OUR PRESIDENT has invited the College to "come visit his backyard" for our Reunion of Diplomates this summer. And what a backyard he has to offer!!!

The College of Diplomates’ 2012 Annual Meeting will be held July 19- 23 at the Inn at Bay Harbor, in Bay Harbor, Michigan on the shores of Lake Michigan between the quaint resort communities of Harbor Springs, Petoskey and Charlevoix.

Traveling to Bay Harbor is very easy, with numerous flights available into Detroit, or Grand Rapids. The closest commercial airports take you into Traverse City and Pellston, Michigan. This resort is approximately 75 minutes from the Traverse City’s Cherry Capital Airport and 40 minutes from Pellston Regional Airport.

As you descend on approach the beauty of the area with farms and wooded areas and lakes—many, many lakes— will take your breathe away before you land on the shores of Lake Michigan. Marianne and I flew into Traverse City’’s Cherry Capital Airport and then took the short, picturesque 75-mile ride north along Lake Michigan to the beautiful Bay Harbor Resort.

As most of our summer meetings offer something for everyone, Bay Harbor is no exception. For the water sports enthusiast, it’s all there: sailing, yachting, skiing (I think Rod is to demo his wakeboard skills!) and fishing. Well, just use your imagination. The Bay Harbor Yacht Club is a hop and a skip away and will be the site for the President's Dinner. There are hiking and biking opportunities, which may include a very short hike up the sidewalk along the lake to the Bay Harbor Village. Here, you will find trendy shops, all types of restaurants, and a pub or two. Rent bikes and explore the area at your leisure. Bikes are available by the day, or have them delivered to the resort for the entire meeting. One paved bike trail outside the front door of the resort goes for 26 miles along and around the lake and to nearby communities offering more restaurants, sight-seeing and shopping opportunities.

A unique opportunity available at this meeting is the chance to take tours of local farms, participate in harvesting what’s in-season, and then having an executive chef teach you how to prepare and cook to enjoy your bounty. Yum!!! These farms come in many sizes and the tours range from an hour to half day, depending on your interest.

If organically-grown produce sounds healthy, but you would like to be “on vacation” and not worry about such things, then you must take the tour at the Kilwin’s Chocolate Company in Petoskey. Kilwin’s is a local, family-owned business since 1947. If you like chocolate, the free samples at the end of the tour will have you asking for more. The tour is very interesting, tasty and fun.

If you play golf, there are 45 breathtaking holes of championship golf between Bay Harbor Golf Club and nearby Crooked Tree Golf Club. The College will have their annual golf tournament at the Bay Harbor Golf Club.

Recreation and leisure at the Inn include an outdoor pool, a full service spa, a fitness room, a beach out the back door, jogging and biking trails, croquet and lawn chess. Registration for the meeting includes a welcome reception, breakfast each day and a farewell dinner for all. There will be a children’s program offered each morning as an optional sign-up activity.

Nearby sister property Boyne has Michigan’s premier indoor water park, Avalanche Bay, where you can spend hours sliding down the water tubes, floating long the lazy river or catching a wave in the surf simulator.

We will be taking advantage of the amenities for our opening reception and President’s Dinner (if Rod survives the wakeboard demo). The hotel and meeting facility is first-class, and the College is known to have a top CE meeting every summer. Put it all together, and you will want to make your plans to be in Bay Harbor this summer.

I AM HONORED to serve as your president of the College of Diplomates of the American Board of Orthodontics for the 2011-2012 term.

I have been a member of the College since my American Board certification, and value the relationship I have had with the organization. My initial orientation was through the mentoring of Dr. Bill Stutts, who “showed me the ropes,” and indoctrinated me as to the benefits of being a member-atlarge of the College. Later he would point out the satisfaction of serving on the Council and the Foundation for the College.

The past 23 years have been a personal inspiration, a professional challenge and a social interaction that I would not change in the least.

Having been made aware of the College’s strong tradition and mission, as well as its integrity as part of the national orthodontic family, I plan on respecting the reputation our founding fathers believed and entrusted to us.

While some of my familiarity with the College of Diplomates of the American Board of Orthodontics comes from knowing its regional and national stature, most of my best information has come from close friends and colleagues who have educated me regarding the organization to a higher level.

When I began my position as president in La Jolla, California this past summer, my first few days were spent on making a smooth transition from our previous leader, Dr. Dorothy Whalen. I appreciate her hard work and diligence in making the transition seamless. I am very much indebted to her for making the upcoming year fresh and not leaving any old work behind. Kudos to Dot, the past Presidents, the Executive Board, the Council and all the members who have given me input and constructive direction so that I may have a focused year ahead.

When I say that the College has a rich and extraordinary reputation, I mean it and I am even more excited to promote it. Goals for the upcoming year include:

• having the Council more unified than ever;
• restructuring the College for the benefit of the newly-boarded orthodontists;
• integrating and addressing mutual concerns and problems of the College, the American Association of Orthodontists and the American Board of Orthodontics;
• allowing a College member to actively participate in College activities at a more cost effective level.

