Welcome to The Great Lakes Association of Orthodontists!
The Great Lakes Association of Orthodontists (GLAO) is a constituent of the American Association of Orthodontists. The GLAO advocates on behalf of its members and promotes the value and advancement of the Specialty of Orthodontics. Component organizations of the GLAO include: Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, Ontario (Canada), and Pennsylvania (west of the Alleghenies).
A Message from The GLAO President...
As Mike Tyson, the former heavyweight champion of the world famously
quipped, “Everyone has a plan ‘till they get punched in the mouth.” Well COVID-19 provided the knockout punch
for our face-to-face Annual Session planned for Cleveland, Ohio in September,
2020. With great uncertainty still persuasive in many
areas of the country, and with the highest regard for the health, safety and
welfare of our members, staff, partners and the communities they serve, we made
this most difficult decision. Your board
met via virtual medium to discuss the matter exploring an array of scenarios,
none of which provided the security necessary to conduct such a meeting.
We appreciate your patience and understanding during this
unprecedented time in the course of human history. Although, saddened with the acknowledgement
that we won’t be seeing you in person, know that we are still maintaining an
active interest in you and your teams’ behalf.
Current information regarding a variety of topics with associated
resources is posted routinely on the website for your use.
Many practices have already begun resumption of their daily
operations within the context of the new “normal.” To that end, the GLAO Annual Session planning
committee is working to provide an abbreviated virtual experience, that’s
timely and relevant for all members. In
the course of the next few months, many changes are likely and we want to present
to our members the most up to date and accurate program possible.
Be on the look out for more information coming your
way. If you haven’t done so, as a way to
stay connected, consider joining the GLAO Facebook page. As always, please feel free to contact myself,
the board or our executive association for any concerns.
Lastly, I take great pride in being your president and know
difficult these times have been. My
desire is to take former Harvard Law School graduate and football coach, Daron
K. Roberts advice, “Most people are long on advice and short on action.” Our goal is to be more of the latter and
provide meaningful, directed information for everyone’s benefit. Stay the course.
Dr. Walter W. Schratz
2019-2020 GLAO President