b'As one who has always wanted to help others and with an interest in health sciences, pursuing a career in the health professions was always a goal of mine.institution are significant.There is no better gratificationWith decades of experience and perspective, Dr. Okano is than to observe the gain in confidence in periodonticsnow in a position to use his vast knowledge of the specialty a novice dental student achieves through dental school.to benefit the entire periodontal profession. My role as a Seeing how periodontics becomes incorporated into avolunteer with the AAP can have a much broader influence developing practice philosophy is why educators arefor our periodontal specialty. Decisions made at the AAP committed to dental education. level affect our specialty and the members we serve. The sphere of influence as an AAP volunteer is considerably As a volunteer for the Academy, specifically as chair of thelarger than at my dental school, but there are similarities as Task Force to Evaluate Predoctoral Periodontal Education,well. In each environment, you are charged with decisions Dr. Okano had the chance to gain a different perspectivethat impact others. Much thought must be given to decision on the predoctoral curriculum. There have been rumblingsmaking and both institutions do not lend themselves to snap about how the recent dental graduate has such littlejudgements most of the time. Careful consideration and understanding of periodontics, and who is teachingcritical thinking are musts for both. The challenges for both periodontics to predoctoral dental students. My fondestrelate to being sure you are making good decisions that will memory was producing data that revealed that periodontistsimpact many. Standing your ground in the face of pressures are in fact teaching periodontics to predoctoral dentalthat are placed upon you in both the academic institution and students. Not only are periodontists teaching periodontics,the AAP are challenges. However, as the saying goes, Where but they are actively involved in curriculum committees.there are challenges, there are opportunities. I enjoy creating What was particularly revealing was the fact that predoctoralopportunities that make us all better.periodontal directors are very qualified with an average of 16 years of experience. When asked about his passions outside of periodontology and the Academy, Dr. Okano didnt hesitate to think of his family. My true passions are my two children. Unfortunately, we experienced a divorce when they were 18 and 11 years of age. I became the primary parent in their lives afterwards, but this was a blessing. I am very proud of them as Brandon is now an attorney in Long Island New York and Lauren is using her PhD in public health working for the State of Washington. I very much enjoy time spent with them.For me personally, as the son of a nurseryman, I enjoy working in the garden. Growing vegetables is especially of interest. There is nothing like growing and enjoying your own garden vegetables!After all these years, and a journey that has taken him across the country and globe in his work with the Academy, Dr. Okanos heart still remains in his home state. Growing up in Wyoming, I have an appreciation for outdoor activities. Hiking and fishing in the Rocky Mountains are particularly enjoyable.I very much appreciate the wide-open spaces of Wyoming and Utah and any opportunity to get outdoors is a chance to live my motto of work hard, play harder. AAP Periospectives| 9'