Dear SSOMS Colleagues,

Now that the holidays are behind us, it’s time to look ahead to the 69th Annual Meeting of the Southeastern Society of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons. On behalf of the officers and executive board, Kim and I wish you a happy 2018 and invite you to join us at the Cloister at Sea Island, GA May 2 thru May 6, 2018.

The Cloister is elegant and legendary. Comfortable and fun. And offers gracious accommodations in three equally charming settings. The Cloister Main Building & Wings is perfectly situated near the Sea Island Yacht Club, the Cloister Spa and Fitness Center, and Tennis Center. The Cloister Beach Club is steps away from our five miles of private beach, three swimming pools, and water sports and activities. All are impeccably designed in their signature Spanish Mediterranean décor and are very welcoming.

Since 1928, Sea Island has been known as an exceptional destination appealing to those who appreciate gracious service and heartfelt hospitality. A Forbes Five-Star hotel — The Cloister at Sea Island entices families, outdoor and activity enthusiasts, and those simply wanting to refresh and recharge. It is the only resort in the world to have received four Forbes Five-Star awards for nine consecutive years. Site of a G-8 Summit of world leaders, Sea Island provides exceptional settings and service for conferences and executive retreats. Sea Island is steeped in golf tradition and is home to three championship golf courses, including Seaside and Plantation, home of the PGA TOUR’s RSM Classic, as well as the nation’s finest Golf Performance Center.

Dr. George Kushner has prepared an excellent scientific program with speakers including himself and Dr. Brian Alpert. Dr. Kushner will focus on “Complications in Dentistry” and “Tibia Bone Graft” and Dr. Alpert will present three sessions on “Evolution of OMSF Over the Last 50 Years” and “Forty Year History in Management of Jaw Diseases” and “New Innovations in Management of Jaw Diseases.”

The executive board is proud to announce that two of our long-time members and leaders will be honored at this meeting. Dr. Robert Coles has been awarded our Frank DiPlacido Humanitarian Award and we’ll also honor Dr. Jimmy Albright with the Distinguished Educator Award. Congratulations to both of these accomplished leaders.

We will, again, enjoy a splendid President’s Banquet on Saturday night in a beautiful coastal setting. So, Kim and I are very excited about what awaits us at the Cloister and we hope that we will see you there! Come join us and bring your family and professional friends. Make this the biggest SSOMS meeting ever!

Warm regards,

Hal and Kim