The Ohio Association of Orthodontists is an organization in transition. My predecessor, Dr. Denny Johnson, resurrected a floundering association. Under his leadership, we revitalized the goals of our charter:

                1. To represent the orthodontists in the state of Ohio
                2. To promote fellowship and better understanding among its members
                3. To advance the art and science of orthodontics

 It was my task to take the torch and continue the momentum.

First, we have arranged for a joint meeting, as guests of the Cleveland Society of Orthodontists at their spring meeting. The CSO has historically been a strong and vital organization, with members throughout northeast Ohio and beyond. A joint meeting will be a symbiotic relationship, each group learning about and from the other. All Ohio non-CSO orthodontists have been invited to this April 8th meeting. Please plan to attend. Check out the CSO website www.csoonline.org for details.

This year will mark a change of venue for our annual OAO business meeting. Typically, we meet in Columbus during the Ohio Dental Association annual meeting. However, this year the ODA coincides with the Great Lakes Association of Orthodontists meeting in Pittsburgh, from September 15-18. As to not compete with the GLAO and encourage Ohio members to attend their meeting, the OAO will have our annual business meeting at noon on Friday September 16 in Pittsburgh. Again, please plan on attending.

Continuing our reorganization process, the leadership of the OAO have refined our bylaws to insure continuity of our leadership into the future. In addition, we have successfully negotiated a new management contract that will allow us to rebuild our treasury and continue to serve the orthodontists in the great state of Ohio.

When you see your OAO Board members, please thank them for their leadership.

Vice President: Dale Anne Featheringham, Mansfield, OH
Secretary Treasurer: Brian Hockenberger, Barberton, OH
Northeast Ohio Director: George Kast, Strongsville, OH
Northwest Ohio Director: TJ Robinson, Findlay, OH
Southwest Ohio Director: Alex Cassinelli, West Chester, OH
Southeast Ohio Director: Jeff Gilmore, Marietta, OH
Representative to the GLAO: Phil Beckwith: Westerville, OH

I hope to see you in Cleveland on April 8th and in Pittsburgh in September!

Dr. Chris Roberts