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Committee on Annual Meeting Planning
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SSO LEADERSHIP
Presidents
Dr. Eric Nease, Spartanburg, SC
Dr. Matthew Ng, The Woodlands, TX
Presidents - Elect
Dr. Christine Ellis, Dallas, TX
Dr. Preston Miller, Jackson, TN
Secretary - Treasurer
Dr. Donald Balhoff, Lafayette, LA
Senior Director
Dr. Kyle Shannon, Tulsa, OK
Junior Director
Dr. Jeremy Albert, Trinity, FL
AAO Trustees
Dr. India Collier, Atlanta, GA
Dr. Enrique Cruz, Austin, TX
Dr. Steve Robirds, SWSO, Austin, TX
Dr. Richard Williams, SAO, Southaven, MS
Directors, The American Board of Orthodontics
Dr. Onur Kadioglu, SWSO, Oklahoma City, OK
Dr. Timothy Tremont, SAO, Charleston, SC
Directors, The American Association of Orthodontists Foundation
Dr. John Carter, Leawood, KS
Dr. Neal Kravitz, Chantilly, VA
Editor
Dr. Jim Vaden, Cookeville, TN
ON THE COVER:
San Antonio’s historic River Walk is the location of the SSO 2025 Annual Session. Connect, learn and explore! Step outside of our hotel to a scenic, tree-lined network of walkways along the San Antonio River to restaurants, shops and historic sites.
SSO Presidents’ Report
Dr. Matthew Ng | Dr. Eric Nease
By the time most of you are reading this message, we will all be in the midst of our busy summer season. It’s a good time to reflect and update everybody on what’s happening in the SSO.
We had the chance to talk and connect with many SSO members at the AAO Annual Session in Philadelphia, PA, which celebrated 125 years of the AAO and was dubbed as the “biggest party ever”.
The meeting certainly had its memorable moments – the Opening Ceremony event at the Reading Market on Friday night and the keynote address by the most decorated gymnast of all time, Ms. Simone Biles. Kudos to the AAO for putting together another wonderful meeting.
The AAO House of Delegates (HOD) is held in conjunction with the AAO Annual Meeting. Our very own Trustee, Dr. Richard Williams, was formally elected to become the AAO Secretary-Treasurer for 2025-26. The election of Dr. India Collier from Atlanta, GA for a 3 year term on the AAO Board of Trustees also took place. She joins Dr. Enrique Cruz and Trustee Dr. Steve Robirds on the AAO Board. We are delighted that the SSO will be well represented on the national stage.
The HOD continues to debate how to integrate our new SAO/SWSO joint entity into the folds of AAO Governance. Just to be clear, the SWSO and SAO combined their respective operations in June 2024 and formed the SSO.
Both constituents have taken the steps towards our full merger. The SSO comprises nearly a third of all AAO Active members. There are several provisions in place that ensure the SSO will maintain its representation at the national level. The SSO Leadership will continue to fight tooth and nail on this issue because we believe it is paramount that we have a voice on behalf of our members from both the SAO and the SWSO, not just one voice as one joint constituent.
The AAO does so many amazing things for us on the legislative front. Oklahoma and West Virginia have recently signed into law AAOfriendly teledentistry laws that mandate that an in-person exam is required before starting orthodontic treatment. The 2025 legislative session also saw a teledentistry bill sail through both houses of the Texas Congress. It has been signed by the Texas Governor. None of these legislative victories would have been possible without the grass-roots efforts in our states. The AAO has created an amazing National Advocacy Network to ensure that all AAO Components have “boots on the ground” when these issues start showing up in a state. So please double check with your state leaders to fill these key positions and let the SSO know what it can do to help with those efforts.
The AAOPAC is going strong toward meeting our goal of raising $460,000 this fiscal year. The PAC is able to meet that goal despite only a little over 6% of AAO Members contributing to the PAC. Just imagine how much our voices could be heard if even 10% or our members contributed to the PAC! There are many AAO initiatives at the Federal level that directly impact the way we practice, the dollars that our patients and their families can use to spend on orthodontic services, new laws impacting the taxes we have to pay, and the growing problem of student loan debt/reform. The SAO/SWSO
have long been leaders with our support of the PAC. We are excited to have Dr. Ed Davis from West Columbia, SC as the new Chairperson of the AAOPAC, so please look for announcements from Dr. Davis this coming year.
A few months ago, we made a plea for everyone to consider making a donation to the AAOF “For the Future Faculty (FTFF)” Campaign. We are happy to announce that as of May 30th, the AAOF has raised nearly $1.2 million or roughly 65% of the $1.8 million goal. Five out of the seven components that have donated money to the cause are SSO States: Florida, North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia and Louisiana. Congratulations to the members and our leaders in these States for their contribution to this most worthy initiative! Several other Components are thinking of making a similar donation. Individuals can also help by making personal pledges to support the FTFF Campaign. We must support our
Business Meeting Notice
Officer
residency programs in order to help them recruit and retain talented faculty. This is a chance for us to give back to a specialty that has given us so much.
Registration opened in April for the November 6-8, 2025 SSO Annual Meeting in San Antonio, TX. The response has been overwhelming so far and we are looking forward to seeing everyone 4 months from now!
We are humbled to serve you and the SSO.
Dr. Matthew Ng
Dr. Eric Nease
Elections & New Member Recognition
Make plans to attend the upcoming Business Meeting, held in conjunction with the Annual Meeting on Friday, November 7 where important association matters will be brought to a vote.
This includes the election of officers for the coming term 2025-2026
Presidents:
Dr. Christine Ellis, Dallas, TX
Dr. Preston Miller, Jackson, TN
President-elect:
Dr. Donald Balhoff, Lafayette, LA
Secretary-Treasurer:
Dr. Kyle Shannon, Tulsa, OK
Senior Director: Dr. Jeremy Albert, Trinity, FL
Junior Director:
Dr. Edward Snyder, Danville, VA
The Nominating Committee was comprised of Drs. Christine Ellis and Preston Miller, Co-chairs, Beth Faber, Amanda Gross, Suzanne Horani, Onur Kadioglu, Diana-Beatrix Velicu and Ms. Lissette Zuknick.
