The American Association of Orthodontists Foundation - AAOF

10/02/2026

The AAO Foundation is excited to be in Monterey for WOCON. If you’re in town and haven’t had a chance to stop by to say hello yet, please do. We’d love to connect with you, share what we’re working on, and learn how we can support the orthodontic specialty together.

09/16/2026

Our deadline is getting close for grant funding for next year! Learn more and apply for funding today! https://www.aaofoundation.net/awards-program/about-the-aaof-awards-program

Help shape the future of orthodontics through research and innovation.

Applications for the 2027 AAO Foundation Awards Program are open, with funding opportunities supporting research and initiatives that advance the specialty.

Submit your proposal by October 16 at 5 PM CT.

https://bit.ly/4h6pXKP

08/01/2026

What a fun day hanging out with almost 500 future orthodontists at GORP in beautiful Ann Arbor, Michigan!

06/22/2026

Texas Orthodontists: A Child’s Smile Could Change Because of You. 🤠🦷

Right now, children in Dallas, Texas are living with serious orthodontic issues that affect their health, confidence, and quality of life, but many families simply can’t afford treatment.

Through the AAO Foundation’s Gifted Smiles program, volunteer orthodontists provide life-changing care to children in need at no cost to the family.

By volunteering, you can:
✅ Transform a child’s confidence and self-esteem
✅ Improve oral health and function
✅ Give back to your local community
✅ Make a lasting impact that extends far beyond a smile

If you're an orthodontist practicing in Texas, we invite you to join our network of Gifted Smiles providers and help ensure every child has access to the care they deserve.

💙 One patient. One smile. One life changed.

Learn more and sign up today on our website: aaofoundation.net/volunteer

06/11/2026

🦷✨ Michigan Orthodontists: Change a Life with a Smile

The AAO Foundation's Gifted Smiles program is seeking volunteer orthodontists in the Ann Arbor and Grand Rapids areas to provide orthodontic treatment for deserving children who otherwise would not have access to care.

A confident smile can open doors, boost self-esteem, and positively impact a child's future. By donating your expertise, you can make a lasting difference in the life of a young patient right in your community.

💙 Join a network of orthodontists committed to giving back.
📍 Immediate volunteer opportunities available in Ann Arbor and Grand Rapids.
🔗 Learn more and get involved: https://www.aaofoundation.net/charitable-giving/gifted-smiles

Together, we can transform lives; one smile at a time.

06/08/2026

The AAO Foundation is currently seeking patients in the Charlotte and Winston-Salem areas for the Gifted Smiles program.
For more information, please visit https://www.aaofoundation.net/charitable-giving/gifted-smiles

06/01/2026

Braces can do more than straighten teeth, they can build confidence for a lifetime. ✨

The AAO Foundation’s Gifted Smiles program connects qualifying children in Cook and DuPage County with orthodontic care provided by volunteer orthodontists.

If cost has been a barrier to treatment, your family may be eligible.

📍 Serving Cook & DuPage County families
📋 Applications now being accepted

Learn more about eligibility and how to apply today. https://www.aaofoundation.net/charitable-giving/gifted-smiles

05/28/2026

Thank you, MSO for your investment in the future of orthodontics!

At the recent Ad Interim meeting, the MSO Board received updates from AAO staff on current initiatives and a special report from the AAO Foundation. AAOF Vice President Brett Schott and AAOF President-Elect — and proud MSO member — Dr. James Klarsch joined the meeting to share progress on the For the Future campaign.

The For the Future campaign supports orthodontic faculty through scholarships that help supplement their salaries — sustaining the educators who train the next generation of orthodontists.

The MSO Board is proud to back this initiative with a formal pledge. MSO President Dr. Willett presented the first of three annual contributions at the meeting, joined by Dr. Klarsch and Brett Schott.

MSO's multi-year pledge: contribution 1 of 3 presented at the Ad Interim meeting

05/22/2026

Celebrate the staff that are the heart of your practice! 💙🩵

Ortho Staff Appreciation Day is June 3. 🎉

Celebrate the team members who keep your practice running strong with free AAO posters, social graphics, certificates, and more.

Use and tag the AAO in your celebrations.

Read more: https://bit.ly/4wJ0n5J

05/14/2026

We loved celebrating Dr. Williams and his commitment to our mission!

Our Trustee, Dr. Richard Williams, was awarded the AAO Foundation Eugene & Pauline Blair Distinguished Service Award for his outstanding contributions to advancing the mission and vision of the AAO Foundation. Congratulations on this award, Dr. Williams!