North Carolina Dental Board Adopts AAO-Proposed Policy Wording for Specialty AdvertisingThe North Carolina Board of Dental Examiners recently adopted amendments to the state’s dental…Read More AAO Renews Member Subscription Discount for Seminars in Orthodontics for 2019-20 The AAO and Elsevier Publishing have collaborated to once again offer AAO members a discounted subscription rate for Seminars in Orthodontics. 2020 Annual Session Lectures Will Start Friday, May 1 at 1 PM When checking flights to Atlanta for the 2020 Annual Session, be sure to make note of the new lecture schedule being tested at this meeting. How to Save on 2020 Annual Session Registration The educational programs and entertainment available at the 2020 Annual Session in Atlanta, Georgia will provide enormous value . Increase the value of your meeting experience by taking advantage of savings opportunities. Start-Up Companies’ Solutions to Be Highlighted at 2020 Annual Session Discover emerging solutions to orthodontic challenges at The Exchange, debuting in the 2020 Annual Session Exhibit Hall. Meet the developers of cutting-edge products and innovative services. AAO Has Arranged Lower-Cost Hotel Options for Younger Members Key Solutions for Building Profitability – Sherman and Balhoff Orthodontics Orthodontic practices may use a variety of tools and assessments to address the question of whether they are consistently reaching their full potential for profitability. Key Solutions for Building Profitability – Webb Orthodontics Orthodontic practices may use a variety of tools and assessments to address the question of whether they are consistently reaching their full potential for profitability. AAO Addresses SmileDirectClub in Arizona The Arizona State Board of Dental Examiners invited the AAO to address aligner treatment and the taking of digital scans for the purpose of having a dentist or an orthodontist approve an orthodontic treatment plan. 2020 Annual Session Will Be Adjacent to World-Class Dining and Entertainment in Atlanta’s Centennial Park Featuring many amenities, the beautiful, 22-acre Centennial Park is one block from the Georgia World Congress Center, site of the 2020 AAO Annual Session. Big & Rich to Headline 2020 Annual Session Opening Ceremonies Join us for a high-energy Annual Session kick-off with country music sensation Big & Rich during Opening Ceremonies on Friday evening, May 1 - one of many exciting events at the 2020 Annual Session. 2020 Annual Session Will Offer Diverse Scientific and Clinical Learning Options Covering many high-interest topics, lecture series planned for the 2020 Annual Session will feature renowned lecturers and emerging stars, including dozens of speakers from outside North America. AAO Updates Informed Consent Form The updated AAO form, “Informed Consent for the Orthodontic Patient” is available in print or for download and now includes a section on transferring to another orthodontist during treatment. AAO Endorses Student Loan Refinancing/Consolidation Discount Program for Members The AAO is now endorsing an improved member benefit. SoFi (Social Finance, Inc.) will now provide even greater savings to members who qualify for consolidation and re-financing of their student loans. Don’t Miss the Flavia Artese Lecture at the 2020 Winter Conference Dr. Flavia Artese will present “Open Bite: Are We Treating the Right Causes?” at the 2020 Winter Conference, February 7 – 9 at the J.W. Marriott - Austin in Austin, Texas. AAO Career Center Can Now Help with Staff Recruitment With the goal of helping members find candidates for team positions with greater ease and cost efficiency, the AAO online Career Center now includes an option for posting orthodontic staff openings. AAO Takes a Stand Against Bullying this October The AAO is observing National Orthodontic Health Month in October, which is also National Bullying Prevention Month, by teaming up with an anti-bullying organization. Please join us in helping to raise awareness of the effects of bullying. Experienced Orthodontists: Join the AAO Mentoring Program We are seeking talented and experienced orthodontists like you to participate in the AAO Mentoring Program. Our online interface has resources to connect you with the right person and guide your mentoring relationship. Residents and Young Orthodontists: Join the AAO Mentoring Program Join the AAO Mentoring Program for an opportunity to learn from a more experienced colleague. Our online interface will help you find the right mentor and guide your mentoring relationship. 