Other candidates may run for office by submitting a CV, conflict of interest statement, and filing notice to the Association’s Secretary-Treasurer and Executive Director at least 10 days before the Annual Meeting of the General Assembly.
Additionally, we will recognize new members during the Business Meeting
All those who officially enter membership in 2025 are encouraged to attend and be part of this special welcome.
Trustees’ Report
This report was written by Dr. Richard A. Williams, SAO Trustee, in consultation with Dr. India Collier, Trustee at Large, Dr. Enrique Cruz, Trustee at Large, and Dr. Steve Robirds, SWSO Trustee.
Greetings fellow members!
For those of you who missed the annual session in Philadelphia, it was an awesome event filled with great continuing education and world class social events for AAO members from all over the globe who attended.
The meeting was held in the new format that our Committee on Conferences (CCON), due to member feedback, has been planning for several years. The governance part of the meeting was moved from the traditional Friday to Thursday so that the second meeting of the House of Delegates could occur on Sunday. The intent was and is to be less disruptive to practice obligations for those members who participate in AAO governance. We also had an all-inclusive meeting registration fee to encourage all of our members to participate in as many events as possible. The energy for the keynote event with Simone Biles was incredible, and helped build the excitement for the weekend. The AAO Fest at Reading Terminal Market was a great event. I hope all of you will plan to attend our meeting in Orlando next year because big plans are already in the works for an even bigger and better Annual Session!
Your AAO is busier than ever with many ongoing projects that are designed to develop a better member experience. Dr. Steve Robirds has been “burning the midnight oil” to coordinate two major innovations that will have a very big impact for all AAO members. Steve has been involved in analyzing our entire insurance program with the charge to figure out how it can become a “must have” member benefit. The AAO has been working with Fidelio to look at our current program from all perspectives. We are getting close to being able to roll out an easier to use program that provides a wider array of products.
As you may remember, in 2023 the House funded the Tech Transformation Project. This is a project that will have broad impact on our association. Rez Garrow was onboarded to assist in the project and, as you might expect, is developing the foundational data warehouse that
will allow us to accomplish the entire project. He is making progress, but we are in the silent or invisible phase of which our members are not aware. Bigger pieces are being currently constructed, one of those being the second project with which Dr. Robirds is integrally involved, the educational piece. AAO has engaged Tagoras, a consulting firm, to guide our project. We are currently working on the taxonomy and infrastructure needed to provide a “Netflix” type experience for those who pursue education from AAO. It is an exciting concept and one that I feel will be a tremendous member benefit. Thank you Dr. Robirds for shepherding the project.
Other pieces of the Tech Transformation puzzle are also under development and will enable AAO to provide more efficient services once the Association Management and Financial Management projects are complete.
Maybe the most important thing the AAO does for its members is advocacy. For many years, we have focused on the Federal agenda in Washington, DC. While we have not recently experienced any landmark accomplishments in DC, we have continued to develop relationships that have affected our daily practices. As we continue to nurture our DC relationships, we have provided many resources that have been well used at the local and state level. Focused on patient health and safety, we now have legislation enacted in 8 states that requires an in-person examination prior to beginning orthodontic therapy. We continue to be active with our Advocacy team which is led by Nathan Mick.
As you can see, your/our AAO is busy at work to help make members lives and practices better. Please stay engaged and volunteer when the opportunity presents. I look forward to seeing you in San Antonio this Fall as we gather as the SSO. This will be another great meeting during which we can reconnect with dear friends and colleagues while attaining new knowledge.
Thanks for the privilege to serve!
Dr. Richard A. Williams
Nominations Officially Open
The SSO Executive Committee is a six-year leadership journey leading to service as the SSO President. Pictured left to right is the 2024 Executive Committee: Dr. Donald Balhoff, Dr. Christine Ellis, Dr. Matthew Ng, Dr. Onur Kadioglu, Dr. Beth Faber, Dr. Eric Nease, Dr. Preston Miller and Dr. Kyle Shannon
Pictured left to right: Dr. Richard Williams, SAO Trustee, Dr. Enrique Cruz, Trustee at Large, Dr. India Collier, Trustee at Large, Dr. Steve Robirds, SWSO Trustee
Accepting nominations now for two leadership roles within our organization.
SUBMIT A NOMINATION FOR
Junior Director
This position is the first step in a six-year leadership journey leading to service as SSO President. Eligible nominees must be active members with prior leadership experience in organized orthodontics. Nominations are due by December 31, 2025. Candidate interviews will be conducted by the Nominating Committee, with a final vote at the March 2026 Board of Directors meeting. Scan the QR code to submit nominations by completing the Nomination Form .
SUBMIT A NOMINATION FOR
Trustee
Nominations are also open for the AAO Trustee position, beginning in 2028. This role is the start of a nine-year leadership path, culminating in service as AAO President. The position is open to qualified members within the SAO territory. Eligible nominees must be active members with prior leadership experience in organized orthodontics, and self-nominations are welcome. The nomination deadline is December 31, 2025, with candidate interviews and a final vote scheduled for March 2026. Before submitting a nomination, please thoroughly review the criteria for the AAO Trustee position included on the nomination form to ensure alignment with the expectations and responsibilities of this important role.
For questions or further details, please contact Lissette Zuknick | (404) 261-5528 | lzuknick@ssortho.org
SSO Delegate Chairmen’s Report
Dr. Jeff L. Rickabaugh Dr. Matthew Ng
NC Delegate
SAO Delegation Chairman
The 2025 House of Delegates met during the AAO Annual Session held at the Pennsylvania Convention Center in Philadelphia April 24-27.
The SAO contingent welcomed two new delegates for this year, Bryan Green (SC) and Brent Benoit (LA) were 1st year delegates while Donald Balhoff (LA) returned as an alternate delegate. The SAO bid farewell to Chopper Snyder as a delegate, but he will remain a valued member in our SSO leadership. There was one returning delegate, Mike Ragan, of the SWSO delegation. The reported attendance for the AAO Annual Session was 9,075; 2,123 member doctors, 189 non-member doctors, 1,291 student members, 2,425 exhibitors, 1,245 guests, and 169 faculty. 729 doctors attended the lectures virtually.
