Alpha Omega: Envisioning the Next Generation of Leaders
Marc Rothman, DMD
The Alpha Omega International Dental Society represents around 5,000 active dentists and dental students across the United States, Canada, South America, Europe, Israel, South Africa, Australia, and New Zealand, with combined charitable contributions estimated at over $60 million. As the oldest international Jewish dental society in the world, Alpha Omega was founded in Baltimore, Maryland, in 1907, with a mission to combat the widespread anti-Semitism present in educational institutions and the broader dental community. From its inception, philanthropy has been central to its goals.
During the 1930s through the 1950s, against the backdrop of World War II, the Holocaust, and its devastating effects on the Jewish diaspora, Alpha Omega recognized the dire need for dental care in Israel's growing population. In 1953, Alpha Omega leaders acknowledged that the retiring immigrant dentists in Israel needed to be replaced with a new generation of well-trained practitioners. The Society set an ambitious goal: to raise funds to establish Israel's first dental school. This dream was realized in 1966 with the opening of the Hebrew University Hadassah School of Dental Medicine.
To further support the Hebrew University Hadassah School and other charitable efforts, the Alpha Omega Society created the Alpha Omega Foundation in 1969. The Foundation became the philanthropic arm of the Society, allowing members to support various charitable causes. A little more than a decade later, the Foundation spearheaded a successful campaign to construct Israel's second dental school: the Tel Aviv University Maurice and Gabriella Goldschleger School of Dental Medicine.
Honoring Dr. Allen Finkelstein and Inspiring Future Leaders
Over the past 60 years, Alpha Omega has been fortunate to count among its most dedicated members a special human being, Allen Finkelstein, DDS. Allen's dedication to finding ways to provide access to quality dental care to the underserved and those with special needs, especially children, brought him to positions of leadership in both the political arena and within the corporate world of insurance. His contributions to systems of delivery, the development of special care clinics, and the advanced educational programs to provide this care have improved the oral health of millions of patients.
Dr. Finkelstein's talent and generosity have not gone unnoticed. He has been awarded the Doctor of Humane Letters
in 2008 from AT Still University of Health Science Arizona School of Dentistry and Oral Health, the Dr. Harry Strusser Memorial Award for Contributions to Public Health Dentistry from New York University College of Dentistry in 2011, the Alpha Omega Meritorious Service Award in 2014, initiated as Member of the Gallery of Success from Temple University Maurice H. Kornberg School of Dentistry in 2016, and received the Cohen-Volpe Award in 2018 from the Shils Entrepreneurial Fund. He was also acknowledged again by this same organization in October with the prestigious Shils Innovator Special Recognition Award for his lifelong values.
Educational Scholarship Endowment
Because values are learned and are as important as clinical skills in caring for others, the Alpha Omega Foundation US is creating the Dr. Allen Finkelstein Educational Scholarship Endowment, mirrored after the tenets, ethics, and morals advocated by him for so many years. This fund will provide scholarships to promising oral health students who show a commitment to social responsibility, an aptitude in problem-solving skills, and a potential to be the next generation of leaders in dentistry. On December 4, 2024, in New York City, the AO Foundation US will host a gala in honor of Dr. Finkelstein. Proceeds and sponsorships from this gala will be used for the establishment of this scholarship endowment.
It is only fitting that Allen is honored in this way as he is a firm believer of passing values from generation to generation. After all, education can be multifaceted, but in its most simple terms, it is essentially a conversation between generations. Alpha Omega invites the dental community to be a part of this conversation. Join AO in New York on December 4 or honor Dr. Finkelstein with a sponsorship. Learn more at aofus.org/gala/.
About the Author
Marc Rothman, DMD
Board-Certified Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon; Chair, Alpha Omega Foundation US
