Joy in the Time of COVID

orthodontist locator with the ability to list multiple offices and user-specific dashboard notifications. The ABO’s April 2020 Educators Symposium, “The Change is Here – Are You on Board?”, honoring Dr Katherine Vig, was canceled due to COVID-19. In lieu of the physical meeting in St. Louis, a PowerPoint presentation with important examination information and updates was distributed to Department Chairs and Program Directors of CODA accredited orthodontic programs in the United States and Canada. The ABO will announce plans to reschedule the symposium in the fall of 2021.

Complimentary ABO measuring gauges were distributed to first year residents from requesting CODA accredited orthodontic programs. In preparation for the AAO’s 2021 Annual Session, the ABO plans to again host an Educator/Advocate Workshop and an ABO Open House/Info Session to share updates, answer questions and provide educational information on the Written and Clinical Examinations. In addition, the ABO will have an informational booth located in the Convention Center to provide information on the board certification process.

ABO Award Recognition:

Due to the cancellation of the 2020 AAO Annual Session meeting, the award ceremonies honoring the 2020 recipients could not take place. Therefore, these individuals will be recognized during the 2021 Annual Session in Boston, MA during a newly established ABO Awards Night. No additional award recipients will be identified for 2021. The following 2020 ABO award recipients who will be recognized in 2021 include: • Albert H. Ketcham Memorial Award:

Dr Rolf G. Behrents • Dale B. Wade Award of

Excellence in Orthodontics:

Dr Carla Evans

• Earl E. and Wilma S. Shepard

Distinguished Service Award:

Dr Perry Opin

• O.B. Vaughan Special Recognition Award:

Dr John Kanyusik

Please visit the ABO website for information on all award honorees. Dr Valmy Kulbersh, President, Great Lakes Association of Orthodontists

Dr David Sabott, President-Elect, Rocky Mountain Society of Orthodontists Dr Patrick Foley, Secretary/Treasurer, Midwestern Society of Orthodontists Dr Timothy Trulove, Director, Southern Association of Orthodontists

Dr Jae H. Park, Director, Pacific Coast Society of Orthodontists Dr Roberto Hernandez-Orsini, Director, Middle Atlantic Society of Orthodontists Dr Stephen McCullough, Director, Southwestern Society of Orthodontists Dr Nicholas Barone, Immediate Past President, Northeastern Society of Orthodontists

The AAO House of Delegates confirmed Dr Emile Rossouw as the new ABO Director. He will represent the Northeastern Society of Orthodontists. Congratulations to Dr Valmy Kulbersh who serves as the first female ABO President.

Dr Randy Rigsby Dr Anthony Savage Dr Jeri Stull Dr Greg Inman

We all know 2020 was a challenging year for us. As we plan for better things in 2021, we thought it would be a good time to touch base with our recent SAO Past Presidents for some insight!

What was your biggest source of stress when COVID-19 Started?

Dr Randy Rigsby (2017-2018): For me, it was how to maintain staff with no production. Also, trying to sift through a copious amount of information for nuggets that could help us survive as well as make sure our patients were not neglected.

Dr Anthony Savage (2018-2019): I had too many webinars to attend. I waited until they were recorded and watched them at 1.75 speed in a quiet room.

How did you survive in 2020?

Dr Jeri Stull (2019-2020):

I networked with other orthodontists who helped me to develop strategies and find resources for ordering supplies. The AAO and ADA also provided greatly needed information and guidance. Rigsby: I stayed connected to colleagues and realized that we are all in it together. I think COVID made all of us realize how important organized orthodontics is to our practices and the value of friendships during difficult times.

Who were you with during quarantine?

Dr Greg Inman (2016-2017): Our section of the Inman family suddenly didn’t go in all different directions. Our children studied from home. Probably 50 soccer games were canceled. Amy’s (wife) job became ultra-essential when our City Hall changed to a small skeleton crew who ran the daily operations of our city.

Stull: I spent time with my two children, my office manager Sherree, my best friend, a general dentist (and my neighbor), her family, and my dogs.