ST. LOUIS—AAO Services, Inc., a subsidiary of the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO), announces the launch of the AAO Voluntary Certification ProgramSM (VCP) for orthodontic clinical assistants. Orthodontic assistants who meet requirements of the VCP will be recognized by the credential designation of Specialized Orthodontic AssistantSM (SOA).
Voluntary certification is a process of non-governmental review of work experience, leadership, professionalism, education and knowledge within the profession of orthodontic assisting. Individuals who earn the SOA credential confirm their commitment to quality and continuous improvement.
“Well-trained orthodontic team members are critical in the delivery of optimum care to the public we serve. The Voluntary Certification Program has been designed to advance the art and science of orthodontic clinical assisting by recognizing knowledge, skill and professional proficiency and development among orthodontic assistants,” said AAO President Lee W. Graber, D.D.S., M.S., M.S., Ph.D. “The Specialized Orthodontic Assistant credential will help enhance professionalism within the orthodontic assisting area, increase the value of orthodontic assistants to their employing doctors and contribute to the best possible orthodontic treatment for patients.”
The VCP was created in response to AAO members’ requests for assistance with staff training. In addition, the AAO has endorsed and adopted a variety of programs and services to enhance chairside assistants’ education, expertise and professionalism:
- Endorsement of the Academy of Orthodontic Assisting/Trapezio and International Training Institute orthodontic staff training programs;
- Establishment of the AAO Orthodontic Staff Club. Its member benefits include:
o Free distance learning; and
o A discount on the AAO Annual Session registration fee (the program features a comprehensive clinical and scientific program for orthodontic staff).
- Sponsorship of a staff competition at each AAO Annual Session.
For further information about the VCP, including eligibility requirements and access to the AAO Voluntary Certification ProgramSM Guidelines handbook, visit AAOinfo.org.
About the AAO
The AAO is a professional association of educationally qualified orthodontic specialists dedicated to ethically advancing the art and science of orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics and improving the health of the public by promoting quality orthodontic care.
Recognized by the American Dental Association, the AAO has 16,000 members in the United States, Canada and abroad. It is the oldest and largest dental specialty organization in the world.
Orthodontists are dentistry’s specialists in the correction of misaligned teeth and jaws. Orthodontists receive an additional two to three academic years of specialized education beyond dental school to acquire the complex skills required to manage tooth movement and guide facial development.
The AAO maintains a public Web site, www.braces.org, and an industry Web site,www.AAOinfo.org.