Alpha Omega President Goes To Europe

What an amazing time these last couple of weeks has been? My Presidential visitation began the evening of Thursday, November 18th, when Richard and I left from JFK International Airport for Zurich. As our flight arrived early Friday morning, we were met at the airport by terrific, enthusiastic and energetic Zurich chapter president Mark Margolin, who transported us to the hotel that he had recommended, prior to going into his office to see some patients in the morning. He gave us a chance to check-in, settle in, and acclimate to the six hour time change, before picking us up later in the afternoon, and showing us around, prior to bringing us to his home, where his wonderful wife Susi fussed and prepared a fabulous Shabbat dinner, where we were joined by several of the members and spouses of the Zurich chapter. This chapter is quite active and philanthropic, despite being a relatively small chapter of 29 fraters. However, when one considers that there are only about 19,000 Jews in all of Switzerland, and not too many Jewish dentists, this is quite an impressive group!
Susi and Mark were wonderful hosts on Saturday, and gave us an opportunity to understand their country, and the needs of their chapter. We had the opportunity to see three distinctly different sets of stained glass windows, and witness the incredible precision that the Swiss are renowned for. The Swiss enjoy a far higher than average income, but also have some of the highest costs anywhere. We really got to know the Margolin’s, and Susi, who years ago worked at Hebrew University Hadassah School of Dental Medicine Founded By Alpha Omega as a dental technicians and instructor, provided superb insight. In addition, because Susi is extremely involved and active with Hadassah as Vice President of the Zurich chapter, she and I discussed the logic of some sort of cooperative efforts between Hadassah and Alpha Omega. I have begun discussions with some of the Hadassah leadership this year, and hopefully, with Mike Tenenbaum’s blessing, will be able to strengthen the ties between our two organizations sometime in 2011.
The Zurich chapter held their Semi-Annual meeting on Sunday at the incredible home of Martin and Nitza Katz. The Katz live in an historic building in Schaffhausen, and hosted this meeting with charm and ease. Nearly 70% of the Zurich chapter attended the meeting, and I had the opportunity to discuss various aspects of Alpha Omega. This was an extremely interesting and involved group, and my extensive conversations with Robert Levy, the Chapter Treasurer; David Reinisch, who has volunteered to be the chapter’s webmaster; Robert’s partner Mirjam, who works for a local television station; Isaac Weinberg, who does an incredible amount of dental outreach(GOHI) including his most recent work in the Amazon; and Debra Hofer, who has relocated to Zurich from Rhode Island; as well as Mark and Susi; and Martin and Nitza; gave me a spectacular insight into how, while there are many different needs throughout the world, we are all joined together by our common thread of the Judaic values of tzedaka and tikun olam.This group was particularly interested in the GOHI concept, and committed $15,000 to Tel Aviv University Dental School, for endodontic microscopes. What an amazing effort from such a small group! Since there are so few Jewish dental students, the one dental student attends all the Zurich chapter’s activity. We had a terrific conversation with Lani Gati, the student, as she so kindly drove us back to Zurich from Schffhausen.
After spending a considerable amount of time with Mark and Susi again on Monday, we boarded our Eurail train early Tuesday morning, for Stausberg, for our two hour train ride. As we disembarked in France, the unbelievable Philipe Levy was there waiting for us. Phillipe was extremely attentive, making sure that everything was okay, and that we did not need anything and understood the French language. He took us all around his beautiful city, and we joined several other members of his chapter, including Thierry Ross, for the dedication of a dental unit at the Jewish retirement home. This was a very significant event and many dignitaries were present representing the local and state government and the press coverage was extensive .GOHI concepts certainly resonated with the members of this chapter, and because my French skills are so poor, it was particularly great that Phillipe stayed by my side as my translator and interpreter. That evening, Thierry and his wife hosted us at their lovely home, and we were able to better understand the needs of this chapter, and much more insight into Alpha Omega France.
Early the next morning (Wednesday), we boarded the mostly “fast” train to Paris to attend the ADF Convention, and have the opportunity to meet with representatives from most of the French chapters. In next week’s blog, I will review the activity during the four days in Paris, and our exciting meeting with the incredible Tree of Peace of Artist.
With less than a month left in my term as International President of Alpha Omega International President, it has been a year of striving to serve the fraternity to the best of my ability, and to emphasize our members, while really listening to the voices of members from around the world. I hope to see many of you at the Convention in San Diego at the end of the month, where Marshal Bob Simon and his committee have worked very hard to bring attendees a fun and fraternal week. I look forward to greeting all of you there.


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It's Nov 4th, + Alpha Omega Has News

As I’m writing this, I find it amazing that it already November 4th, which, by the way, is also my 32nd Wedding Anniversary. With our fabulous International Convention in San Diego only seven weeks away, I urge you to make your reservations now to attend an unbelievable week of fraternalism, professionalism and Judaic values. Marshal Bob Simon and his committee have “left no stone unturned” to assure that this will be one of our greatest conventions ever. Please go to: http://aosunnydays2010.ao.org for fabulous details and to register. Everything from the fun-packed schedule, to the top-notch Continuing Education, to our magnificent Honors Night, to the very attractive hotel room rate at the Hyatt Regency Mission Bay, makes this a “must attend” convention. Our bloc of rooms at our San Diego location with the great group rate are moving quickly, so please act fast.
Packed into this great Convention schedule is some of the finest Continuing Education offered anywhere? Not only are there four days where there will be Video Continuing Education offered, but there will top-notch “live presenters,” also, including: noted Professor Hessam Nowzari, who will be presenting his “Global Smiles Initiative” lecture; USC Dean Avisai Sadan; several “Pearls” short presentations; and student Poster presentations/ table clinics. In addition, in attendance for all or part of the Convention will be the Deans of both Israeli dental schools, Adam Stabholz and Iliana Eli; the head of the School of Postgraduate Dentistry at Ramban, Eli Machtel; and the Dean of A.T.Stills University, Jack Dillenberg; and D. Walter Cohen, Dean of Drexel Medical School and an Achievement Award winner himself. At Honors Night, we will not only be installing our International Officers for 2011, but will be bestowing our highest honor, our Achievement Medal Award, to Stan Bergman, CEO of Henry Schein.
We will be introducing our fabulous Tree of Peace program to enhance our efforts for our Global Oral Health Initiatives. This program is based on the moving Tree of Peace sculpture that Allen Finkelstein generously donated in 2007 and sits in front of HU Dental School founded by Alpha Omega International Dental School, and should help “brand” and “recognize” our many generous fraters. This program will become a symbol of recognition for not only representing our good work, but also for rewarding the generosity of those who donate to our worldwide causes.
In a couple of weeks, I shall be traveling to Zurich, Strasbourg and Paris, to meet with many of our European fraters, and to hopefully strengthen the bonds of friendship, understanding and fraternalism amongst our members worldwide. When I return from that trip, I am honored to be able to go directly from the airport to Manhattan, to attend the DVI (Dental Volunteers for Israel) 30th Anniversary Gala, to indicate Alpha Omega’s solidarity and support for that magnificent organization and cause. One of the honorees will be our Board Member, Steve Kess.I hope to see many of our local fraters there and many out of town fraters who will be in for the Greater New York Dental Meeting, as well.
When I began this year as your International President, I pronounced that my main goal was to make 2010, “The Year For Our Members.” We have made great strides this year in that direction, and I hope that my Blog has helped to communication some of what has been going on. Please consider joining us at our International Convention in December in San Diego, and “get the feeling,” the enthusiasm, and the fraternalism, that makes Alpha Omega so unique.


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AO- Nurturing Our Future Leaders

Every time I have the pleasure of seeing our wonderful Fraters from the Boston area, I am reminded of what makes Alpha Omega International Dental Fraternity so great! This chapter knows how to combine all three sides of our triangle - - they continuously run some of the finest scientific and education programs (PROFESSIONALISM) under the leadership of Brian Miller; they support the students at three dental schools, and have a kinship and a warmth that is exemplified by the inimitable Murray Miller (FRATERNALISM); and they generously support numerous charitable endeavors both in Israel and elsewhere (JUDAIC values of tzedakah and tikun olam). This past weekend condensed all of these three aspects into one great fraternal weekend. It began with a fabulous all-day program on Friday, conducted generously by the wonderful and energetic Steve Anderson (an AO International Board member). Steve, of course was his usual wonderful self, and Brian Miller made sure that all details were fully prepared. Friday night, Steve Spitz opened up his lovely home for a traditional Shabbat dinner (even if over 60 people were there). All day, Saturday, until mid-day Sunday, approximately 70 enthusiastic fraters attended our Leadership Summit. This program, organized by President- Elect Mike Tenenbaum, and facilitated by Nicole and Ayelet from our Headquarters Office, was amazingly well attended, especially by students. Students from as far away as California to the west, and Florida to the south, north from Buffalo and of course from Boston schools came to be part of this conference. I found that individuals that attended were a true indication of how motivated our next generation of potential Alpha Omega leaders are, and how invested they are in contributing toward Alpha Omega’s future.
Our Student Activities Committee (SAC) is composed of three of the most enthusiastic, hard working co-chairs in recent memory. Andrea Heckler, Rachel Davis, and Richard Halpern. They work closely and in coordination with our motivated and energetic ISR’s Matt Rossen and Whitney Mostafiz. Matt and Whitney spent countless hours making phone calls, sending e-mails, and reaching out to students to motivate them to attend this seminar. These two ISR’s deserve the thanks of each and every member of Alpha Omega.
Bobby Geiman, Columbia’s President and Matt Schorr, Yoni Moskowitz ( our singer) and many others from his chapter took the Bolt bus to Boston and contributed their enthusiasm and input. I have come to know several of the members of this chapter in the past couple of years, and this is one of the most terrific group of students I have seen in quite some time. Justin Ohnigan from this chapter carried over his enthusiasm from this program to plan a Chemlog implant (Alpha Omega Winery) and cheese program for students and alumni on November 7th.
Many of us know Harvey Quinton as the New Yorker turned Floridian, who left our four seasons to depart for the south where he could scuba dive year around. Harvey has worked very closely with the students from Nova chapter, and brought eight students to the seminar from Nova. What an outstanding group, who learned and listened to make AO the best at NOVA. Jessica Blanco, and Sal Colombo stand out as great participants at the seminar. They initiated 65 new students this year.
Student Representative to AO Foundation Jonathan Miller brought along t-shirts and scrubs, as a Foundation fundraiser. The students enthusiastically believe in tzedakah and tikun olam, and are some of our strongest advocates for GOHI. Our student webmaster Nat Lawson traveled up from Alabama to participate and share. For those of you that do not know Nat, he is related to the incredible Alpha Omega “Shaw” family, and is following in the glorious AO tradition of his relatives!
Heather Stephens traveled all the way from the west coast for the Summit, and is very much looking forward to encourage many others in her chapter to come to the San Diego Convention, especially because their esteemed dean, Dr. Avishai Sadan, end their Periodontics Professor Hessam Nowzari, will be giving a Continuing Ed seminar on December 31st. The last time I saw Dean Sadan and Professor Nowzari was at Hebrew University, where they were amongst a group of alumni from the Class of 1991, many of which have become deans and other leaders of the profession. However, this time, Avishai and Hessam will be presenting their seminar in English (at Hebrew University, they had English slides, but conducted the seminar in Hebrew).I look forward to being able to follow the lecture with ease the second time around.
All those in attendance left the seminar with warm fraternal feelings, and a better understanding of what Alpha Omega is all about. Leadership Seminars are essential for Alpha Omega to develop leaders, and accomplish its mission.
We are now only approximately two months before the Yearly International Convention in San Diego, from December 25- January 1st. We have great group rates at the Hyatt Regency Mission Bay, and Marshal Bob Simon and his committee have planned an eventful, fraternal, community-oriented, value-packed, Continuing Ed loaded week. I urge you to consider attending if you have not yet finalized your plans. Go to: http://aosunnydays2010.ao.org, for details and to register. If you’ve never been to an AO Convention, go to one and “you’ll be hooked.” If you haven’t been in a while, come to this Convention, and you’ll see what you’ve been missing. If you are a “regular,” you’ll love what Bob and his committee have in store for you this year! I look forward to seeing you all in San Diego.