This was the 1st year of the modified schedule for the House of Delegates. In the past, the 1st House, Sec/Treas’s report and Reference Committee hearings met on a Friday with the 2nd House meeting on Monday. A resolution adopted last year moved the schedule forward one day so that the 1st House met on Thursday and the 2nd House met on Sunday. This change is an attempt to keep the HOD activities in one week and not spill over to the start of a 2nd work week.
At the start of the 1st House of Delegates, Thursday April 24, there were 35 resolutions submitted for consideration. Several of these resolutions were withdrawn during the 1st HOD. Later that day the reference committees listened to “in person” testimony and read statements posted online in order to efficiently manage the remaining resolutions.
Texas Delegate
SWSO Delegation Chairman
Our parliamentary authority, the American Institute of Parliamentarians Standard Code, 2nd edition, allows us to place items on what are called Consent Agendas or Consent Calendars. These agendas or calendars allow a committee or legislative body to place resolutions that are non-contentious on a ballot to be voted on with one swift action. These could be paraphrased as “slam dunk” resolutions that really need no debate in order to adopt or reject. However, any member of the delegation can ask for a particular resolution to be pulled from the consent agendas and be placed back in its numbered slot or in queue to be discussed and voted on at the start of the 2nd HOD. Overall, there were 21 resolutions placed on the consent adopt agenda and only one on the consent reject agenda. At this HOD no resolutions were pulled from the consent adopt or reject agendas.
Additionally, the reference committee can consider an original resolution plus its substitutes, be it one or two or three, and generate an “in lieu of” resolution for consideration. The reference committee takes into account the “in person” testimony plus its own judgment to formulate this “in lieu of” resolution to be labeled as a Reference Commitee resolution which can include elements of some or all the germane resolutions – sort of the best of everything into one action.
During the 2nd House of Delegates, Sunday April 27, only 5 resolutions with their substitutes were moved, debated and voted on after the actions of the reference committees.
Some of the noteworthy actions of this year’s House of Delegates were:
• HOD approved a balanced budget of approximately $22,700,000
• A $23 dues increase brought AAO dues to $840
• The Consumer Awareness Program budget remained at $5M with a $600 per member assessment
• Individuals cannot practice orthodontics, dentistry or any dental specialty within the territory of USA or Canada and be eligible for international membership
• Retired members may serve in appointed positions in governance
• Our clinical practice guidelines were updated and are reviewed every two years
• The Committee on Conferences and Meetings plus the Board of Trustees will determine annual session registration fees for full time and junior faculty
• A 25% dues waiver category was added to accompany the 50% and 100% categories. These categories can be requested by a member who takes 12 or more consecutive weeks out of practice for parental leave following the birth or adoption of a child
• The President-Elect and Sec/Treas will remain as Trustees for their constituent organization
• The component legal support fund restored back to $1 M per policy
• A total of $2.35M reserved for structural renovations at the AAO HQ building in St. Louis
• There is still confusion among some AAO constituents about the combined operations of the SAO/SWSO and how bylaws should be amended to fully recognize us as a merged organization at the national level
Dr. Jeff L. Rickabaugh Dr. Matthew Ng
Leadership Program
Unlock Your Leadership Potential: Apply for The SSO 2026 Leadership Development Class
Are you curious about leadership, eager to connect with fellow orthodontists, or looking for ways to make a bigger impact in organized orthodontics?
The SSO Leadership Program is Your Chance to Dive In!
Since 2007, this dynamic program has empowered over 100 members to build confidence, sharpen leadership skills, and step into influential roles across the SAO, SWSO, and AAO.
Through a mix of virtual and in-person sessions, you’ll network, learn from a top speaker, tackle group projects, and gain tools that translate into leadership success.
KEY DATES & LOCATIONS
Nov. 6, 2025 | Optional Meet & Greet at Annual Session in San Antonio Jan. 20, 2026 | Zoom Meet & Greet
March 13–14, 2026 | In-person Leadership Weekend in Atlanta Oct. 15–17, 2026 | Final Presentations at Annual Session in Nashville
PERKS
Travel and lodging covered for select events
Mentorship, collaboration, and leadership growth
Only 20 spots available – Application deadline is August 22, 2025
HONORING EXCELLENCE: RECOGNITION AT THE AAO FOUNDATION CELEBRATION BREAKFAST IN PHILLY
At this year’s annual conference, we had the distinct pleasure of recognizing two exceptional individuals whose dedication and service have made a lasting impact on our community.
THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING THE NEXT GENERATION OF ORTHODONTISTS
Thanks to your generous support, we were able to provide incentives for 429 orthodontic residents to attend our annual conference through the Fred A. Garrett Resident Education Program Your contributions made it possible for these future leaders to connect, learn, and grow within our professional community.
We are deeply grateful for your investment in their journey - and in the future of orthodontics.
Dr. Oman Tuncay was awarded the prestigious Eugene & Pauline Blair Distinguished Service Award, a reflection of his unwavering commitment, leadership, and contributions to the field. His work has elevated the profession and inspired countless colleagues and students.
Dr. Nicholas Barone received the Raymond George, Sr. Award for Outstanding Volunteer Service in honor of his generous spirit and tireless dedication. His volunteer efforts have touched the lives of many children who were lacking access to care for orthodontic treatment.
We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Dr. Tuncay and Dr. Barone for their well-deserved recognition. Their passion and service exemplify the very best of our community.
AA0 FOUNDATION GRANT APPLICATIONS ARE OPEN
The AAO Foundation is pleased to announce that grant applications for the 2025-2026 funding cycle will be accepted through October 10, 2025 at 5pm CT.
Orthodontic educators and researchers are encouraged to apply for funding to support projects that advance the specialty and improve patient care. The Foundation supports a range of initiatives, including faculty development, research, and programs that foster innovation in orthodontics.
