Why join the AOS?

Dental organizations are one of the best ways dentists can remain connected to the most updated information in the field of dentistry. Depending on your area of expertise, you may be a member of numerous professional groups. If you are a general dentist or pediatric dentist trying to advance your career by incorporating orthodontics, there is no better group than the American Orthodontic Society (AOS). A membership at AOS provides continuing education, both online and in-person to help you transform your practice into a more patient-centered and diverse office. 

After dental school and residency, it can be a challenge to get the support needed to stay informed of the most recent developments in dentistry. You are no longer introduced to new materials, new research, and new technology. A professional organization like the AOS offers dentists and pediatric dentists the opportunity to partner with other colleagues that are looking for an edge in their practice by offering orthodontics. 

Instead of simply taking a weekend course, the AOS provides ongoing support and programs that are invested into your career. Whether you are looking to offer orthodontics as a service or shift your career toward orthodontics, the AOS helps equip you with the tools needed. 

Benefits of the AOS

• Networking—you know that “unity” feeling when you attend a local or national dental meeting? The AOS is here to provide long-term support with colleagues that have the same passion for continuing education, orthodontics, and patient care. A major benefit of becoming a member is taking an online orthodontic course that connects you to other professionals also looking to add orthodontics as a service. It provides you with a group for sharing orthodontics cases, troubleshooting challenging treatment plans, and most importantly, a comprehensive resource. 

• Legal advice—wondering how you can legally incorporate orthodontics into your practice? The AOS provides the information and support needed to limit the struggle and stress of transforming your practice. To have a group guide you legally and in business is invaluable.

• Continuing education—dentists are required to maintain a certain number of continuing education credits depending on your individual state. Why not take an orthodontic continuing education course that is stimulating educationally, but also practical to your general or pediatric dental practice? Being able to actually offer a new service by taking an online orthodontic course can create a new energy in your practice while also increasing productivity and revenue. 

• Service and supply assistance—being a member of the AOS gives you the unique opportunity to find services like laboratories and orthodontic supplies at reduced prices. You can find special promotions to help save your practice money while still investing in patient care.

AOS Offers Tiered Membership Levels

Depending on your area of practice, the AOS offers various types of membership. 

• Doctor membership—joining gives you the benefit of access to professional journals and literature, networking opportunities, discounts on continuing education courses and supplies, and access to the annual meeting.
• Student membership—dental students and residents interested in orthodontics can benefit from membership at a fraction of the cost of the doctor membership. Get access to the Journal of the American Orthodontic Society to keep up with the latest trends and advances in orthodontic treatment.
• Auxiliary membership—an auxiliary membership is a wonderful way to connect members with orthodontic assisting coursework. At a low cost, they can benefit from the training and educational opportunities available. 
• Retired membership—keep up with the AOS when you retire, but maintain the same benefits with a retired tier membership. 

How the AOS Can Change Your Career Path

General dentists and pediatric dentists recognize malocclusions daily but are not able to treat them. It isn’t because they are not capable, but they simply have not received the education and training to diagnose and treat orthodontic cases. Since a major portion of general dentistry and pediatric dentistry involves orthodontics, why not invest in yourself and your patients by taking continuing education courses with the AOS to reinvent your practice? 

Membership is not about paying dues, but how you utilize your benefits. The AOS focuses its coursework and training on helping dentists and pediatric specialists incorporate orthodontics to transform your professional career. An online orthodontic course can be the first step in expanding your orthodontic knowledge and the AOS will guide you the entire journey.