Alpha Omega International Alliance
OUR MISSION
The International Alliance of Alpha Omega Charitable Organizations (Alliance) coordinates the world-wide philanthropic efforts of the Alpha Omega International Dental Society, which has chapters in several nations. Since 2011, the Alliance has worked with individual countries’ chapters (also known as Foundations and Trusts) to advance their common charitable goals. The Alliance also offers support, shared information and resources, and fosters new opportunities for giving among the chapters. Its overarching global mission is to improve the human condition by increasing access to oral care, dental health, education, and research wherever it is needed, particularly Israel.
If you are interested in participating in our worldwide efforts, please contact us through www.ao.org or through the specific chapter in your country.
OUR LEGACY
Today, Alpha Omega represents about 5,000 active dentists and dental students in the United States, Canada, South America, Europe, Israel, South Africa, Australia, and New Zealand with combined charitable contributions estimated at over 60 million dollars. It is the oldest international dental society in the world. Founded in Baltimore, Maryland in 1907, the Alpha Omega fraternity was established to combat widespread anti-Semitism in both educational institutions and the greater dental community. Even from its early days, philanthropy was an integral part of its mission.
This was particularly true during the 1930’s through the 1950’s in light of World War II, the Holocaust and its aftermath, and the lasting effects of the Jewish Diaspora. Dental care was desperately needed for Israel’s booming population, yet that dire need was largely unmet.
In 1953, Alpha Omega leaders recognized the retiring and aging immigrant dentists in Israel had to be replaced with new generations of well-trained practitioners. They set an extraordinary goal for their members: raise funds to create Israel’s first dental school. In 1966, with the opening of the Hebrew University Hadassah School of Dental Medicine, they realized their dream.
In further support of the Hebrew University Hadassah School of Dental Medicine and other charitable projects, the Alpha Omega Society chartered the Alpha Omega Foundation in 1969. For tax purposes, there needed to be a distinction between a dues-paying educational society and a non-profit charity its members supported through donations. As a separate entity, the Foundation would serve as the Society’s philanthropic arm. A little over a decade later, the Foundation launched a successful fundraising campaign to construct Israel’s second dental school: the Tel Aviv University Maurice and Gabriella Goldschleger School of Dental Medicine.
As tax laws differ from country to country, international chapters were organized to be in compliance with their respective tax laws. Foundations with common missions have been chartered worldwide: Canada (1970), the London Trust (1972), and Israel (1983). Many countries with active Alpha Omega chapters also contribute significantly to regional and global outreach, even if that particular chapter has not formed its own Foundation.
The International Alliance of Alpha Omega Charitable Organizations is a resource for all these chapters to further their philanthropic goals. By working together, the Alliance can help advance the chapters’ goals and have an even greater international impact. It reflects a meaningful legacy of global outreach and improved dental care.
EARLY CHARITABLE CONTRIBUTIONS BY ALPHA OMEGA
Prior to the formation of our Foundations, charity played an important role in Alpha Omega. As early as the 1930’s, our members led efforts to help those in need of dental care. From the outset, practically every Alpha Omega Chapter throughout the world adopted charitable programs.
Some of our early projects:
• Joining the National Refugee Service in rehabilitating refugee dentists and technicians, and providing dental care for indigent refugees fleeing Europe.
• Serving in the armed forces of the United States and Canada, over 1,800 Alpha Omegas fought in WWII; nineteen gave their lives.
• Establishing a welfare fund to help returning veterans.
• Instituting a student loan program.
• Donating mobile dental ‘clinics’ to the Canadian Dental Corps and the US Army.
• Campaigning to send dental materials and supplies to overseas survivors, shipping them to Europe, Cypress, and other countries to which refugees had fled to escape Nazi atrocities.