July 19, 2023
Invitation to Apply!
 
2024 Leadership Development Program
Are you interested in learning more about leadership, networking with colleagues, becoming more involved in organized Orthodontics or in your community?

Dr. Stephen Robirds, SWSO Trustee and Dr. Jesse Teng, Immediate Past-President, SWSO explain why the SAO/SWSO Leadership Developomen Program is important for you both personally and professionally.
The SAO/SWSO Leadership Program is a great way to develop your leadership skills. Since its inception in 2007, the Leadership Program has helped more than 100 members gain confidence in their leadership skills. Many program graduates have gone on to leadership positions within their state component organizations, the SAO, SWSO, and the AAO.
THIS CLASS IS RIGHT FOR YOU IF:
  • You have a desire to grow in your leadership abilities
  • Want to know more about organized orthodontics at the local, regional and national level
  • Have considered serving in your state component, SWSO or AAO
Merger Update
 
Dear SWSO Members,

I would like to express my gratitude to each and every one of you for your continued support throughout this merger process. I would also like to recognize and thank SAO President, Dr. Debbie Sema for her warm introduction and for her invaluable support throughout this merger process. Her dedication and leadership have been instrumental in bringing us closer to our goal of finalizing the merger next year. As we approach the midway point of the year, I am thrilled to share some thoughts about the impending merger between the Southwestern Society of Orthodontists (SWSO) and Southern Association of Orthodontists (SAO).

Your SWSO Board of Directors and various committees have been diligently working alongside our SAO counterparts to ensure a smooth and successful merger. We understand the importance of addressing every detail in order to guarantee the success of this union.

In the spirit of collaboration and inclusivity, I encourage all of you to stay informed and engaged in the merger process. Your input and feedback are vital as we navigate through this transformative period. Together, we have the opportunity to shape the future of our specialty and lay the groundwork for a unified orthodontic community!

Wishing you a fantastic summer filled with joy, relaxation, and professional growth!
Warm regards,

Dr. Joe Moon
President
Southwestern Socity of Orthodontists
(SWSO)
SAO & SWSO Committee on Annual Meeting Planning
C.A.M.P. (The Committee on Annual Meeting Planning), chaired by Dr. John Metz, met in Orlando in June. During this site visit, the committee made tremendous progress in the planning of the 2024 meeting. Our combined membership has a lot to be excited about for the 2024 Orlando, Florida meeting! 
C.A.M.P. members pictured left to right on the back row are Dr. Eric Park, Dr. Don Wilcoxon, Dr. Sundaralingam Premaraj, and Dr. John Metz. In the front row are Dr. Theresa Coleman, Dr. Kyla Swearingen. Not pictured is Dr. Jim Martin. 
AAO Updates
Booyakasha for Braces
The American Association of Orthodontists has partnered with Paramount Pictures and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem for a summer of fun and a chance to spread the news about the importance of visiting an orthodontist.

Check out how Immediate Past-President, Dr. Jesse Teng has used AAO's marketing resouces in his practice and how you can, too!
Cowabunga, SWSO! I’m stoked to share with you how our practice has used the resources available for you and your teams to use on the Practice Marketing Tools page on the AAO Member Website.

Check out the sick things we’ve got goin’ on in our Practice and with the AAO, June 25 to August 18!
Booyakasha! - Mikey & Dr. Teng
‌
‌
How to Protect Your Practice From Cyberattacks
As a professional, you are often inundated with sales pitches
from businesses promising the world
. Properly researching companies and their offers to inform your decision can be incredibly time - consuming
.
Our goal at the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) is to protect your best interest.

Our endorsed partners have been
thoroughly vetted, meet our quality standards, and offer members
exclusive savings.

AAO has partnered with Black Talon Security to ensure the safety of orthodontic practices' networks. Black Talon Security specializes in Dental Cybersecurity and is equipped to identify any vulnerabilities or security loopholes that hackers could potentially exploit to gain unauthorized access to sensitive patient data. Their cybersecurity services go beyond those offered by your current IT company, and the best part is that they work in collaboration with your existing provider rather than replacing them.

If you are a member of the AAO, take advantage of the endorsed partners. The AAO has done the legwork for you to ensure the companys products and services are high quality and has
negotiated discounted pricing. AAO endorsed partners, such as Black Talon, can save you money and give you peace of mind.

  • Visit https://www2.aaoinfo.org/membership/exclusive-offers/ for more information.

  • To jump straight to Black Talon visit: https://info.blacktalonsecurity.com/aao-endorsed-cybersecurity-program
To see a full line-up of our educational sessions, and activities please visit the 2023 Annual Session site and register today!