Key Networking Opportunities Provided by the AOS
Networking plays an important role in dental career development. There’s so much to learn from colleagues in the field and experienced professionals who have already faced some of the challenges you’re facing now.
Professional networking for dentists allows you to grow your practice and drive your personal growth. Here are some of the key reasons why AOS membership is an exceptional dental networking opportunity.
Becoming a member of the American Orthodontic Society (AOS) unlocks an extensive range of networking opportunities. The AOS Annual Conference is one of the best reasons to consider AOS membership. Every year, the AOS hosts a multiday conference where you can meet and learn from some of the field’s talented leaders.
The annual meeting features a variety of sessions delivered by experts in orthodontics and practice management. Along with developing plenty of knowledge, you’ll gain continuing education credit hours for attending. You’ll also have plenty of time to get to know your colleagues throughout the receptions, dinners, and more.
AOS membership provides you with access to our vast membership directory. This valuable resource makes it easy to identify and reach out to other dentists. You can conduct this search based on your region or expertise in specific treatment areas. You’ll have the means to collaborate effectively whenever needed to support your growing practice and career.
You’ll also be able to access AOSConnect, our exclusive social media platform. Share insights and stories with like-minded dentists and build new connections. It’s easy to seek out advice on any challenges you’re facing, whether you are dealing with a difficult patient case or tackling the real-world implications of practice management.
Benefits of Networking Through the AOS
The AOS provides opportunities for quality networking in the field of dentistry. However, why exactly should you be seeking out those opportunities? While many dentists might think that their field is more solitary at first, networking is actually an essential element of a successful career.
For one, networking with other professionals in the field provides a wide range of learning opportunities. You’ll have exposure to a wider range of practice areas and specific cases, allowing you to learn from other dentists’ journeys. Collaboration with other professionals is another key benefit.
Your career as a dentist will progress through many different phases. Your pathway is also highly unique, with no clear guidelines for exactly how you’ll face the future. Networking exposes you to dentists in all stages of their careers and those who have taken various paths. Their mentorship will prove invaluable when facing unique challenges.
On the other hand, as you progress in your career, you may find yourself becoming a mentor. Other dentists will come to you seeking insights and advice, and working with them provides an incredibly fulfilling experience. Many AOS members continue in this role even after retirement from their practice, providing the next generation of dentists with the benefits of their experience and knowledge.
Additional Benefits of AOS Membership
Of course, networking isn’t the only reason to start your AOS membership. In fact, there are many additional benefits that make membership worthwhile. You’ll unlock access to perks that will support your ongoing education, your career development, and the everyday management of your practice.
The AOS is best known for the orthodontic continuing education courses we provide specifically for general and pediatric dentists. These ADA and AGD-recognized courses offer credit hours for licensing and instill practical knowledge and experience concerning orthodontic treatment. With your AOS membership, you’ll receive discounts on these courses.
You’ll also receive additional discounts through various AOS partnerships. We work with orthodontic supply companies to provide discounts for our members. You’ll benefit from lower costs for lab and orthodontic supplies, along with materials for patient education concerning orthodontic treatment.
The AOS supports its members with legal advice concerning insurance and contract obligations. These can vary when providing orthodontic treatment compared to general dentistry. You can proceed to offer orthodontic treatment through your practice while remaining confident that you’re doing everything by the book.
You’ll also receive a subscription to the Journal of the American Orthodontic Society. This exclusive journal highlights complex orthodontic cases and showcases insights and research from AOS members.
Join a thriving network alongside your colleagues.
The wide range of networking opportunities and other resources that come with AOS membership make it an excellent option for dentists in any stage of their careers. Whether you’re just starting out or well on your way, we’d be happy to have you as part of the American Orthodontic Society. Consider signing up and becoming a member today.
To learn more about our popular orthodontics courses for pediatric and general dentists, check out one of the upcoming events below.