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Boston & Leadership & More Rain Predicted!

As I prepare to leave this coming Friday morning for Boston,the weather calls for a Nor’easter. I will once again have the opportunity to listen to the inimitable Steve Anderson at the Boston Alumni Chapter Scientific Meeting, and then participate in the Leadership Program that President-Elect Mike Tenenbaum has planned, I have several thoughts .The Friday program is once again is being chaired by Boston Alumnus Brian Miller, who has been coordinating programs for the Boston chapter for over two decades. Brian is a great example of one of Alpha Omega’s many “unsung heroes,” as someone who makes a significant contribution to AO on an ongoing basis, quietly and without fanfare. Brian is a regular International Convention attendee, and it has been my pleasure to know Brian as a friend since my dental school days. For years, Brian, Murray, and my dear friend Lenny Miller always kidded with each other with their own variation of a vaudeville routine, “Dr. Miller,” “Dr. Miller,” “Dr. Miller.” Our Corporate Board member Steve Anderson has been generously donating his time, efforts, and monies to Alpha Omega for some time, and his Boston presentation is another example of his generosity. To give you an idea of how good a presenter Steve is, when he gave a presentation at the Queens County Dental Society (QCDS) in conjunction with Queens Nassau AO chapter some time back, QCDS Executive Director Bill Bayer, who hears hundreds of speakers annually, said that Steve’s presentation was so valuable, interesting, and professionally presented, that it was one of the very few that he remained in the room for the entire presentation. What better recommendation than that! Thank you, Steve.
On Friday night, BOD member Steve Spitz is hosting a Shabbat dinner at his home. What a wonderful Judaic and fraternal gesture!! So, between Steve Anderson’s presentation on Friday, and Steve Spitz magnificent generosity, we have a first-hand example of all three sides of the AO triangle - - - professionalism, fraternalism and Judaism.
We are anticipating a very large turnout (one of the largest in years) of students and alumni, for the Saturday/ Sunday Leadership Seminar. Any organization that wants to evolve and succeed, as well as achieve its mission, must take seriously its commitment towards leadership identification, qualification, training and development. Leadership training should be ongoing. Our next leadership program will be at the San Diego Convention. If you are interested in playing a leadership role, or sharing with others knowledge gained from their experiences and expertise, please attend our leadership programs. I have been speaking about the need to enhance our leadership training and development, and programs like this one are an important step in that journey.
I had the pleasure of speaking to the motivating and energetic Stephanie Rashewky this week. Stephanie, who was the only ISR in my memory to serve two years in that position, is presently in an Anesthesiology Residency at Stony Brook. In the coming weeks, I am planning a drive out to see her, and to make a special presentation to her in honor of her years of exemplary AO leadership in the presence of the Dean.
One of the great challenges involved in leading Alpha Omega is the need for much advance planning. Programs like the Boston Leadership program take the Chairperson many months to develop and plan, and to arrange all necessary details. Our International Conventions are well over a year in the planning, and with only a little over two months to go, I urge those of you who have not yet made your reservations and arrangements to attend this year’s International Convention in San Diego, to do so as soon as possible. Marshal Bob Simon and his committee have arranged a unique program. As an extra bonus, our Convention Group Rate at the Hyatt Regency Mission Bay is the unheard of, only $149 per night per room. Get all the details and reserve online at: http://aosunnydays2010.ao.org.
With about 80% of my term now complete, I hope that I have been able to address my stated goal of opening up channels of communication, and rededicating ourselves to Member Benefits, and to our members. Attendees at the Boston Leadership will be amongst the first to see our new Member Benefits Power Point presentation, put together and coordinator by International Editor Fred Margolis and presented by David Schneider. I will be presenting and promoting the GOHI Chapter Challenge and the evolution of a GOHI project for each chapter. With the Jewish holidays now complete, I wish all of you, a year of personal fulfillment, and that every day, you are given more and more reasons to be proud to be an Alpha Omegan. Together, Alpha Omega can achieve every one of our goals.


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"Shuffling Off to Buffalo" - - AO Style

As we complete the holiest of periods in the Jewish calendar, we are also beginning the final quarter of 2010. When last I blogged, I was departing from Toronto and crossing the border into Buffalo.
That afternoon, the incomparable Renzo Nylander picked me up, and took me to the lovely event at the country club, attended by members of both the alumni and student chapters. Renzo should serve us all as a role model of what a true “mensch” is - - selfless, always willing to chip in, and someone that can always be counted on. Renzo has served tirelessly in his local area, as well as in the International arena, presently completing his term as a member of the International Board of Directors. Renzo is always happy to explain that his long-term commitment to Alpha Omega was indoctrinated into him by the friendship and loyalty extended to him by P.I.P. Ed Dweck and his wife Ruth. This clearly points to the importance of the “personal touch” in Alpha Omega, and how important the fraternal aspect of the organization is. Regular convention attendees have had the privilege of meeting, getting to know, and being inspired by Renzo, who has been attending Conventions for the last four decades. One of the reasons that I encourage people to attend Conventions is to have the opportunity to meet wonderful fraters like Renzo. Give yourself a special treat - - come to the Convention in San Diego many great reasons and have the opportunity to be inspired by Renzo Nylander! Perhaps you will inspire someone else like Renzo has throughout the years!
One of the real treats of being your International President is having the opportunity to meet so many wonderful fraters during visitations. The alumni and student chapters in Buffalo were certainly examples of that! Their evening program, chaired by President Jeff Goldberg, featured three student speakers, installation and my presentation and initiation of 22 new members to the student chapter. Student Chapter President Eugene Khaylofsky, the first speaker, has done a wonderful job leading his chapter to a higher level, by combining all aspects of our fraternity to encourage greater involvement. Having the opportunity to meet and listen to second year dental student Amy Panzok, our second speaker, was a special treat. Amy spent the summer in a program at Hebrew University Hadassah School of Dental Medicine, Founded by Alpha Omega Fraternity. Amy gave a terrific presentation discussing her two research projects that she was involved with, and is a great cheerleader for Alpha Omega, interspersing AO- related slides in her presentation. Amy profusely thanked all the Alpha Omegans who helped facilitate her trip to Israel, and was truly an inspiration to us all! Another student, Ariel Cohen, who speaks Spanish fluently, showed the “tikun olam” that we are so proud of us an Alpha Omega tradition. Ariel visited the Dominican Republic with a group from Buffalo, and volunteered his services in an area that was much in need of care. Blair Braunstein (PIP Steve Braunstein’s son and Secretary of the student chapter) was leading his student chapter’s fundraising efforts, selling molar shaped cutting board and miniature impression tray key chains( a great fund raiser, he will bring to convention). In another example of a second generation Alpha Omega story, Stacy Schoff and her dad were both at the event. Stacy is planning on attending the upcoming Leadership Seminar in Boston, in two weeks. As I have in all my visitations, I have been encouraging our past, present and future leaders to consider attending the Leadership Seminars, to learn more, both about AO and acquire leadership skills.
Buffalo Alumni Chapter President Jeff Goldberg acted as the emcee for the evening, and oversaw an inspiring evening of well coordinated programming. It was great to see 22 students initiated as new fraters. Marshall Fagin coordinates a very worthwhile community service program supported by our Buffalo fraters. They help staff a dental clinic to help the underserved population receive dental care that they otherwise would not. This program permits students to perform dental care under the supervision of licensed dentists, and is another fine example of GOHI- style projects that so many of our local chapters have been conducting for many years.
Of course, no mention of the Buffalo chapter would be complete without a mention of Renzo Nylander and his annual visits to Ghana to serve the many underserved in that needy nation. I would also feel remiss if I did not thank P.I.P Steve Braunstein for all his assistance prior to my visit, his advice throughout this year, and for taking me on a tour of Buffalo, and being such a wonderful host. After taking me on this late night tour, Steve insisted that I return to his house, where Terri and he were incredible hosts. I have known Steve for many years, and we still laugh about the time at the Dearborn (Feel the Warmth) Convention that Richard had to jumpstart Steve’s diesel car. I left Buffalo early the next morning, and flew back to New York to see some patients.Work, ugh!!!
The week was a typical busy Alpha Omega week, with lots of discussions, phoning, conference calls, e-mails, etc. It was great to see that International President-Elect Michael Tenenbaum, working so hard on the final touches for the Boston Leadership Convention.
Please remember our two major events coming up this corner.
(1) In Boston, on the weekend of October 15-17th, the Boston alumni chapter is sponsoring Steve Anderson’s seminar on Friday, and, under the leadership of Mike Tenenbaum, the Leadership Seminar will be held on Saturday and Sunday. If you receive E-Blasts, you have received information about these programs, and, for more information e-mail Mike Tenenbaum at: tenedent@aol.com, or call our International Headquarters at: (877) MRS-TINT.
(2) If you have not yet done so, plan on joining all our great fraters like Renzo, at our International Convention in San Diego, from December 25th to January 1st. Convention Marshal Bob Simon and his committee have created an incredible event. If you really want to know why it is so important to be a member of Alpha Omega, and you want to feel really good about belonging, while enjoying a great week, join us at Convention. The Hyatt Regency Mission Bay’s special AO Convention rate of only $149 per night is just one of the great values extended at this program. Go to the convention website at: http://aosunnydays2010.ao.org to get detailed information, as well as a link to register. I hope to see you there!


