The American Association of Orthodontists Foundation - AAOF

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!

05/13/2026

The American Association of Orthodontists Foundation (AAO Foundation) is pleased to announce Dr. James Klarsch as the new President of the Board of Directors. A respected leader in orthodontics and longtime supporter of education and research, Dr. Klarsch brings decades of clinical, academic, and volunteer experience to the role.

Dr. Klarsch has served the orthodontic profession in numerous leadership capacities at the local, regional, and national levels, including service on the American Association of Orthodontists Council on Communications and the AAO Foundation Board. He is a board-certified orthodontist, Clinical Professor at Saint Louis University’s Department of Orthodontics, and a member of the craniofacial-cleft palate team at Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital.

As Board President, Dr. Klarsch will help guide the Foundation’s mission to advance the specialty through support of orthodontic education and research. His passion for mentorship, innovation, and service reflects the AAO Foundation’s ongoing commitment to strengthening the future of orthodontics.

05/10/2026

Welcome, Dr. Durbin! Looking forward to working together with you!

The AAO welcomes Dr. Michael Durbin as 2026–27 President!

A longtime leader within the organization, Dr. Durbin has helped guide initiatives involving advocacy, interoperability, leadership development, and practice support.

Read more: https://bit.ly/4ew84FJ

05/02/2026

Day 2 at AAO Annual Session has us all hyped up! We loved meeting so many new friends!

05/02/2026

What a fantastic day we had on day 2 of AAO Annual Session!