Attention applicants: To apply for AAO Student Membership, you must be enrolled or accepted in an ADA/CDA-accredited orthodontic program in the U.S. or Canada. You may also be eligible for Student Membership if you completed your orthodontic education and are enrolled in a postgraduate program at an ADA/CDA-accredited university or are engaged in formal fellowship training. In this case, please download the application and return it by email, fax or mail with a letter from your program verifying your enrollment in the program and your expected date of completion.
To apply for Student Membership complete an online application. A PDF application is also available; however, the online application is preferred.
Student applications are processed upon receipt and applicants will be charged $30 for the first year’s dues.
First-time applicants must be members in good standing of the American Dental Association (ADA). You will need your ADA number to complete your AAO application.
If you are NOT a permanent U.S. resident, please download the application and return by email, fax or mail.
The membership period runs June 1 through May 31.
Student Members will automatically receive $100,000 of term life insurance, paid by AAO (U.S. residents only).
AAO Student Members are eligible to continue their Student Memberships through May 31 of the year following their orthodontic residency program graduation.
Note: Members who maintain their Student Membership after completing their orthodontic program will transition to either first-year Active Member (August-December graduates) or second-year Active Member (January-July graduates) once Student Membership eligibility expires.
Following your transition to Active Member status, your member dues and assessments are discounted in each of the first four years after completing your orthodontic program:
90% discount during the first year after completing your orthodontic program
75% discount during the second year
50% discount during the third year
25% discount during the fourth year
For more information contact AAO Member Services at membership@aaortho.org or 800-424-2841.
Orthodontic Career Path Resources – informational white paper, comparison tool and checklists designed to help you evaluate orthodontic practice modalities and career options
Clinical Practice Guidelines – assistance with practitioner and patient decisions about appropriate health care for specific clinical circumstances
Ethics Resources – resources to maintain the highest standard of professional conduct
Online Learning Program – complimentary subscription to 400+ archived presentations via Online Lectures, as well as low-cost live webinars, on clinical and practice management topics
AAO Annual Session – complimentary registration when meeting the early deadline
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 www.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