Pacific Coast Society of Orthodontists Bulletin Winter 2023 - 4

PCSO News and Events
President's Report
President's Message
Dr. John Wachtel
Scottsdale, AZ
PCSO President 2022-2023
As I commence my term as president, I want to recognize
the countless hours of hard work performed by
our leaders, volunteers, and staff members of the PCSO.
I have worked with many of you over the years, and I
thank you on behalf of our entire specialty. Interacting
with individuals who genuinely share the common
values of excellence in patient care and contributing to
the health and well-being of our members is a joy. This
achievement is possible because of the dedication and
planning of our past leaders. The PCSO has demonstrated
resilience and expertise in navigating the organization
through the COVID-19 pandemic. Without their
foresight in creating programs and investing wisely, we
would not be standing as strong as we are today.
The pace of change in our specialty concerns many.
The novelist Earnest Hemingway keenly noted that
change happens in two ways, at first, gradually, then
suddenly.1
He was speaking about the financial condition
of one of his characters, but there is a similarity
to the changes we currently face. The changes began
decades ago, but the global pandemic amplified their
effects. Are they progressive or destructive? Regardless
of your view, we can all agree that the transformation
has been disruptive. These trends include technological
advances in treatment delivery, third-party
practice ownership, expansion of new orthodontic
residencies, encroachment of other providers on
traditional orthodontic practices, labor shortages, and
the application of artificial intelligence.
These advances come with both benefits and concerns.
Three-dimensional (3D) printing delivers greater
appliance design and fabrication precision, allowing
reduced treatment time and improved comfort.
However, 3D design guided by artificial intelligence
inadvertently simplifies treatment planning. We have
witnessed the consequences of this oversimplification.
As a specialty and as individuals, we must foster positive
changes and respond appropriately to harmful
ones. It is the mandate of the PCSO to assist our members
in recognizing the significance of these trends
and provide clarity in planning the way forward.
More than at any other time in our history, we are
challenged with an environment that continually
turns our attention away from patient care. Today, we
are required to address the ever-changing dynamics
of business operations. The execution of the famous
corporate mantra, " begin with the end in mind, " has
4
been difficult to achieve in recent years. The current
practice environment is loosely defined and constantly
shifting. Creating a sustained long-term business
plan has been replaced with the fluid practice of
short-term goal setting. Thankfully, we are nearing
the end of the COVID-19 era and are hopeful we can
embark on a new, more predictable course. Let us
celebrate the end with a new beginning in mind.
In preparation for the future, the PCSO board has resumed
the Member Needs Assessment survey to make
necessary adjustments to our strategic plan. The study
polls members regarding current trends and concerns.
The initial assessment scheduled for 2020 was postponed
to 2022 to avoid any short-term bias due to the
pandemic. The data collection is complete and in the
process of being analyzed. The Board of Directors will
review the analysis and develop a new strategic plan
in March. An initial evaluation of the data has identified
many critical issues challenging members, such as labor
recruitment and retention, the need for advocacy, and
increasing supply costs. Our goal is to provide programs
and services that address these concerns and assist our
specialty in adapting successfully to current trends.
Our organization is strong, and the future is bright.
We can again deliver needed programs and services
directly to our members. The Western Orthodontic
Conference (WOCON) Annual Session in San Diego
was a tremendous success. It drew the largest doctor
attendance since 2016. On the local level, training
and grants funded by the PCSO help our state and
provincial leaders remain the foundation of our organization.
The PCSO provides guidance and support as
they foster new leaders and deliver in-person content.
PCSO will also be investigating additional unique
discounts on goods and services traditionally reserved
for regional buying groups. Stay tuned.
In conclusion, I ask for your help. We value your input.
Your diversity of experience and unique perspectives
will continue to shape this organization. Please join
me in contributing to the growth of the PCSO, so we
can continue improving the lives of our members. By
working together today, we will most assuredly yield a
better tomorrow.
Reference
1. Hemingway E. The Sun Also Rises. Scribner; 1926.
PCSO Bulletin Winter 2023
Pacific Coast Society of Orthodontists Bulletin Winter 2023

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Pacific Coast Society of Orthodontists Bulletin Winter 2023