My wife, Nancy and I recently returned from a site visit with our support team of Dr. Robert and Marianne Moss, and Karen Seiler.

The Chamber of Commerce of Bay Harbor, Michigan must have been behind us with temperatures in the low 80’s and plentiful sunshine in Northwest Michigan on the first weekend of October! Another positive for our July Meeting is that Good Morning America recently claimed Northwest Michigan as the most desirable destination in the United States. Now, I am biased. So if you want to, listen to me “ramble on” about “my backyard,” give Karen or Robert a call for a true perspective on the meeting site.

The scientific program, “Imbalance to Balance,” Diagnosing and Treating Facial Imbalances for the Orthodontic Patient will be insightful, cuttingedge and planned to be full of lively discussion. Be sure to review our scientific chair, Dr. Scott Conley’s article in this newsletter with regards to the upcoming program.

If you have never been to Northwest Michigan, you are in for a very pleasant surprise. If you have, you will be in for a fantastic renewed experience. It will be an honor to have you attend our Annual Meeting, along with other events that the College will be presenting in the upcoming year.

Again, I want to thank you for the support I have received from all of you, especially the insight of our Parliamentarian, Dr. Perry Opin, President-Elect, Dr. Michael Guess, and especially my very much-missed mentor and friend, Dr. Samir Bishara.

I appreciate the warm-hearted support that the College and the Council have given me. I look forward to meeting and working on behalf of all of you during the next year.

DR. ERIC DELLINGER of Angola, Indiana received his masters degree in orthodontics in 1992 from St. Louis University. He is currently the Great Lakes Association of Orthodontists representative on the AAO Council on Insurance and president of the Indiana Association of Orthodontists. He regularly attends the College Summer Meetings with his family. Dr. Dellinger currently practices in Northeast Indiana.

THE COLLEGE of Diplomates’ nominating committee is requesting that any interested member in the Pacific Coast Society of Orthodontists submit their name and C.V. for the position of College Councilor to Nominating Committee Chair Dr. Dorothy Whalen at remsens@aol.com by the end of December. The term begins during the July 2012 Annual Summer Meeting.

AS THE 2012 Scientific Program Chair, I invite you to participate in the 2012 College’s Scientific Program. The theme this year is “Imbalance to Balance” Diagnosing and Treating Facial Imbalances for the Orthodontic Patient.

Orthodontists’ appreciation of facial imbalance has changed as the specialty has evolved. In the days of Dr. Edward Angle, to treat with anything short of the full dentition was deemed a violation of natural beauty. Calvin Case and Charles Tweed illustrated the fallacies surrounding Angle’s initial approach causing a shift in esthetic values. Perhaps the greatest change has resulted from partnering with our surgical colleagues as modern orthognathic surgery and its ability to alter maxillary and mandibular position significantly already has given us the opportunity to dramatically improve facial balance. But as these procedures became routine, has our concept of balance and our ability to attain it changed? Are there new and better tools available?

The program will start with a point-counterpoint between Dr. Jamie Gateno and Dr. Myron Tucker. Both are recognized experts in orthognathic surgery. They will compare and contrast the way orthognathic surgery has been planned with the new 3D planning techniques available which offer the potential to produce more predictable and better facial outcomes.

The program will continue by highlighting the use of TADs and skeletal anchorage to obtain dramatic facial and occlusal changes without surgery. Dr. Peter Buschang will highlight the use of TADs to intrude posterior teeth in correcting open bites. Dr. Hugo De Clerck will share the dramatic changes possible when utilizing bone anchored maxillary protraction. This will surely stimulate a lively discussion regarding novel non-surgical possibilities in correcting severe skeletal malocclusions.

While orthodontic care alone can produce a harmonious occlusion, improvement in facial form does not always follow. Dr. Mario Pollo will highlight the favorable impact that botulism toxin (Botox) can produce.

Because cleft and craniofacial patients often display the most facial imbalance, Dr. Ian Jackson a world-renowned craniofacial surgeon will share his career experience in the 2012 Ray Thurow Honorary Lecture. Finally, Dr. Hans Friede and Dr. John Spolyar will highlight the different perspectives European and American orthodontists have regarding cleft and craniofacial care.

The meeting will be filled with new techniques, some controversies, and many opportunities for discussion. I look forward to seeing you in Bay Harbor and learning from the diverse group of experts we have been fortunate to bring together.

Dr. HUBERT J. BELL, JR., of Morristown, Tennessee, passed away peacefully September 18, 2011 at his historic Bellwood home.

Dr. Bell was one of the seven founding fathers of the College of Diplomates of the American Board of Orthodontics. He was president of the College from 1984-1985 and presided over the seventh annual meeting held at the Grand Hotel, Mackinac Island, Michigan.

“He was the consummate gentleman, who contributed so much to orthodontics. He leaves a great Legacy,” says Dr. Perry Opin.

