June 1, 2020
The AAO recognizes diversity is strength. We see the open wounds currently exposed in our society and know it is impacting our African-American members, in particular, as well as all of our membership.
As an association, we are taking are hard look in the mirror at ourselves and at the profession of orthodontics to determine what steps we can take to increase the diversity in our profession, AAO leadership, event speaker lineups and committee involvement. This is just the beginning. There is more work to be done. And it will be done. We hope that you and all members of the AAO will join us in our strategic efforts to increase inclusivity.
We encourage you to take an active role in our association or nominate a person of color for a volunteer committee, other leadership role or as an industry speaker. We can all do better in this regard, and it is only possible for us to move forward and bring about meaningful change if we are united.
Sincerely,
Dr. Chris Roberts
AAO President