Orthodontist Member Benefits

 
  • To apply for membership complete an AAO membership application.
    • 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:
    • Email: membership@aaortho.org
    • Fax: 314-997-1745
    • Mail: American Association of Orthodontists, 401 North Lindbergh Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63141-7816
 
For more information contact AAO Member Services at membership@aaortho.org or 800-424-2841 or 314-993-1700.
 
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
RESOURCES TO BUILD YOUR PRACTICE  
 
RESOURCES TO GROW YOUR PRACTICE
  • Practice Marketing Materials – customizable materials from AAO’s Consumer Awareness Program, AAO member logos and more
  • “Find an Orthodontist” Locator – complimentary listing of your personal/practice information via aaoinfo.org
  • AAO Career Center – online matching service to promote available openings for associateships, partnerships and more
  • Career Management Resources – information on hiring, practice transitions and more
  • Practice Transition Seminar – full-day program at each Annual Session
  • Orthodontic Career Fair – online each fall and in-person at each Annual Session to promote available practice opportunities
 
RESOURCES TO MANAGE YOUR PRACTICE
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.
 
RESOURCES TO MANAGE YOUR PRACTICE  
RESOURCES TO HELP YOU TRANSITION
  • AAO Career Center – online matching service to promote practice sales and identify available locum tenens opportunities
  • Career Management Resources – information on practice valuation, selling a practice and more
  • Practice Transition Seminar – full-day program at each Annual Session
  • Orthodontic Career Fair – online each fall and in-person at each Annual Session to promote available practice opportunities
ORTHODONTIC SPECIALTY ADVOCACY
  • Political Action Committee – services to influence the federal government on behalf of the interests of the orthodontic specialty and dental profession
  • Legislative Action Center – information on the latest legislative issues and AAO’s advocacy efforts
  • 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
  • Materials for Use and Customization – complimentary access to professionally-developed CAP materials
 
DONATED ORTHODONTIC SERVICES (DOS)
  • 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
  • AAO eBulletin – weekly email newsletter featuring orthodontics news, member accolades and more
  • AAO Member Website – full access at aaoinfo.org/members
  • AAO Member Directory – index of AAO members searchable by name, location and other criteria
  • AAO Mobile App – available for iOS and Android
  • AAO Social Media – member news and announcements posted regularly on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Instagram