2019 Risk Management DVD Addresses Ways to Reduce Malpractice Exposure Learn how to minimize your exposure to malpractice claims and receive a premium discount from your AAO Insurance Company policy by completing the 2019 Risk Management Program, available on DVD or flash drive. Economics of Orthodontics Survey Results Highlight Specialty Trends Member responses to the 2019 AAO Economics of Orthodontics survey, providing data from 2018, show the average number of new patient exams was the highest on record. Adult patients also reached record high numbers. Student Members Who Have Completed Residency Programs May Be Listed on “Find an Orthodontist” Student members who have successfully completed orthodontic residencies can now be listed in “Find an Orthodontist” searches at aaoinfo.org. Important Update from AAO President Gary Inman At the AAO, we have long held the position that orthodontic treatment is a complex medical process and that it is in the best, and safest, interest of the public to have that treatment conducted under the direct and ongoing supervision of a licensed orthodontist. AAO Supports California Legislation Involving Teledentistry The AAO provided input on a teledentistry bill in California, so as to protect patient health and safety. The bill, AB 1519, has now been introduced in the California State Assembly, including amendments provided by the AAO. AAO Members Now Have Cybersecurity Discount Options The AAO has formed an exclusive endorsement agreement with Black Talon Security, LLC. AAO member practices can take advantage of discounted pricing for Black Talon’s cybersecurity services. American Association of Orthodontists’ Current Teledentistry Parameters When it comes to teledentistry, the AAO supports increased access to dental care provided it is in the best interest of patients’ health and safety and complies with a state’s other dental laws. American Board of Orthodontics Reports Success with New Clinical Examination Format The American Board of Orthodontics' first Scenario-Based Oral Clinical Examination received many positive reviews from examinees. SmileDirectClub Surpasses 1,000 “Customer Complaints” on Better Business Bureau’s Website American Association of Orthodontists discusses patient health and safety information regarding direct-to-consumer orthodontics. AAO Spurs Wins in Specialty Advertising Legislation The AAO's efforts in regard to specialty advertising in particular have taken a wide-ranging approach, as we strive to protect the health and safety of orthodontic patients, both current and prospective. 2020 Winter Conference Registration Is Open Plan to join your colleagues for an in-depth examination of the challenges of treating openbite patients during the 2020 Winter Conference, February 7 – 9 in Austin, Texas. Members: Plan to Attend the AAO Dessert Reception at the ADA Meeting If you are attending the 2019 American Dental Association Annual Session (September 5-9 in San Francisco), you and your guest are cordially invited to attend the annual AAO Dessert Reception. AAO Announces First Supplier of the Year Award Recipients The AAO congratulates the recipients of its first “Supplier of the Year” awards: American Orthodontics (Gold Sponsor Award), 3M Oral Care (Silver Sponsor Award) and Allure Ortho (Bronze Sponsor Award). AAO Collaboration with Gaidge Continues with Quarterly Data Highlights To provide timely updates to members concerning practice management trends, the AAO has renewed its collaboration with business analytics provider, Gaidge. AAO Welcomes GORP Attendees to St. Louis Attendees at the 31st Annual Graduate Orthodontic Residents Program (GORP) will enjoy a variety of clinical and scientific lectures, social activities and sight-seeing as well as the opportunity to visit the AAO headquarters. AAO Political Action Committee Represented at Legislators’ Fund-Raising Events Representatives of Arnold & Porter, the AAO’s legislative counsel, attended recent fund-raising events on behalf the AAO Political Action Committee, networking and asking questions to highlight AAO legislative priorities. Member Takes Leadership Role with National Dental Practice-Based Research Network Dr. Veerasathpurush “Sath” Allareddy has been named National Director of Specialty Engagement by the National Dental Practice-Based Research Network (PBRN). Apply for Assistance or Contribute to Help Colleagues: Access the AAO Disaster Relief Fund Online Members whose practices have been impacted by natural disasters may apply for assistance from the AAO Disaster Relief Fund. The fund is supported by budgetary allocations and donations. 2020 Winter Conference to Address Treatment of Openbite Cases Join your colleagues for a deep dive into treatment of openbite cases during the 2020 Winter Conference, February 7 – 9 in downtown Austin, Texas. Member Gives Congressional Testimony on Student Loan Debt Issue Dr. Lauren Wiese represented the AAO in testimony to a Congressional committee on the causes of rapid growth in student loan debt and high debt levels among young health professionals. Access Archived 2018-19 Business of Orthodontics Webinars at No Cost Free archived Business of Orthodontics lectures and low-cost archived lectures for doctors and orthodontic staff address topics of high interest to many in the specialty. Membership Requirements to Change for International Members An international