Do we need to reinvent the OAO??

Interested orthodontists founded the Ohio Association of Orthodontists in 1969.  Names such as Ben Williams and John Aldrich are sure to be familiar to many ears.  The charter contained elements that defined their interests in incorporating the Charter in the State of Ohio. 
These interests included:
1.  Representing 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 

Undoubtedly times have changed and the time for our group to examine and clarify our current purposes and goals is overdue. All to often, structured group efforts are splintered by individual interests, and rubber stamping business as routine with lots of verbiage, meetings, and distractions. One of my mentors once wisely told me, "words that lead to no action are meaningless". Let's not let this happen with OAO. 

During the last couple of years I think we have up-righted the ship.  We now have business at hand in a forward motion.  New blood, with interested people are coming forward to allow this organization to become meaningful.  What I have discovered is that this organization needs continuity and definition coupled with purpose. Today, we have professional management help with Accent on Management to do the daily, monthly, and yearly needs... but AOM cannot help define and activate our true needs. 

I am proposing for the future two new Special Committee groups to help solve the aforementioned problems: 
The Safeguard Committee, which will help us:
1.  Examine people and groups which may be violating the Bylaws and Articles of the governing institutions such as the Ohio State Dental Board, the American Dental Association, and the American Association of Orthodontists, etc., and then respond appropriately to such governing groups
2.  Promote understanding for Ohio residents elements of orthodontic training
3.  Promote the highest levels of orthodontic care for Ohio residents. 

The second group is the Past Presidents Council, which will add continuity to the organization.  This concept is a tried and proven method for helping an organization to retain viability.   With the experience of past Presidents and the vitality of new young blood, we will be able to create an organization with the meaning and presence that has not been felt.  The dated definition of this society has allowed for growth and gain, and today we are the component society of the Great Lakes Constituent of the American Association of Orthodontists.  However, the national organization certainly cannot work effectively at the local levels, and the bridge between national standards of excellence must be matched by local prestige and unity.  
 
We have all of the necessary elements for success. We have the members, the structure, and the funds to promote and safeguard the future success for high standards of care for the residents of the State Ohio!