During your orthodontic residency, you’re building knowledge and skills for the day when you will begin creating healthy, beautiful smiles as an orthodontist. While you’re on this journey, you can enhance your learning and preparation by becoming an International Student Member of the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) . . . and take advantage of a full range of valuable resources of benefit to you.
AAO International student membership offers a wide range of valuable benefits and services to orthodontic students and residents, all for a special reduced membership rate of just $20 per year. Here’s how you can enrich your knowledge and expand your horizons as an AAO International Student Member:
The AAO maintains the world’s largest dental specialty library. The library has journals and other reference materials available exclusively to AAO members. Most journal articles can be sent via email. A full time librarian stands ready to assist you in locating the materials you need when doing research, writing papers, or whenever you need a reference.
As an International Student Member, you can register for the AAO Annual Session free when utilizing AAO housing or $50 without AAO housing. The Annual Session is the world’s largest continuing education opportunity in orthodontics, with leaders in the specialty giving dozens of presentations on current research and trends. Network with orthodontists from around the world and participate in seminars and events for orthodontists who are new to practice. In addition, you can browse the Exhibit Hall and find a wealth of information and resources to support your future practice.
A one year distance learning program subscription, providing unlimited access to clinical and practice management e-lectures is free to AAO international student members. View more than 120 of the latest continuing education lectures, covering relevant clinical and practice management information from AAO conferences.
Stay up to date on news about orthodontics and advances in the specialty through AAO publications. Your International Student Membership entitles you to a free subscription to the American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics (AJO-DO), a $190 value. This monthly publication features current clinical knowledge and trends in orthodontics. The award winning member newsletter, The Bulletin, covers developments in the AAO and the specialty in general. NYMO (New and Younger Members Online) is the quarterly publication for students and members with eight or fewer years of practice. The AAO member Web site,also contains a wealth of information. And members also receive the eBulletin, a periodic e-newsletter.
Securing a practice opportunity will be top priority when you graduate. The AAO’s Practice Opportunities Service Online Job Bank, a free service, can help match you with orthodontists who are seeking associates or buyers for their practices. While currently limited to the U.S. and Canada, Practice Opportunities is growing more international.
As an AAO International Student Member, you will learn about the services the AAO offers to support orthodontists in their practice. These include a national consumer awareness campaign, ongoing public relations to educate consumers about the benefits of orthodontics, and educational tools for patients, prospective patients and dental professionals. The AAO has also developed a complete package of information on orthodontic treatment for consumers. View these resources on the AAO public Web site, www.braces.org. In addition, the AAO provides forms and materials to support practice management, many of which are now available for free to members online.
The AAO staff is ready to assist you at any time with your questions and requests. Just call us toll free at (800) 424-2841, email us at info@aaortho.org, or fax us at (314) 997-1745.
Founded in 1900, the AAO has 15,500 member orthodontists in the United States, Canada and 96 other countries. The AAO is dedicated to advancing the art and science of orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics, improving the health of the public by promoting quality orthodontic care, supporting excellence in the practice of orthodontics, and maintaining the highest ethical standards in orthodontic education and practice.
To be an international student member, a student shall meet the following requisites:
a. Education: Be accepted and/or enrolled as a full time student in an orthodontic program outside of the U.S. and Canada.
b. Membership: Be a student member in good standing of the World Federation of Orthodontists.
c. Sign a pledge to adhere to the Principles of Ethics of this Association (on application).
While you’re in school, tap into the knowledge, resources and networking opportunities available through the AAO. Find out why more orthodontists from all over the world make the AAO their professional partner in a strong practice. Explore the AAO today. It is $20 well spent for your orthodontic education and future career.
For more information and to apply for membership:
To download a membership application, click here. Or, contact Sherry Nappier in the AAO Membership Department, (800) 424-2841, ext. 518, or email to: snappier@aaortho.org
American Association of Orthodontists (AAO)
401 N. Lindbergh Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63141-7816
Phone: (314) 993-1700,
or (800) 424-2841
Fax: (314) 997-1745