BE OPEN TO NEW INFORMATION AND IDEAS
Trumpology p. 72
Featured on the cover of this issue is a photo of Dr. Dwight Damon (DD) and myself at the Damon Forum 2017 Speakers Dinner. I was not sure whether or not DD would be so welcoming after my Keynote speech this year as I tackled a rather controversial, almost taboo, subject for the Damon Forum: extraction vs. non-extraction. However, as those of you who have read my new Trumpology book know: “Be willing to take on new challenges.” (Trumpology p. 73)
I was very hesitant to take on this subject, as for the last 10 years in which I have participated in the Damon Forums, I have never heard anyone talk about extraction issues and DD has an extraction rate of 1% (compared to my 65%). He is considered to be a non-extraction Dr and I have also been repeatedly labelled so (I have been asked “You don’t extract, do you?” for 6 consecutive years at a prestigious organisation’s meeting), as have probably most Orthodontists who use Damon braces.
Extraction is very common in Asia, due to profile and the desired results of our patients. If Asian doctors tried to replicate DD’s 1% extraction rate, it would only end in disaster!! My speech could well have been a disaster, I almost didn’t have the guts to present it, but.......
At the Speakers Dinner I was cornered by DD and for a whole hour we spoke about my speech. He told me he considered it to be the best speech of all the Damon Forums and that somebody should have talked about this important subject a long time ago, to make it clear to the participants and worldwide audience that extraction is OK. DD fully understood that Caucasians and Asians are di erent and although he advocates minimally invasive treatments, he also has to extract when necessary (as do I!).
How we interpret information is as important as the information itself and DD proved to me that he is very open-minded to new information. Therefore, I also presented him with a copy of my new Trumpology book and discussed with him how we can “drain the swamp” (Trumpology p.166) of our profession to allow all Orthodontists to practise to their fullest potential without a perceived opinion being pushed onto them.
I sincerely hope that all of you will help to “drain the swamp” and break down perceived opinions in our profession and continue to march with us along the path to glory.
Wishing you every success in your practice and a Happy Easter,
Chris Chang DDS, PhD, Publisher of IJOI.
