Orthotown August 2015 - (Page 6)

embrace progress // column AAO Reflections By Daniel Grob, DDS, MS, Editorial Director, Orthotown Magazine What a difference a year makes! While attending the AAO Annual Session this year, I couldn't help but notice the change in attitude, attendance and tone as opposed to previous years. Maybe it was the venue, maybe the time of year, or maybe-dare I say- things are looking up. This is a perfect time to mention the time of year. While scouring the Orthotown.com message boards lately, I couldn't help but notice a reference to cancelled appointments and a generally messed up schedules due to the timing of past confrences. fairly straightforward to plan your absence accordingly. Given the opportunities afforded by the AAO's carefully selected locations, it's an event you don't want to miss. For example, New Orleans, with its diverse history, had much to offer when it played host to the 2014 Annual Session. It's a great place for foodies (beignets! jambalaya!) and for enjoying some pretty lovely weather. The community, which was as outgoing and welcoming as its reputation boasts, is still recovering from the devastation of Hurricane Katrina, Those of you who are new to the profession may not know it, but those of us who have been around for a few years understand that orthodontics is a cottage industry. Wait a moment. The AAO meeting is not scheduled during May because it's the busiest time for orthodontists. If those in power got one thing right years ago, it was that the AAO meeting should be in late spring, when schools are closing down for the year, kids are attending parties and testing is taking place. This gives the appointment book a chance to fill up while doctors and their staffs are in attendance at the meeting. It should be 6 JULY / AUGUST 2015 // orthotown.com and the population is still in the process of retooling from the serious effects of the economic jolt. New restaurants are opening, the population is in transition, and generally, residents are still reacting to it all. It felt like a work in progress. San Francisco, site of this year's Annual Session, is known for progression and technology, and youthful enthusiasm was evident on the streets. The energy level was palpable and it infused the event. The family cottage Those of you who are new to the profession may not know it, but those of us who have been around for a few years understand that orthodontics is a cottage industry. Look up the word "industry" and you'll find it's defined as "a collection of companies or businesses named for the principal product." These businesses start with the provider who is supported by the trade-they combine to enhance the patient's oral health and smile. Billions of dollars in revenue does not change the fact that orthodontics is, and will always be, a small, closely held group of companies and individuals. So when you go to an industry event like the AAO's Annual Session, it seems like you bump into the same people and representatives, sometimes wearing different hats. It's always good to see who is working with what company and which of your favorite reps will be making the pitch on a new product that is apparently 10 times better than the one they were selling last year. It's also good to be approached by someone who is now the vice president of sales of a truly revolutionary product. This wonderful supporting cast depends on us, the providers, to guide them through new advancements in clinical outcomes and procedures to make life easier for our patients, and ultimately, us. Products This year's products were evolutionary, but not revolutionary. Unlike past Continued on p. 8 http://www.Orthotown.com http://www.orthotown.com

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Orthotown August 2015

Orthotown.com Highlights
Embrace Progress: AAO Reflections
Poll
Managing Missing Upper Canines
Adult Class II Patient Possibility for Pre-Prosthetic Treatment
The Truth About Phase I Orthodontics
Ten Steps to Hire Slow— And Achieve Success Fast
Townie Choice Awards
A Review of “Uncomplicate Business”
Separating Your Practice from the Rest
10 Best Practices for Patient- Referral and Retention Programs
The Mini-Screw for Skeletal Anchorage in Pre-Prosthetic Orthodontics
The Use of Laser Technology in the Modern Orthodontic Practice
Ad Index

Orthotown August 2015