Dr. Yuna Park
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 yet participated, I understand. Advocacy can feel distant from the day-to-day realities of running a practice, teaching, or caring for patients. I used to think of it that way too.
What changed for me was recognizing how directly policy shapes our professional lives. Scope of practice debates, insurance regulations, student loan policy, corporate dentistry oversight, telehealth frameworks — all of these are decided at the legislative level. When orthodontists aren’t present in those conversations, others define the terms for us.
AAOPAC exists to ensure our specialty has access, relationships, and a respected voice at that table. It isn’t about partisanship; it’s about stewardship — protecting patient care, preserving professional autonomy, and strengthening the long-term health of orthodontics.
Serving in a leadership role with AAOPAC has reinforced something I believe strongly: advocacy is part of our responsibility as professionals. Those who came before us invested time and resources to secure the standards and independence we benefit from today. Supporting AAOPAC is how we safeguard that foundation for the next generation.
If you’ve never contributed before, I’d like to personally invite you to consider participating this year. There’s no required amount and no expectation beyond what feels right for you. What matters most is engagement — when more of us in New York step forward, our collective voice becomes stronger and more credible.
I’d be grateful for your consideration and partnership. If you have questions about AAOPAC — how it works or why it matters — I’d welcome the chance to talk it through.
Thank you for the work you do every day for your patients and for our profession.
With respect and appreciation,
Yuna Park, DDS, MPH, MS
AAOPAC Captain for New York
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