At the AAO, we believe that our strength is in our members. We are pleased to announce that the AAO Board of Trustees has approved the addition of a new Trustee At-Large who will bring diverse viewpoints and strengthen the team.  Please join us in welcoming Dr. India Collier to the AAO Board of Trustees! 

A diverse Board will improve the AAO’s ability to respond to external influences that are changing the environment in which our members practice. Dr. Collier was selected from a field of highly qualified applicants due to her proven leadership skills, vision for the Association of the future, and experience in organized orthodontics and dentistry. 

“We were delighted to have had a well-qualified, diverse group of candidates for the Trustee At-Large position,” said AAO President, Dr. John Callahan. “It was not an easy choice. Dr. Collier has demonstrated a passion for innovation and a deep commitment to healthcare access, mentorship, and diversity through leadership roles and other volunteer positions. Her experiences will enable her to bring valuable insights to our Board.” 

After the 2025 Annual Session, Dr. Collier will join the AAO Board of Trustees for a three-year term.  Learn more about AAO governance and leadership here. 
 
Meet the Incoming Trustee-At-Large: Dr. India Collier 
“I am truly honored and excited to join the Board of Trustees as the newest Trustee At-Large in 2025,” said Dr. Collier. “I am especially excited to work together to champion initiatives that inspire growth, foster meaningful connections and drive positive change for our profession. I look forward to working alongside such a dedicated team to create a lasting impact and create a future that reflects our shared commitment to excellence and inclusivity.” 
 
Employed by Great Expressions Dental Centers in Fayetteville, Georgia and a Diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontics, Dr. Collier completed the orthodontic residency program at the Augusta University College of Dental Medicine in 2017. She received her dental degree from the Medical College of Georgia, where she ranked 3rd in her class, and her undergraduate degree from Spelman College. 
 
Dr. Collier was a judge for the 2023 Johnson & Johnson Health Equity Innovation Challenge, working with public health and health equity experts nationally. The judging panel reviewed applications offering solutions that have the potential to advance health equity, developed by entrepreneurs, start-ups, community organizations and other innovators. 
 
Also in 2023, Dr. Collier completed the Yale School of Management Executive Education Women’s Leadership Program, designed to equip women leaders with the tools and strategies needed to drive innovation, make strategic decisions, lead effectively within organizations and foster a culture of collaboration.  
 
Dr. Collier’s other leadership and service experiences have included: 
 
● 2024 Leadership Development Class, Southern Association of Orthodontists and the Southwestern Association of Orthodontists (which collectively call themselves the Southern Society of Orthodontists). Dr. Collier’s program project, “Organizing Organized Orthodontics: A Paradigm Shift to Maintain Relevance,” examines how mobile applications, social media, and podcasts can help engage younger orthodontists and enhance the value of organized orthodontics.  
● Medical College of Georgia Operation Smile, chapter founder and president for two years (established the chapter, recruited members and led fundraising for six children to receive cleft-lip and/or palate surgeries) 
● Spelman College Innovation Lab Fellowship Faculty Mentor (Smiles Reimagined Project Mentor). The project focuses on integrating 3D printing and virtual reality for interactive pre-dental instruction, to provide prospective dental students with a deeper understanding of oral anatomy. 
● IDID (Increasing Diversity in Dentistry) Mentor, providing year-round support for pre-dental students nationwide on personal statement development, resume building, Dental Admissions Test preparation, the dental school application process, interview preparation and requesting letters of recommendation  
● Student National Dental Association, National Corresponding Secretary  
● Student National Dental Association, Medical College of Georgia delegate