Detailed information about eligibility, grant categories, and submission guidelines will be available on the AAO Foundation website. We encourage all potential applicants to begin preparing early and take advantage of this opportunity to further their academic and clinical contributions.
If you have questions about the application process, please contact George Reinarman, Jr. in the AAO Foundation office at greinarman@aaortho.org
FACULTY FELLOWSHIPS
After the House of Delegates meeting last Spring, the AAO Foundation initiated a fundraising campaign to endow the future of the specialty by creating a fund to be matched dollar for dollar up to $1.8 million by AAO. Full-Time Faculty Fellowships have been part of AAO since 2008, took about a 7-year hiatus and began again in 2019. The long-term viability of this fund is the impetus for the For the Future campaign. The Foundation will raise $1.8 million to be matched by AAO for a $3.6 million fund. The fundraising began in August, 2024 and has raised $1,176,255 – 66% of our goal through May 22, 2025. This is a three-year initiative from the House of Delegates and the AAO Foundation and HOD meet regularly to receive regular reports. The Foundation is approaching Individuals, corporations, and foundations to reach our goal. Thank you to those Constituencies who have committed their gift to the campaign.
CONSTITUENT SUPPORT
YOUR SUPPORT OF GORP AND THE FUTURE OF ORTHODONTICS
The AAO Foundation extends it heartfelt thanks to our generous donors for supporting the Graduate Orthodontic Residents Program (GORP). Your contributions make this invaluable experience possible for orthodontic residents from across the country.
We’re excited to announce that the Foundation is proud to sponsor GORP 2025 in Kentucky, where residents will come together to connect, learn, and build lasting professional relationships. GORP continues to play a vital role in fostering a strong sense of community among the next generation of orthodontists. Thanks to your support, we’re not only enriching the resident experience – we’re investing in the future of our specialty.
RESIDENT OPPORTUNITY: SERVE ON THE AA0 FOUNDATION BOARD OF DIRECTORS
The AAO Foundation is committed to supporting the next generation of orthodontic leaders - and that includes providing residents with a voice at the table.
We’re excited to offer orthodontic residents the opportunity to serve a one-year term on the AAO Foundation Board of Directors. This unique position allows a resident to contribute directly to the Foundation’s mission, gain valuable leadership experience, and represent the perspectives of peers nationwide.
The selected resident board member will participate in meetings, collaborate with leaders across the profession, and help shape the future of orthodontic philanthropy and support.
Interested residents should scan the QR code and complete the Google Form to express interest in this meaningful leadership role. Together, we can ensure the voice of the future continues to guide our work.
Brett Schott | Vice President bschott@aaortho.org
Mindy Copp, Sr. | Sr. Specialist, Marketing & Development mcopp@aaortho.org
George Reinarman, Jr. | Program Specialist greinarman@aaortho.org
Tabitha Smith | Program Administration, Gifted Smiles tsmith@aaortho.org
Dr. Sapna Nath UPENN
Dr. Navi Bharj British Columbia
FOUNDATION STAFF
AAO Political Action Committee Report
Dr. Ed C. Davis | Dr. Jeff Genecov
Advocacy is going strong across the AAO and especially in the SSO
The AAOPAC completed its fiscal year at the end of May. We had a large number of contributors at the AAO meeting and a surge at the end of the month that pushed us past our goal. We have another record year for AAOPAC contributions! The total raised was $477.264.91 with $170,410 contributed from 316 SSO members.
I wanted to spotlight our new member from CONYM on the PAC, Dr. Erik Klintmalm from University of North Carolina. We are excited to have Erik representing all the new and younger members and encourage their engagement with advocacy efforts.
Our AAO team is working continuously with our state lobbyists to require an in-person exam with radiographs before any orthodontic procedures can be initiated. Texas recently became the eighth state to require examinations. It joined Nevada, Florida, Illinois, Utah, West Virginia, Oklahoma and Georgia.
With so much political divide these days, it is important we not lose sight of what is important for our patients. Our advocacy team is keeping our patients in the forefront of its collective mind, doing what is best for our AAO members and their practices. What we need from you is your support. Become a contributor to the AAOPAC. Show your support for the AAO and our advocacy team by making a monthly contribution to the PAC. Become involved in our National Advocacy Network and be a voice for our members with your local political leaders. Most important, make yourself aware of what is going on in our political arena. Be at the table for discussions and do not be on the menu!!
