseph Distasio for being such a delightful partner. Sharing the presidency with you has been a most enjoyable experience. The d i r e c t o r s - - m y friends. You have educated me, inspired me, and motivated me to raise my standards of professionalism. I am proud beyond measure to be associated with you and to be a part o f this very special organization, which commands respect not only within the United States but around the world. Our executive director, George Selfridge. How reassuring it is, when you are totally consumed by the

Am. J. Orthod. Dentofac. Orthop. October 1990

pressures of practice and other responsibilities at a distance of hundreds of miles, to know that there is someone, a very capable someone, looking after the shop. "Satch," you will never know how much we appreciate your efforts. We all are indebted to your involvement in our precious American Board of Orthodontics. Earl Shepard for his continued involvement, his vital knowledge of the past, and his understanding of current affairs. Earl, you provide a vital link between the accomplishments and activities of the Board in years gone by and the challenges of the present. We are grateful to you for your wisdom, for your advice and, above all, for your friendship. Jack Ziegler and the College of Diplomates of the American Board of Orthodontics for their continued support. We are most grateful. We realize the value of your contribution. I would like to conclude with this message: We are a privileged group of men and women in our society. The world is ours. THE WORLD IS MINE by Dr. Tennyson Guyer Today, upon a bus, I saw a girl with golden hair; She seemed so gay, I envied her, and wished that I were half so fair; I watched her as she rose to leave, and saw her hobble down the aisle. She had one leg and wore a crutch, but as she passed - a smile. OH, GOD, FORGIVE ME WHEN I WHINE; I HAVE TWO LEGS--THE WORLD IS MINE. Later on I bought some sweets. The boy who sold them had such charm, I thought I'd stop and talk awhile. If I were late, t'would do no harm, And as we talked he said, "Thank you, sir, you've really been so kind, It's nice to talk to folks like you because, you see, I'm blind." OH, GOD, FORGIVE ME WHEN I WHINE; I HAVE TWO EYES--THE WORLD IS MINE. Later, walking down the street, I met a girl with eyes so blue. But she stood and watched the others play; it seemed she knew not what to do. I paused, and then I said, "Why don't you join the others, dear?" But she looked straight ahead without a word, and then I knew, she couldn't hear. OH, GOD, FORGIVE ME WHEN I WHINE; I HAVE TWO EARS--THE WORLD IS MINE. Two legs to take me where I go, Two eyes to see the sunset's glow, Two ears to hear all I should know, OH GOD, FORGIVE ME WHEN I WHINE; I'M BLEST, INDEED, THE WORLD IS MINE.

Volume 98 Number 4

American Board o f Orthodontics

As Skip Wilkins would say: "Individually, each and every one of u s . . . we have a treasure." Together, collectively, we have a t r e a s u r e . . , our precious specialty. As Skip Wilkins has said: "We can lose it in a split second," as he did. With this treasure, with this special privilege, and with the precious gift of freedom comes responsibility. We must become involved, and we must become committed to the preservation and the

advancement of our treasured specialty throughout the world. Jack G. Dale

President 1849 Yonge St., #903 Toronto, Ontario M4S 142 Canada

F e e s for certification

The American Board of Orthodontics fee schedule for 1990-91 is as follows: Phase I--Application Phase II--Written examination Phase III--Clinical examination Maintenance fee (applicant/candidate) Reregistration fee (diplomate) Extension fee Reexamination fee (Phase II) Reexamination fee (BCE Phase IlI) Reexamination fee (CCE Phase III)

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$75 $175 $575 $35 $5O $125 $175 $275 $275

No fees paid are refundable. Fees are subject to change at the discretion of the Board of Directors without notice. Please note all candidates' examination fees paid for the October 1990 examination will not be affected. The Board thanks all of its constituents for their support in the past and continued support in the future.