The AAO Donated Orthodontic Services (DOS) program has received a $5,000 donation from the Henry Schein Cares Foundation.

The Henry Schein Cares Foundation works to strengthen dental, medical, and animal health worldwide by supporting programs designed to increase access to care in communities around the world. The $5,000 grant is in addition to a $10,000 sponsorship contribution from Henry Schein® Inc. and the Henry Schein Cares Foundation, given to the AAO DOS program on an annual basis.

The AAO DOS program refers patients for pro bono treatment by participating AAO members across the United States. All DOS patients are low-income children without insurance coverage, or who do not qualify for other assistance in their states of residence. The DOS program is administered nationally by Dental Lifeline Network, with which the AAO collaborates to offer the program.

Dental Lifeline Network:

  • Screens all applicants for the AAO DOS program to ensure that their financial need levels are appropriate for pro bono treatment;
  • Educates applicants about the orthodontic treatment process; and
  • Ensures that patients referred to orthodontists are prepared to comply with all treatment requirements.

While treatment is provided to DOS patients at no cost, each patient is asked to pay a $200 application fee to cover administrative expenses. Donations to the DOS program, including the Henry Schein Cares Foundation grant, make it possible to waive the $200 fee for the most needy applicants whose families cannot pay it.

The DOS program is overseen by a Board of Directors composed of both AAO member orthodontists and corporate representatives from leading orthodontic suppliers.

“We are delighted and very grateful to have received support from the Henry Schein Cares Foundation, demonstrating that the foundation shares our commitment to expanding access to orthodontic treatment,” said Dr. Michael Durbin, president of the AAO DOS Board of Directors.

“Many AAO members have expressed great enthusiasm for the DOS program and for the experience of providing treatment for these patients,” added Dr. Durbin, who is also the AAO trustee from the Midwestern Society of Orthodontists. “DOS patients, most of whom never expected to be able to have orthodontic treatment, are thrilled to have received such an opportunity. The Henry Schein Cares Foundation is helping to make the dream of having a healthy, beautiful smile a reality for many more patients.”

How to Join the DOS Program as a Provider

New providers are welcome in every U.S. state. To learn more and join the program as a provider, AAO members may contact Dental Lifeline Network at [email protected] or call (866) 201-5906.

For questions or more information about the program, contact Jan Beck at [email protected]. Providers are not required to treat a specific number of cases.