Save The Date: October 4, 2008!

Join your oral and maxillofacial surgery colleagues and bring professional colleagues for a unique learning experience at the ISOMS Annual Meeting and Educational Program on Saturday, October 4th, from 7:30 AM - 4:15 PM at The Westin Michigan Avenue Hotel in Chicago (909 North Michigan Avenue). Get additional details in "Plans Underway for ISOMS Fall Program" further down on this page where you will also find a link to complete meeting details and registration form.

ISOMS Hosts Weekend of Training

Over the chilly March 1st weekend, ISOMS hosted ACLS training at The Hyatt Lodge in Oak Brook, IL for members and their staffs. About 75 people attended the two-day session. Basic life support and CPR certification training was provided by Acute Care Education Systems, Inc. ("ACES"). Participants received CE credits for this required training as certified through the Academy of General Dentistry PACE.





Additional photos near the bottom of this page!



President's Message
by Bradley C. Wright, DDS

The Dow Jones Industrial Average closed down 134.50 on the first day of trading in June. The International Air Transport Association lowered its airline industry forecast for 2008 to a collective loss of $2.3 billion. The price of oil is now just below $128 a barrel. General Motors executives are expected to announce shift cuts and/or factory closings to deal with an evaporating market for pickup trucks and SUVs. The bank mortgage crisis has resulted in Wachovia Corporation firing its chief executive and Washington Inc. stripping its CEO of his post. These are all stories taken from the business section of the Chicago Tribune on one day (June 3)!

Friends complain of losing professional relocation flexibility because of being "upside down" with their home mortgages. A cosmetic plastic surgeon friend and colleague claims that his private practice is a "leading economic indicator" for this downturn in the economy. Other colleagues worry about the "underperformance" of their retirement accounts or having purchased second homes at the peak of the real estate market only to see values plummet. Interactions with friends, colleagues, and acquaintainces bring economic worries close to home.

We are confronted with economic gloom and doom on a daily basis. The constant bombardment of bad economic news may lead one to question whether the crisis is media driven. It is clear, though, that there are people who are suffering to some degree.

As oral and maxillofacial surgeons, I believe that we are, at least in part, insulated from economic downturns. We continue to have patients that seek our care because much of the care we provide is not elective. Relative to our physician colleagues, government and third party intrusion into our professional lives is clearly more moderate. In fact, we have much to be thankful for. The AAOMS's White Paper on 3rd Molar Surgery has documented objective evidence in support of the "bread and butter" cases of our practices well beyond the benefits that we have traditionally maintained. We see patients on a daily basis that have themselves decided that tooth replacement through dental implants is the preferred alternative. We have the privilege of working in our own small businesses with staffs that are capable, professional, and caring. In reality, the backbone of the economy is small businesses such as ours. Lastly, we daily get to do technical procedures that allow us to utilize our skills and knowledge to provide care to patients who are largely appreciative.

We appreciate all of the advantages our profession holds for us. Another is the opportunity to share our experiences, enjoy fellowship with our colleagues, and gain education through our meetings and their educational programs. I hope to see you all at the upcoming October 4th ISOMS Annual Fall Meeting in Chicago.


Plans Underway for ISOMS Fall Program

The ISOMS Fall Educational Program and Annual Meeting is scheduled for Saturday, October 4, 2008 at the Westin Michigan Avenue Hotel, Chicago. This year's guest lecturer is Steven G. Lewis, DMD, who will present, "The Restoration of Osseointegrated Implants."

CLICK HERE for a complete program announcement for the October 4th event.

Topics will include:
• Treatment planning considerations
• Extracting teeth for implants
• How many implants are necessary
• Preserving bone and soft tissue
• Cement retentions vs. screw retention
• An overview of restorative techniques
• Treatment options for the edentulous patient

Dr. Lewis is the president of the Academy of Osseointegration and is in private practice in Cincinnati, Ohio, specializing in prosthodontics. He has lectured for over twenty years throughout North America, South America, Europe, Asia and Australia and has written and edited numerous scientific articles, books and abstracts on the topic of osseointegrated implants. Dr. Lewis received his BA and DMD degrees from the University of Pennsylvania and certificates in both Prosthodontics and Maxillofacial Prosthetics from UCLA. While at UCLA, Dr. Lewis was an assistant professor in the Department of Removable Prosthodontics and co-director of the Maxillofacial Prosthetics residency program and Dental Implant Center. Dr. Lewis is a member of the Cincinnati Dental Society, Ohio Dental Association, ADA, American College of Prosthodontists and Academy of Osseointegration. He is on the editorial staff of the International Journal of Periodontics and Restorative Dentistry as well as the Compendium of Continuing Education in Dentistry.

