The Alpha Omega International Dental Fraternity Board of Directors has announced the election of Steve Braunstein, DDS, of Buffalo, N.Y., as the fraternity's new International President.
Braunstein succeeds Michael Kampel, DMD, of Huntington Station, N.Y., who served as the 2005 International President. The announcement was made at Alpha Omega's 98th Annual Convention.
A long-time Alpha Omega Board member, Braunstein joined the fraternity while he was in dental school and has been an active local and international member ever since.
Through the years, he served on and chaired numerous international committees. He also served as the regent from the Western New York area, as an international trustee, and was presented with Alpha Omega's Certificate of Merit in 1998.
"I have been with Alpha Omega for the duration of my career and am truly honored to be elected as the new president. Together, Alpha Omega and its membership have accomplished a great deal in terms of improving dentistry within the United States and worldwide," said Braunstein.
"Many dentists have flourished as a result of their Alpha Omega membership. I plan to continue this growing momentum and look forward to leading the association in what is a very exciting time for us," he added.
Braunstein previously served as editor of the fraternity's national magazine, Alpha Omegan, and was co-editor of the student-geared publication, The Arouser.
After growing up in Queens, N.Y., and graduating from Queens College, City University of New York, Braunstein studied dentistry at State University of New York at Buffalo. He completed a one year general practice residency at E.J. Meyer Memorial Hospital in Buffalo and in 1976 was the third dentist to join a dental practice in western New York that has grown to include 29 dentists in 11 locations.
He previously served on the staff of two local hospitals and a skilled nursing facility, and is currently a faculty member at the University at Buffalo School of Dental Medicine.
Actively involved in his local community, Braunstein has regularly donated his time and skills to the Cerebral Palsy Association and to the Grotto Program of Buffalo, providing dentistry for children with disabilities.
As well, he previously served on the board of the dental advisory committee for a local Jewish nursing home, where AO raised $100,000 to equip the facility's dental clinic.
"Steve has always been an avid supporter and contributor to Alpha Omega's success, continually sharing his insight and expertise," said Kampel. "We look forward to working with him and developing together new ideas and initiatives that benefit our membership as well as the dental profession at large."
Braunstein will serve a one-year term, effective immediately.
The Alpha Omega Board of Directors manages the business and affairs of the Alpha Omega International Dental Fraternity. For more information or to learn more about Alpha Omega membership, please contact Erin Clements at (609) 799-4900, e-mail [email protected], or visit the Web site at www.ao.org.
