Written by: Dr Glenn M. Gonzales
Publicity and Promotion Committee
Association of Philippine Orthodontists
The Association of Philippine Orthodontists (APO) held its 10th Regional Orthodontic congress at Henann Resort, a popular tourist destination on Alona Beach, in Panglao, Bohol. In her opening speech, Dr. Ramona Locsin, APO President and Congress Chair, explained the APO’s zero waste and environmental goals which meant no physical souvenir programs, identity card recycling and a digital method for the poster presentation. This was in line with the goals set by the Organizing Committee to forgo souvenir shirts for the ‘Funwalk for Smiles’ and instead donated the money to Smile Train. Two children will receive lip surgeries as a result of this donation.
To kick off the congress, three speakers, two case presenters and thirteen poster presentations were on hand to provide a fresh perspective on the latest trends in Orthodontics. Amongst the speakers were Dr Prashant Zaveri, the current Chairman of the Foundation for Research and Education of APOS. He shared a five-part lecture series on "Managing Complexities of Orthodontic Treatment - A Clinical Appraisal of Biomechanics and Biological Factors for Optimum Outcome" which was well received. Other speakers included, Dr Dennis Lim from the Philippines and Dr Maria Therese Galang-Boquiren from the United States.
Before the close of the first Congress day, APO held a charity fun walk together with Smile Train to raise awareness for cleft lip and palate treatment. Smile train is a non-profit organization that offers free treatment for cleft lip and palate patients. The activity ended with a scoop of ice cream from the famous Bohol Bee Farm.
In commemoration of 50 years of clinical practice, Dr. Ermelinda Galang, past APO president and past Chairman of the Philippine Board of Orthodontics (PBO) was presented with a tribute of a video montage, which included video greetings from a former classmate at Georgetown University, Washington DC, as well as from patients and relatives and nostalgic pictures.
This year, the Congress first debuted the digital interactive method of poster and case presentations. This digital format was a success as we found that all participants could concurrently view them during the lectures. We ended the day with several raffle prizes and the 10th APO Regional Orthodontic congress came to a close with participants in high spirits.