Have a great week!




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Alpha Omega's President goes North -Deliciously Satisfying

As we conclude our High Holidays, and have searched our souls, repented our past, and sought to be better and more personally fulfilled for the coming year, I want to take this opportunity to wish all of you a year of health, happiness, success, and personal enrichment.

As soon as the Shofar was sounded, indicated the conclusion of Yom Kippur, I realized that I would be spending my next few days busy with my responsibilities as Alpha Omega’s International President, not the bagel slicer at the break fast. Very early Sunday morning, I departed on my Jet Blue flight out of JFK International Airport, for my flight to Buffalo. My plan was to visit with my Northern friends, spending Sunday and Monday with the Toronto and Pi chapters, and Tuesday with the Buffalo alumni and undergraduate chapters, before flying back Wednesday morning, to spend time with my patients back in my office on Wednesday afternoon.
However, before I tell you about my wonderful visits with these great Alpha Omega areas, I want to bring you up to date about the “rest of the story” - - that is, what occurred as a result of our involvement with the California Dental Association. The American Dental Association and its officers immediately responded, and indicated their understanding of our concerns. In fact, the ADA requested to be included on the Blog notification list and was very interested in our social media activities and our communication efforts. They want to learn from us. The ADA will be having a committee this year examining ways to enhance both their own, as well as component societies sensitivity to diversity and our concerns, as well as similar concerns by other ethnic and religious groups. On the other hand, after ten plus days, the California Dental Association President, Dr.Thomas H. Stewart, wrote that the “California Dental Association (CDA) deeply regrets the overlapping dates of Rosh Hashanah and the convention. The decision to move forward with the dates of our convention was not made lightly or without respect and understanding of its impact.” Dr. Stewart continued by saying that, “unfortunately, there was no alternative solution for the San Francisco meeting this year.” Dr. Stewart concludes his letter by stating that, “No other scheduled convention or conference dates coincide with any Jewish holidays. As future years schedules are planned, CDA’s priority will remain to avoid any such conflict and respect the observances and faiths of our many members.”

While I very much appreciate receiving the above letter, it shows the fact that often leaders of other organizations do not fully understand the significance of the High Holidays to most Jews. While I understand the difficulty in rescheduling, it is essential that we insist that non- Jewish leaders understand that we take insensitivity to our Jewish High Holidays as an insensitivity to our Jewish identity. While, unfortunately, we did not learn of this meeting until a very late date, I propose that we act to assure that these types of events and insensitivities do not occur in the future. I suggest that one of the duties of our newly refashioned Regents system, is that Regents, in coordination with our Headquarters Office communicate with the State Dental Societies, the various component dental societies, as well as the dental schools, etc., to explain our concerns in advance, and supply these groups with the upcoming Jewish calendars and a with a link to that information. In addition, I would suggest that the Regents create a format to coordinate their activities to assure that this never again occurs. If we do this successfully and vigilantly, something good, important and essential will happen as a result of this insensitive California situation.

After I drove across the Canadian Border, and was greeted and welcomed by the Boarder Officer, I proceeded to my hotel. I settled in and the Toronto Chapter’s President- Elect Elliott Weidman picked me and drove me to have dinner and conversation with the officers of both the Toronto and Pi (University of Toronto Faculty of Dentistry) chapters. We then went to an amazingly warm reception, hosted with grace by President Mel Kay and his wife Cookie in their lovely home. The hospitality and enlightening conversation gave me further insight into the workings of this great chapter, and I was able to observe why the Toronto chapter is, in fact, the largest Alpha Omega chapter. Because of the size, scope and efforts of the Toronto chapter, there is a concerted effort to have multi-faceted programming to appeal to members with different interests, concerns, age groups, etc. Their programming is extensive and exciting!
International Convention Representative Avi Wurman picked me up Monday morning and we were able to have an in-depth discussion on various alternatives he is looking at for the 2013 Convention. Our 2010 Convention, of course, is in San Diego, the 2011 in Ft. Lauderdale, and in 2012 we will be in Scottsdale,AZ. Another reason to attend the San Diego Convention this December to have an opportunity to voice your opinion on where future Conventions should be held. Of course, Bob Simon and his committee have created a Convention program with great CE, fabulous events, great functions, a terrific hotel room rate, etc., so you should be there anyway. Please go to the Convention Web site at: http://aosunnydays.ao.org to see all the great details, and for registration information. You do not want to miss a minute of this great week…so register NOW!
Avi and I then went to the University Of Toronto Faculty Of Dentistry, and we met with Dean David Mock. David is a member of our Toronto chapter, and is serving his second consecutive full term as Dean. Serving more than one term is rare, but David agreed to help oversee a proposed upgrading of the dental facility. I spent lunch meeting with all classes of Pi chapter, and welcoming them, and congratulating them both on choosing dentistry, as well as choosing Alpha Omega. We had a good exchange of ideas, and I encouraged the students to learn the big picture beyond just being a student. Pi Chapter President, a second generation AO, Sari Hershenfield and her committee made me feel most welcomed. He dad, Ken Hershenfield is proud of her, as are all the Toronto AO’s. There were several multi generational AO Families, including the Kays, Pearlmutters,Chapnicks,Glick,Laski to name a very few. The Pi Chapter advisor, Brian Laski, won a very prestigious Orthodontic award at U of T this year and is an outstanding mentor. I had the opportunity to see and visit the AO Toronto’s building (house) and got a little tour of Toronto, before being taken to the Reception and Dinner meeting at a local synagogue. It was a wonderful feeling spending time and sharing ideas with over 250 members of my AO family! I got to see many old friends and make many new AO Friends in Toronto!
I left early Tuesday morning to drive back to Buffalo, to continue my visitation with their chapters. More about these great Alpha Omegas in next week’s blog. I did not want this blog to be too long and I did not want you ,all, to miss a minute of my great excursion to Buffalo. So we will shuffle back to Buffalo in next weeks’ blog.
I urge you all to remember two great upcoming events: Steve Anderson and the Leadership Seminar in Boston in Oct 15-17. Check out ao.org for details, or e-mail Michael Tenenbaum at: tenedent@aol.com. Of course, then the , next event is the year-end finale- the AO Convention from December 25- Jan 1. Go to http://aosunnydays,ao.org for details.

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AO- As Relevant As Ever!

As we approach the High Holidays, it is important for all of us to appreciate how relevant Alpha Omega International Dental Fraternity remains, even after more than 100 years. This past week I received information from a concerned California frater. The California Dental Association (CDA) had scheduled their semi-annual meeting in San Francisco, from September 9th- 11th. The CDA, and on its own website, had an apology posted. They stated that it was done because there was no other scheduling option. As we are all aware, there is always another option, and the Admin Committee felt that Alpha Omega International Dental Fraternity should go “on the record” objecting to this insensitivity, with the hope to avoid similar insensitivities in the future. These types of insensitivities have occurred elsewhere through the years, and I am very proud of the fact that Alpha Omega has always “stood up” and objected. The following is the content of the letter sent to the President and President-Elect of the CDA:
- - - - - - - - - - - -
Thomas H. Stewart, DDS, President & Andrew Soderstrom, DDS, President-Elect
CDA
1201 K Street
Sacramento, CA 95814
Dear Doctors Stewart and Soderstrom:
It has brought to my attention that you are holding your semi-annual meeting in San Francisco on September 9-11. As you are undoubtedly aware, these dates are in direct conflict with Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, one of the holiest of the Jewish High Holidays. Based on your posting on your website, you apologize for this, but claim that there was basically no option because of such items as scheduling, etc. While scheduling often causes obstacles, more sensitivity would require that you make far more of an effort not to hold meetings on Jewish High Holidays. Since there are over one million Jews residing in California, representing approximately 3.5% of the state’s population, and the percentage of Jewish dentists in the state is a higher percentage than that, it is certainly inappropriate to hold meetings that conflict with these dates. With the second largest Jewish population in the United States, I hope you realize how this can be viewed as insensitive, at the very least. How would others feel if your program conflicted with other important holidays? You certainly would not consider holding this type of event in conflict with those holidays. We run numerous meetings, and holiday calendars are available years in advance. There are always alternative dates when a meeting can be held with a little more effort. Since I have been informed that this meeting is largely subsidized by members’ dues to CDA, you have effectively precluded a significant part of your membership from being able to take advantage of attending this meeting, and taking CE courses and receiving credits that others can!
Alpha Omega International Dental Fraternity was founded over one hundred years ago, in 1907, to combat rampant anti-Semitism within dental education. We have over 6,000 members worldwide, have founded and funded two dental schools, and our Alpha Omega Foundation has provided millions of dollars in supported for scientific and healthcare programs worldwide. We hold our International Convention every year in December, and this year we are convening in San Diego. We have numerous members and chapters throughout California, and this insensitivity is certainly an affront to them. While I trust that your intent was innocent, and was simply a scheduling error, I request that in the future, you seriously consider consulting a calendar to assure that there are no more of these scheduling conflicts. I believe that it would be a considerate and caring thing for you to issue some sort of apology to your Jewish members to show you are sensitive to their needs. As you know, some of the most renowned dental practitioners, educators, etc., in California are Jewish, and I am sure you would like to let them know that you care about them and their needs. In the future, please feel free to contact Alpha Omega International Dental Fraternity and request a holiday calendar, so as to avoid even the perception of insensitivity. In these times, with so many conflicts and disagreements between people, I am sure you agree with me that we must all work together to be much more attuned to each other’s sensitivities.
I look forward to hearing from you so that I can be assured that you recognize why we are so sensitive about this issue.
Yours truly,

Charlene S. Berkman, D.M.D.
Alpha Omega International President for 2010
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Another important aspect of our fraternity is the “family” aspect, where we share life cycle events, both good and sad. This past week, PIP Barry Chapnick informed us of the passing of one of our Buffalo fraters. One of the events at every International Convention is our Memorial Service, where we honor the memories of our fraters who departed since the previous convention and the memory of the six million. Under the Chairmanship of Sam Unger, we will be holding our Memorial Service once again, this year at the Hyatt Regency Mission Bay in San Diego. Our Conventions are all about sharing - - sharing friendships, sharing knowledge, sharing joy and sharing the losses of loved ones. Marshal Bob Simon and his committee have organized a truly memorable week, and I highly recommend experiencing the unique AO experience by attending this year’s Convention.
The Alpha Omega Foundation also sells Tribute Cards, contact Gail Shupak (schupakdmd@aol.com) so that a charitable donation can be given in honor of the memory of a departed frater, or any other loved or cherished one. We all know the song, “We are family,” and indeed Alpha Omega International Dental Fraternity is truly our international family!