The Westin is located on Chicago's Magnificent Mile at 909 North Michigan Avenue. CLICK HERE for a complete meeting schedule and registration form... and save the date!


Dr. Tom Skiba Wins OMSF Ambassador Service Award

The Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Foundation is pleased to announce that Dr. Thomas Skiba is the recipient of the 2008 OMSF Ambassador Service Award. This award, presented only when deemed appropriate, is given to a leader amongst OMSF Ambassadors who has shown outstanding service to OMSF. The OMSF is fortunate to have a group of surgeons who serve as Ambassadors. Ambassadors advocate OMSF programs, especially the REAP Annual Campaign, by personally contacting their colleagues and also by making presentations at state and regional OMS Society meetings.

Dr. Skiba has demonstrated strong initiatives in support of OMSF. He is being honored for the variety of ways in which he has advocated support of research and education in our specialty through the REAP campaign. His efforts have been instrumental in building the much-needed resources of OMSF for the future.

The Ambassador Service Award will be presented at the AAOMS Annul Meeting Opening Ceremonies in Seattle, WA on September 17, 2008.


Welcome New ISOMS Members!

These new ISOMS members have completed the Office Anesthesia Evaluation and have been moved to Active Membership status:

Bart Nierzwicki, DMD, MD
Rockford, IL
April 8, 2008

Aaron Cwik, DDS
Orland Park, IL
May 14, 2008

Tyran E. Johnson, DDS
Hinsdale, IL
May 22, 2008



AAOMS Trustee News - June 2008 BOT Meeting
by Tom Skiba

The June 2008 meeting of the AAOMS Board of Trustees was held in conjunction with two other important association events: The biennial Leadership Conference, which brought together the executive officers and chief elected officers of the state and regional oral and maxillofacial surgery societies; and the triennial revision of the AAOMS strategic plan. These five days in Chicago provided informative and important opportunities to learn what is happening in the specialty across the nation, and to use that insight to help chart the future course of the association over the next three years.

Representing District IV at the Leadership Conference were Bruce Bobofchak, DDS and James Vaiana, DDS. Our thanks to these dedicated professionals for joining us in Chicago. A highlight of the conference was the presentation of a new online AAOMS calendar developed to keep the elected leaders and OMS society staff apprised of AAOMS and state society meeting dates and other activities. The new five-year calendar, which is easily viewed by year or month, will help prevent conflicts in state and national meeting dates. Please encourage your executive director and state society leaders to participate in the next conference in 2010.

The Board of Trustees spent an entire day developing a framework of goals and objectives for the revised, three-year strategic plan. Critical to our task were the results of the association's triennial membership survey, which was sent to a random sampling of fellows and members in every geographic district and practice type. More than 50% of the 2,000 survey recipients responded. Our sincere thanks to the members in District IV, who took the time to review the survey and furnish their practice information, opinions and future plans. The data supplied provides a very clear snapshot of the specialty as it stands in the first decade of the 21st century. A summary of the survey results will appear in the September/October issue of AAOMS Today.

With the structure in place, the Board will further develop the objectives and consider current and future projects that support the new Strategic Plan. The revised plan will be presented to the AAOMS House of Delegates at the 90th Annual Meeting in Seattle. Once approved, it will appear in a fall issue of AAOMS Today.

We were pleased to welcome two guests to address the Board. William E. Jacott, MD, a former chief of the Department of Family Practice at the University of Minnesota, and the Joint Commission's Special Advisor for Professional Relations, discussed the relationship between AAOMS and the Joint Commission, which he, and we, believe is very effective. AAOMS fellow, Dr. David Whiston, Falls Church, VA, will assume the chair of the JC's Board of Commissioners in 2009. Dr. Jacott was instrumental in forming the JC's first Physician Engagement Advisory Committee. OMS Dr. Mark Zajkowski is a member of this committee. In addition, Dr. Lance Grenevichi was appointed to the Special Task Force on Medical Staff Standard, MS.1.20.

The Board of Trustees also heard from Dr. Curtis J. Hayes, chair of the Resident Organization of AAOMS. At present, there are nearly 1,000 residents enrolled in the nation's 99 OMS training programs. Dr. Hayes noted that they have visited and interacted with more than 1800 dental students this year as part of the ROAAOMS effort to inform these students about the scope of OMS practice, the qualifications for entry into an OMS training program and the demands of life as an OMS resident. Many of the dental school presentations were conducted by local ROAAOMS members.

