Dr. Stan Key Reaches Regent Level Using Professional Courtesy Pledges

As the old cliché says, “time flies.” In 1994, I thought it would be good to pledge a case for the future to the AAOF. The practice of orthodontics had provided me a means for a rewarding career and to be able to provide a nice income to support my family. When I looked up it was 2016 and to my surprise I received word that I had reached Regent level in giving. How did this happen?

I decided a long time ago to use the grateful patient/professional courtesy method of contributing to the AAOF. Having a small volume rural practice I had the luxury of being the only orthodontic specialist in the area. I had great relationships with all the local physicians. When they came to me to treat their family members I would simply tell them how the AAOF is a research foundation, how they might make a contribution to the AAOF in appreciation for the orthodontic treatment of their loved ones, perhaps receiving a tax deduction, and I would get the credit for their contribution. A win, win situation.

Over the last 15 years I have been doing this, the grateful patient contributions have accumulated to over the $25,000.00 level. This method of giving to the AAOF has been stress free and as I said in the beginning, it was a total surprise when I received the Regent level award. Achieving the Regent level in contributions has given me a real sense of pride and accomplishment. I must conclude by saying that I am, in return, grateful to my professional friends that helped me reach this Regent level of contributions with the AAOF.

Dr. Edward Stan Key
SWSO/TX