Salzmann Lecture: A Call for Professionalism

This lecture will explore the increasingly difficult conundrum of the two premier players in our specialty: the practicing orthodontist and the orthodontic educator. The modern orthodontist is placed in the difficult position of providing optimal care while managing a profitable business entity. The orthodontic educator is faced with inspiring and teaching the latest generation of our specialty, despite decrease in faculty availability and departmental funding. The entire specialty finds that as the competition for patient availability increases, the respect for our legacy of integrity and trust—our professionalism--becomes challenged. This lecture will explore these dilemmas.

Learning Objectives:

• Define the “perfect storm” that tests our profession’s ethical heritage more than ever.
• Develop an appreciation for the dilemmas facing orthodontic educators.
• Reflect on several suggestions that are aimed toward resolution of these issues.