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Nease & Higginbotham Orthodontics is incredibly proud and excited to announce that our own Dr. Alex Thomas has been selected to join the Board of Trustees of the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) as an At-Large Member.
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The AAO represents 19,000 orthodontist members throughout the United States, Canada and abroad. This world-renowned association has many duties and responsibilities, including the creation and management of resources and policies to meet the current needs of orthodontists and their patients.
In a press release announcing their selection, the AAO stated, “The at-large trustees were to be selected based on demographic diversity or expertise and become voting Board members. Each at-large trustee will serve for a term of up to three years. The initiative is part of an ongoing effort reflecting the call for inclusivity within the AAO Strategic Plan.”
Dr. Thomas was chosen among a nationwide search for applicants. Her experience in leadership, as well as her tenacity and love for improving the industry she is so passionate about were all supporting factors in her selection. After a lengthy interview process, she was deemed an honorable At-Large Member of the AAO on June 5th.
“The at-large trustees will hit the ground running,” said Dr. Christopher Roberts, Board President of the AAO. “They will have high-profile committee assignments where they will be able to make a difference immediately. They will take part in every aspect of service to our members, as do all of our trustees. We are all very excited about bringing in new Board members with a broad range of ideas reflecting those of our general membership, which we believe will help us better serve our members in a rapidly changing world.”
When asked what this means for the next few years, Dr. Thomas explained, “A lot of meetings and calls! But my patients won’t notice much of a difference in my availability. I’ll still be present and providing the attentive care they’re accustomed to, but at the same time be able to give our patients a voice in policies and procedures at a national level.”
As an integral part of a service-based practice focused on consistent growth in experience and advancement in technologies, it’s a logical next step for Dr. Thomas to continue her involvement in orthodontics. Dr. Nease has also been involved in organized dentistry and orthodontics throughout his career. He is past president of the South Carolina Association of Orthodontics and the American Association of Orthodontists Foundation, the fundraising wing of the AAO. He currently serves as Secretary-Treasurer of the Southern Association of Orthodontists.
Dr. Nease said of Dr. Thomas’ selection, “We’re incredibly proud of Dr. Thomas and her dedication to making a positive impact on the future of orthodontics. Her vision and leadership abilities will serve our profession well during her tenure on the Board of Trustees.”
Congratulations Dr. Thomas! And thank you for your dedication to Orthodontics!
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