5 things to know about the American Association of Orthodontists
Fifth installment of Specialty Spotlight
Editor’s note: This is the fifth installment in a 13-part ADA News series profiling the National Commission and each of the 12 recognized specialty sponsoring organizations. Here are five facts you may not know about the American Association of Orthodontists from its president, John Callahan, D.D.S.
- The American Association of Orthodontists is the world’s oldest and largest dental specialty organization, representing over 19,000 orthodontists in the United States, Canada and abroad. Founded in 1900, the AAO is dedicated to promoting the highest standards of orthodontic care and education.
- The AAO actively advocates for the orthodontic profession, working at state and federal levels to protect orthodontists’ interests and patient rights. Through its advocacy, the AAO addresses issues such as patient health and safety, access to care and regulations affecting the orthodontic profession.
- The AAO is committed to educating the public on the benefits of orthodontic care provided by specialists through its Consumer Awareness Program. The only mass advertising campaign promoting orthodontists as specialists, this program encourages treatment by qualified professionals who specialize in orthodontics to ensure the highest quality of care.
- The AAO provides members with independent and objective learning resources and opportunities for professional growth. Notable programs like the Wharton-AAO Mastering the Business of Orthodontics program and the Simon Sinek + AAO Inspiring Leadership Program are designed to support members in achieving excellence in practice and leadership.
- The AAO provides clinical guidelines and evidence-based best practices to help orthodontists stay current in caring for patients. Through research collaborations and resources, the AAO ensures members have access to the latest scientifi c advancements to enhance their practice. For more information on the AAO, visit https://aaoinfo.org.
