The AAO Voluntary Certification Program℠:
Taking the Lead for Orthodontic Assistant Specialty Recognition
Anyone who has ever been an orthodontic clinical assistant or worked with one knows the dedication and diligence that goes into the performance of their specialized patient care responsibilities. My congratulations then to the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) for realizing the significance of our assistants’ contribution to the orthodontic team by creating the Voluntary Certification Program through which these extraordinary individuals can achieve the Specialized Orthodontic Assistant® (SOA) designation.
Why is the certification so important?
- It reflects the AAO’s commitment to our orthodontic team members
- It provides an additional layer of credentials for team members who have made a clear commitment to their career in orthodontics
- It engenders trust from patients who see that their orthodontic treatment providers have taken extra measures to receive nationally recognized certification
- It provides orthodontic assistants with related benefits within the AAO
There’s just something about being certified that shows you really “know your stuff”!!
Additionally, all AAO orthodontists, in the true leadership spirit of the “Orthodontist as CEOTM, are asked to encourage the members of their team to set goals for achieving certification; review the requirements and establish reasonable timelines for completion. It’s a team building experience, not just within our individual practices, but inasmuch as the SOA certification creates a link among assistants throughout the entire orthodontic community; each and every assistant who achieves their SOA certification enhances the specialty of orthodontics for all of us.
The Specialized Orthodontic Assistant® credential was launched in late 2010 to provide official status for Orthodontic Staff that meet threshold standards. AAO members rank staff recruitment/retention and training as a major concern. AAO surveys have shown that over 60% of AAO member doctors believe that developing official status for staff would help them with recruitment/retention and training. As a specialized agency, the AAO Services, Inc. grants the AAO Voluntary Certification Program SM for orthodontic clinical assistants that represent a high level of achievement by demonstrating knowledge and proficiency.
Voluntary certification is a process of non-governmental review of work experience, leadership, professionalism, education and knowledge within the orthodontic assisting profession. Individuals who earn certification confirm their commitment to quality and continuous improvement through a rigorous and comprehensive review. The AAO Voluntary Certification ProgramSM is the hallmark of excellence in orthodontic clinical assisting.
What others are saying about the Specialized Orthodontic Assistant®:
Dr. David R. Musich – Schaumburg, IL
Dr. Busch and I are so proud of our clinical team for having taken the initiative to get their certification through the Specialized Orthodontic Assistant® certification program. When patients ask our assistants about their qualifications for clinical assisting, our team members can review their training, experience, and certification with complete confidence. By offering this program, the AAO has provided a real enhancement of the trust building process in our delivery of patient care.
Angela Hickman, SOA, 20 years of experience
I believe orthodontic assistants will value having the opportunity to achieve certification through the American Association of Orthodontists. It recognizes our specific training in the specialty of orthodontics. Although I was proud to get my certification by DANB, I felt that I had achieved a more elite level with my SOA.
Lisa Augustine, SOA, 8 years of experience
When I received my SOA, I felt that I had reached a new level of accomplishment in my career inorthodontics. I am confident and proud to know that I delivering patient care to the highest standard of training and professionalism.
Further information about this extraordinary new certification program can be found at www.AAOinfo.org
Prepared by Elizabeth M. Barrett