May 11, 2023

Leading the Way

Dr. Enrique Cruz Selected to Join AAO Board as New Trustee-At-Large

We are thrilled to announce the elevation of three SWSO members into national roles with the AAO. First, congratulations to Dr. Enrique Cruz (Austin, TX) for his selection as the new AAO Trustee-At-Large. Dr. Cruz will bring leadership, dedication and a unique perspective to the AAO Board of Trustees. In addition, Dr. Chris Cramer (Denton, TX) has accepted the SWSO position on the Council on Governmental Affairs. Finally, Dr. Helder Jacob (Houston, TX) will serve as the SWSO representative to the Council on Scientific Affairs. We are so proud to have all three of these exceptional leaders representing SWSO at the national level!

Merger Update

There has been much work and excitement behind the scenes regarding the merger between the Southern Association and Southwestern Society of Orthodontists. We had a productive breakaway meeting at the AAO annual session in Chicago. There continues to be much interest among the other constituents and AAO leadership about our progress.

Our current efforts are focused on:

exploring the most favorable state of incorporation,
merging the respective policy manuals and
sorting out details such as board composition and other various and expanding volunteer leadership opportunities.

I am always encouraged by the professional and collaborative nature our two groups have maintained while working together on this project. It is also great to see the rise of several of our members being represented at the AAO through new council positions and at-large Trustee position.

Full steam ahead. All systems go.

Respectfully,

Kyle Shannon

Important Message from Dr. Clark Colville

Make Your SWSO Contribution Now

RACING FOR DONATIONS

It's Derby season! Right now, less than 6% of our SWSO members have donated to the PAC (88/1,546 members). We are in a race to the finish with our friendly constituent competitors and want to come out ahead.

We need a minimum of 100 NEW donors to win this race!

I am counting on you to be one of them.

I am also putting my money where my mouth is. I am matching any donation made prior to 5/31/2023 up to my FEC limit of $5,000. Please, spend my money, and any level of contribution from you will be appreciated!

Don’t think about it any longer……just do it now! Go to AAOPAC.org to make your contribution!

While you are at it….click the button to make this a recurring donation. We need your support every year!

Thank you for getting involved and helping to fuel our advocacy priorities. Your grassroots engagement makes all the difference!

Your friend and coach,

Dr. Clark Colville

Immediate Past Chair, AAOPAC

AAO Updates

2023 Annual Session Photo Gallery is Live

Photos taken by our professional photographers during the 2023 Annual Session are now available. View and download photos displaying the fun and the vast energy and eagerness to learn that the approximately 12,000 Annual Session attendees brought to Chicago. After clicking on the link below:

•Click on Guest and enter your email address when asked to do so.

•Click on View Gallery at bottom right of the screen.

•Then, use the Convention Center Misc pulldown at top left to access folders for Events, Exhibit Hall, Lectures, Innovation Highlights, Council on Scientific Affairs and more.

View Annual Session Photos

Meet Us at the Beach!

Registration is NOW OPEN for the 2023 Annual Session of the Southern Association of Orthodontists (SAO) and the Southwestern Society of Orthodontists (SWSO).

The pristine beaches that once tempted pirates and adventurers to Amelia Island are now the perfect destination for learning, networking and good times. Fill your mornings with lectures and your afternoons with fun as we all enjoy island time!

You won't want to miss two fantastic keynote speakers for the 2023 Annual Session. Two-time national champion TIM TEBOW will kick things off on Thursday. Actor, comedian and social media sensation JOSH MANCUSO will join us Friday.

View Schedule