Dr. Ed C. Davis, SAO
Dr. Jeff Genecov, SWSO
Members of the AAOPAC came together to celebrate the 125th Anniversary of the AAO
2025 Resident Research Awards
The Scientific Affairs Committee for the Southern Society of Orthodontists completed their review of the 2025 Resident Research Award applications. We are pleased to announce the following received an award toward their research efforts:
Jacksonville University
Medical Histories of Minor Patients with Malocclusions (Dr. Tyler Huntsman)
An Outcome Assessment of Unconventional Approaches to Treat Impacted Canines Without Involving the Entire Arch (Dr. Shreya Iyengar)
Self-Ligating Brackets vs Conventional Brackets: Which is More Efficient (Dr. William Harris)
How do Parents Choose an Orthodontists? (Dr. Sophia Rappaport)
Nova Southeastern University
Esthetic Thresholds for Incisal Edge Positioning of Maxillary Lateral Incisors and Canines: A Layperson perspective on Smile Design (Dr. Charmi Patel)
Texas A & M University
Validation of White Spot Lesions Detection Tool of Dental Monitoring Application (Dr. Jorge Alberto Morillo)
University of Florida
Leveraging Tele-Orthodontics in Business Management: Enhancing Clinical Care, Treatment Efficiency, and Operational Effectiveness (Dr. Bradley Engert)
Developing an automated interceptive orthodontic diagnostic and treatment planning system using NLP (Dr. Tyler B. Magill)
Detection of potential biomarkers for relapse after orthodontic treatment (Dr. Tyler James)
University of Kentucky
Pain Intensity Following the Placement of Orthodontic Separators in Healthy Volunteers and How it Correlates to Different Levels of Physical Activity (Dr. Lina Sharab)
University of Louisville
Structural conformation and leaching from in vitro aged 3D-printed aligners (Dr. Reza Morvaridi Farimani)
University of North Carolina
Evaluating Animal Assisted Therapy for its Ability to Mitigate Anxiety, Fear, Pain and Behavior in Pediatric Dental Patients Receiving Diagnostic Care (Dr. Emily Fromknecht)
Development of a novel mobile application for behavior modification and compliance in orthodontic patients with prescribed elastic wear (Dr. Hillary Diffee)
Dental career decisions and income: examining the influence of educational debt and gender disparities (Dr. Abbigale Shumaker)
Outcomes and Comparisons of Anterior Open Bite Patients Treated with Aligners and Temporary Anchorage-Supported Posterior Intrusion (Dr. Erik Klintmalm)
Identifying Subgroups of Adolescents with Chronic Temporomandibular Disorder Pain to Guide Personalized Treatment (Dr. Calli Ann Marando)
University of Oklahoma
Effects of Various Cleaning Agents on Different Thermoplastic Orthodontic Retainer Material (Dr. Lauren Archuleta)
Analysis of Fit of Direct-Printed Aligners Following Simulated Aging (Dr. Bailey Larkin)
Characterization of Leachables and Mechanical Property Alterations in Esterase-Immersed Clear Aligners (Dr. Stephanie McElroy)
Virginia Commonwealth University
Comparing Perspectives and Preferences on Teledentistry: A Survey of Orthodontists and Orthodontic Patients (Dr. Ian Piepgrass)
The Accuracy of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Generating Differential Diagnoses for Pathology in Dentistry (Dr. Brandon Mckay Graf)
Adult Orthodontic Patient Selection of Provider Type: Motivations and Satisfaction (Dr. Colton Curtis)
Effect of Clear Aligner Attachment Size on Extrusion of Maxillary Lateral Incisors: A Randomized Controlled Trial (Dr. Alexis Catalano)
West Virginia University
Skeletal and Dental Changes in Response to Clear Aligner Treatment for Correction of Maxillary Transverse Deficiency in the Mixed Dentition (Dr. Laura Burrows)
Reliability of Teeth Width Measurements and Bolton Analyses of Various Digital Methods In Patients With Crowded Dentitions (Dr. Ryan Wilkes)
Proposing a Modified A-Point in Orthodontics (Dr. Matthew Pendleton)
ABO MISSION
The American Board of Orthodontics Constituency Report | May 2025
Dr. Timothy Tremont | Dr. Onur Kadioglu
The American Board of Orthodontics (ABO) remains committed to elevating the quality of orthodontic care for the public by promoting excellence through certification, education, and professional collaboration.
Board Certification Update
EXAMINATIONS OVERVIEW
Written Examination
As of May 2025, 65% of AAO orthodontists are ABO-Board Certified. This is a significant milestone in our commitment to advancing the specialty.
The 2025 Written Examination was administered on April 9, 2025, to 442 examinees at Pearson Vue Testing Centers across the U.S. and Canada. The pass rate was 95%. The next Written Exam date is April 7, 2026. Registration will open on November 5, 2025. Resources are available on the ABO website. Applicants must be enrolled in or have graduated from a CODA-accredited orthodontic program in the U.S. or Canada. Orthodontic residents must have completed at least 18 months of training by the exam date.
Scenario-Based Clinical Examination
The most recent exam was held on September 17, 2024, at Pearson Vue Testing Centers worldwide. 326 orthodontists received Board Certification. The pass rate for this cohort was 89%. The next exam date will take place September 17, 2025. Registration closed on the 15th of June.
Beginning in 2025, one Scenario-Based Clinical Examination will be offered in the Fall each year. 2026 registration will open on Sept. 18, 2025.
Please note that successful completion of the Written Examination is required before one can take the Clinical Examination. Preparation materials are available on the ABO website.
Certification Renewal Examination
One hundred and nine renewals were completed in 2024. Renewal to maintain active board certification is required every 10 years. The renewal process may be started up to 36 months prior to the certificate expiration date.
Two options are still available, Online Board Case Examination (BCE) and Mail-In Case Report Examination (CRE). They both require completion of continuing education credits via AJODO online exams. Resources for exam preparation are available on the ABO website.
For detailed information please contact:
Written Examination Certification Coordinator:
Ms. Nicole Huson
Nicole@AmericanBoardOrtho.com
Clinical Examination Coordinator:
Ms. Kim Koch
Kim@AmericanBoardOrtho.com
Education and Outreach Report
The Pathway Program continues to thrive due to the involvement of 16 Ambassadors who represent all 8 constituencies. Since its inception, the program has conducted a total of 37 presentations that offered both in-person and virtual sessions to graduate orthodontic programs. Throughout early 2025, significant participation and contributions were made at key industry events and workshops. Dr. Vishwanath attended the AAO 2025 Women’s Leadership Workshop held in Marco Island, FL, on January 26-27.
Her interactions centered on leadership insights and emphasized essential qualities sought in future directors. The Executive Committee, along with Dr. Hernandez-Orsini, Dr. Rossouw, Dr. Puntillo, and Carole Newport, participated in the ASAE Exceptional Boards: Strengthening the Governance Team event on January 27-28 in Cape Coral, FL. This gathering focused on enhancing board governance strategies and ensuring robust leadership within the organization.
Additionally, the 2025 Educators Symposium that honored Dr. Jeryl English was held on February 21-22 in St. Louis, MO. Themed “Addressing Challenges in Orthodontic Education,” the symposium drew 89 attendees – including educators, directors, emeriti, ambassadors, AAO representatives, and CDABO representatives. This year, the Board focused on collaborative efforts to tackle pertinent issues in orthodontic education.
In August 2025, the ABO is set to unveil new communication strategies which include the launch of a revamped storefront and engaging social media campaigns. Initiatives like the “Behind the Smile” orthodontist spotlight have proven effective in fostering community engagement and highlighting professional achievements within the field.