Dr. Hayes also reviewed the proposed ROAAOMS strategic plan, which focuses on support for residents and efforts to keep them active in AAOMS after they leave residency for active practice. Members of ROAAOMS remain involved in the American Student Dental Association as part of their dental student outreach activities. ROAAOMS members staff an information booth at ASDA meetings and the organization advertises four times a year in the ASDA newsletter. Of the many groups exhibiting at the ASDA meetings, ROAAOMS is the only one whose residents work in the booth. ROAAOMS' efforts have been effective as indicated by the increase in applicants to our training programs. Our thanks to the board and members of ROAAOMS for their dedication and commitment to AAOMS and the specialty.

In other areas, the Board of Trustees took the following actions during their June 2008 meeting:

• Discussed the efforts of Congressmen Bill Pascrell (D-N.J.-8) and Eric Cantor (R-Va.-7) to introduce H.R. 5590, the "Medicare Oral Health Rehabilitative Enhancement Act," which would allow OMSs to directly refer for physical therapy under the Medicare program. The Board noted that this is an important piece of legislation that directly affects the AAOMS membership. Please join us and take a moment to write and encourage your congressman to support H.R. 5590.

• Approved for referral to the House of Delegates a proposed 2009 operating budget with projected revenues of $15,427,000 and expenses and transfers of $15,342,000, resulting in revenues over expenses of $85,000.

• Discussed a report from Dr. Leslie Halpern, AAOMS Liaison to the AMA National Advisory Council on Violence and Abuse, which raises concern about recognizing these problems in our patients including Traumatic Brain Injury and Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome and referring them for evaluation and treatment. This may include veterans of the combat zones of Iraq and Afghanistan, even surgeons, who may be suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome. Like the patients they treat, the National Council warns that affected surgeons may display increased stress responses and may have a possible effect on their ability to function.

• Learned that Dr. Michael J. Buckley, Greensburg, PA, was recently elected 2008-09 President of the American Cleft Palate-Craniofacial Association. Michael is the first OMS to hold this position in the 65-year history of this non-profit association. Congratulations Michael!

• Approved a proposal to exhibit at three regional dental meetings in this fall and in early 2009, where AAOMS products and information on dental implants and third molars will be presented to general dentists as a means of positioning oral and maxillofacial surgeons as the dental implant/third molar experts.

• Received a report on the 2008 Young Investigators Day held May 7-8, at the University of Michigan, School of Dentistry and jointly sponsored Course was sponsored by AAOMS, the OMS Foundation, and the Michigan Institute of Clinical and Health Research. There were 24 course participants and a faculty composed of experts in biostatistics, ethics and law and clinical trials research. As a result of the program, three proposals were developed and presented at the Clinical Trials Methods Course. The Annual Meeting has an open forum where the three projects will be discussed further. It is hoped that at least one of these proposals will be developed further and receive funding from the NIH/NIDCR.

• Named one of the 2008 Faculty Educator Development Awards in memory of AAOMS' late past president, Dr. Frank P. DiPlacido. The award will be conferred during the AAOMS 90th Annual Meeting Award Ceremony in Seattle this September.

With the warm days of summer come busy office calendars and surgical schedules. Despite your busy schedule, I encourage you to consider the ways to give back to the specialty that has given us all so much. If uncertain, I urge you to review the Professionalism DVD that AAOMS President Dr. Lee D. Pollan sent to the membership late last year. It offers a number of great possibilities. A very important way is support the OMS Foundation's REAP annual campaign for research and education. The 2008 cycle ends in August, just before the AAOMS annual meeting. Please contribute soon if you have not already done so; it's very important. Go online to www.omsfoundation.org

AAOMS President-Elect Dr. R. Lynn White is presently reviewing his appointments to the association's 2008-2009 committees and task forces. Now is the time to contact him about your interest in volunteering to serve on one of these groups. It's a rewarding way to help your colleagues and the oral and maxillofacial surgeons who will follow us in years to come.

I wish you a safe, enjoyable, and productive summer. I look forward to seeing you at the AAOMS 90th Annual Meeting, September 16-20, in Seattle.


   DDS MS


District Caucus in August

AAOMS District IV (Great Lakes) including Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, Wisconsin, Public Health Serivce and Dept. of Veterans Affairs will hold their caucus meeting on Saturday, August 23 at The Embassy Suites in Rosemont, IL. The District IV Caucus Chairman is Dr. Brent T. Garrison of Indianapolis, 317-841-1100. The Caucus Secretary is Dr. Slavko Ivankovic. of Eau Claire, WI. All AAOMS Delegates and Alternate Delegates from the District are expected to attend.


