Increasing Presentations For Next Year's Conference

It was wonderful to see friends at the recent AAFS conference that we usually only get to see once a year. The biggest challenge for the conference was the lack of presentations submitted by our section. We can only give what we receive, so if we want the program to be full and excellent, we ourselves need to make it happen. Some of our members gave some reasons why they did not want to give presentations, and we want to address those concerns.

1. The theme for the conference was on technology, but my report had no technology in it. 
   We are happy to let you know that the theme for the conference does not limit the topics of the presentations.
2. Some years, the questions after the presentations get contentious, and I want no part of that. 
   You do not have to answer questions if you do not want to. Make your last slide to say, "No questions, please," and then leave the podium. If you are concerned you will be bothered after the presentation, just proceed to one of the AAFS Officers in the room. There is safety in numbers, and you can stay by us if you like.
3. I did not do a scientific research project, so I have nothing to present. 
   We always need scientific papers to be presented. They are the way science grows! However, there are many other categories of needed presentations as well. 
   For example:

• Case Studies: Dental ID, Bitemark, Age Estimation
• Abuse Cases
• Educational Information: Dental ID, Bitemark, Age Estimation, Civil Litigation
• Historical Information on Forensic Odontology
• Interdisciplinary Presentation from other sections that may be of interest to the Odontology Section 

Hopefully, this helps to encourage you to write an abstract for a presentation. They are due on August 1.  While the date is firm, be aware that you can edit your abstract during the assessment period. The program will only be as good as we all make it.

Here is to a great conference in 2026!