ABO maintained a robust online presence across various platforms. Please follow us on Facebook at facebook.com/americanboardoforthodontics, Instagram @americanboardorthodontics, and LinkedIn at The American Board of Orthodontics if you are not already doing so.
ABO LEADERSHIP (2025–2026)
Name Title Constituency
Dr. Roberto Hernandez-Orsini President
Dr. P. Emile Rossouw President-Elect
Dr. Anthony Puntillo Secretary/Treasurer
Dr. Daniel J. Rejman Director
Dr. Meenakshi Vishwanath Director
Dr. Onur Kadioglu Director
Dr. Timothy Tremont Director
Dr. Paul M. Kasrovi Director
Dr. Jae Hyun Park Immediate
Middle Atlantic Society of Orthodontists
Northeastern Society of Orthodontists
Great Lakes Association of Orthodontists
Rocky Mountain Society of Orthodontists
Midwestern Society of Orthodontists
Southwestern Society of Orthodontists
Southern Association of Orthodontists
Pacific Coast Society of Orthodontists
Pacific Coast Society of Orthodontists Past President
New Appointment
Dr. Paul M. Kasrovi was confirmed by the AAO House of Delegates as the Director who will represent the Pacific Coast Society of Orthodontists on The American Board of Orthodontics.
Interested in becoming an ABO Director?
To learn more about the Director selection process, please visit our website: https://www.americanboardortho.com/aboutabo/our-leadership/abo-directors/
In 2026, Director Nominee interviews (previously virtual) will be in-person in St. Louis, MO.
ABO AT THE 2025 AAO ANNUAL SESSION
Philadelphia, PA –
At the 2025 Awards Night, the ABO proudly recognized outstanding individuals for their exceptional contributions to the field of orthodontics.
Our own Dr. David Sarver received the prestigious Albert H. Ketcham Memorial Award
The Dale B. Wade Award of Excellence in Orthodontics was presented to Dr. Scott Jamieson and our own Dr. Larry Tadlock
The Earl E. and Wilma S. Shepard Distinguished Service Award was awarded to Mrs. Melissa Brydels, and the O.B. Vaughan Special Recognition Award was given to Dr. Jim Henderson
Looking ahead to next year
ABO AT THE 2026
AAO ANNUAL SESSION
Orlando, FL –
The following recipients will be honored:
Dr. Richard Kulbersh will receive the Albert H. Ketcham Memorial Award
Dr. Steven Marshall will be recognized with the Dale B. Wade Award of Excellence in Orthodontics
Dr. Steven Dugoni will be honored with the Earl E. and Wilma S. Shepard Distinguished Service Award
Dr. R. David Rynearson will receive the O.B. Vaughan Special Recognition Award
These awards celebrate exemplary service, leadership, and commitment to the advancement of the orthodontic specialty.
ABO-Sponsored Events at Annual Session
We hosted a variety of engaging events at the Annual Session. The ABO/AAO Breakfast continued its tradition of fostering collaboration between the two organizations. At the ABO booth, located in the AAO Pavilion, newly certified orthodontists were warmly welcomed and were given the opportunity for celebratory photos with ABO certified props. They were introduced to upcoming marketing materials as well as
the new ABO storefront. A joint meeting with the Italian Board of Orthodontics (IBO) and the Italian Society of Orthodontics (SIDO) provided a platform for meaningful discussions on policy and certification. Several ABO Directors delivered thought provoking presentations on a range of clinical and professional topics. Additionally, the ABO hosted an Appreciation Breakfast to honor the contributions of ABO Emeriti, Examiners, and Ambassadors. The session also included a Written Exam Standard Setting meeting, which reflected the ABO’s commitment to maintaining excellence in certification standards. The standard-setting meeting, which followed the annual session, was a two-day event that included a diverse group of orthodontists who worked on the standard setting for the 2025 written exam.
Thank you for the opportunity to serve as your Directors for The American Board of Orthodontics.
Respectfully submitted by
Dr. Onur Kadioglu
Dr. Timothy Tremont
Committee on Annual Meeting Planning (CAMP) Update
Dr. Theresa Coleman 2025 Chair
Dr. Jim Martin 2026 Chair
In June, the Committee on Annual Meeting Planning (CAMP) held a productive site visit in Nashville, Tennessee, in preparation for the 2026 Annual Session.
The committee was joined by Dr. Preston Miller and Dr. Christie Ellis, the 2026 SSO Co-Presidents.
The team explored a variety of attractions and venues for our group events and activities, as well as the host hotel, the Renaissance Nashville. Conveniently located in the heart of downtown and just steps from the energy of Broadway, the Renaissance provides a prime setting for our exhibit hall and educational sessions.
Final details were planned for our 2025 Annual Session in San Antonio. Their efforts ensure all attendees receive exceptional continuing education and memorable experiences!
“ We look forward to seeing you in San Antonio, November 6-8, 2025 and in Nashville, October 15-17 2026. ”
CAMP and the 2026 Co-Presidents, Dr. Miller and Dr. Ellis, explored the Country Music Hall of Fame and several venues along Nashville’s iconic Broadway to scout the perfect location for our signature Friday Night party!
CAMP visited the host hotel, The Renaissance, to design the best layout for lectures and the exhibit hall. Pictured left to right: Dr. Eric Park, Dr. Theresa Coleman, Dr. Kyla Swearingen, Dr. Don Wilcoxon, Dr. Eric Park, Dr. Sundaralingam Premaraj, Dr. John Metz
PART 7 IN A SERIES
Parliamentary Pearls
Dr. Jeff L. Rickabaugh
Incidental Motions
Incidental motions are another special class of motions that arise out of the business that is immediately pending before the assembly.
These motions do not relate directly to the Main Motion, but instead relate to matters arising from the conduct of the meeting. Incidental motions may interrupt business, and may, if necessary, interrupt the Speaker. They may be offered at almost any time, have no order of rank and are disposed of prior to the business from which they arise.