Dr. Bell was a graduate of Morristown High School, from which he received the distinguished alumni award and of the University of Tennessee, College of Dentistry. Dr. Bell’s many accomplishments and offices in professional organizations include president, Rocky Mountain Society of Orthodontists; Chief of Orthodontic Services for the Armed Forces, Southern Europe; delegate, American Dental Association; president, American Association of Orthodontists; orthodontic consultant to the United States Air Force Academy; Fellow, International College of Dentists; honorary president of Third World Orthodontic Congress; chairman, Board of Delta Dental Corporation; founding member and president of College of Diplomates of the American Board of Orthodontics; participant of People-to-People Goodwill tour of South America; publisher of The Bell Family History: Past and Present; Rotary Foundation, Paul Harris Fellow; and proud member of the Sip’n Flip Club. 

He was a doctor of orthodontics and dento-facial orthopedics for 35 years in Boulder, Colorado. Dr. Bell instructed his staff never to turn away a patient because of the inability to pay. Many pretty smiles in Colorado are gifts from him. In recognition of Dr. Bell’s contributions to his profession and his country and of his compassion for his fellow man, there exists a commemorative bridge on Merchants Green Boulevard in his honor. 

Left to cherish his memory are daughter Stephanie (Justin) von Gortler and grandsons Trey and Henry von Gortler all of Seattle, Washington.

THE 33RD reunion of Diplomates took place July 15-19, 2011 at the Lodge at Torrey Pines in La Jolla, California. For those looking for relief from the record high heat covering most of the country last summer, the weather was terrific. There were 145 doctors and their families in attendance for a total of 329 registered. We welcomed 32 first-time attendees.

The opening reception and closing president’s dinner were held outside on the lawn overlooking the golf course and the Pacific Ocean. Attendees were treated with beautiful sunsets each evening. Other events included a children’s program, a golf tournament on the famous Torrey Pines Golf Course, kayaking, hiking and for the adventurous, paragliding.

The scientific program was filled with topics that would allow you to bring current clinical advances in technology back to your office for immediate use in your daily practice. Speakers included Drs. Tiziano Baccetti, Scott Conley, James Hartsfield, Greg Huang, Peter Ngan, William Proffit, Robert Vanarsdall and Dirk Wiechmann.

The 2011 Founders Award was presented to Dr. Perry Opin for his exceptional dedication to the College and for his leadership example to the College Council and the orthodontic community. The 2011 Samir Bishara Award of Merit was presented for the first time to honor Drs. John Whitaker and Peter Worth for their unselfish contributions to the College by volunteering their time to give review courses for the ABO Clinical Exam, both at the AAO and PCSO Annual Sessions.

Phil and I hope all of you who attended the meeting had a memorable time in Southern California. We enjoyed spending time with fellow colleagues and their families. We hope to see you in 2012 in Northern Michigan!

THE COLLEGE of Diplomates’ Foundation Board of Directors met at the College’s July 2011 Annual Summer Meeting at the Lodge at Torrey Pines in La Jolla, California.

2011 -2012 Board of Trustees are:
Dorothy Whalen, President
Rod Hyduk, President-Elect
Michael Guess, Secretary-Treasurer
Phil Markin, Immediate Past President
Trustees: David Allesee, John Carter, Tucker Haltom, John Kanyusik, Tom Skafidas, Robert Staley, Lee Tuneberg, William Wallert

The board has been working on a design for a logo for the Foundation. The final design is included with this article. Thank you to Lee Tuneberg and American Orthodontics for putting the ideas of the Board together to create this design.

The Foundation Board has decided to reinstate the foundation’s scholarship program for the ABO Written Exam. A school will be chosen each year by a lottery format. The Foundation will contribute a total of $2,000.00 to offset the expense of their residents taking the ABO Written Exam. The contribution will be sent directly to the ABO Office. This year residents from the Oregon Health and Science Center will benefit from the Foundation’s donation.

THE COLLEGE has adopted an annual logo that includes the year and will forward to members annually in late fall after their dues are paid for the membership year.

The College will acknowledge orthodontic programs with a 100% participation rate in the ABO ICE Program at the annual luncheon during the AAO Annual Session.

The College offered board certification preparatory courses at the Southern Association of Orthodontists (SAO) and Northeastern Society of Orthodontists (NESO) 2011 Fall Annual Sessions and will offer courses at the AAO Annual Session in May 2012 in Hawaii.

The College instituted a practice where the president of the AAO, ABO and CDABO will annually discuss mutual concerns and problems and suggest to their boards a unified direction to help both patients and practices.

The College and the ABO have formed a joint committee to organize volunteers to make presentations in the orthodontic residency programs promoting and encouraging ABO Certification.

The Council approved an on-line course on Social Media for the membership. The course information will be sent out by email in December of this year to all CDABO members.

The newly formed Council retreat in January of 2011 proved successful in its first year as an efficient way to keep the Council current in addressing College business in a timely fashion.

The Council will have a follow-up Strategic Planning meeting in conjunction with their 2012 Council winter retreat in order to keep our focus and mission relevant for all of our present and future members.

The Council, at their last board meeting, discussed the College’s current dues structure and decided not to propose to the membership an increase in the annual dues.