Celebrating 118 Years of the Alpha Omega Legacy
Today, Alpha Omega has evolved into a global organization that fights antisemitism, supports dental schools and centers in Israel, and fosters a community that helps dental students and professionals ...
March 1, 2025
Volume 46
,
Issue 3
,
March 2025
The story of Alpha Omega International Dental Society began in the early 1900s, when Jewish dental students were barred from forming social groups. Unbeknownst to each other, students at two dental schools independently established their own organizations to combat discrimination and advocate for equal access to dental education. A year later, the groups discovered one another and merged to form the Alpha Omega Dental Fraternity. Today, Alpha Omega has evolved into a global organization that fights antisemitism, supports dental schools and centers in Israel, and fosters a community that helps dental students and professionals excel in their profession.
Promoting Social Good, Advocating for Dental Education
From its inception, Alpha Omega offered Jewish dental students mentorship, education, and professional advancement. By its 20th anniversary, the organization had grown to over 20 chapters with more than 1,500 alumni and over 500 student members. There was a national structure with officers and a constitution; alumni chapters were formed, and the organization was thriving. At the same time, the uncertainty of the Great Depression, the rise of Nazi Germany, and the plight of Jewish people around the world drove individuals to join Alpha Omega to find strength in unity, advocate for their shared values, and provide mutual support.
Request OMNICHROMA Flow sample today!
During World War II, more than 1,800 Alpha Omega members served in the armed forces, with 19 giving their lives in the fight for democracy. On the home front, members contributed by donating dental and medical supplies. This era marked a turning point for Alpha Omega as it began supporting the emerging Jewish state of Israel, laying the foundation for its transformation into a philanthropic organization.
Alpha Omega played an impactful role in establishing the Hadassah-Hebrew University School of Dental Medicine. This institution addressed Israel's urgent need for modern dental care as its population grew rapidly due to an influx of refugees. Albert Einstein praised the effort in a letter, noting the creation of the school would benefit not just Israel but the entire Middle East by fostering scientific advancements in dental care.
In the 1970s, Alpha Omega extended its support to the establishment of Tel Aviv University's Maurice and Gabriela Goldschleger School of Dental Medicine. When the school faced a financial crisis in 2012, an urgent international effort led by Alpha Omega, in collaboration with the American Friends of Tel Aviv University, Israeli dental professionals, and Henry Schein, raised nearly $3 million to rebuild and revitalize the school. The fundraiser's success was driven by a shared commitment to honor longtime Alpha Omega leaders and advocates for Tel Aviv University, Dr. Ralph Rothstein and Dr. Ben A. Williamowsky. Their legacies were cemented with the establishment of the Rothstein/Williamowsky Postgraduate Clinics, encompassing the Advanced Care Clinic and the Special Care Clinic. These initiatives not only preserved the dental school but also elevated Israel's global reputation in dental education. Through these efforts, Alpha Omega has played an instrumental role in training thousands of skilled dentists who now serve communities worldwide.
A Collective Voice on a Modern Mission to Connect
The events of October 7th, 2023, unleashed a wave of global antisemitism, but this time Alpha Omega was ready to respond. As the collective voice of Jewish dental professionals, Alpha Omega alumni and members united to confront antisemitism in schools, workplaces, and society. Alpha Omega alumni members reached out and helped one another navigate an uncertain social climate. They confronted schools and workplaces about their blatant disregard for the safety of Jewish students and held webinars and in-person seminars to help AO members fight for justice and equality in dental schools, dental centers, and professional practices.
For over a century, Alpha Omega has fostered a thriving network of oral health professionals by uniting individuals under shared values of education, advocacy, and community. The Society fosters community through local chapters and philanthropic initiatives, emphasizing the Jewish value of tikkun olam (repairing the world).
The Society's outreach extends to non-dental professionals, promoting interdisciplinary collaboration across healthcare fields. By joining AO, members become part of a movement that combats hate, uplifts communities, and advances the dental profession. Together, we can shape a brighter future for Jewish oral health professionals and the communities they serve. Learn how to become a member by visiting https://ao.org/membership/join-ao.
About the Author
Jamie Pirowskin
Executive Director, Alpha Omega International Dental Society
