Blog

Register for the AAO’s Virtual COVID-19 Townhall on July 28, 2020

Posted: 07/22/20 9:41 PM

Join AAO President, Dr. Chris Roberts, for a virtual townhall event on Tuesday, July 28, 2020 at 7:00pm CT. Dr. Roberts will host a panel of four subject matter experts to address AAO member questions on COVID-19-related topics including human resources, federal and regulatory agency advocacy, infection control, and financial matters. This free event is only available to AAO members. Register now to hear dis...

State & Local Toolkit Provided to Constituents and Components for COVID-19 Response

Posted: 07/22/20 9:31 PM

As COVID-19 cases spike in parts of the U.S. and Canada, it is the decision of local level governments to mandate any business closures. In recognition of this and as part of our proactive effort to assist members during COVID-19-related closures, the AAO is equipping component and constituent leadership with a toolkit for advocating before governmental authorities in the event that business closures are considered...

Consumer Blog Offers Shareable Content for Your Practice

Posted: 07/22/20 9:26 PM

The AAO blog at our consumer website, aaoinfo.org, offers engaging information about orthodontic treatment that you may share on your social media pages or practice website. A recent post, “What Your Orthodontist Wants You to Know During This Time,” provides an overview of steps that practices are taking to keep patients safe during visits. Use this blog to educate patients on oral health, practice precaution...

HHS Provider Relief Expanded to Include Dentists Who Did Not Previously Qualify

Posted: 07/22/20 9:22 PM

On Friday, July 10, 2020, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) made an announcement pertaining to Enhanced Provider Relief Funds. Following AAO and ADA advocacy efforts, HHS announced on July 10, 2020 that the Enhanced Provider Relief Funds are available for dentists who may not have previously been eligible to receive funding through the Provider Relief Fund. More information ...

CDC Webinar on Guidance for Dental Settings

Posted: 06/2/20 1:35 PM

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) is hosting a Clinical Outreach and Communication Activity (COCA) call this Wednesday, June 3, 2020 at 1:00pm CT. During this call, CDC presenters will provide an overview of the updated guidance for dental settings, including recommendations for resuming non-emergency dental care during the COVID-19 pandemic. Presenters also will discuss strategies for dental healthcare faciliti...

In Memoriam: Dr. Alexander Samuels

Posted: 05/29/20 4:49 PM

I am saddened to inform the orthodontic community of the passing of my dad, Dr. Alexander Samuels, on May 21, 2020 of natural causes, peacefully, in his own apartment at the age of 93. My father practiced orthodontics for more than 60 years in Queens, New York. He loved his profession. He attended NYU as an undergraduate as well as NYU College of Dentistry’s accelerated program (due to WW2) and graduated in 1948...

New Suppliers for PPE

Posted: 05/22/20 1:47 PM

The AAO has been communicating with our industry suppliers in order to identify those best-positioned and willing to fulfill large orders from AAO members for PPE, especially masks, face shields, gowns and gloves, in a cost-efficient and time-efficient manner. New suppliers are being added weekly to the listing. The most recent additions have included AMP Medical PPE and Disinfection, ImageFIRST Healthcare...

Orthodontic Staff Appreciation Week

Posted: 05/22/20 1:41 PM

Have Fun and Recognize Your Valued Employees Remind your team members how important they and their work are to you and your patients by celebrating Orthodontic Staff Appreciation Week 2020 (June 1-5). The AAO provides celebration materials and ideas in an effort to help our members apply HR best practices. You may make use of prepared copy about Staff Appreciation Week, as well as downloadable and customizable We...

AAO President Interviewed by Fox Business

Posted: 05/20/20 2:52 PM

On Monday, AAO President Dr. Chris Roberts was quoted in an article from Fox Business entitled, “Some orthodontists fearful of coronavirus closures' 'detrimental' effects on patient progress.” An excerpt from Dr. Roberts is below: American Association of Orthodontists President Dr. Chris Roberts explained that orthodontics is often different from general dentistry because the treatment for the former “conti...

View Updates on PPE Suppliers

Posted: 05/18/20 4:33 PM

There are many complexities surrounding N95 masks and federally authorized KN95 masks, and the AAO is researching these on an ongoing basis. When preparing to purchase these masks, it may be helpful to first review OSHA’s guidance on occupational exposures. Additionally, the AAO COVID-19 Task Force has prepared a guide, “Interim Orthodontic PPE Summary Based on Current CDC and OSHA Guidelines.” N9...

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