Dr. Laurie Gordon-Shaw, a proud Chicago native and trailblazing leader in the Alpha Omega International Dental Society, has devoted her professional life to using dentistry as a means to care for others. Her legacy is one of compassion, action, and impact—marked by her historic role as the first female president of the Illinois Alumni (Chicago) Chapter of Alpha Omega.

Her dedication to Alpha Omega and its mission of healing extends far beyond clinical care. Dr. Gordon-Shaw helped develop the Alpha Omega–Henry Schein Holocaust Survivors Oral Health Program 

Now retired from her general dentistry practice in Blue Island, Illinois, Dr. Gordon-Shaw was deeply shaken by the October 7th attack and the global rise in antisemitism—unlike anything anyone has witnessed since the Holocaust. She was acutely aware that many Alpha Omega members in Israel were called into immediate action, serving as first responders, identifying victims, or fighting on the front lines in Gaza.

While proud of their bravery, she also recognized the emotional toll such experiences inflict. Her years caring for Holocaust survivors made her acutely aware of how deeply trauma can endure, and she knew more needed to be done to support Israeli Alpha Omega members now facing similar invisible wounds.

When Dr. Michael Spektor began seeking a co-chair for a new initiative, Dr. Gordon-Shaw immediately volunteered. She helped launch Renewing Minds, Restoring Hope, a program created to support the emotional well-being of the Israeli dental community.

Renewing Minds, Restoring Hope is a collaborative initiative of the Alpha Omega US Dental Foundation, Alpha Omega Foundation of Canada, The London Charitable Trust, and European chapters under the International Alliance of Charitable Chapters. The program will fund psychological services at the Hadassah Hebrew University School of Dental Medicine and the Maurice and Gabriela Goldschleger School of Dental Medicine at Tel Aviv University. These services will assist dental professionals and students in coping with trauma.

As the US Dental Foundation’s ambassador for the program, Dr. Gordon-Shaw is rallying support from the entire Alpha Omega community. She hopes to inspire members and supporters across the Jewish community to join her in giving back to those who have sacrificed so much in the face of ongoing hardship.

As Jewish dentists, we have a profound responsibility to stand with our Israeli colleagues during this critical time.

Your support will help ensure the Israeli dental community will have the resources they need to heal, succeed academically, and thrive in their profession.

They've served. Now they need us. Give the gift of healing.

Make your gift today and help Renew Minds and Restore Hope.

On October 7th, the dental clinic at Kibbutz Be’eri became a site of unimaginable tragedy and extraordinary courage. A doctor, a paramedic, and three members of the emergency response team took shelter inside the dental clinic and mounted a heroic defense that helped protect the community. All five lost their lives.

In their memory, the Philadelphia Chapter of the Alpha Omega International Dental Society has committed to helping rebuild the clinic as part of a new, state-of-the-art medical and dental complex that will serve the people of Be’eri with dignity and care.

Recently, the Philadelphia Chapter hosted a fundraiser and raised over $12,000 toward this effort. With a total goal of $300,000, we’re calling on chapters everywhere to join us.

Help the Philadelphia Chapter reach its goal of $300,000 by hosting a fundraising event at your home or sharing the cause with members of your community. 

Let's come together to honor the fallen and help rebuild hope.

For additional information on how you or your chapter can become more involved, please send an email to: foundation@aofus.org.

Or, click here to watch a video and learn more about the program.

Alpha Omega members have an exclusive opportunity to publish research and case reviews in Compendium of Continuing Education in Dentistry - a respected, peer-reviewed journal indexed in PubMed.

After Alpha Omega retired its own journal, the Compendium sought to honor AO and its journal's founding editors, Dr. D. Walter Cohen and Dr. Abram Cohen. As a result, a dedicated section was created specifically for AO member contributions. While the Compendium has continued the tradition, our presence in recent years has diminished.

Let’s change that.

We invite all AO members to submit their work and bring Alpha Omega’s voice - and clinical excellence - back into focus. This is more than a publishing opportunity; it's a chance to showcase our impact and strengthen our presence in the dental community.

Interested?
Download a copy of the Case Report Guidelines by clicking here or sending an email to foundation@aofus.org.

The Alpha Omega US Dental Foundation continues to support meaningful initiatives that bring our communities closer in the United States and Israel. Each tribute you purchase does more than honor someone - it directly funds meaningful programs that touch lives.

How your tribute donations have made an impact:

Honor someone special, commemorate a milestone, or express your gratitude by purchasing a tribute today. Together, we can continue to uplift dental students, faculty, and our global community.

Click here to send a tribute.

We extend our heartfelt Mazal Tov to Dr. Steven D. Spitz on his installation as President of the Massachusetts Dental Society (MDS) for the 2025–2026 and 2026–2027 governance years. In this important leadership role, Dr. Spitz will help advance the Society’s mission to empower dental professionals and enhance care for patients across the Commonwealth.

Under his guidance, the MDS will continue to champion oral health, influence key legislation, and improve access to high-quality dental care throughout Massachusetts.

The installation ceremony was held on June 25, and Dr. Spitz officially assumed his role on July 1. Attached is a photo of Dr. Spitz alongside Immediate Past President, Dr. Abe Abdul, following the ceremony.

Kol Hakavod to Dr. Paul Cohen (AO DC Chapter) and his team for receiving a letter of gratitude for their attention, compassion, and kindness in treating a 94-year-old Holocaust survivor..

The AO-HSC Holocaust Survivors Oral Health Program is deeply grateful to all AO ambassadors and dental providers, dental labs, philanthropic donors, and social service agencies whose unwavering support makes this meaningful work possible. 

To learn how to become a provider, email Bernice Edelstein by clicking here. Alternatively, if you would like to make a donation to support the program, please click here.

On behalf of the Alpha Omega US Dental Foundation, we express our deepest gratitude
for the unwavering support and generous gifts.

Thank you, donors!

Below is a list of gifts received by the Foundation for July 2025

General Fund

Renewing Minds, Restoring Hope - Supporting the mental well-being of the Israeli dental community

Rebuilding Kibbutz Be’eri Dental Clinic

In Memory of Gloria Wurman 

Mother of Avi Wurman (PIP), mother-in-law of Dr. Sharon Sussman, and grandmother of Drs. Cory and Ilana Wurman 

Gold

Platinum

In Honor of Lionell Greenberg on his 85^th Birthday

Platinum

In Honor of Stuart Hoffman

Gold

In Honor of Marc Rothman

Silver

In Honor of Steve Spitz

Gold

Celebrate a friend's birthday by sending a card from the foundation supporting our work, supporting the needs of Israel, and AO US Society Chapters. Click here!

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