Dr. Lee Graber begins his 5-year term as president of the World Federation of Orthodontists

On Sunday, April 30, the World Federation of Orthodontists (WFO) Council convened for the first time in Chicago, Illinois, USA. During this historic event, which was part of the 2nd Meeting of the WFO, Dr. Lee Graber was installed as president of the WFO. Dr. Graber, who is in private practice in Kenilworth and Vernon Hills, Illinois, USA, has served as the vice president of the WFO for the past five years. In an effort to introduce Dr. Graber to WFO and AAO members, the WFO Gazette interviewed Dr. Graber and presents the following profile.

Dr. Graber, what do you think is the most important role of the WFO?

Our most important role is to support our affiliated organizations and fellows in the advancement of the art and science of orthodontics. This phrase has a noble ring … as it should. There is no special agenda for the WFO … we look to be facilitators for our members.

What do you hope the WFO can achieve within the next five years?

The first five years have been ones of growth under the guidance and vision of Dr. Bill DeKock. From an idea in the early 1990s to the formation and growth of the World Federation of Orthodontists, Dr. DeKock's strong leadership has been rewarded with the success of the organization. As a new organization, the focus has rightfully been on growth. I would foresee that some of this emphasis would carry over during the next five years. Educating the world's orthodontists as to the value of the organization will continue to be a focus.

The very success of the WFO allows us the luxury to address more directly our prime mission, i.e., the advancement of the art and science of orthodontics. Our first efforts have been at the organizational level. My expectation is that the WFO will become even more involved in assisting in the formation and success of national and regional organizations. Strong specialty orthodontic groups, based close to the area of practice, have the best opportunity to provide the kinds of educational services needed by today's orthodontic health-care provider. It is my goal to see that these organizational efforts continue to increase. It is my expectation that we will achieve WFO "affiliation status" for all national and regional orthodontic organizations around the world.

To achieve this goal, we will need to work through national and regional political barriers to develop professional bonds. Indeed, science has no geo-political boundaries. The WFO must continue to be "inclusive" in its work with potential new affiliated organizations around the world.

The formation of strong national and regional organizations of orthodontic specialists can only improve the opportunity to increase the standard of orthodontic care throughout the world. The world is certainly a smaller place with the ever-increasing ease of travel and communication. One of my goals is to see the general standard of orthodontic care improved by way of better dissemination of information. Within the framework of strong local organizations, this means helping to develop good educational programming that is easily accessible to the orthodontic clinician. It is my expectation that the WFO will be in a good position to help our affiliated organizations as they tackle the challenges of education.

What will it take to reach these goals?

Hard work, dedication and sacrifice for the "haves" to help the "have-nots." We have certainly seen this kind of effort managed on an individual basis, i.e., where one association may help another or one university may provide for training of another's faculty. The WFO has the potential to develop and enhance these relationships on a much larger scale.

How will technology strengthen the WFO?

In the next five years, I expect new communication technologies to change the very essence of professional organizations. Our opportunities to interact with our members will increase in both our ability to have rapid interaction and in our capability to transfer a host of requested material. This "enhanced membership service" may take the format of communiqués on scientific meetings, political issues relevant to orthodontists, and, most important, actual provision of educational materials.

It is also my expectation that in the next year we will be able to use new communication technologies to develop an up-to-date directory of our active members. As our world becomes a smaller place and our patients move not just from town to town - but from country to country, the WFO can help its members by providing names of WFO fellows in a foreign land. (WFO fellows must pass rigorous specialty education requirements.)

How can individual fellows enhance the WFO?

The strength of any organization comes down to the willingness of individual members to volunteer their time and resources to help for the benefit of the group. Through their membership dues, attendance and volunteer work within the organization, we are a stronger group. Individual members should encourage other orthodontists to join the WFO. As our membership size increases, we have more of the wherewithal to address our goals.

The WFO has reached the 5,000-member mark. What kind of membership growth do you expect to have in five years?

