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GORP 2016 by Daniel Grob, DDS, MS, Editorial Director

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Header: GORP 2016
by Daniel Grob, DDS, MS, editorial director, Orthotown magazine

Dr. Dan Grob, Orthotown magazine's editorial director, recaps this year's Graduate Orthodontic Residents Program (GORP). Grob spoke with event organizers about the event via telephone and email. GORP took place Aug. 4-7 in Ann Arbor, Michigan.

this year's GORP meeting was held at the University of Michigan, marking the 28th annual session since the first meeting took place in 1989.

The long-standing successful conclave included industry-leading speakers, authors and researchers, along with orthodontic residents and orthodontic equipment and supply companies, which made for a terrific event for socializing and enrichment.

Mixing business with pleasure
This year, more than 400 attendees mingled, learned, and discussed plans for the future of orthodontics. Most of the attendees were from the U.S., but Canada and Brazil were also represented.

Many exhibitors were on hand to showcase their unique and essential contribution to the profession and help with financial support to host the event. Also in attendance was Orthotown, with a booth to educate students and graduating orthodontists about our magazine and website.

As always, GORP was a combination of education, camaraderie and fun that brought together residents of orthodontic programs from all over. Interspersed between the lectures were golfing, kayaking and dining events that made for a great weekend adventure.

The meeting's agenda was crafted to satisfy a wide variety of educational needs, and included both lighthearted and serious topics. Dr. Rolf Behrents, the keynote speaker, delivered an inspiring and serious message, reaffirming students' enthusiasm for their career choice. He also reiterated the importance of the many aspects of life that influence our careers, and how we got to where we are today through our previous experiences.

"Make Ortho Great Again," a satirical motto playing off a political one, was nonetheless a serious catchphrase of GORP, and was even seen on the T-shirts of students participating in the event's popular T-shirt contest.

Dr. Luis Carrière, in his unique and exuberant way, once again awed the audience with well-documented case studies of Class II and Class III patients treated to perfection with his patented appliance systems. Feedback from the residents indicated that they are beginning to utilize the new cooperation-based skeletal corrector in daily practice with great success. There is even word that Dr. James McNamara is behind the scenes helping document the biological results and mechanical methods of this new orthodontic auxiliary.

Dr. Sebastian Baumgaertel gave a prosaic lecture about the utilization of TADs that was especially applicable to practice-bound residents. His audience was treated to the "Top Ten TAD Tidbits" that would help streamline the use of this microsurgical technique. For many first-year residents, this was an early introduction to a topic that has revolutionized anchorage requirements and delivery.

Dr. Clark Colville traced the history of clear aligners for orthodontic movement and assured the audience there are more improvements to come. Looking back some 15 years to the beginning of orthodontic digital technologies, it's easy to see that the technological advancements, plus the data available for analysis, have led to some major improvements in the system.

Arlen Hurt of Specialty Appliances reviewed the evolution of 3-D printing, which is becoming mainstream in orthodontics. Reduced cost, reduced size and increased speed are likely to please the clinicians who wish to incorporate this technology into their practice delivery system for retainers and appliances.

Dr. Mart McClellan provided insight into the necessary financial choices and decisions that must be made as practice and life unfold. He covered in some detail the various methods of titling property and disbursing assets and salary to gain the best protection and tax advantages.

Professional associations were also present to answer questions and explain their roles in an orthodontist's professional career. Represented were the American Board of Orthodontics, the American Association of Orthodontics, and the American Association of Orthodontics Foundation.

Scott Sakowitz and Sarah Syklawer, with Dr. James McNamara

Co-chairs Scott Sakowitz and Sarah Syklawer, with Dr. James McNamara, ready to enjoy the event after a year of planning. 		Dr. Rolf Behrents
Dr. Rolf Behrents


Behind the scenes
Co-chairs for this year's event were Sarah Syklawer and Scott Sakowitz, both members of the University of Michigan orthodontic program. Syklawer, a former resident of Mobile, Alabama, completed her undergraduate work at the University of South Alabama and her dental undergraduate work at the University of Alabama. Sakowitz, a native of a small town near Orlando, Florida, attended the University of Pennsylvania for dental school.

The two teamed up this year to divide the duties of planning this elaborate social, educational and recreational weekend.

Readers may recall that GORP alternates between the University of Michigan and other venues each year, with past meetings at Saint Louis University, The Ohio State University, the University of Toronto and others.

As an Arizona resident, I would like to say that this decidedly Midwestern event could use a little bit of dry heat, not only to expose the residents to other parts of the country, but to display our wonderful state as well! Not to mention that room rates are at a discount during the summer in Arizona!

However, it seems like I'll have to wait just a bit longer for GORP to descend on the Grand Canyon State. Next year's meeting will be held at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio. For more information, visit gorportho.com.



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April 2024
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