ISOMS Hosts Weekend of Training

Below are additional photos from the ISOMS hosted ACLS training back in March. Basic life support and CPR certification training was provided and participants received CE credits for this required training.





From AAOMS President Lee D. Pollan, DMD, MS

Dear Colleagues:

On June 7-8, AAOMS held its biennial State and Regional Leadership Conference, a day-and-a-half forum during which the executive officers and chief elected officers of the regional and state OMS societies exchange information, ideas and future goals with the officers and members of the AAOMS Board of Trustees and the association's senior management team. This year's program was particularly timely and important because the Board was about to convene its triennial retreat to review and revise the AAOMS strategic plan. The comments and suggestions provided by the state and regional society participants during the Leadership Conference had a significant impact on our Retreat discussions. I would like to extend my personal thanks to the representatives from all the jurisdictions who came to Rosemont for this meeting.

A strong partnership between AAOMS and the state and regional OMS societies is essential to the advancement of our specialty. Without the two-way flow of information between AAOMS and its affiliated societies, it would be very difficult to track legislative and regulatory trends with potential to impact the scope of OMS practice; AAOMS would be unable to identify those practice areas that could benefit from educational programs and materials; and without news from the states, it would be almost impossible to promote the specialty effectively.

Like all partnerships, however, the OMS state/regional/national alliance relies on the involvement of the membership at both levels. As an active member of your state or regional society and AAOMS, you gain a comprehensive understanding of the issues affecting the specialty, as well as a unique perspective for identifying ways to address these issues. Moreover, you develop relationships with colleagues, legislators, and other healthcare experts from across the US who share your interests and recognize your professionalism. This is an excellent time to increase your participation in your specialty's professional organizations. Contact your state or regional OMS society today and see how you may best use your talents to help them.

If you would like to become more involved in AAOMS, send a letter of interest to President-elect R. Lynn White. Dr. White is currently considering his committee appointments during the coming presidential year. Your input is greatly appreciated.

Triennial Strategic Plan Retreat

The Board of Trustees' day-long retreat to revise the AAOMS Strategic Plan resulted in an expansive framework of goals and objectives for the three-year plan. Our discussions relied heavily on the results of the association's triennial membership survey, which was sent to a random sampling of more than 2,000 fellows and members from every district and practice type. We achieved an impressive 50% response rate to the survey that was offered online, and via fax or mail. We are grateful to our fellows and members, who took the time to complete the survey and provide their practice information, opinions and future plans. As a result of their comments, we have a clear snapshot of the specialty as it is currently practiced and assistance in projecting our plans for the future. A summary of the survey results will appear in the September/October issue of AAOMS Today. With the basic structure in place, the Board will further develop the objectives and consider current and future projects that support the goals and objectives of the new Strategic Plan. The revised plan will be reviewed by the Board at its September meeting and submitted to the AAOMS House of Delegates at the 90th Annual Meeting in Seattle, and appear in a fall issue of AAOMS Today.

ANNUAL MEETING NEWS

Registration strong for 90th Annual Meeting

Early registration is high for the 90th Annual Meeting, Scientific Sessions and Exhibition, September 16-17, 2008, in Seattle, Washington, and AAOMS's early bird discounts offer an excellent incentive to register now. Register by July 1, and you will save $200 over the onsite registration fee. If you register by July 31, you will save $100. And don't wait too long to make your hotel reservations. We have arranged very favorable rates at the Sheraton Seattle Hotel, headquarters for this year's annual meeting, as well as at a number of neighboring hotels close to the Washington State Convention and Trade Center. You'll find a variety of amenities and services to accommodate every member of the family. Make your reservations online at http://reg.itsmeetings.com/its/0809omssea/11.asp , or, if you prefer, fax the downloadable form on the Web site or the form in your advance program book to 800/521-6017.

Scientific & Clinical Programming

The 2008 annual meeting features 19 major symposia, 22 surgical mini-lectures, and 66 surgical clinics that cover all aspects of OMS practice. There is no better opportunity anywhere to learn about the latest techniques, research findings and treatment options from the renowned leaders of the specialty. From pathology to orthognathic surgery to dental implant treatment planning, AAOMS has it covered. If you haven't yet registered for the Seattle meeting, don't wait. This is one meeting you can't afford to miss.

And don't forget to register for the day-and-a-half preconference Anesthesia Update for the OMS on Tuesday and Wednesday, September 16-17, just prior to the start of the 90th Annual Meeting. Led by leading anesthesia authorities, the Anesthesia Update includes discussions on difficult airway management and anesthesia for geriatric patients and patients with various systemic afflictions. When you make your plans to attend the 2008 Annual Meeting in Seattle, be sure to allow sufficient time to attend this important preconference program. Registration for the Anesthesia Update is separate from the annual meeting registration. Register online for the anesthesia update or download and fax a registration form to AAOMS.

