Bylaws, Articles I to IV

(For other Articles, see: Contents of the Bylaws)

Approved September 20, 2004

ARTICLE I -- NAME AND TERRITORIAL JURISDICTION

The name of this organization shall be the California Association of Orthodontists, hereinafter referred to as "the Association" or "this Association".

This Association is recognized as a component of the Pacific Coast Society of Orthodontists, hereinafter referred to as "the Constituent," which is recognized as a constituent organization of the American Association of Orthodontists, hereinafter referred to as "the AAO."

The territorial jurisdiction of this Association shall be comprised of members practicing in the State of California.

ARTICLE II – PURPOSE

The purpose of this Association, consistent with the purposes of the American Association of Orthodontists, shall be:

To provide its members with the tools to achieve success in the advancement of the art and science of orthodontics, the support of orthodontic research and education, and striving for excellence in the practice of orthodontics.

ARTICLE III - CORE VALUES

The Core Values of this organization shall be:

A. Supporting the provision of high quality, ethical orthodontic care
B. Making orthodontic care accessible
C. Enhancing members’ ability to have successful practices
D. Effecting two-way, on-going communication with members

ARTICLE IV -- MEMBERSHIP

A. CLASSIFICATION:

The members of this Association shall be classified as follows:

B. ELIGIBILITY:

1. The members of this Association shall be members in good standing of the AAO and the PCSO.

2. The membership of this Association shall be comprised of orthodontists with their principal location of professional activities in the territorial jurisdiction of this Association. The eligibility requirements for active, affiliate, associate, academic and retired members shall be those as specified in the Bylaws of the American Association of Orthodontists for the respective categories of membership.

3. Honorary Member: To be an honorary member of this Association an individual shall have made outstanding contributions to the advancement of the art and science of orthodontics and shall be nominated by the Board of Directors.

A member who becomes an honorary member may retain all of the privileges of prior membership status.

4. Non-Resident:

A non-resident of this Association's territorial jurisdiction may become a non-resident member of this Association, on the following conditions:

C. PRIVILEGES:

1. Except as set forth elsewhere in these Bylaws and policy statements of this Association, all members shall be entitled to all services and privileges as may be provided by this Association to the applicable classifications of membership.

2. Only active and affiliate members in good standing shall be eligible to seek or hold office or other elective or appointive position in this Association, or to vote or otherwise participate in the selection of Association officials or the establishment of Association policies.

D. DUES AND ASSESSMENTS:

1. Payment:

All dues, application fees, and assessments shall be payable in U.S. currency. Canadian members, however, may remit payment in Canadian currency. All dues shall be due and payable on August 1 of each year. Members failing to pay their annual dues and assessments shall forfeit their membership as provided in these Bylaws.

2. The annual dues and assessments for members of this Association shall be as recommended by the Budget and Finance Committee to the Board of Directors and shall be approved by a three-fourths (3/4) vote of the Board of Directors.

3. Waiver: A member who has suffered severe financial hardship due to catastrophe or illness and has been approved by the Board of Directors may be exempt from payment of the current year's dues.

4. Non-Payment of Dues and/or Assessments:

On November 1 of each year, the Secretary-Treasurer of this Association shall cause to be terminated the membership of those individuals whose dues and/or assessments for the current year have not been received.

Provided that such action is taken within three (3) years of the date of termination, an individual whose membership has been terminated in accordance with this section may gain reinstatement by paying all back dues and assessments, as well as all current dues and assessments.

E. APPLICATION, ELECTION TO MEMBERSHIP AND RE-APPLICATION:

1. Application:

Application for all classes of membership shall be made on the form prescribed by the American Association of Orthodontists. In considering applications, this Association shall follow the application and appeal procedures adopted by the American Association of Orthodontists and the Pacific Coast Society of Orthodontists.

2. Nondiscrimination:

Nothing contained in the Bylaws of this Association shall operate against eligibility for membership in this Association on the grounds of color, religion, race, gender, age, national origin, political affiliation, or physical disability.

3. Re-application:

Any applicant for membership whose application is denied may reapply one year following the date on which said rejection becomes final. Should this second application be denied, said applicant may file a final re-application two years after the date on which the rejection of the second application becomes final. Each such re-application shall be considered as an initial application.

4. Denial of Membership:

Nothing herein contained shall prevent this Association from denying membership in any classification, in its discretion to any person who would not, through his/her membership, contribute to the general welfare of the public, good of the profession, or to the reputation of this Association.

5. Reclassification:

The Association reserves the right to reclassify members as a result of any change in the status or type of the practice of such a member.

Next: Bylaws Articles V to VII

Also see: Bylaws: Table of Contents