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AO Leadership is our most Important Asset

In order for our organization to continue to evolve and succeed, and maintaining AO’s mission statement and purpose, we must emphasize developing strong and effective leadership, on the local, regional, national and international levels. We, your present leaders have a plan: Alpha Omega International Dental Fraternity will be holding its Leadership Seminar, in Boston, October 16-17. President- Elect Michael Tenenbaum is coordinating an important program. We want you to attend this valuable program. This program is being coordinated in conjunction with the same weekend that Steve Anderson will be running a great practice management and development seminar for our Boston Alumni Chapter on Friday Oct 15.Watch for an E-Blast coming to you soon announcing these details. All are invited to attend both events. While there is a small fee for the Steve Anderson program run by the Boston Alumni chapter, there is no charge for the Leadership Seminar, but you must register separately for each event... Go to the website at: www.ao.org for details, or e-mail Mike Tenenbaum at: tenedent@aol.com.
While you are visiting the website at: www.ao.org, be sure to click-thru to the information about a new free Member Benefit, called the Absolute Card. This is a great discount card being made available for FREE to Alpha Omega members, with superb discounts and savings available at numerous locations. (I have been informed that the usual price for this card is approximately $199). An added value to AO Membership your leadership is proud to offer you.
Those of you who are directly billed by our International Headquarters Office have recently received your dues statement for 2010- 2011. Once again, we have held our dues stable, with no increase again this year. In this envelope, there were two flyers enclosed: (1) Benefits of membership; (2) International Convention in San Diego from December 25- January 1. With our added emphasis on you, our members, as well as serving our mission statement and combining our sides of our triangle (Professionalism and Fraternalism) with our base of Judaism (Judaic values and the Voice of the Jew in Dentistry), I feel that all of you are even more committed fraters and even prouder of your membership and affiliation. I encourage you to visit our Convention website at: www.aosunnydays2010.ao.org to get all the great convention details, including the incredibly low hotel room rate, our great value added program, event-driven program, our community service activity, great CE credit, as well as the fun, family, and fraternalism that makes our Alpha Omega International Convention so unique and worthwhile.
I urge you to also be on the lookout for information about our new Demand Force Webinars, coming up in October, after the Jewish holidays. There will be two dates planned, one is Oct.14. With summer coming to an unofficial end, and my kids getting ready for back to school, and the fast-approaching High Holidays (I am always the cook and host), I hope you will soon have the time to refocus on the significance of Alpha Omega, and how it stands for the “best” in all of us. Please check the AO website on a regular basis, keep reading my blog, and read the AO Now and E-Blasts that are sent to you with timely and relevant information. I know that the most important aspect of Alpha Omega is our Fraters!
With two-thirds of my tenure as International: President now over, I hope that I have helped to motivate many of you and have made Alpha Omega have even more significance to you than before. I wish you all, “L’Shanah Tovah,” and hope that this will be the best, “sweetest,” happiest, and personally most satisfying year for all of you!


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It’s hard to believe that we are already at the end of August (although in New York today it was still in the 90’s), and I am nearly two-thirds through my tenure as your Alpha Omega International President. Lots of important and great things are going on, as well as planned for the rest of this year.
For any organization to be successful and to continue to evolve and succeed, it must utilize a well organized leadership development and training program. This program needs to available on several levels: (1) elementary or beginning, to get newer fraters more involved; (2) intermediate, to properly develop chapter leaders and the energetic up and coming leaders (3) advanced, to qualify, interest and develop leaders such as Board Members, etc; (4) elite, to help upper level leadership to be better prepared for the challenges of leadership and line officers. Last Spring, we held the first of our two Leadership Seminars in Seattle, and October 16th, we will be holding our second leadership program of 2010 in Boston. We will be using a similar format as we did in Seattle, with the Boston chapter having our Corporate Board Member Steve Anderson give one of his fabulous seminars on Friday Oct.15, followed by our Leadership Seminar on Saturday. International President- Elect Michael Tenenbaum is once again coordinating the leadership program, and it will be a motivating, enriching and educational event. Additional information is available from our website at www.ao.org, or for specific information, contact Mike Tenenbaum at: tenedent@aol.com. The Hotel Lenox is in downtown Boston and students and alumni are encouraged to attend.Don't be left out of this leadership loop.
We are actively trying to enhance our presence on social media, and I urge you to all sign up as Facebook Fans of Alpha Omega. If you have any questions about how to do this, e-mail Mike Tenenbaum at: tenedent@aol.com.or the headquarter office.Join us on twitter ,too.
What could be better than coming to the International Convention from December 25th to January 1st at the Hyatt Regency Mission Bay, in San Diego, California. Of course, a contest! Register for the Convention by Rosh Hashanah and when you pay only the low convention room rate of $149, you will be entered into a drawing to be upgraded free to a one bedroom suite. One lucky frater will be upgraded to a suite at the low room rate of $149! Now, not only can you go away to a great hotel in a great location for a value- packed, event- driven, CE loaded week of fun, fraternalism, and professionalism, but you might also be upgraded to a suite! Don’t miss this great week that Marshal Bob Simon and his committee have arranged for all of us! Special highlights include: Fun Welcome Event; Fabulous Dinner, Open Bar and Museum Tour of the historic USS Midway; incredible spouses Champagne Brunch Harbor Cruise on Hornblower Cruises; Formal Honors Gala and Cocktail Reception honoring both AO’s Officers and Achievement Medal Award Recipient, Schein CEO Stan Bergman; Delicious Shabbat dinner; fun, musical New Years Eve bash; nightly hospitality; optional touring available at below public rates with pickup at hotel; even a couple of breakfasts; and great CE credit included. Not only that, but the Alpha Omega Foundation is offering a special evening at the Historic Abbey, a great event not to be missed! If you’re a regular at AO Convention attendee, I truly hope you attend this year’s historic and great one. If you haven’t been to an AO Convention, come on back and rekindle old friendships and make some new ones, and see what you’ve been missing!Also urge one of your chapter leaders to attend because we'll have leadership training at the Convention,too. If you’ve never been to an AO Convention, there has never been as great an opportunity between the program, events, value, hotel rate, location, as there is this year. I look forward to AO having a terrific “family gathering” in December24-Jan 1 in San Diego. Visit the convention website at: aosunnydays2010.ao.org.an sign up by Sept 8,to be eligible for the suite upgrade! See you there!






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AO Need Dues paying Members !

In the next few days, headquarters’ billed chapters will be receiving your dues statement from our International Headquarters. All others will receive their bills directly from your chapter. However you get your statement, you will be receiving the 2010- 2011 dues statement soon. As International President for 2010, I greatly believe in my commitment to all of our fraters. For that reason, my central theme for 2010 has been to commit this year as “The Year for our Members,” for without the continued support and encouragement of our members, an organization cannot function properly. Thank you for paying your dues promptly.
So, why do I believe it is so important to belong to Alpha Omega International Dental Fraternity? As members, we often speak of our triangle, with Professionalism and Fraternalism as the sides, and Judaism as the base, but what does it really mean? Most of us can participate in professionalism in a variety of different ways including various dental organizations and dental societies, as well as participating in Continuing Education offered from many sources. There are also other organizations, societies, and even fraternities, where one can share friendships and enjoy camaraderie. Of course, Judaism and Judaic principles are also addressed via a variety of different vehicles, including Judaic organizations, synagogues, etc. In view of this, then, why is your membership in AO so important?
Only Alpha Omega addresses all three of these important principles, and embraces them. While you might be able to get certain aspects elsewhere, only AO offers all three! It is quite rare to find one organization that can address one’s professional needs, while emphasizing truly getting to know and understand one’s fellow members (other fraters). While we rarely think of anti-Semitism today, every day somewhere it rears its ugly head! AO must remain vigilant and continue to be the “voice of the Jew in dentistry,” as well as opposing bigotry, prejudice, and bias, in any form, against any individual or ethnic group. Only Alpha Omega permits its members to relate to his professional peers on a basis of building a relationship - - a feeling of family!
One of the reasons that I encourage fraters to attend the International Convention is to get that special “AO feeling” of fraternalism, family and friendship. Regular convention attendees keep coming back because of the friendships and relationships they have developed over the years. Our 2010 International Convention will be held this year at the Hyatt Regency Mission Bay from December 25th, 2010 through January 1st, 2011. Our Marshal Bob Simon and his committee have prepared an amazing convention filled with a combination of things including: great events; great functions; great spouse’s event; fabulous Continuing Education; galas and parties; hospitalities; and that “special AO feeling.” Go to: http://aosunnydays2010.ao.org for detailed information including program, flow sheet and registration information. A great special discounted hotel room rate of only $149 per night has been arranged for Alpha Omega, and is even available from three days prior to the convention. We are running a contest for all members who sign up prior to Sept 8th, if you win, you will get an upgrade to a suite for the price of a regular room. I urge you to consider attending, and discovering the “AO secret!”
Alpha Omega continues to evolve to better meet the needs of our members, while still maintaining our mission. The AO NOW was just published and sent via e-mail, please read it and enjoy. The AO NOW will come out every 6 weeks, check your in box. Note that we have many member benefits and partnerships our members should take advantage of and be part of the AO family. We need happy and contented members, and are striving to meet your needs and wishes. I challenge you in the coming months and years to recommit to AO, get more involved, and work to make AO even better. I urge you to contact me to discuss how we can all do “just a little more” to make AO even more vital!
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Alpha Omega 's GOHI Chapter Challenge

