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 of the Executive Board) was discussed along with proposing that term limits be extended, as needed, for the Committee to be able operate effectively.
NYSSO Bylaws revisions were discussed including reduction of quorum requirements in order for the Board to properly conduct business meetings, the modification of term lengths, as necessary, for the Executive Committee, and changes in the requirement for the number of Board representatives from each District. These changes will be brought to the NYSSO membership for a vote during the Fall annual meeting at the NESO meeting in Bonita Springs, Florida November 14-15, 2025.
It was discussed that additional efforts will be made to reach out the NYSSO members in the unrepresented Districts of the Executive Board to help encourage the need for volunteers to fill these positions. Again, PLEASE give this your thoughtful consideration.
NYSSO’s connection to the orthodontic residents and younger members is vital to them understanding its benefits and the importance of becoming members. The annual “Rave in the Cave” residents’ party at NYU in the Fall was, again, a huge success with over 150 attendees. Because of the positive response, an additional party is being considered during the Springtime. In order to continue this beneficial alliance, the Board also discussed inviting a resident from one of the New York State orthodontic residencies to be the student representative at the Executive Board meetings, having their expenses reimbursed.
The Treasurer’s Report indicated that NYSSO is financially stable, but will need additional funds, in the future, to support its efforts on behalf of the membership. This may require a dues increase.
A NYSDA update indicated that because of their leadership transition, important topics for their consideration have not made much progress. More specifically, NYSSO has been advocating for a change in the scope of practice for Dental Assistants and this is currently stalled in the various NYSDA review committees.
Many members are justifiably concerned about Medicaid. In order to be proactive, it would be advisable to voice these concerns to your State and Federal representatives. NYSSO also recommends reaching out to the NYS Office of the Medicaid Inspector General (OMIG), which may also be able to give guidance.
Another concern that was discussed is the AAO membership in NYS is one of the lowest in the nation. There are 149 orthodontists (out of approximately 750 total practicing) who are not AAO members. This means that there are approximately 20% of the orthodontists who do not see the value of belonging to the AAO and probably the ADA as well. 80% membership in the AAO is one of the lowest of all states in the country. NYSSO is working with NESO to provide even more value to NY members through regional events and increased communications.
In an effort to “Go Green” there are some new sustainability options: the AAO will replace plastic logo bags with a paper option, and digital issues may be provided as an option for the AJODO in place of the magazine.
It was brought to the Board’s attention that there may be a problem with DSO’s providing malpractice insurance to their employee orthodontists. Any orthodontist considering working at a DSO office should have legal counsel review their employment contract to make sure they have proper coverage.
In an effort to keep the NYSSO membership better informed, Dr. Yuna Park has been working with the NYSSO Communication Committee to provide updates on various social media platforms including Facebook and Instagram. She is also working on updating the website (https://nyssocietyoforthodontists.org/) and NYSSO’s branding with a new logo.
And finally, NYSSO’s Biennial CE meeting will be held in the Spring of 2026. The proposed topic is: The role of DSOs in the orthodontic marketplace and how to position, promote, and optimize one’s practice for success. Further details to follow after the Fall NYSSO meeting.
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