You will also want to attend one of the 12 SimMan programs scheduled throughout the scientific session program. The programmable SimMan provides surgeons with realistic, hands-on patient management experiences in a variety of anesthesia-related emergency situations. The annual meeting also provides an excellent opportunity for you to participate in a PALS or ACLS course to obtain certification.

Bring your OMS assistants to Seattle for Professional Allied Staff Programs

When you register for the 2008 annual meeting in Seattle, don't forget to include your clinical staff. This year's Professional Allied Staff Program offers important information on the critical practice areas increasingly addressed by today's OMS surgical team. Your staff will learn how to address to adjust the anesthetic/surgical protocols to meet the needs of your medically compromised patients. They'll learn about the current exposure control guidelines and participate in such hands-on programming as our new Hands-on Radiographic Imaging for the OMS Assistant and the popular Hands-on Implant Provisionalization for the OMS Assistant. This educational series is indispensable to help your surgical team keep up with you.

AAOMS Suppliers Marketplace - Watch for special CD at Annual Meeting

Interest in the new AAOMS Suppliers Marketplace continues to grow, with more and more companies signing up to present their products and services to the online OMS market. MultiView, developers of the Suppliers Marketplace, has assembled the current list of vendors in a handy CD-ROM for distribution to AAOMS members at various venues, including the Annual Meeting this September. Viewers of the CD will find the same one-stop shopping convenience for almost everything the busy OMS practice uses every day. The AAOMS Suppliers Marketplace, accessible 24/7 from the opening screen of aaoms.org, takes the tedious job of searching the Internet for supplies and services and makes it easy and fun. Vendors participating in the Marketplace are friends of the specialty who exhibit at the annual meeting and dental implant conference, and support association activities, so you know they're reliable. Take a moment to view the CD accompanying your copy of AAOMS Today. We think you and your office staff will become regular users of the AAOMS Suppliers Marketplace.

You can have a direct influence on patient care

We need to make the most of today's scientific advances and find innovations in areas that will help our patients. Since its inception in 2005, the OMS Foundation's REAP program (Research and Education Advance Patient care) has raised nearly $800,000 for OMS research and education, enabling us to participate in the research revolution that surrounds us. By contributing to the REAP annual campaign, you can have a direct influence on the future of patient care and make a difference to the specialty for those who practice today and for future generations. The REAP campaign year ends August 31, 2008. Make your gift now to be included on the OMSF list of donors, which will be displayed at the Annual Meeting in September.

OMSs respond to the AMA Physician's Practice Information Survey

Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery has been recognized as one of the primary responders to the American Medical Association's Physician's Practice Information Survey. At present, surveys completed by OMSs have amounted to 75% of the response goal identified for the specialty. AAOMS was one of 70 healthcare professional organizations that worked with the AMA to coordinate this comprehensive multi-specialty survey of America's physician practices. The survey, which collects up-to-date characteristics of physician practices from virtually all specialties, will be used to positively influence national decision makers to ensure accurate and fair representation for all physicians and patients. Our thanks to everyone who has responded to the survey thus far, and we encourage those of you selected over the next few months to watch for the post card in the mail and to participate in this endeavor.

As always, please feel free to contact me with your thoughts and concerns. I always enjoy hearing from you.

Until next month,


   DMD, MS
President, AAOMS
Phone: 585/594-1122
E-mail: ldpoms74@aol.com


AAOMS 90th Annual Meeting At A Glance

WHEN: September 16-20, 2008

WHERE: Seattle Washington - Washington State Convention and Trade Center

WHAT: Scientific & Clinical Programming will include 19 major symposia, 22 surgical mini-lectures, and 66 surgical clinics that cover all aspects of OMS practice.

WHO: Keynote address by ACS Executive Director Dr. Thomas R. Russell

HOW: Go to the AAOMS Web site for all details at www.aaoms.org

ETC:
   • AAOMS's early bird discounts apply to meeting registration before July 31.
   • Hotel reservations are available at the Sheraton Seattle Hotel, headquarters for the meeting, as well as at a number of neighboring hotels close to the Washington State Convention and Trade Center.


Keep Us In The Loop!

Have you moved your office, changed your phone or fax number or changed your email address? If so, please forward updatd contact info to the ISOMS office so you don't miss important member information.

We can be reached at:
f:847.574.0445
e:isoms99@aol.com
p:847.482.0222