LIVRO Orthodontics and Implantology: Vol 46 (English Edition) PDF Dr Chris Chang

BE OPEN TO NEW INFORMATION AND IDEASTrumpology p. 72Featured on the cover of this issue is a photo of Dr. Dwight Damon (DD) and myselfat the Damon Forum 2017 Speakers Dinner. I was not sure whether or not DD wouldbe 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, asthose of you who have read my new Trumpology book know: “Be willing to take on newchallenges.” (Trumpology p. 73)I was very hesitant to take on this subject, as for the last 10 years in which I haveparticipated in the Damon Forums, I have never heard anyone talk about extractionissues and DD has an extraction rate of 1% (compared to my 65%). He is considered to bea non-extraction Dr and I have also been repeatedly labelled so (I have been asked “Youdon’t extract, do you?” for 6 consecutive years at a prestigious organisation’s meeting), as haveprobably most Orthodontists who use Damon braces.Extraction is very common in Asia, due to profile and the desired results of ourpatients. If Asian doctors tried to replicate DD’s 1% extraction rate, it would only end indisaster!! My speech could well have been a disaster, I almost didn’t have the guts topresent it, but…….At the Speakers Dinner I was cornered by DD and for a whole hour we spoke aboutmy speech. He told me he considered it to be the best speech of all the Damon Forumsand 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. DDfully understood that Caucasians and Asians are different and although he advocatesminimally invasive treatments, he also has to extract when necessary (as do I!).How we interpret information is as important as the information itself and DDproved to me that he is very open-minded to new information. Therefore, I alsopresented him with a copy of my new Trumpology book and discussed with him howwe can “drain the swamp” (Trumpology p.166) of our profession to allow all Orthodontiststo practise to their fullest potential without a perceived opinion being pushed ontothem.I sincerely hope that all of you will help to “drain the swamp” and break downperceived opinions in our profession and continue to march with us along the path toglory.Wishing you every success in your practice and a Happy Easter,