Gen. Colin L. Powell speaks about leadership to AAOMS meeting attendees during his keynote address on Oct. 10, 2018. (Photo: AAOMS)

Gen. Colin Powell delivers keynote at 2018 AAOMS meeting

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By Fred Michmershuizen / DTA
October 11, 2018

CHICAGO, Ill., USA: Gen. Colin L. Powell delivered the keynote address to a standing-room-only audience Oct. 10 at the 100th meeting of the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons.

The theme of Powell’s speech was “Leadership: Taking Charge,” but the former secretary of state and chairman of the joint chiefs of staff also commented on the current political climate.

Powell called for universal health care, better educational opportunities and more compassion for immigrants. He also offered humorous anecdotes of growing up in the Bronx, his early jobs mopping floors and working in a toy store, and dealing with Ronald Reagan, Vladimir Putin and many others.

At the conclusion of the talk, AAOMS President Brett L. Ferguson facilitated several questions for Powell from the audience.

Jennifer Horwath, left, and Kyle Hansen demonstrate the new Planmeca Viso imaging system, making its debut at AAOMS 2018. (Photo by Fred Michmershuizen/Dental Tribune USA)

Dan Krashin of Brasseler USA. (Photo by Fred Michmershuizen/Dental Tribune USA)

Kristen Hayes of Designs for Vision. (Photo by Fred Michmershuizen/Dental Tribune USA)

There is plenty to see at Keystone Dental. (Photo by Fred Michmershuizen/Dental Tribune USA)

Alex Miller, left, and James Scyoc of Meisinger USA. (Photo by Fred Michmershuizen/Dental Tribune USA)

Emiko Ota, left, and Yukari Aritake of Osada. (Photo by Fred Michmershuizen/Dental Tribune USA)

Michael Civitello of Royal Dental Group & Porter Instrument Co., supplier of nitrous systems. (Photo by Fred Michmershuizen/Dental Tribune USA)

The reps at Salvin stand ready to help meeting attendees with information about their wide selection of products. (Photo by Fred Michmershuizen/Dental Tribune USA)

Matthew Kantor of Dental Ratio at the Henry Schein booth. (Photo by Fred Michmershuizen/Dental Tribune USA)

The AAOMS timeline is one of many displays on the exhibit hall floor to help commemorate the association’s 100-year milestone.

John Adcock of Treloar & Heisel. (Photo by Fred Michmershuizen/Dental Tribune USA)

Meeting attendees visit the AAOMS exhibit hall. (Photo by Fred Michmershuizen/Dental Tribune USA)