b'MEMBERSHIP MATTERSPerioProgressDid you know that the American Academy of Periodontology was founded by two women? Thanks to Dr. Gillette Hayden and Dr. Grace Roger Spalding, the Academy and all it stands for exists today. From the start, the Academy has stood as a beacon of inclusivity, and we are proud to have diverse leadership and membership. Our leaders and our members alike come from varied backgrounds, bringing their unique experiences, perspectives, and skillsets to the table. Together, we possess a variety of innovative mindsets that when united result in periodontal excellence.The Academys diverse leadership and membership is something that is fundamental to our success as an organization. Everyones voice is heard and respected, from residents to hygienists to assistants to office staff to periodontists. Embracing different perspectives allows us to foster creativity and empathy, which allows us to better understand and serve our diverse patient populations. We are all united by a shared passion for better understanding and improving oral health.In this theme, we wanted to look back at some of the 2023 Annual Meeting memories, where we witnessed collaboration, inclusivity, and mutual respect amongst our members and meeting attendees.30'