There are nine Incidental Motions discussed in our Parliamentary Authority:
• Point of Order
• Motion to Suspend the Rules
• Motion to Appeal
• Inquiries; either Parliamentary or Factual
• Request to Withdraw a Motion
• Division of the Question
• Consider by Paragraph
• Verification of a Vote/Division of the Assembly
• Motion for a Counted Vote
The motions to Appeal, Suspend the Rules, Consider by Paragraph and Counted Vote require a vote by the assembly to proceed. The others are to be considered by the Presiding Officer if the particular request is in order or reasonable to be considered.
This Newsletter issue will consider the first two Incidental Motions listed and continue the discussion in subsequent Newsletter publications.
POINT OF ORDER
This motion is the most commonly used Incidental Motion and calls the attention of the presiding officer and the assembly to an alleged violation of the rules, an omission, a mistake or an error in procedure.
A point of order can be made if an item has been skipped on the agenda, or, some members have left the assembly before a critical vote, or, another main motion has been introduced before the prior motion has been addressed (only one motion on the floor at a time), or, someone presenting testimony has exceeded their 1 or 2 minute time allowance, for instance.
The presiding officer has a duty to call attention to the error and take corrective action. Citing the examples above, the Presiding Officer can suspend discussion on the current agenda item and go back to the agenda item in queue or inform the assembly how this error will be remedied. In the case of missing members, the Speaker may recall those who have left a meeting or suspend voting until those members return. In the case of a 2nd motion proposed, the Speaker merely states the 2nd motion is out of order. Finally, in the last example, the Speaker will ask the member to step away from the microphone.
Rules for
a
Point of Order:
• Can interrupt the Speaker because the violation should be corrected immediately,
• Does not require a second,
• Is not debatable in itself,
• Cannot be amended,
• Does not require a vote
• Can have no Motion applied to it except the Motion to Withdraw
MOTION TO SUSPEND THE RULES
This motion permits an assembly to take an action that would otherwise be prevented by a procedural rule. The rules may be suspended only for a specific purpose and only for the limited time necessary to accomplish the proposed action.
For instance, an organization may have a rule that only members be allowed to make testimony on the floor. If an invited guest(s) has/ have been asked to provide some expert testimony, the motion to suspend this rule would be introduced, voted on and if adopted, the expert(s) would be allowed to share information with the assembly. After the expert(s) has/have completed their testimony, the suspension of the rules will expire.
Lastly, in 2020 and 2021, the COVID pandemic prevented in-person meetings. In response to that issue, the AAO House of Delegates was held virtually. As a state of Missouri non-profit organization, the AAO was required to have an annual meeting to elect its Officers, adopt a budget and establish dues for its members with the presumption these meetings would be in-person. However, there were no provisions in the AAO bylaws or House of Delegates policy manual to allow meetings electronically. This author called to order that first meeting with a solicitation from the Assembly on ZOOM to Suspend the Rules, and because there was no objection, the motion to Suspend the Rules that required an in-person meeting was approved. That 2020 House of Delegates was then conducted virtually from Winston-Salem, NC.
Rules Governing the Motion to Suspend the Rules
• Cannot interrupt the Speaker
• Requires a second
• Is not debatable
• Cannot be amended
• Requires a 2/3rds vote
• Cannot suspend quorum requirements, notice of meeting or voting methods, such as a requirement for a ballot vote
Dr. Jeff L. Rickabaugh
References:
American Institute of Parliamentarians
Standard Code of Parliamentary Procedure, 2nd Edition, 2023
How Would YOU Treat This Patient?
A healthy 12-year-old boy presented for an orthodontic evaluation. He was referred by his general dentist, who noted mandibular incisor crowding and overlap between the maxillary central incisors. The patient’s caries incidence was low, however, there was plaque retention along the gingival margin of the maxillary anterior teeth, and a hint of left first molar marginal decalcification. These areas of inadequate plaque removal were pointed out to the patient and oral hygiene instruction provided. Clinical examination also revealed minimal attached gingiva over the mandibular central incisors and mandibular canines, and subtle root prominence.
Dr. Timothy Shaughnessy
The INITIAL intraoral photographs (Figure 2) show a solid Class I molar relationship bilaterally. Crowding in the mandibular anterior segment mildly exceeds that in the maxilla, due in part to a maxillary anterior tooth size deficiency (mildly narrow lateral incisors). All teeth are in occlusion except for the canines which are not fully erupted, secondary to the arch length insufficiency.
INITIAL records were obtained for comprehensive treatment planning. The INITIAL facial photographs (Figure 1) demonstrate mentalis muscle strain upon lip seal in both frontal and profile views. Neither the patient, nor his parents, expressed any facial esthetic concern. Upon smiling, the maxillary dental midline deviates 1.5mm to the left of the nose, upper lip, and mandibular dental midline. This reflects the location of the crowding. The maxillary incisors appear to be relatively too far forward. The lips are protrusive in the profile view, and obviously anterior to the esthetic plane connecting the tip of the nose and soft tissue chin. The mandible appears to be retrusive relative to the maxilla, there is a component of retrogenia, and lower lip eversion. The nasolabial angle is within the range of normal.
The panoramic radiograph (Figure 3) reveals the presence of all permanent teeth, including developing third molars. Root morphology is normal and bone support appears to be excellent. The cephalometric radiograph, and analysis (Figure 4a and 4b) reveal a significant Class II skeletal relationship (ANB 10), with both maxillary protrusion (SNA 86) and mandibular retrusion (SNB 76). Both the maxillary and mandibular incisors show increased proclination, however, the mandibular incisors are proclined to a greater degree compared to normal. The skeletal vertical dimension is moderately increased (MPA 42). The Ricketts E-line highlights the protrusive lips. The poor Holdaway ratio (11/-1) confirms the relative chin deficiency.
How would YOU treat this patient?
