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 a student member of the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO).
AAO 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 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.
As a student member, you can register for the AAO Annual Session for 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.
Stay up to date on news about orthodontics and advances in the specialty through AAO publications. Your student membership entitles you to a free subscription to the American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics (AJO-DO), a $105 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, www.AAOinfo.org, also contains a wealth of information. Members may also sign up to receive the eBulletin, a periodic e-newsletter.
AAO student members receive $100,000 in life insurance at no charge while in their graduate orthodontic program. In addition, student members can purchase health insurance and disability income insurance through the AAO.
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. The AAO Locum Tenens Service is another helpful resource. This database can help connect orthodontists who must take a short- or long-term leave of absence from practice with those who can provide temporary coverage.
As an AAO 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 on www.AAOinfo.org. And, the AAO conducts advocacy with national and state governments to help ensure an environment favorable to the practice of orthodontics.
The AAO staff is ready to assist you at any time with your questions and requests. Just call us at (314) 993-1700, contact us by email at info@aaortho.org, or reach us via fax at 314-997-1745.
Founded in 1900, the AAO has more than 17,000 member orthodontists in the United States, Canada and 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.
While you’re in school, tap into the knowledge, resources and networking opportunities available through the AAO. Find out why more than 9 out of 10 orthodontists make the AAO their professional partner in a strong practice. Explore the AAO today.
Click here for more information and to apply for membership...
Or, contact Sherry Nappier in the AAO Membership Department, 314-993-1700, ext. 518, or send an email to: snappier@aaortho.org
American Association of Orthodontists (AAO)
401 N. Lindbergh Blvd.
St. Louis, MO 63141-7816
Phone: 314-993-1700
Fax: 314-997-1745
www.MyLifeMySmile.org