Honoring Drs. Michael and Wendy Spektor

Drs. Michael and Wendy Spektor’s story is one of deep commitment, not only to their profession but also to the broader Jewish community and the values they hold dear. Their commitment to Alpha Omega is notable, having both served as International Presidents of the Alpha Omega International Dental Society, with Michael also chairing the Alpha Omega Foundation US from 2019 to 2022.

Michael and Wendy’s story begins in classic Jewish fashion - at synagogue on Yom Kippur. “She walked in late, and I noticed her right away,” Michael remembers. At the time, he was in his residency, and Wendy was a first-year student in dental school. “I followed her around the dental school until she agreed to go to lunch with me,” Michael admits - “which, she did!.”

Michael attended his first AO convention in 1974, during his junior year at dental school, and it left a profound impact. He was awed by the familial element of the organization when he witnessed D. Walter Cohen receive the AO Achievement Award Medal from his father, Abraham Cohen; and when the Hatikvah was sung at the event, Michael was moved to tears. “I had never heard anybody do the Hatikvah at an event,” he recalls. “…It was pretty moving. I was going - whoa! You know - what is this organization?”

1987 Seattle Convention Opening Night

1987 Seattle Convention "Crew"

After they started dating, Wendy joined Michael at the 1979 convention where, he confesses, “She learned a lot more than I did. She was involved with a lot of the AO dentists, and they would meet late at night and discuss dentistry and how things should work. She learned from Ron Goldstein and lot of the other teachers who were lecturing. They changed her career.”

Their experiences as members of AO shaped their approach to philanthropy and mentorship. Much of her work within the organization focused on strengthening the international community with an emphasis on educating and engaging younger members. During his 2012 presidency, Michael, with Larry Sellinger, formed an international alliance of AO foundations, bridging gaps between chapters, streamlining governance, coordinating global efforts. To continue to read the article, click here.

We invite you to join the International Alliance of Alpha Omega Charitable Organizations in establishing a dedicated fund for The Maurice and Gabriela Goldschleger School of Dental Medicine at Tel Aviv University and the Hebrew University-Hadassah Faculty of Dental Medicine. Both institutions are struggling to provide essential psychological services for their faculty and students.

As Jewish dentists, we have a profound responsibility to stand with our Israeli colleagues. We implore you to take action and support our fellow Alpha Omegans in need. 

Mazal Tov to Dr. Haley Lockstein, Chief Resident at Albert Einstein Medical Center, on being honored as one of this years 30 Under 30 by Temple University.  

Dr. Lockstein is responsible for leading first-year dental residents in providing comprehensive care, from routine cleanings to emergency surgeries.

She is passionate about research and has explored the connections between mental and dental health. Currently, she is investigating topical medications to prevent cavities in patients with braces.

The former president of Temple University’s Alpha Omega chapter, her leadership and mentorship continue to shape the next generation of dental professionals. Haley plans to pursue orthodontics, inspired by her fascination with cranial growth and development. Mazal Tov Dr. Lockstein!

Mazal Tov to Dr. Bernard Rothman, esteemed member of the Philadelphia Alpha Omega Chapter, on receiving the prestigious 60-Year Milestone Membership honor from the Philadelphia County Dental Society!

Dr. Rothman’s dedication to the profession, his patients, and the dental community is truly commendable. His decades of service reflect a lifelong commitment to excellence, mentorship, and the values that define our profession.

We celebrate this incredible achievement and thank Dr. Rothman for his enduring contributions!

Mazal Tov to Dr. Rachel Sarig, Head of the Maurice and Gabriela Goldschleger School of Dental Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, Tel Aviv University on her inclusion in the prestigious project by the Emuna Women's Organization and Makor Rishon, honoring 45 outstanding and influential religious women.

Dr. Sarig’s dedication, leadership, and contributions continue to inspire and uplift those around her. This initiative is a testament to the ever-growing impact of religious women across diverse fields, and we are proud to see her among those shaping the future.

May she continue to lead, inspire, and make a lasting difference!

A Double Mazal Tov to US Foundation Board Member,  Dr. Joseph Breitman celebrating two incredible milestones—welcoming his first grandchild, Dalia Raizel, and retiring after a distinguished career in Prosthodontics. From mentor to Zeyda, his legacy of dedication and kindness continues in new and meaningful ways.

Wishing him endless nachas and joy!

Mazal Tov to Dr. Leela S. Breitman!  She is now the proud owner of Prosthodontics Limited, allowing her father, Dr. Joseph Breitman, to retire. A Harvard-trained dentist and UNC Chapel Hill prosthodontist, Dr. Breitman also co-founded My Dental Key, a groundbreaking EdTech startup transforming dental education.

Wishing her continued success in this next chapter!

Mazal Tov to  Dr. Lois Cohen on receiving the 2025 ADEA Gies Award for Eminence in Achievement—a well-deserved recognition for her outstanding contributions to dental and global health education and leadership!  

Why should you support the tribute program?  The income from the tribute program is essential for funding smaller, yet impactful initiatives. Without this support, we wouldn’t be able to respond to the many requests we receive from chapters and partners across the United States and Israel. Every dollar from tributes directly supports these initiatives, empowering us to make a difference where it matters most.

Help make a difference today!

Over the past ten years, the Alpha Omega-Henry Schein Holocaust Survivors Oral Health Program has provided over $5 million in donated oral care across 23 North American cities, offering Holocaust survivors the ability to eat pain-free and smile with dignity.

The program fills a critical need for this underserved community.  Nearly one-third of survivors live in poverty.  Learn more about the program and our initiatives by subscribing to our newsletter. Click here.

Or, make a difference and volunteer today by contacting Bernice Edelstein at bernice.edelstein@aofus.org or call 240-876-3330.

On behalf of the Alpha Omega Foundation US, 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
March 2025.

General Fund

In Honor Of Marc Rothman

Platinum

In Honor of Izzy Perle

Platinum

In Honor of Laura Kolton

Silver

In Memory Of Muriel Simon -  Mother of Frater Fred Simon

Silver

Gold

Platinum

In Memory Of Ronald Wand

Platinum

In Memory Of Perry Brickman

Platinum

Celebrate a friends 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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