APO attends the 2017 AAO Annual Session in San Diego

by Dr. Marian Naranjilla

The AAO Annual Session is one of the most well anticipated events for orthodontic practitioners each year. With the theme, “Navigating Orthodontics: The Art ? The Science ? The Business”, it was held in the San Diego Convention Center (SDCC), San Diego, California, on 21-25 April. It was attended by AAO members and non-member orthodontists, dentists and staffs, earning continuing education. Over 90 countries were represented by the professional attendance.

Overall, the session was well organized and everything could be found in one place. Interesting lectures showcasing new ideas and techniques were a great value for money and good opportunity for learning. Shuttles were provided making the trip to and from the SDCC very convenient, though walking through the Gaslamp area was both a nice exercise and a chance for shopping.

The annual session was the best venue for reunion with colleagues. On the first day, I spotted Dr. Therese Galang during the educators’ meeting held in San Diego Marriott Marquis (SDMM), but did not get the chance to personally chat with her as we were seated apart from each other. Still another colleague who used to be an APO associate member, Dr. Vesna Lea Ferrer attended the same meeting. She received her DMD degree and Certificate in Orthodontics from Manila Central University, and later pursued a PhD in Biomedical Science at the University of Connecticut. She then received a second Certificate in Orthodontics from the University of Nebraska Medical Center. In 2015, she joined the University of Missouri and currently works as Director of Predoctoral Orthodontics.

Two original researches from CEU were presented by Dr. Donnabelle Lim and Dr. Marian Naranjilla. Around 12 UP student members and APO members joined the annual session, and promoted the forthcoming APOC 2018 in Boracay.

The 2017 AAO Annual Session in San Diego was a great experience, and surely looking forward to the next one in Washington DC!

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