Great Lakes Association of Orthodontists
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Council on Membership, Ethics, and Judicial Concerns The Council on Membership has not had a face to face meeting since my last update but I am pleased to report the 2005 AAO House of Delegates overwhelmingly approved the revisions to the AAO Principles of Ethics and Code of Professional Conduct that this council proposed.
Two separate ad hoc committees have been formed to study and make recommendations to the AAO Board of Trustees regarding two important issues. The first, of which I am the chairman, has the charge of reviewing the new AAO member application process and forms for all AAO constituents while maintaining the constituent as the “Gate Keeper” for membership and credential verifications. Our committee has held two conference calls and has passed numerous emails to formulate a standard application form and a method of simplifying the application process for our new potential members. I believe the time for this action is long overdue and will be well received.
The second ad hoc committee is reviewing the AAO Membership Directory and will make recommendations to our Council regarding possible changes in its content. A significant amount of discussion has focused on the incorporation of newer techniques that are becoming a part of many orthodontic practices across the US and Canada. For example, the use of clear removable tooth alignment appliances will likely be an additional technique option our members can select for inclusion in their directory listing. The use of proprietary names will be avoided.
The Council is also developing a brief questionnaire for those orthodontists who have decided not to renew their AAO membership. Although the number is very low, the Council is interested in learning from these former members the reasons for not retaining their membership. Action will be taken on an individual basis, if appropriate, to address the former member’s concern in an effort to regain a “lost member”.
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