One of the outstanding characteristics about Alpha Omega International Dental Fraternity is our diversity of interests and activities, and how different chapters around the world operate differently to “merge” our International mission with the interests of their local chapter and members. As we aim to make our Global Oral Health Initiative (GOHI) something that can combine our international mission with local areas of concern, we are introducing our GOHI Chapter Challenge. The purpose of this program is to expand the involvement of chapters and members, to serve the needs of a community in need, locally, nationally or internationally. This challenge is aimed at encouraging more members to volunteer and get into the “GOHI spirit.” Using this challenge, the GOHI Corporate taskforce seeks unique programs that are reproducible by all interested local chapters. Best GOHI practices from each chapter in North America (alumni or student) will compete for monies to be applied toward the proposed program. We are able to offer these monetary awards through the loyal support of our corporate sponsors: Henry Schein; SS White; Kuraray; Captek; and Heraeus (commencing in 2011). In the very near future, chapter presidents and chapter treasurers will be receiving the complete details, as well as the Grant Request Form (for applying). Dr. Phillipe Levy recently e-mailed me that the French chapters have been having a competition for best French chapter, and every year at the ADF they decide. Phillipe proudly let me know that last year his Strasbourg chapter got first prize, and Lyon got second prize. Our International Director Andre Amiach has often reported about the many fine activities that the European chapters undergo. The French chapters have been extremely charitable and generous, particularly with their contributions to Tel Aviv University, DVI, Hebrew University, and many other charitable endeavors. The European Regencies are also offering their European convention, which is a biennial event. The European Convention will be held in Marseille from June 16 to June 19, 2011, and I encourage all fraters to consider attending this convention, and indicating our solidarity and support for our European fraters. Contact Dr. Marc Nataf for additional details at: nataf2@orange.fr
There are so many wonderful activities that so many of our fraters are conducting throughout the world. Our London fraters through the efforts of their London Charitable Trust; as just stated, our French fraters; our North American fraters; our Israeli fraters through the Israeli foundation, and their tradition of volunteerism; etc. We can and should all appreciate what all our chapters and all our members are doing, and hopefully learning from their “best efforts.” I encourage all to look for the GOHI Chapter Challenge as an opportunity to have your chapter shine in then AO world.
We often speak of our Judaic base or our Fraternal side, but we sometimes forget to discuss the other side of our triangle - - our Professionalism. Many of the finest clinicians are fraters, and Fred Margolis, Mike Stern, and Gary Scharoff have been formulating a best method of creating an AO Speakers Bureau , where paid up AO members will be able to post their short bio and topics they lecture on (as well as a link to their own website, if they have one). Stay tuned for further developments.
We are now in August, and our International Convention is only four-and-a-half months away. I sincerely urge any of you who have not yet made your reservations, to make the decision to attend this year’s Convention in San Diego. The special convention rate of only $149 per night at the Hyatt Regency Mission Bay is unheard of, and Marshal Bob Simon and his committee have planned a value-packed, event-driven, CE loaded, fun, fraternal, professional convention, with our core values of “tzedaka” honored through our Community Service special program (organized by President-Elect Michael Tenenbaum). Our special evening aboard the historic USS Midway, our amazing Spouses Event, our creative programming and the students poster presentation, and that special feeling that you only feel at an AO Convention, makes this something you should attend. I urge you to preview the Convention through the Convention’s website, where you can see the flow sheet, hotel information, and register. Go to: aosunnydays2010.ao.org. Watch for a special contest we are planning for convention attendees!
My dear elder statesman and friend, and unofficial AO historian PIP Bill Kampel provides us with some interesting and fun AO trivia: (1) Since the first AO Convention was held in 1912 (although the organization began 5 years prior), this year’s Convention will actually be our 98th (although celebrating our 103rd year). (2) Since AO’s first non-US chapter (or International chapter) was created when the Pi chapter in Toronto was created in 1921, so this year’s convention would be our 89th International Convention. (3) As an aside, the first AO convention held outside the US was held in Toronto in 1925. So do we call this year’s Convention our 103rd (since this is how we have been counting for years), or our 98th, or our 88th International Convention? While it probably doesn’t matter, I just thought it was some pretty “great” trivia that I thought many of you might enjoy!
In closing, I want you all to think about how there are so many great fraters around the world, doing so many wonderful things. I urge all of us to enhance and improve our communication skills, and learn from each other, and help each other fulfill our common goals and missions. Let me know what you are doing in your chapter, by taking on The GOHI Chapter Challenge!
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AO MID-YEAR MEETING WAS A SUCCESS!

Each year, Alpha Omega International Dental Fraternity’s leadership meets for its mid-year meetings. For the past several years, the Alpha Omega Foundation has held its mid-year meeting at the same location as the Fraternity. This has been done to foster a closer, more efficient and effective working relationship and understanding between the fraternity and the foundation.
This year’s mid- year meetings were held at the Harbor Beach Marriott Hotel, in Ft. Lauderdale. We selected this location because this lovely hotel will be the location of our 2011 International Convention. We are very excited that two very enthusiastic and hard-working fraters have agreed to serve as Co-Marshals, and the names of Andy Lasky and Marty Braverman will be submitted for the office of Marshal-Designate at the upcoming convention in December in San Diego.
The Admin Committee held its meetings and deliberations on Thursday, July 22nd. The Admin has been working very hard all year to enhance communication and services to our fraters, and to “improve the AO experience.” On Friday, July 23rd, the Fraternity’s Board of Directors met and discussed various issues of importance to the fraternity. Significant time was spent discussing creating and implementing a meaningful and effective strategic plan, that will help secure Alpha Omega’s future. Any Foundation members that were interested in attending were invited to this meeting, and many open and important deliberations existed.
Friday evening was, of course, Shabbat, and fraternity and foundation members, as well as fraters from the Ft Lauderdale area were invited to join us for a lovely dinner at the hotel. We began with the traditional prayers over the wine and the Challah, as well as the singing of the “Mishebeach” (prayer for healing). We then enjoyed each other’s company and an enjoyable meal. Over 60 Fraters from the area were at this Shabbat dinner.
The Foundation held its meetings on Saturday, July 24th, and a number of essential discussions occurred during their deliberations. Many of the fraternity’s Board of Directors attended the foundations meetings as board members. A greater understanding of the foundations workings were achieved by all.
At both meeting, the GOHI Chapter Challenge Grant information was introduced and discussed. The purpose of this Grant Challenge is to expand the involvement of chapters and chapter membership to serve the needs of a community in need, locally, nationally or internationally. The goal is to encourage the development of new projects, and exciting models of volunteerism. There will be cash grants to chapters to assist in their good work, and assisting other chapters in creating something that can be duplicated. Alpha Omega is grateful to our corporate sponsors for this program, which includes Henry Schein, SS White, Kurary, Capteck, and Huraeres. International Editor Fred Margolis and the Global Corporate advisory board have worked diligently in bringing this program to fruition. We will be sending out the grant applications to the chapter presidents soon.
Once again this summer, the Florida Regency is holding its Summer Meeting. This year, it is being held at the Oomphoy Resort on Palm Beach from August 13-15th. Contact PIP Howard Pranikoff at (386) 673- 3468, or e-mail him at Hpranikoff@aol.com for additional information and details.
Our enthusiastic, energetic, forward thinking, and dedicated Marshal, Bob Simon, reviewed the exciting details of the upcoming International Convention in San Diego, California, from December 25th, 2010 to January 1st, 2011, and the great hotel rate is available from three days before the Convention to three days after. The Convention hotel is the Hyatt Regency Mission Bay, and the special Alpha Omega rate is only $149 per night per room. Bob and his committee have arranged a value-packed, events-driven, CE loaded, fun and fraternal convention that will be spectacular! International President- Elect Michael Tenenbaum is organizing a special community service program for December 25th, so that our attendees can also participate in the “tzedaka” and “tikun olam” aspects of the Fraternity’s Judaic principles. If you’ve never attended an AO Convention, I urge you to come this year and learn how AO is truly one big family! If you’ve been to conventions before, but missed a few, please consider coming again this year, and enjoying this very special week. If you are a regular convention attendee, you will be very excited about what Bob and his committee have planned for this year! Details and registration is available from: aosunnydays.ao.org.
An organization like Alpha Omega is dependent on dedicated volunteers, like the individuals who diligently attended this year’s meetings. We are all very grateful to those fraters who give of themselves selflessly for the benefit of all fraters.

