Non-student applicants will be charged a $30 application fee.
First-time applicants must be members in good standing of the American Dental Association (ADA) if permanent residence is in the U.S.
Full-time orthodontic faculty may be eligible for a dues discount. Click here to access a faculty dues reduction form.
Members who retire from practice and have accumulated ten years of membership (excluding Student Membership) may be eligible for retired status. Retired members receive all the benefits of AAO membership at no cost or only $36 annually to receive the AJO-DO. Click here to access the retired status request form.
The membership period runs June 1 through May 31.
Send your completed application and requested materials to any of the following:
Attention recent or upcoming graduates: Please remember to provide your forwarding contact information to AAO Member Services at membership@aaortho.org or 800-424-2841. This is important to help us stay in contact with you after graduating from your orthodontic residency program.
RESOURCES TO LAUNCH YOUR CAREER
AAO Career Center – nationwide listings for available practice sales, partnerships, associateships and more
Orthodontic Career Path Resources – informational white paper, comparison tool and checklists designed to help you evaluate orthodontic practice modalities and career options
AAO-Endorsed Business Solutions – human resources management (via HR for Health), patient financing (via Lending Club), patient payment services (via TransFirst Health Services) and more
Business of Orthodontics Webinar Series – finance, legal and other business topics via complimentary live and recorded webinars
Attention retired or retiring orthodontists: Transition your membership status to “retired” to receive all the benefits of AAO membership for no cost or only $36 annually to receive the American Journal of Orthodontics & Dentofacial Orthopedics (AJO-DO). Retired members must have accumulated a minimum of ten years of membership with the AAO (excluding Student Membership). For assistance, contact AAO Member Services at membership@aaortho.org or 800-424-2841.
AAO-Endorsed Business Solutions – human resources management (via HR for Health), patient financing (via Lending Club), travelers insurance (via MedjetAssist) and more
Business of Orthodontics Webinar Series – finance, legal and other business topics via complimentary live and recorded webinars
American Journal of Orthodontics & Dentofacial Orthopedics (AJO-DO) – complimentary print subscription and online access, as well as low-cost online tests to earn CE
Political Action Committee – services to influence the federal government on behalf of the interests of the orthodontic specialty and dental profession
Component Legal Support Fund – financial support provided to component organizations to assist with state or province-level legal and legislative issues that impact orthodontic practice
Professional Advocacy Conference – annual meeting with legislators in Washington, DC (invitation only)
CONSUMER AWARENESS PROGRAM (CAP)
National Advertising and Public Relations Initiatives – promotion of the orthodontic specialty to grow the market for orthodontic services and educate the public about treatment provided by orthodontic specialists
AAO Consumer Website – information about orthodontics, orthodontic specialists, treatment options and other interactive features at aaoinfo.org
Access to Orthodontic Treatment – program for indigent children without insurance coverage or who do not qualify for other assistance in their state of residence
Volunteer Opportunities – online application to become as a DOS provider
State Programs – resources to establish DOS in states where the program does not currently have a presence
Program Donations – contributions accepted via one-time contributions, periodic pledges and Amazon.com purchases