GORP 2017 by Dan Grob, DDS, MS, editorial director, Orthotown magazine

Google the term GORP.

Chances are, you’ll find a description of a snack food consisting of “good old raisins and peanuts,” and other definitions you’ll find on Urban Dictionary are quite entertaining but not safe for work. Don’t worry—I’m not going to write about food or anything salacious.

Orthodontists unite
The Graduate Orthodontic Residents Program (GORP to us orthodontists) held its 29th annual meeting in Cleveland last month. GORP brings together orthodontic residents and exhibitors in a lighthearted manner to explore the field and share and engage with one another. This event marked the first time the meeting has been hosted by residents from Case Western Reserve University (CWRU); the University of Michigan hosts the event every other year, and CWRU joins the ranks of other alternating host universities such as St. Louis University, Harvard University and the University of Minnesota.

In addition to educational activities and lectures, students from the host university pack the event with golf outings, dinners and trips to local attractions. Drs. Bradley Johnson and Nicole Gange oversaw this year’s event, which I was lucky to attend.

Words of wisdom
Dr. Mark Hans, program director at CWRU, welcomed attendees to the conference and reminded us of the university’s historical significance in orthodontic education. It was here that Dr. Holly Broadbent invented the cephalometric positioner and analysis, forever changing the way orthodontists practice and analyze images.

Hans wanted the audience to understand that the extensive education required to become an orthodontist not only allows students to learn technique but also trains the mind. This is something that’s surely lost in the rush to provide faster treatment with less-educated providers.

Dr. Katherine Vig, renowned educator and publisher of more than 100 scientific papers and books, shared how certain societal changes are requiring us to change the way we practice. Demographics, diversity and communication present new opportunities for young practitioners. Vig highlighted the need for continued evidence-based practice in the era of fast turnaround.

In closing, she thanked Drs. Moyers and McNamara for all they’ve contributed to the profession and her own career, which was highlighted by the Albert H. Ketcham award. In 2009, Vig was the first woman to receive the prestigious award.

The changing industry
Various professional organizations also had the chance to introduce themselves to the residents.

The American Association of Orthodontists Foundation discussed its research and community involvement, in addition to its grants and scholarship opportunities. One of the organization’s main goals is to support the educational mission of orthodontic residency programs.

Over the years AAOF has created different committees and panels to identify its members’ needs and leverage the association’s resources. Dr. Wolf was introduced as the new member advocate who shares AAOF benefits and resources with representatives in each region of the country.

I thought that Dr. Chun-Hsi Chung’s presentation for the American Board of Orthodontics was the most interesting one of the conference. Chung showed that over the past several years, attainment of ABO status has climbed from less than 25 percent to more than 40 percent. There are now more than 3,400 board-certified orthodontists; of them, more than 95 percent of program graduates took the written examination and more than 50 percent took the clinical exam. This is a truly great trend in the profession!

Dr. Antonino Secchi provided a great review of straight-wire appliance features, techniques and advancements, and reviewed many of the improvements made over the years. He outlined the distinct advantages of popular prescriptions, such as Andrews, Roth, MBT, Damon and Carriere appliances. While stressing the importance of bracket placement and wire sequencing, he shared that patient compliance continues to be a dominant variable in successful treatment.

The final speaker, Dr. Allen Firestone, closed the meeting on Sunday with an introduction to breathing and obstructive sleep apnea. As orthodontists, it’s important to identify these issues in our patients.

See you next year?
This was the first year I attended GORP. It was an engaging event that allows students to use their creativity to put a local twist on an educational gathering—and it’s a great time for residents to meet and interact with potential vendors in a limited, controlled setting. I can say the trip was worth my time and I can’t wait to see what’s in store for the big 3-0!