Blog
Progress Through Partnership: NYSSO Champions Dental Assistant Reform
NYSSO had a strong presence at the 2026 New York State Dental Association’s House of Delegates Meeting. There continues to be a severe shortage of Dental Hygienists and Dental Assistants in our state. A repeated concern we have heard from our membership is the...
Why Your Voice Matters: A Personal Invitation to Support AAOPAC
Dear Colleagues, I’m writing not only as a fellow orthodontist, but as someone who cares deeply about the future of our profession here in New York and across the country. You may have heard about AAOPAC before, and perhaps even considered contributing. If you haven’t...
A Message from Your New NYSSO President: Be Part of What’s Next
There is something quietly profound about the moment you step into a role like this one. Not the ceremony of it - though I am deeply honored - but the weight of responsibility that settles in when you realize that you represent about 900 colleagues who have invested...
Understanding Employment Contracts: Associate Compensation
This issue of Legal Bites explains the compensation structures orthodontic associates are most likely to encounter, how those structures affect total value, and what both associates and practice owners should evaluate before signing. Ours is a great profession. We...
Why AI-ready Websites Will Win More Patients
Orthodontists rarely hesitate to invest in new clinical technology. But the technology that increasingly determines whether a prospective patient finds you isn't in the practice; it's your website. Patients are changing how they search for an orthodontist. Instead of...
Letter from the NYSSO President
Dear NY Constituents, Here is our Society in 2025! We are still working together with NESO and NYSDA, to ensure NYSSO is continuing to discuss dental assistant shortages, expanded function assistance, the evolution of DSOs and what that means, pedo-ortho offices in NY...
Join In, Stand Out—Be the Face of Orthodontics
by Dr. Michael Malsch Volunteer organizations, whether it be your local Kiwanis Club, your place of worship, and yes, the Executive Board of NYSSO are all facing the same struggles: MEMBER INVOLVEMENT!!! I have personal experience with all three of these...
NYSSO Board Reviews Drop in Membership Renewals and Other Updates
by Dr. Michael Malsch Our Fall NYSSO Executive Board meeting was held at the NESO meeting in Hartford, Connecticut on 11/9/2024 and our "Spring" meeting was held via Zoom on 2/21/2025. The composition of the Executive Committee (the main leadership and operating body...
Choice of Venue: Why This Seemingly Minor Clause in Your Contract is Critical to Review and Negotiate
by Dr. Eric J. Ploumis We are all very good at evaluating and correcting malocclusions. But when it comes to reviewing a contract, many of us could use some assistance. Cue the attorney, whose job it is to help us evaluate and correct any “malocclusions” in a contract...
Online Reviews Are the Front Door to Your Orthodontic Practice
by Dr. Leon Klempner Online reviews have shifted from a passive indicator of performance to a proactive growth lever for orthodontic practices. Today’s parents are researching orthodontic providers online and reading reviews before they even consider making a call. If...