It is my expectation that we will continue to see robust growth in membership, particularly in the number of new fellows. Already, some of the WFO affiliated organizations are taking the steps necessary to ensure that all of their qualified members are recognized in both their national organizations and in the WFO. Some societies have considered adding WFO membership dues to the normal national society membership billing.

Do you have any advice for orthodontists who are trying to organize societies in their countries?

One of the great accomplishments of the WFO to date has been its help in the development of national organizations. We have been able to help them with the development of their bylaws, as well as provide potential support through WFO Executive Committee members from their respective areas.

Why is it important for orthodontists to be part of the WFO?

We all are familiar with the changing world economy. Gone are the days when an individual country could "go-it-alone." Our economies are now entwined to a great degree - what happens in New York affects London, Tokyo, Paris and Sydney within the blink of an eye. Whether we like it or not, the world has gotten smaller, and our influences are mutual.

There are strong parallels in orthodontics. While there are regional characteristics, we are one world of orthodontics. The WFO represents this enlarged world community of which we are all members and to which we are mutually responsible. If not for the tangible benefits of WFO membership (reduced meeting fees, membership directory, organizational assistance, etc.), the intangible aspects of being an active member in the world orthodontic community is reason alone for fellowship.

Why did you choose to become involved in the WFO?

Through my father, Dr. Tom Graber, I have had the opportunity over the last 30 years to meet many of our orthodontic colleagues from around the world. In turn, I have developed a keen respect for the many contributions these individuals and their compatriots have provided. During the formation of the WFO, I could see that the WFO would be a catalyst to magnify what I had seen on a personal level.

Fortuitously, the American Association of Orthodontists honored me by selection to represent the AAO in this new world association. That opportunity mushroomed into a role of leadership within the organization. My work with President DeKock, Secretary-General Mr. Moen and the current WFO Executive Committee has been further motivation to continue with the WFO for the next five years.

What do you like most about being involved in the WFO?

I enjoy the excitement that comes with blazing new ground. This is a young organization with tremendous prospects for the future. The opportunity to work with orthodontic leaders from throughout the world as represented on our WFO Executive Committee and the national organizations with which we work is unparalleled. I like the challenge.

You are also very active in other organizations besides the WFO. What are some of your current activities?

I have always believed that one must pay back for the gifts one receives. Most of us do this ... be it in our home communities, in our houses of worship, or at educational institutions to name but a few examples. For me, my contributions have been focused on education and professional dental societies. I serve on a number of orthodontic specialty and general dental journal editorial boards, and remain active in the Illinois Society of Orthodontists (state), the Midwestern Society of Orthodontists (regional) and the American Association of Orthodontists (national) through leadership activities. Most recently, I have been involved with the AAO's efforts to develop new technologies, including its Web-site presence. I have also been serving as the scientific co-chairman of this 100th AAO Annual Session and 5th International Orthodontic Congress.

Where did you receive your dental and orthodontic training?

I received my dental education at the University of Michigan, a master's degree in orthodontics from Northwestern University, a master's degree in anatomy from the University of Michigan, as well as a multi-disciplinary Ph.D. in human growth and development from the University of Michigan. I am a Diplomate of The American Board of Orthodontics.

Tell us a little about your immediate family.

My wife, Jane, is also a dentist and in full-time practice in Northbrook, Illinois. She is also an avid equestrian.

We have three daughters. Our oldest, Katie, is a second-year dental student at the University of Michigan. Our "middle" daughter, Megan, is a senior at Denver University in Colorado, and our youngest, Molly, is a senior in high school at Ethel Walker School in Connecticut. They all maintain very active school and activity schedules.

When you are not working on an orthodontic-related activity, what do you like to do?

I enjoy spending time with my wife and three daughters … when they have time for me! I enjoy windsurfing, snow skiing and reading.

Your parting thoughts …

The next few years will be exciting for the World Federation of Orthodontists. This year will witness the growth of the WFO Executive Committee so we may develop ever-improving regional representation. All who are serving the WFO have exceptional qualifications that all but ensure the success of this worldwide organization. What an honor it is to serve with them.

As I assume this new leadership position, I am humbled by the confidence placed in me by my peers, but accepting of the challenges that lie ahead.