DOS is Expanding!  Orthodontists in Tennessee, Virginia, North Carolina and Michigan recently established the AAO Donated Orthodontic Services program in their states, representing the first expansion since the DOS program began five years ago. The DOS program also continues to operate in the original pilot states of Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, New Jersey and Rhode Island.

The DOS program provides orthodontic care to indigent children without insurance coverage, or who do not qualify for other assistance in their state of residence. To offer the DOS program, the AAO collaborates with the Dental Lifeline Network. The DLN screens applicants for treatment and refers those who are financially qualified to participating AAO members, who provide their services to these patients on a pro bono basis.

Currently, the DOS program has:

  • Nearly 500 participating AAO members
  • More than 450 patients in treatment

over 300 DOS patients have completed treatment since the inception of the program in 2009.

AAO members in Tennessee, North Carolina, Virginia and Michigan who are interested in joining the DOS program should contact Dental Lifeline Network at 866-201-5906. Members who are interested in forming the DOS program in other states may obtain a guide to the process.
Obtain the DOS Program Guide
(Scroll down to “Getting Your Program Started.”)

DOS Program Reports Fund-Raising Success, Elects Officers

The AAO Board of Trustees recently established the DOS program as a 501(c)(3) charitable entity. The DOS program is now incorporated as a Missouri nonprofit corporation (“AAO Donated Services”) and has filed a Form 1023, Application for Recognition of Tax-Exempt Status under Section 501(c)(3) of the Code. The application is still pending with the IRS. Exemption, if granted, will be retroactive to the date of incorporation (April 3, 2014).

The DOS program was the official charity of the 2014 Annual Session, where attendees contributed more than $4,000 to support the program. Align Technology Inc. (Invisalign iTero) has become a sponsor of the program, contributing $100,000. Dentsply GAC has pledged $25,000 to the DOS program. Sesame Communications provided a service incentive to AAO members who contributed $100 or more to the AAO DOS program.

Funds raised are being used to help meet operating expenses of the program and to fund expansion efforts.

The AAO Board of Trustees also appointed the first DOS Program Board of Directors. The DOS Board recently held its first meeting, establishing business planning and marketing committees for the DOS program. The DOS Board has also elected the following officers:

  • Dr. Ken Dillehay of Wichita, Kansas – president;
  • Dr. Michael Durbin of DesPlaines, Illinois – president-elect;
  • Tom Prescott, CEO of Align Technology Inc. – secretary-treasurer.

The other DOS Board members are:

  • Dr. Aron Dellinger of Fort Wayne, Indiana
  • Ms. Diana Friedman, CEO of Sesame Communications
  • Dr. Myron Guymon of Logan, Utah
  • Mr. John Kringel, director of marketing, Dentsply GAC
  • Dr. Barry Raphael of Clifton, New Jersey
Learn More and Donate

Click here to view additional information about the DOS Program.

To make a contribution, send a check or money order made payable to AAO Donated Orthodontic Services to the AAO (DOS Program), 401 North Lindbergh Blvd., St. Louis, MO  63141.