The Asian Pacific Orthodontic Society (APOS) Gets Global Exposure with Its Participation in the 7th International Orthodontic Congress

The Asian Pacific Orthodontic Society has its very own orthodontic  conference (APOC), which is  now held every 2 years, since its inception in 2001. However , this time  the APOS decided to sacrifice having its own 7th Asian Pacific Orthodontic Conference and instead, incorporate it with the WFO’s 7th International Orthodontic Conference to achieve global exposure.  Being a regional Affiliate organization of the WFO, the APOS, under the vibrant leadership of Dr. Somchai Satravaha (also a member of the WFO Executive Committee representing Central & East Asia), wanted to show its mother organization, the WFO, a 100% support for its endeavor.  Five years of painstaking preparations for this project by the WFO bore fruit: over 4000 delegates flocked to Sydney for this event.

On February 5, 2010, the Symposium on Orthodontic Certifying Boards was held in Sydney, Australia during the 7th International Orthodontic Congress of the WFO which started promptly at 3:00PM. All members of the WFO Committee on National and Regional Orthodontic Certifying Boards as well as those who serve in the examination committee in their own countries were invited to attend. The Presidents of the 108 WFO affiliate organizations were also invited.

February 4, 2010
Sydney Convention & Exhibition Centre
8:00 AM- 1:30PM

Preparations for this meeting began as early as September 2009 with Ms. Terri Wise of the WFO Secretariat emailing all the necessary documents pertaining to the forthcoming meeting. These included the Agenda, Minutes of the Previous Meeting, the Financial Report, the Secretary General’s Report and the President’s Report.   Hence the meeting which was presided by the Secretary General Dr. William de Kock (as President Athanasius had lost his voice), went smoothly and was finished in about an hour.

By Dr Connie Ong

APO’s 7th general meeting was held last January 27, 2010 at the Rockwell Club, Makati headed by the Manila Cell Group 3. The meeting started with an invocation and national anthem followed by the welcoming address of Dr. Jose Manuel Rivera, APO President for 2008-2010. After the reports of various committee chairs, Dr. Ramona Locsin introduced our speakers for the day, Dr. Cristina Lagaya-Estrada and Dr. Dennis Lim.

By Dr. Eleanor Jane Sanchez

The Philippine Dental Association’s 101st Annual Convention was held on September 23-27, 2009 in SMX Convention Center. Orthodontics Session was one of the first scientific sessions. Three topics were discussed and one of which was “Clinical Guidelines in Orthodontic Retention.” This was presented by Dr. Laarni P. Serraon, DDM, MSD. Its purpose is to present guidelines in choosing the appropriate retention appliance and present the factors that define their effectiveness in retention.

A GUIDE TO THE MANAGEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE ORTHODONTIC PROBLEMS
by Dr Bakr Rabie

Dr. Marybeth Gabriel

The Association of Philippine Orthodontists held a limited attendance lecture during the 101st Annual Convention of the Philippine Dental Association at Function Room 2 of the SMX Convention Center in the Mall of Asia Complex, Pasay City last September 22, 2009.

The Masters of Ceremonies who kept things going smoothly were Drs. Martin Reyes and Ramona Locsin.  Invocation was done by Dr. Angela Centeno, followed by the National Anthem by Dr. Glenn Gonzales. Dr. Jose Manuel Rivera, President of the APO 2008-2010, did the Welcome Address for the delegates and guests.

By Dr. Irene Palma

As the yuletide season was just starting to creep in, the Association of Philippine Orthodontists jump started the merry making by holding its Christmas charity ball entitled “Masquerade; An Unforgettable Night of Fantasy, Decadence and Magic” last November 28, 2009 at the poolside of the Paseo Parkview Suites in Makati City.

By Dr. Lallaine Lucas-Gogna

It was almost the break of dawn last Jan.24 and I found myself on unfamiliar territory.  It was dark and the buses speeding along Quirino Ave. did not seem welcoming. We were told to make our way to the Manila Hotel side of the Quirino Grandstand.  The meeting time was 5.30 am. I looked at my watch – 5.45. “Oh no…What will Jose say?”