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The Incredible AO World

THE INCREDIBLE AO WORLD
I just got off the incredible Webinar sponsored by Demandforce, our new corporate partner, exclusively for Alpha Omega members. BOD Member Mike Stern reviewed his experiences in using Demandforce in his practice. Those that watched this well attended Webinar had the opportunity to gather meaningful information about an exciting member benefit. For those that were unable to attend the Webinar, it has been archived for future reference. Demandforce has committed to conducting quarterly Webinars for our members, and we are looking forward to a mutually beneficial relationship with them.
The world of Alpha Omega often seems to be a variation of the “Six Degrees of Separation” theme, as I have often stated. In my past two blogs, I wrote about the great work being done in Jerusalem by D.V.I. This year, D.V.I. is celebrating its 30th Anniversary, and the American Friends of D.V.I. Is honoring, among others, Steve Kess (our Corporate Board Member and executive of Henry Schein), at their dinner on November 28th in NYC, during the Greater NY Dental Meeting. If you will be in NY around that time, D.V.I. is certainly most deserving of your support, and Steve Kess deserves our support for what he has done for AO and DVI, as well as what Schein has done for so many worthwhile charitable endeavors.
Many of the Alpha Omega Gamma Chapter members (at Tufts) will be participating in a mission trip to the Dominican Republic this August, for their second annual mission trip. This trip is the finest tradition of our GOHI tradition, which emphasizes tzedaka and tikun olam. Please contact Marshall Knauer (fund-raising chair for Gamma Chapter) at marshk716@gmail.com or Dr. Steven Spitz (drspitz@smileboston.com) for additional info, or to help. I am personally very proud of the Gamma members, because when I was at Gamma as a student at Tufts, we conducted a fundraiser that raised enough money ($1000) to make Gamma a Founder of the Hebrew University Hadassah School of Dental Medicine, Founded by Alpha Omega Fraternity, and I was thrilled to see our plaque on the dental school dedication wall when visited. More “6 Degrees!”
On the “6 Degrees” theme, our GOHI Corporate Advisory Board Committee chair, Steve Kess recommended that we produce a methodology to bring GOHI to the next level, by having corporate sponsors (including Henry Schein, SS White, Kurary, Captek, and Huraeres) fund the GOHI Challenge Grant, for chapters to start creating and implementing a GOHI project, and sharing the idea with others, in order to make it far more duplicatable. This program will enable two matching grants and two initiation grants annually for at least the next 3 years. Please contact our Headquarters Office at headquarters@ao.org and have the GOHI Challenge Grant Information and Grant Request Form, to get full details and to apply.
This year’s International Student Representatives, Whitney Mostafiz and Matt Rossen have been energetically leading our student members. They have been encouraging our student chapters to “lead by example” by raising funds for a Global Oral Health Initiative. They are also encouraging students to arrange to come to San Diego for this year’s International Convention. At this year’s Convention, as part of the Continuing Education program, we are holding the first- ever student Poster Presentation Contest, with cash prizes being awarded. Contact Whitney at Whitney.Mostafiz@gmail.com for any additional information.
Our Fall Leadership Seminar is being held in Boston from October 15-17th. Corporate Board Member Steve Anderson will be conducting a fabulous full day seminar on October `15th, and we will then have a great Leadership Seminar the rest of the weekend. Boston’s Brian Miller is one of the “masters” of organizing scientific seminars, and has been organizing Boston’s renowned seminars for many years.
As if there wasn’t enough reason already to be excited about the upcoming International Convention in San Diego, we have once again secured Candi to run our Children’s Convention. Candi has coordinated AO Children’s Conventions for many years, and parents are always thrilled and happy with her attention to detail, etc. Between the great Continuing Ed being planned, great schedule and program planned by Marshal Bob Simon and his committee, great events, fabulous hotel rate at the Hyatt Regency Mission Bay (amazingly low $149 per night room rate), Fun Foundation nights, golf, unbelievable events planned (including evening on the USS Midway and Spouses Function on Hornblower Cruises), this is a Convention to be at! Go to: aosunnydays2010.ao.org, for additional information and to register.
Our mid-year Admin, Board of Directors and Foundation Meetings are coming up next week in Ft Lauderdale. We are also looking forward to our Shabbat Dinner with some of the local Ft Lauderdale area fraters.
There is so much available for everyone at Alpha Omega. Each of us has different interests, priorities, etc. Alpha Omega is here to accomplish its important missions, honor the sides and base of our triangle, and serve the needs of our members. We look forward to everyone’s involvement, and together, we can assure AO’s continued greatness and relevancy.


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AO Presidential Reflections at mid year

PRESIDENTIAL REFLECTIONS
It’s hard for me to believe that my Presidential year is already half over. I have tried to keep readers of my Blog informed about my weekly activities and Alpha Omega “going-ons.” After a fabulous dozen days in Israel, a safe return home, and another active week of AO activities, I am devoting this blog to some personal reflections and observations.
After 103 years, Alpha Omega has continuously evolved and adapted. We are now a truly International organization, and for AO to remain relevant, we must stay true to the mission symbolized by our triangle. The uniqueness of Alpha Omega is that we combine all three sides of this triangle - - Fraternalism (our unique family feeling and relationship), Professionalism (our devotion to the finest principles and ideals of the health professions), and Judaism (the combination of the Judaic values of “tzedaka” and “tikun olam,” and our commitment to Israel).
My recent trip to Israel helped me focus far more clearly on the unique characteristics of that amazing country and its incredible citizens. Our Israeli fraters do not need to concern themselves with the Judaic aspect of our organization, because being Jewish is basically a fact of life to those residing in Israel. While our fraters pride themselves on their professionalism, they do not only need Alpha Omega for continuing education (first, there is no Continuing Ed requirements in Israel, and second, they have numerous other availabilities for professional enhancement and education). They enjoy the fraternal aspect of the triangle, but most fraters do not feel it is an overwhelmingly compelling reason to belong. They should learn how important is truly is to all of us. As Israel’s Regent, David Ash explained, he explains to other dentists in Israel, that they need Alpha Omega to “give back” and as I said ‘to funnel their “tzedaka” and “tikun olam.” ‘Israeli fraters find it very difficult to get more involved on an international level, because their cost of transportation to an International Convention is often much more than it is for North American fraters, without the tax` deductibility. Students have so many challenges after graduating from dental school that it is difficult for them to make membership in Alpha Omega a priority at the early stages of their professional lives. Many students must then serve military commitments, or seek employment in a rather challenging environment. But I met many eager student who wanted to learn about AO.
There are many health challenges and worthy causes in Israel. Hebrew University is a world-class institution, which is most deserving of our support. TAU has been in a state of flux for years, has major infrastructure challenges, has financial challenges, and although everyone had great things to say about new Head of School Iliana Eli, still needs major restructuring financially, as well in its relationship with the government, the University, and its faculty. We are all rooting for TAU to succeed but we must remain supportive while encouraging the school to take the necessary steps to assure its future success.
One of the major dental educational needs in Israel is post-graduate, specialty education in the north of the country. It is for that reason that about two years ago, the dental program at Rambam Hospital in Haifa opened their Graduate School of Dentistry. This is an extremely well managed, well run, and impressive program. The program also has a relationship both with the hospital itself, as well as the Rappaport Medical School. Since Tel Aviv and Jerusalem are both in central Israel, the dental health needs in the North are stretched, because there are far fewer dentists practicing in the North. This program also encourages dentists practicing in the North, as well as serving the urgent dental and oral needs of the under-served population in this region. I was very impressed with this program.
At Ziv Hospital in Sefad, Alejandro Rusental runs a small but essential program that serves the poorest socio-economic population in the country, while under threat of bombs from Lebanon. Alejandro provides high quality care, and exemplifies the finest principles of “tzedaka” and “tikun olam.” Another great cause!
Many of us are familiar with the wonderful work done by DVI, providing highest quality dental care to needy children in Jerusalem. Although many consider Jerusalem a “big city,” its population is only 800,000 and over 200,000 of that population are children under the poverty level. DVI charges nothing, receives almost all its supplies courtesy of generous contributions, uses volunteer foreign dentists (many of which are Alpha Omegans). However, since they receive no funding from the government, and the worldwide economic situation as well as Israeli politics has had adverse impacts on funds received. A great program!
Our Boston Alumni Chapter supports a very worthwhile program -The Luba Slome Dental Center in Jerusalem. It was recently featured in an outstanding article in Dr. Bicuspid.com June 8, 2010. The center offers educational workshops both at the clinic and in the schools of Jerusalem. Fees are reduced for their services and they have taught thousands of families how to improve their oral hygiene and with prevention come less dental disease. Although I did not see this facility, I know the quality of our Boston Fraters commitment and their fundraising efforts for this nonprofit dental clinic are very commendable. Each chapter should pick a project and support it as Boston does. Watch for our exciting GOHI Chapter Challenge program that will encourage such chapter involvement.
The Holocaust Survivors program, organized by Shlomo Matalon ,Eldad Helft and David Ash ,AO Regent is a great success. The Tel Aviv Chapter and the senior dental students provide free treatments offered at Tel Aviv School of Dental Medicine, treating survivors with no financial ability to pay. Thanks to the campaign organized by Drs. Ziv Simon, Max` Cutler and Lionell Greenberg funds were raised to start this worthwhile program. The students and Alumni treat many incredibly needy “Survivor “senior citizens, who otherwise would not receive dental and oral health care.
There are so many wonderful programs, and so many needs in Israel. I have come to believe that we North Americans do not fully understand the complete needs of the underserved people of this nation. We should be proud of our support, but should utilize to a larger degree our greatest asset in Israel - - our Israeli Fraters. We should consult with our fraters in Israel to receive valuable feedback as to the nation’s dental needs and priorities. They are there and know the situation and areas of greatest need - - we are not. They , also can be our helping hands to do the tzedaka and tikun Olam and bind the fraternalism of AO with the needs of a nation.
Doing this will not only benefit the overall impact of our contributions to Israel, these other programs would provide greater visibility for Alpha Omega, and thus encourage past members to get involved once again, because they would see what AO does all over the country. I believe that it would probably make sense to create a four person advisory committee of Israeli fraters- - one from each of the three chapters in Israel (Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, and Haifa), and chaired locally by the Israeli Regent ( who changes every two years.). This committee would identify worthy programs that we should consider for additional support. If we wish to be International, we must listen to our Fraters in other nations, and understand their unique needs and opportunities. If all our fraters, throughout the world listened to each other and worked together more, just imagine how Alpha Omega could evolve and how much greater we will be.
I urge you all to make every effort and really consider coming to our International Convention this December 25- January 1 in San Diego. There, you will not only experience a great week filled with fraternalism, professional enhancement, and enjoyment, but you will have the opportunity to meet and speak to fraters from many other places, and discuss how, despite the uniqueness of each culture, how our common interests both unite us and make us stronger! Go to: www.aosunnydays2010.ao.org, and read about the Convention, and even register online. I look forward to greeting many of you at the Hyatt Regency Mission Bay in San Diego at the end of the year.
Alpha Omega means many different things to many different people. Think back about why you joined, and why you remain a member today. Let others know everything today’s AO has to offer. If we all work together, we can assure that AO remains relevant and worthwhile for many years to come!
PS :Sign up for the Demand Force Webinar scheduled for July 15….see our web site www.AO.org for details.

