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How We Return the Favor to Our Privileged Profession

By Robert James Bray
National Planning Giving Chair for the AAO Foundation

Robert James BrayWhile attending Eastman Dental Center for my orthodontic training, I had the pleasure of having two dynamic mentors: Dr. Robert W. Baker Sr. and Dr. J. Daniel Subtelny.

They were a big influence in stressing the importance of giving back to the profession financially, supporting education and training residents.

I called on both of these giants in the orthodontic community over the years. They taught me that orthodontists are givers as opposed to takers.

We all know this is a difficult time financially for our members and their families, and it is a difficult time for our country as well. We have been blessed to be in a wonderful profession. We, as members of the AAO, are responsible for maintaining the specialty of orthodontics as we know it.

Other than orthodontists, no one else is going to worry about the future of our profession. Therefore, we must make plans for the future so other individuals can enjoy this wonderful profession.

Taking Action

One of the best ways to do this is by making a planned gift, which is donation made in your overall estate or financial plans.

We should make sure our families understand how important the field of orthodontics is to us, so that it is taken care of in the future. We need to stress the benefits of education to your family and how strongly you feel about planned giving. Emphasis that information, so they'll understand why you've included AAOF in your will and financial planning.

Reflection Brings Out the Truth

Looking back on my orthodontic career, and seeing my fellow colleagues established in their lives and careers, one thing kept reverberating in my mind: "orthodontists give back."

When attending the AAO Annual Sessions and the Middle Atlantic Society of Orthodontists meetings, there was always information available about the AAO Foundation. It was at this time that I made the commitment to plan for the future of orthodontics within my financial means.

Over the years, I began giving to the Continued Commitment to the Specialty ®, moving to the Regent ($25,000) and then the Fellow ($50,000) level. I now include the AAOF in my estate planning and have become a Keystone Society member.

Our hope is that all AAO members will become members of the Keystone Society. Please consider including AAOF in your will.