The annual Iowa Society of Orthodontics (ISO) meeting on October 6-7, 2024, was set to be a highlight of the year for orthodontic professionals most of which are our Ortho program alumnus. Held at the University of Iowa College of Dentistry and the Graduate Hotel, this year's gathering promised to deliver thought-provoking presentations, deep dives into new treatment approaches, and plenty of networking opportunities. And, while a full-scale IT outage loomed as an uninvited guest, the meeting didn’t miss a beat – in fact, the glitch only added to the spirit of resilience and camaraderie that defined the event. Despite the morning struggle, second year residents Dr. Abi Wieland and Waheed Awotoye delivered their presentations on 2 cases with orofacial clefting that were treated successfully at the Iowa Orthodontics program. Our guest Dr. Ron Hathaway craniofacial orthodontist expert was very impressed with the quality of care our residents deliver at Iowa.
Day One: Insight and Inspiration at the University of Iowa College of Dentistry
The meeting kicked off on Sunday, October 6, with the ISO Board of Directors gathering for an early meeting. By late morning, the energy in the room had picked up as attendees settled in for a lunch and business session, where the stage was set for an eventful day.
One of the main highlights was Dr. Ron Hathaway’s a University of Iowa graduate (DDS, 1984) and craniofacial orthodontist expert. Dr. Hathaway’s powerful lecture on “Craniofacial Orthodontics: 40 Years of Experience with Patients, Management, and Research” was dedicated to the memory of Dr. Charles Robert Kremenak, Orthodontic faculty at Iowa whose career focused on research into the effects on facial growth of maxillofacial surgery associated with cleft palate repair. In his lecture, Dr. Hathaway shared a blend of wisdom, anecdotes, and hard-won insights from his extensive career in craniofacial orthodontics. His talk wasn’t just about science; it was about humanity, relationships with patients, and the joys and challenges of advancing research in treatment outcomes in the cleft and craniofacial field. The room was captivated, with attendees leaning in to absorb every lesson from Dr. Hathaway’s decades of experience.
As the day drew to a close, the group migrated to Saint Burch Tavern, where appetizers and an open bar awaited. Here, conversations flowed freely – not just about practice and technique but about the shared challenges and triumphs unique to orthodontists. Laughter and stories filled the space, as attendees built connections that will undoubtedly last well beyond this meeting.
Day Two: Looking to the Future at the Graduate Hotel
On Monday, October 7, the event continued bright and early at the Graduate Hotel with a breakfast spread that got everyone ready for another day of insights and inspiration. Dr. Barry Glaser took the reins with his talk, “The Future is Now: Clear Aligner Treatment and Digital Workflows for 2024 and Beyond.”
With warmth, humor, and a clear passion for the field, Dr. Glaser led the group through the transformative power of digital technology in orthodontics. His presentation wasn’t just about theory – he highlighted real-world applications, from clear aligner therapy to streamlined workflows that promise to change patient care and practice management for the better. The room buzzed with excitement, as attendees pictured how they could bring these innovations to their own practices.
After a short lunch, Dr. Glaser returned for an encore session, diving even deeper into the future of orthodontics. His insights sparked lively discussions and an avalanche of questions – everyone seemed eager to explore the potential of digital tools and how these could redefine patient experiences.
A Memorable and Meaningful Gathering
The 2024 ISO Meeting was far from just a schedule of lectures and meals. It was a reminder of what it means to be part of a professional community that supports each other through thick and thin. Attendees left with more than just new knowledge – they left with renewed energy, lasting connections, and a collective sense of purpose. From technical challenges to breakthrough insights, this year’s ISO meeting embodied resilience, innovation, and the irreplaceable value of shared experiences.