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GREETINGS FROM ISRAEL- Part Two

GREETINGS FROM ISRAEL – Part Two
Our magnificent Israel experience continues! Israeli’s face almost constant stress, risk and danger, and we observe they persevere with the help on many sweet shops, ice cream parlors and delicious coffee shops. We have learned that while Israeli Jews approach education and other areas in their life in a Western manner, they maintain their individuality and special identity and character. They also love World cup Football and each neighborhood has their favorite team. Although Israel has some of the highest health standards in the world, they also have a large impoverished and needy population. When this is combined with a fairly high cost of living, we now realize how amazing this tiny nation is! While we, North Americans, complain about our price of fuel, Israelis pay the equivalent of close to USD6.50 per gallon. Americans complain about taxes, yet Israelis pay a much higher tax rate than we do. Plus Israelis also pay a VAT on nearly everything! And yet they grow, and progress!
One of the most special parts of our Israeli journey was our wonderful host Israeli Regent David Ash. He and Haya spent so much time with us that we are now a close AO family! David arranged a great walking guided tour of the Rothschild Street and the Bauhaus Architecture area in Tel Aviv for us. Doron and Jannet Talmor both AO Dentists joined us. They are another great Israeli couple who taught us about Israeli life as dentists, parents and fraters. In the evening, David brought us to his home to spend time with Haya and their family to celebrate farewell to Shabbat. Haya was a wonderful hostess, fussing and preparing food and beverage galore! Jewish mothers are the same worldwide, as she is warm and welcoming.
We had the privilege of spending time strolling through the Old City of Jaffa, and enjoying some incredible photo opportunities for Richard and bargaining opportunities for me. Gifts were purchased for our family at home and we even got through on the phone to our sons to check on their “vacation” from us.
This past Monday was an indication of the high esteem that Alpha Omega International Dental Fraternity is held in Israel, as Vladi Dvoyris Tel Aviv’s Vice President, who is presently in military service, arranged a once-in-a-lifetime experience with the IDF (Israel Defense Forces). Richard and I were shown the great work of the dental division of the IDF, beginning with a thorough visitation of Sheba Hospital in Tel Aviv. This dental corps provides high quality dental care to individuals in the military, some elderly and/or needy, Holocaust survivors, etc. Our trip began when Vladi and Major Pinhy Baz-Chama picked us up to go to Sheba. There we met the Chief Dental Officer at the IDF Surgeon General HQ, Lieutenant Colonel Alon Shenkman, who spent the entire day with us, showing us the good work the dental corps was doing, not only at Sheba, but also on their many military bases in the north. Alon explained to us the history of using mobile clinics on military bases and the life of a Dental Coup Officer. We visited three bases in the Northern part of Israel, and saw first- hand what a major contribution these dedicated professionals perform for the soldiers! The dentist at one of the bases was a young man named Dr. Alexander “Sasha” Goryunov, who told us what an important influence David Ash was on him, since David had been his teacher and AO mentor. Pinhy Baz- Hama is becoming the officer in charge of dental operations for the North, while he still working in the orthodontic clinic in Sheba one day per week. At the end of our visitations in the North, LTC Alon Shenkman took us to Mount Hermon, the tallest mountain in Israel, overlooking Syria and Lebanon, in the Golan Heights, and personally told us of the historic and strategic significance of the Golan. Then suddenly, Alon said, “Here they come,” as a group of special intelligence forces led by the highest ranking Colonel in the North came to “show us around” .All this because Alon felt the Alpha Omega International President was deserving of such attention! What an amazing experience! What a fabulous group of Israelis and new friends in high places for AO!
No visit to Israel would be complete without a trip to Yad Vashem and the Western Wall. David Ash and the Jerusalem chapter President Boaz Shay arranged for special guided tours at both locations .We were joined by members of both the Jerusalem and Tel Aviv chapters. Several members of the Haifa chapter had planned to also join us, but they participated as a group in the March on Jerusalem in support of the Israeli soldier who has been held captive for over four years without Red Cross help, and without even a whimper from the rest of the world! The whole country is upset about this injustice and is marching on Jerusalem. Amongst the fraters who joined us for this experience were Dr. Boaz Shay, the President of the Jerusalem chapter, Dr. Dafna Bendet and her husband Erez (two of the warmest individuals anywhere!), and International Board of Director member Miki Yitzhaki. Our Western Wall tour, caves, tunnels and archeological experience were expertly guided by professional tour guide who is also a Fifth Year Hebrew University dental student Mike Joachim, and an AO student as well.
One of the most touching experiences were our two separate visits to DVI. Michelle Levine,Director of International Relations and development,michelle@dental-dvi.org.il, showed us everything about DVI, and spent many hours with us. Two of our Toronto fraters were volunteering at the time, which made it even more special! Dr. Steven Kazman has been volunteering at DVI for 21 years. He not only volunteers but has contributed significant monies and supplies to their efforts. While we were there, there was a dedication of the x-ray room by Steven, who previously had dedicated it for his parents. The other Toronto volunteer was Dr. Alan Vinegar (who is Larry’s cousin), our 6 degrees of separation get smaller and smaller. Alan and Steven demonstrated the best of Alpha Omega, not just talking about “tzedaka” and “tikun olam” but really doing something proactive about it! Alan also brought his friend Barbara, a full time Hebrew Day School teacher and she has been helping at DVI with paperwork and anything they ask of her. DVI is an amazing story. Many of us know that Trudi Birger began this worthwhile program 30 years ago with the help of her husband and then mayor Teddy Kolleck. Due to outstanding and continuous support from Henry Schein Co., which donates many of their supplies, and they have a wonderful,supportive Board of Directors who promotes DVI, and the volunteer dentists supplying the dental services, DVI is able to serve the most needy and poorest children of Jerusalem. DVI serves children of any nationality or ethnicity, if they are needy. No one is charged at DVI and the care ,concern and quality of service is outstanding.. Of course, because of the worldwide economic crisis, DVI has lost some of its pledged monies, and this money is necessary to pay staff, rent, utilities, etc. This is a great group of caring health professionals, and a great example of caring people teaching dental health,prevention,intervention and doing good dentistry! Roy Petel, a Pedodontist and a Clinical Instructor at Hebrew University, is the dynamic, caring wonderful individual who is DVI’s General Director. This project is worthy of our caring, concern, time as volunteers and support as Alpha Omegans!
Michele added to our Jerusalem education by acting as tour guide, showing the views of the old city and instructing Richard ,Barbara and I in the culture and history of the population DVI serves. We were later joined by Alan Vinegar, after his shift at DVI was finished for the day. Together ,we were enlightened by a visit to the Jerusalem Bird Observatory or JBO on the grounds of the Knesset .You can get more info on their web site,http://www.jbo.org.il/Eng%20index,htm. Spontaneously, we decided to donate to this little known spot of education, enlightenment and wildlife oasis in the middle of Jerusalem by planting trees. Richard and I planted a fig tree and Barbara and Alan planted an Almond tree. These will feed the migrating birds as the pass over Jerusalem and feed the sole of the visitors to this tiny wildlife preserve.
We had the pleasure of being hosted for dinner at a fabulous rooftop restaurant overlooking the Old City. Adam and Ayala Stabholz ,a AO international Board member, the Former Dean Jonathan Mann, Boaz Shay , Micki Yitzhaki (one of our BOD members ),David Ash and several of Adam’s principal people at the dental school treated us “royally”. It was particularly exciting when a fireworks extravaganza was set off from the next rooftop while we dined. The next day, Adam hosted us at Hebrew University Hadassah School of Dental Medicine, Founded by Alpha Omega Dental Fraternity. We were able to witness first-hand how Adam has overseen this dental school becoming a world class facility. I was then honored to participate ,speak and “cut the ribbon” at the dedication of the Alpha Omega Conference Room on the 5th floor of the new wing of the school. This fifth floor, called the Alpha Omega floor is the area that Adam has dedicated to AO’s memorabilia and our history with the magnificent obsession to create this school in Israel.. The school also has a world class dental museum and a special case with Albert Einstein’s dental models and prescription for this new partial denture from 1945. Our Frater and dental historian Dr. Samuel Wexler and his wife ,Charlene were at the University last month creating the outstanding exhibits of period dental offices. They were royally treated by Adam and his staff while they recreated dental history in the museum. I had the opportunity to address and speak personally to the fifth year dental students, and several of them have been at AO International Conventions . They have been spreading the “AO Fever.” It was also great to see one of the infamous Columbia University “tall guys” who was also visiting the school at the time! ( Please, see the prior blog about the tall dental students of Columbia and their marvelous story and contributions this year.)While one would think that the day could not be “topped,” David Ash and Shachor, Tel Aviv’s President, showed me more Israeli hospitality! Shachor took a few of us to his relative’s superb restaurant in Jerusalem, and then David, Dafna and Erez took us to the “Light Show” at the King David Tower at the Western Wall. An amazing and breathtaking experience, but to top it off, I bumped into Robert Hersch, a Brooklyn chapter Frater, who was visiting with his 13 year old son. Introductions all around and we shared an AO experience together.
Our final day in Israel was spent meeting the incredible class of 1991 at a special memorial lecture series they presented at Hebrew University. I was asked to speak on behalf of AO and send our warm international wishes and goals for this our “Year for the Member”. When over 60% of the class has become specialists, and a large number have become renowned clinicians throughout the world , including a couple of deans of US dental school, you realize what an exceptional group this was. I invite you all to come meet one of the deans, Professor Avishai Sadan,of USC Ostrow School of Dentistry , who will be joining us in San Diego. Just another reason why you should be at the AO convention in December! David Ash drove us back to Tel Aviv, so that we can catch our early flight back home tomorrow. Thank you, David and Haya and all the AO Fraters who made these two weeks so very special for Richard and me. We are still awaiting the official naming of the Tel Aviv Dental School Dean. I apologies if I left anyone’s name out of our travel log as AO’s first couple.
This blog and last week’s blog were written to let you know what’s going on in Israel during my Presidential visit! In next week’s blog, I am planning to give my observations and personal insights on what these observations meant to me, in relation to Alpha Omega, our mission and our direction! Thank you for sharing my AO visitation and reading through to the end, which is really only a beginning…..


