Note: I am a member of the AAP Board of Trustees. The following opinions are my own and do not reflect the Academy or its Board.
2017 is upon us: a time to look back over the past year and resolve how we will live our lives differently in the New Year. Maybe you are hoping to commit to an exercise regime; perhaps you’re going to travel more or spend more time with family.
Each year the AAP establishes its own set of “resolutions” in the form of strategic goals across four priority areas: Awareness, Membership, Science, and Organizational Viability. The Strategic Planning Committee, of which I am the Chair in 2017, is the group tasked with oversight of the AAP’s strategic goals.
To show you what the AAP has in store for 2017, here are some of the highlights of this year’s strategic plan:
Increase awareness of consumers about periodontal disease – Since periodontal disease is a major public health issue, it is crucial that the public know who periodontists are and what we do. The AAP will continue to raise awareness about the importance of periodontal health and the expertise of the periodontist by deploying a fourth year of its award winning public relations program, Love The Gums You’re With.
Enhance membership growth and value – AAP members are the lifeblood of the organization. In 2017, the Membership Advisory Committee will discuss how the AAP can continue to offer quality programs and resources to retain our almost 8,200 members and identify strategies to recruit and engage a new generation of periodontists from around the globe.
Refresh and advance the AAP’s science strategy – 2017 will prove to be an exciting year for periodontal science. The AAP will present two Best Evidence Conferences in February – one on lasers and other on CBCT. Additionally, we will host a World Workshop on Disease Classification in November. These efforts work to advance our scientific agenda and help position the AAP and the periodontal community as true leaders in periodontal science.
Achieve margin target – Ensuring the operational efficiency of the AAP is paramount to our success. In 2017 the AAP will strive to meet its revenue goals through membership recruitment and retention activities, JOP and CAP subscriptions, the Annual Meeting, and enhanced corporate relations outreach, all while keeping a mindful eye on expenses.
If you have any questions or would like more information on any of these strategic goals, do not hesitate to contact me or to reach out to your District Trustee.
So now that it’s 2017, get out there and start training for that 5K or plan that trip with your grandkids! Whatever it is you resolve to do in 2017, I wish you a very happy New Year.
Steven R. Daniel, DDS, President Elect, American Academy of Periodontology