member now must have completed an accredited U.S. or Canadian orthodontic program OR must maintain membership in the World Federation of Orthodontists on an ongoing basis. House of Delegates Acts on Resolutions of Interest to Members and the Specialty The 2019 AAO House of Delegates acted on numerous items. View a highlights summary and access the complete Actions Taken Chart. AAO House of Delegates Updates Medically Necessary Orthodontic Care Definition, Auto-Qualifiers During the 2019 House of Delegates meeting, the HOD adopted an updated AAO definition of Medically Necessary Orthodontic Care . AAO Year-in-Review: 2018-2019 Within the AAO, leaders and other volunteers have continued working closely with our staff to provide benefits, programs and services that have value for you as a practicing orthodontist. Online Payment Offers a Fast and Easy Alternative for 2019-20 Dues Renewal Online payment offers a convenient way to renew your AAO membership. Advocacy: How Your Membership Matters The AAO goes to bat for our members in countless ways. For example, just this past year, we have been involved in the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico on issues regarding dental specialty advertising and teledentistry. 2020 Annual Session in Atlanta to Feature New Friday-Monday Schedule With a new schedule for lectures and selected events and a host city designated as a National Geographic "Place of a Lifetime," the 2020 Annual Session is a meeting that you won't want to miss. 10 Reasons to Renew Your AAO Membership By being an AAO member, you can play a part in presenting a unified voice that advocates for the profession and preserves the orthodontic specialty. AAO Voices Support for Ohio Dental Board Amendments In October of 2018, the Ohio State Dental Board referred amendments to its “Dental Specialties Recognition and Advertising Rules” to the Ohio Common Sense Initiative Office (CSI). Dr. Brandon Owen Receives the First AAO Ortho Innovator Award Dr. Brandon Owen, developer of a custom digital bracket system, received the 2019 AAO Ortho Innovator Award during the recent Annual Session in Los Angeles. Federal Court Dismisses a Majority of SmileDirectClub’s Claims, and Finds that SmileDirectClub’s Digital Scans Constitute the “Practice of Dentistry” On May 8, 2019, the Court entered an Order dismissing a majority of SmileDirectClub's claims in the lawsuit. The Court dismissed all of the claims against the Board as an entity, as well as any claims against the Board's individual members seeking monetary damages. 2019 Annual Session: Options and Discounts for Ground Transportation Upon arrival in Los Angeles for the 2019 Annual Session, you will have a variety of options for transportation to your hotel and the Los Angeles Convention Center. Use the AAO Member App to Manage Your Annual Session Schedule and Continuing Education Credits Use the member app to personalize your Annual Session schedule and manage CE credits., or access the CE Manager via this website. Certificates of Attendance will be available at the Convention Center. AAO Works to Defeat Washington State Measure Permitting Hygienists to Perform Orthodontic Procedures under General Supervision AAO Secures Veto of Problematic Teledentistry Bill We are pleased to share an important update out of the State of New Mexico, thanks to the quick work of AAO staff and members. 2019 Annual Session Risk Management Seminar Offers Two-Year Premium Reduction Credit Sponsored by the AAO and the AAOIC, Annual Session risk management seminars are open to all attendees. Seminars are free with no ticket required. Parents with Young Children Will Have a Private “Getaway” Space at the 2019 Annual Session Parents of infants and young children will have a new amenity starting at the 2019 Annual Session, as the AAO introduces a “Mothers and Family Room” at the Los Angeles Convention Center. Legendary Director Ron Howard Headlines Excellence in Orthodontics Awards Ceremony Plan to attend the 2019 Excellence in Orthodontics Awards Ceremony featuring Ron Howard as the keynote speaker, Sunday, May 5, at 12 pm at the JW Marriott in Los Angeles. Federal Court Throws Out Over Half of SmileDirectClub’s Counts Against the Alabama Dental Board The AAO's involvement as an amicus party, in the interests of the health, safety, and well-being of patients seeking orthodontic care, did not go unnoticed by the Court, which specifically referenced the American Association of Orthodontists in its Memorandum Opinion. Live from the AAO in LA – May 4 and 5 Four half-day lecture series of the 2019 Annual Session will be available via a livestream. The Sleep Apnea and Evidence/Advances series and the two different Pre-adolescent Treatment series will be included. Updates for 2019 Annual Session Registrants From free business portraits to the new FRED Talks (Free, Relevant Exhibitor Driven lectures), find out about opportunities and new options at the 2019 Annual Session.