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PRESIDENTIAL REFLECTIONS- Israeli Chapter Visitations- PART ONE

PRESIDENTIAL REFLECTIONS—Israeli Chapter Visitation- Part One
Greetings from Tel Aviv! As I sit down to write this week’s blog, I want to share with you my observations and insights that I have gained in these last few days in Israel. Having departed from JFK International Airport on Sunday evening, our flight was delayed due to runway construction. Unfortunately, we then missed our connecting flight from London’s Heathrow to Israel, and instead of leaving London on Monday morning at 8:30 am, we were rescheduled onto a flight that left London at 3:30pm, instead of arriving in Israel at about 3:30pm, we ended up arriving at about 11:30pm. Unfortunately, my bag ended up on another vacation, and arrived two days later!
Early Tuesday morning, Regent David Ash promptly picked me up and we arrived at the AO Tel Aviv Chapter’s annual Zicher day meeting, where we joined approximately 250 attendees. I was warmly greeted by Tel Aviv Chapter President Shahar Blachash, and all the others in attendance. This meeting was excellently organized, with more than a dozen sponsors, and prominent international speakers. David Ash gave an outstanding and thorough presentation, utilizing the Power Point presentation designed by Wendy Spektor, speaking passionately of the importance of Alpha Omega. It was also good to see Hebrew University Hadassah University School of Dental Medicine, Founded by Alpha Omega’s Dean Adam Stabholtz, in attendance at this meeting as well. I was given the opportunity to address the gathering, and bring greetings from AO International, and stressed the importance and significance of this year’s theme “ the Year for the Member” , and communicating the unique nature of AO on a local as well as an international level. One of the speakers, David Manton from Melbourne Dental School, is a pediatric dentist who specifically inquired about Fred Margolis, and was saddened to both have missed his much anticipated lectures in Australia, and made a point of wishing Fred a speedy recovery. One of the young dentists that I had the pleasure of meeting at the lecture was Dr. Dudu Jagudaev, who has recently opened his new office, a graduate of the University of Lithuania, with family in Russia and Tel Aviv, Dudu wanted me to know that it meant a lot to him that Shahar (the Tel Aviv chapter President) has been such a meaningful and powerful mentor to him. Interestingly enough, Shahar spoke glowingly of Dr. Joseph Fish, who has meant so much to him as a mentor. In a 6 degree of separation Alpha Omega way, it is interesting to note that Dr. Fish was the original member of the student chapter at Tel Aviv University.
Our incredibly attentive, passionate, punctual, sensitive and kind host, David Ash, picked us up and we joined approximately 25 members of the Tel Aviv chapter for a wonderful, fraternal evening. It was great seeing Danny Kaufman and Hagay Slutsky, and rekindling old friendships. This brought about memories of the first Alpha Omega International convention in Israel, when Richard’s father, PIP Eli Brody, was International Treasurer and Convention Rep, and the late PIP Yehuda Kaufman was Convention Treasurer, and Richard worked with a small group of Israeli fraters, led by the late Dean Jack Lewin-Epstein, and worked with Yehuda to assure that all details, including registration went smoothly. I had the opportunity to speak to Ephraim Winocur, the Coordinator of the Orofacial Pain &TMD Clinic at Tel Aviv University, who told me that his daughter was beginning her MBA at Columbia University in September 2010, and I made a point of telling Ephraim and his wife to have his daughter contact me when she came to New York, and that she was welcome to join us for the Jewish holidays. It was great sitting next to Oran Abramowsky, Hagay’s partner, and professor at Hebrew University. Tel Aviv University Dean Haim Tal was nervously looking forward to the next few days, when the Israeli government was to give him the word on the status of the dental school. When David Ash had some car trouble, Haim drove us to our hotel from the restaurant and we shared a wonderful conversation, and Haim let me know he was looking forward to my visit to the dental school the following day.
Shahar Blachsash picked us up the next morning, and we made a brief stop at one of his offices, and had the opportunity to meet the inimitable Dr. Fish, and soon realized why Shahar felt so highly about him. Shahar then took us on a tour of Rabin Square, amongst other areas, before taking us to the dental school. At the dental school, we had a meeting with Dean Haim Tal, Head of the Department of Pediatric Dentistry and Editor of the Journal of the Israeli Dental Assoc. Benjamin Peretz, and Executive Director Haim Naor, and had an open and thorough discussion about the status and obstacles regarding the dental school. Although it was obvious that these men were under incredible stress waiting for the government’s decision, they were excellent hosts, and Haim Tal promised to call me as soon as he knew anything regarding the school’s status. After being taken on a tour of the school, I had the opportunity to meet with the 5th Year students and faculty and emphasize how important AO was to their future, what AO has done for the profession, especially in Israel. I advised them to look on all of the walls and rooms, etc. where Alpha Omega is prominently mentioned, let them know that the people attached to those names were giving ,caring AO’s and answered their questions. I emphasized that the members of the Tel Aviv chapter were willing and eager to mentoring them, and reviewed the details of the Holocaust Survivors Program being done by the Tel Aviv chapter members, and what a great community service project this was for them to participate in. We were taken to a working lunch on campus, where discussions continued. Late that afternoon, having “missed us,” David Ash unexpectedly called us and insisted on picking us and taking us to another wonderful dinner, and great AO conversation.
At 7:30 am on June 24th, David Ash and his charming wife Haya picked us up for our visit with the Haifa chapter. Our first stop was at Rambam hospital, where Haifa chapter President Josef Herskovits joined us. He has enthusiastically lead and help grow the Haifa chapter for the last two years. Frater Dror Aizenbud, the Director of the Orthodontic & Craniofacial Unit, escorted us around the health care facility, and showed us all the great work and new construction they were doing. Dror is so energetic and such an incredible “force” that he is also on the faculty of The Ruth & Bruce Rappaport Faculty of Medicine. Approximately two years ago, Rambam Health Care Campus started The School of Graduate Dentistry, and we were soon joined by Prof. Eli E. Machtel, the Director of the School. Between David Ash’s persistence and insistence, and Dror’s vitality and commitment,and my encouragement Professor Machtel has become an Alpha Omega “believer’ and new member . This program is unbelievable because it was started with the vitality, commitment and vision of Eli ,with Dror and the faculity’s help.They will succeed because of the great work they are doing in serving the large underserved population in the northern part of Israel. Since both Hebrew University and Tel Aviv University are in the central part of the country, this program treats many people who otherwise might never receive adequate treatment, and the new graduate school is training specialists for Israel, where there is a great need for dental specialists. We also had the pleasure of witnessing some of the incredible work and cases they are treating. Their results with Cleft Palate patients were truly inspiring. This is a great program led by terrific people, and the Haifa fraters are a terrific group! They then introduced me to Ido Perlman PhD., the Dean of the Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, who emphasized how valuable the efforts of Dror and Eli and the graduate program and dental clinics were to his overall medical curriculum.
Through the efforts of Frater Nelly Steinbock, whose patient is the Medical Director for the Baha’i Center, we were given a private, breath-taking, inspirational tour of the Baha’i World Centre and Gardens. My friend and former patient, Helen Gantz, who has moved back to Haifa, joined us, and has now become Nelly’s patient. We were joined by about a dozen Haifa fraters, as well as David and Haya’s son and daughter-in-law. To make the visit even more amazing, I received a “happy call” from Haim Tal, giving me the good news that the government had approved the Tel Aviv dental school’s plans to accept a new first- year class. David and Haya brought us to check in at our hotel in Haifa, and I immediately sent e-mails informing some of the fraternity and US AO Foundation leadership that the school received its much anticipated and awaited approval to continue! That evening Dror Aizenbid and his wife opened up their beautiful home and gardens and hosted a dinner for close to fifty Fraters and spouces. In additional to delicious food, and spectacular hospitality, Dr. Josef Herskovits gave meaningful and heartfelt greeting, and introduced me to the Haifa fraters. I spoke about Alpha Omega on an international level, and how important each and every member was to our fraternity, and brought them up to date on some items I believed were relevant. After we ate, Dror gave an exemplary scientific presentation and Power Point presentation. After a very full and satisfying day and night, David and Haya, Richard and I returned to our” hard to find “Haifa hotel.
As I am writing this, it is now approximately 10 PM Israeli time on June 25th. Today, we visited the Ziv Medical Center in Zefat, Israel. This program, under the Directorship of Dr Oscar M Embon, serves one of the poorest areas of Israel. This area of Israel has been often attacked from the close by Lebanese border, and treats the “risky” Golan Heights/ Galilee area. I was the recipient of two lovely books from him, a history of the hospital and a local cookbook that’s sales benefit the hospital. Dr. Alejandro Roisentul is an Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon, who has had the vision and vigor to open a small program to treat the oral and dental needs of the under-served of this area at Ziv Medical Center. Alejandro, and his wife Juliana, who is both an educator and a Dental Hygienist, moved to Israel from Argentina, and have truly made a difference in the Zefat region by selflessly serving and educating the healthcare professionals of the area and the population! By the way, I would recommend you looking at Chapter 6 of the Quintessence publication of Current Concepts of TM Disorders, where Alejandro is a co-author of the chapter. After our hospital tour and meetings, Alejandro arranged for us to be a given a personal tour of the old city of Zefat by the city’s Mayor. We were able to observe both beauty and history simultaneously. The old city is the founding home of spiritual Judaism (Kabbalah), and has incredible Jewish roots! We were welcomed into their home and met their children and pets before setting off back to Tel Aviv.
This week began to reopen my eyes to the complexities and big picture of Israel, and Israel healthcare, specifically dental and oral care. All of the Israeli population have important oral health needs, and while the dental schools in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv are incredibly important programs, these programs I have witnessed in the north are essential to the overall quality of oral health care in Israel. I look forward to reporting more to you in next week’s blog, and will report on my many visits during the upcoming days. All of us in Alpha Omega should recognize the important work being done by these great fraters, and hopefully support them in any way we can. We have the opportunity to address all of Israel’s population’s issues, and should realize the important place this concept is in our overall GOHI visualization. One of Our Global Oral Health Initiative’s goals is to help bring dentistry to the underserved around the world, and I have found great Fraters doing it right here in Israel and they deserve our help and a better understanding of their programs and aims.


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