By Jill Allen | Hey Docs! Podcast with Adam Braundmeier, American Association of Orthodontists
🎧 Listen to the Full Episode
Spotify | Apple Podcast | YouTube
Most orthodontists know the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) as a source of education, meetings, and professional resources. What many do not see is the extensive work happening behind the scenes to protect the specialty, advocate for patient safety, and help orthodontists navigate an increasingly complex healthcare landscape.
In this episode of the Hey Docs! podcast, Jill Allen sits down with Adam Braundmeier, General Counsel for the American Association of Orthodontists, to discuss the organization's advocacy efforts, member resources, and some of the most pressing issues facing orthodontics today.
From teledentistry and direct-to-consumer treatment models to student debt and regulatory changes, the conversation highlights the important role advocacy plays in protecting both orthodontists and the patients they serve.
Many of the issues impacting orthodontic practices today are shaped long before they ever reach the office.
State regulations, insurance policies, advertising standards, healthcare legislation, and emerging technology all influence how orthodontists practice and how patients receive care.
Adam explains that one of the AAO's primary responsibilities is advocating on behalf of its members with legislators, regulatory agencies, and other stakeholders. The goal is to ensure that orthodontists have a voice in decisions that affect their profession and to promote policies that prioritize patient safety and quality care.
This work often happens behind the scenes, but its impact can be significant.
💡 JA&A Insight
Many of the biggest challenges facing orthodontists today cannot be solved inside a single practice. They require industry-wide advocacy and collaboration.
One of the strengths of the AAO's advocacy efforts is that they are member-driven.
Through the National Advocacy Network, volunteer orthodontists serve as liaisons between their states and the AAO. These members provide real-time insight into local issues, allowing the association to respond quickly when legislation or regulations could affect orthodontic practices.
This structure helps the AAO stay connected to challenges occurring across the country rather than relying solely on a national perspective.
Whether addressing specialty advertising concerns, scope-of-practice issues, or regulatory changes, the network helps ensure that local voices are represented in broader discussions.
As technology continues to evolve, orthodontics faces new opportunities and new challenges.
One of the most discussed topics in recent years has been the rise of direct-to-consumer treatment models and virtual care solutions.
Adam emphasizes that the AAO is not opposed to innovation. However, the organization believes that innovation should not come at the expense of patient safety.
The AAO continues to advocate for standards that include appropriate diagnostic records, clinical oversight, and in-person examinations before orthodontic treatment begins. These standards help ensure that patients receive comprehensive evaluations before treatment decisions are made.
The goal is not to slow innovation.
The goal is to ensure that technology enhances patient care rather than replacing essential clinical judgment.
Artificial intelligence is beginning to influence nearly every area of healthcare, and orthodontics is no exception.
From diagnostics and treatment planning to patient communication and administrative workflows, AI has the potential to improve efficiency and expand access to information.
At the same time, Adam notes that orthodontics remains a healthcare profession that requires professional oversight and clinical decision-making.
Technology can support doctors, but it should not replace the doctor-patient relationship.
As AI continues to evolve, organizations like the AAO are closely monitoring how these tools impact patient care and professional responsibility.
Beyond advocacy, the AAO offers a wide range of practical resources designed to support orthodontists throughout their careers.
One of the most valuable tools discussed during the episode is the Legal Resource Center.
The resource center provides members with access to:
These tools help orthodontists address common legal and operational questions without immediately needing outside legal counsel.
For practice owners navigating employment issues, patient concerns, or regulatory requirements, these resources can save both time and money.
Student debt remains one of the biggest concerns facing younger orthodontists.
As educational costs continue to rise, many doctors find themselves carrying significant financial obligations well into their careers. This can affect decisions about ownership, practice acquisition, and even where doctors choose to practice.
Adam discusses how the AAO continues to advocate for solutions that address these challenges and support the long-term sustainability of the profession.
Reducing barriers to practice ownership and helping new orthodontists succeed ultimately benefits patients and communities as well.
One of the recurring themes throughout the conversation is the importance of involvement.
Professional organizations are strongest when members participate, provide feedback, and stay informed about the issues affecting the profession.
Whether through advocacy efforts, volunteer opportunities, or simply utilizing available resources, engagement helps strengthen the specialty and ensures that orthodontists have a voice in shaping its future.
The more connected doctors are to industry developments, the better prepared they are to adapt and respond.
💡 JA&A Insight
The future of orthodontics will not be shaped by a handful of leaders. It will be shaped by the collective engagement of the profession.
Orthodontics continues to evolve rapidly.
Technology is changing patient expectations. Regulations are evolving. New treatment models continue to emerge. At the same time, the core mission remains unchanged: providing safe, effective care that improves patient outcomes.
Organizations like the AAO play a critical role in balancing innovation with responsibility.
By advocating for patient safety, supporting orthodontists, and providing resources to navigate change, they help ensure the profession remains strong for future generations.
The AAO provides advocacy, education, legal resources, practice management support, and professional development opportunities for orthodontists.
Advocacy helps protect patient safety, influence healthcare regulations, address industry challenges, and ensure orthodontists have a voice in legislative and regulatory decisions.
The National Advocacy Network is a member-driven group of volunteer orthodontists who help identify and address state-level issues affecting the profession.
The Legal Resource Center provides AAO members with access to tools such as consent forms, patient dismissal letters, compliance resources, and general legal guidance.
The AAO supports innovation while advocating for patient safety, including appropriate examinations, diagnostic records, and professional oversight before treatment begins.
The AAO continues to advocate for policies and solutions that address educational debt and support the long-term success of orthodontic professionals.
The challenges facing orthodontics are becoming more complex, but so are the resources available to address them.
Whether it is advocacy, legal guidance, emerging technology, or patient safety, staying informed and engaged is more important than ever.
Because the future of orthodontics is not something that simply happens to the profession.
It is something the profession has the opportunity to help shape.