Treatment Planning
A minimum goal of treatment is to correct the crowding without increasing the dental and facial protrusion. Even better would be to resolve the crowding and decrease protrusion. Interdental spacing most certainly would facilitate retraction of the anterior teeth. This can be accomplished with premolar extraction therapy, or to a lesser extent with interproximal reduction. Would it be possible to retract the entire dentition with the assistance of temporary anchorage devices? And early extraction of third molars? What about the decrease in protrusion that occurs naturally between the age of 11 and 17? Bjork and Skieller, Am J Orthod. 1972 Oct;62(4):339-83) demonstrated a naturally occurring flattening of the face during a 6-year period around puberty. Is the magnitude of this change enough to treat this patient with a nonextraction approach? Which option is the most predictable and efficient?
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
Option 1:
Interproximal reduction of teeth in both arches, slightly more in the mandibular arch to address the Bolton tooth-size discrepancy. The potential downside of this approach is that the space generated between the teeth is limited, and less than that generated with premolar extractions. However, some flattening of the face will likely occur naturally.
Option2:
Traditional first premolar extraction therapy. In addition, selective interproximal reduction of the mandibular incisors may be necessary to resolve the Bolton tooth-size discrepancy. This option has the potential to retract the teeth the most. However, posterior anchorage control does not necessarily have to be maximum. It could be minimum (elastics as needed to maintain Class I occlusion) or moderate anchorage (e.g., a transpalatal arch), or maximum anchorage (e.g., HPHG or TADs) depending on practitioner preference for magnitude of anterior dental retraction.
Option3:
Non-extraction treatment. Interproximal reduction of the mandibular incisors will still be necessary to resolve the Bolton discrepancy and offset some crowding. This option does not provide an opportunity to retract the anterior teeth. Any flattening of the face that may occur would be natural via nose growth and downward and forward jaw rotation out from under the cranial base. An advancement genioplasty when older would be beneficial esthetically to improve the relationship between the mandibular dentition and chin projection. Proffit suggested that it may also enhance stability of mandibular incisor alignment by reducing lower lip pressure against the teeth. Unfortunately, mandibular anterior gingival augmentation may be a consideration prior to a genioplasty in this patient.
The Treatment Plan Chosen
I did not seriously consider retraction of the arches en masse. I did not seriously consider non-extraction treatment because of this patient’s lip strain, amount of imbalance between the lips and chin, and pre-existing reduced periodontal support. Traditional first premolar extraction therapy was selected because it is a predictable and efficient way to correct this magnitude of dental and lip protrusion. The teeth can be retracted enough to eliminate the associated lip strain, and significantly improve the lip-chin relationship without a genioplasty.
.018 inch SPEED self-ligating brackets were bonded to the teeth. A progression of alignment arch wires were used, starting with .016 inch multi-stranded nickel titanium arch wires (SPEED Supercable), then transitioning to .016 solid nickel titanium (Figure 5). These round arch wires are passive within the .018 SPEED brackets. Five months passed without the patient being seen, during which time the extraction sites closed spontaneously by more than 50%. Presumably, lip pressure caused the teeth to move into a position of greater equilibrium. Rectangular .016 x .022 nickel titanium arch wires were then placed (Figure 6) in preparation for stainless steel wires of the same size for space closure. The addition of elastic chain was suitable for the small amount of extraction space closure in both arches. A small amount of interproximal reduction was accomplished on the mandibular lateral incisors. A .016 x .016 square stainless steel arch wire was then placed, in combination with elastic chain, for the resulting space closure and a few subsequent minor detailing bends. Total time in braces was 25 months.
Figure 4a and 4b
Figure 5
Figure 6
The FINAL facial photographs (Figure 7) illustrate marked improvement in facial balance between the nose, lips, and chin. In fact, the patient looks as if he grew a chin. But this simply reflects the relative relationship between the parts. Chin projection is greater, relative to the lips. There is no more lip strain with the lips together. The midlines are coincident and on with the face.
The FINAL intraoral photographs (Figure 8) show well aligned teeth in both arches and complete space closure. The molar and canine relationship is Class I bilaterally. The overjet and overbite are ideal. Either tooth #11 relapsed vertically soon after debonding, or its vertical position was not corrected completely during treatment. It could now be corrected with an aligner and an extrusion attachment. A fixed retainer was placed in the mandibular arch utilizing Unitek’s .032 spiral wire, an earlier generation of Bjorn Zachrisson’s fixed retainer, but with the addition of adhesive on the central incisors. This makes the wire stiffer and less vulnerable to deflection and inadvertent tooth movement when passively placed (Shaughnessy and Proffit, Am J Orthod. 2016 Feb;149(2):277-86.)
The post-treatment panoramic radiograph (Figure 9) reveals good root parallelism across all four extraction sites. There is no apparent change in root length. Bone support remains excellent. This 14 ½ year-old patient will be monitored for timely extraction of his third molars.
The post-treatment cephalogram, its tracing and the cephalometric values (Figure 10a and 10b) show significant reduction in lower incisor angulation, and a 50% reduction in the Class II skeletal discrepancy (ANB 5). The latter occurred because of surprising and fortunate differential growth of the jaws, and remodeling of A-point and B-point associated with incisor retraction. The skeletal vertical dimension remained the same.
10b
Figure 7
Figure 8
Figure 9
Figure 10a and
The pre-treatment/post-treatment superimposition (Figure 11) confirms that retraction of the anterior teeth and favorable mandibular growth led to a dramatic improvement in facial esthetic appearance.
YOU may have treated this patient differently and that is completely acceptable. Although the diagnosis should be the same between practitioners, there can and will be acceptable differences of opinion regarding choice of treatment. Naturally, there may be variations in patient and provider preferences, influences based on personal experience, and bias that cause one to recommend a particular treatment plan. In this case report, one such treatment plan is highlighted, along with the rationale for that choice.
Addendum: The first four case reports published in the new SSO quarterly newsletter were all extraction solutions. All extraction decisions were made for different reasons: crowding, camouflage, or protrusion. This extraction percentage does not reflect the percentage of extraction cases in any contemporary orthodontic office. Obviously, most orthodontic patients are treated with a non-extraction approach.
Updates from our State Associations
State meetings are a great opportunity to network with fellow orthodontists, discuss topics facing local orthodontists and enjoy continuing education.
