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AAO International Membership Dues & Eligibility

Beyond the incredible value provided by AAO member benefits and resources, AAO offers a customized dues structure that makes membership accessible and affordable for international orthodontists and postgraduate students.

Quick links: Join the AAO | View International Member Benefits

Membership Dues for International Orthodontists

Note: for definition purposes, international orthodontists refer to practicing and educationally qualified orthodontic specialists located outside the U.S. and Canada.

International Member dues tiers are based on World Bank income classifications by country. World Bank classifications are updated annually in advance of the AAO membership year (starting June 1).

To view a detailed listing of each dues tier and associated countries, click here.

Dues TierIncome ClassificationDues Paid (%)Dues Discount (%)Current Dues Amount*
Tier 1High Income50% of full AAO dues50% discount$435.00 USD
Tier 2Upper Middle Income35% of full AAO dues65% discount$304.50 USD
Tier 3Lower Middle & Low Income20% of full AAO dues80% discount$174.00 USD

*The current dues amounts listed above are for the 2026-27 membership year (June 1, 2026 – May 31, 2027). Dues are subject to change annually at the start of the membership year.

Dues reductions are applied to members’ assigned international dues tiers (see section above) during the first four years of AAO international membership, including those who transition directly from International Student Member status and those who join as International Members. All reductions are combined for maximum savings.

Year of Membership*Dues Paid (%)Dues Discount (%)
Year 110% of tiered dues amount90% discount (combined with tier discount)
Year 225% of tiered dues amount75% discount (combined with tier discount)
Year 350% of tiered dues amount50% discount (combined with tier discount)
Year 475% of tiered dues amount25% discount (combined with tier discount)
Year 5100% of tiered dues amountNo discount (tier discount still applies)

*The AAO membership year runs from June 1 through May 31 for all members, regardless of join or renewal date. Dues are not prorated.

Example 1:

  • Orthodontist practices in Mexico (Tier 2 country).
  • Orthodontist joins AAO as a first-time member.
  • Orthodontist receives Tier 2 pricing (35% of full AAO dues), equal to $304.50 USD.*
  • Orthodontist pays 10% of the tiered pricing for their first year of membership, equal to $30.45 USD.*
  • Orthodontist pays 25% of the tiered dues pricing for their second year, equal to $76.13 USD.*

*Dues amounts stated above are for on the 2026-27 membership year. Example assumes no changes to dues tier or AAO dues pricing in year 2.

Example 2:

  • Orthodontist practices in Australia (Tier 1 country).
  • Orthodontist was previously an AAO International Student Member but did not transition to full AAO International Member.
  • Orthodontist receives Tier 1 pricing (50% of full AAO dues), equal to $435.00 USD.*
  • Orthodontist pays 10% of the tiered pricing for their first year of membership, equal to $43.50 USD.*
  • Orthodontist pays 25% of the tiered dues pricing for their second year, equal to $108.75 USD.*

*Dues amounts stated above are for on the 2026-27 membership year. Example assumes no changes to dues tier or AAO dues pricing in year 2.

Example 3:

  • Orthodontist practices in India (Tier 3 country).
  • Orthodontist was previously an AAO International Member for five years and wants to reactivate their membership.
  • Orthodontist receives Tier 3 pricing (20% of full AAO dues), equal to $174.00 USD.*
  • Orthodontist is ineligible for graduated dues scale pricing due to their previous membership.
  • Orthodontist pays $174.00 USD* for membership dues.

*Dues amounts stated above are for on the 2026-27 membership year.

For questions or to confirm your specific dues amount, contact the AAO Member Service Center at [email protected].

Have you been a member previously? Complete this brief online form.

Dues for International Postgraduate Students

Note: for definition purposes, international postgraduate students refer to dentists outside the U.S. and Canada who are full-time students training to become orthodontic specialists or educationally qualified orthodontists who are full-time students in advanced education programs.

  • First year of AAO international student membership*: no cost
  • International Student Member renewals: $30 USD per year*

*The AAO membership year runs from June 1 through May 31 for all members, regardless of join or renewal date. Dues are not prorated.

Membership Eligibility Requirements

AAO International Members and International Student Members must maintain active WFO membership to be eligible for AAO membership. Graduates from accredited orthodontic programs in the U.S. and Canada are exempt from this requirement.

WFO membership status is verified at the time of application for AAO membership, as well as on an annual basis.

In addition to meeting AAO eligibility, WFO membership will help:

  • Expand Your Knowledge – Access exclusive education, scientific resources, webinars, and global networking opportunities with leading orthodontists worldwide.
  • Increase Your International Visibility – Enhance your professional profile, build international collaborations, and become part of a dynamic and inspiring professional community.
  • Support a Strong Global Voice – Contribute to an international organization committed to advancing excellence, innovation, education, and patient care in orthodontics worldwide.

To learn more about WFO and become a member, visit www.wfo.org.

In accordance with AAO Bylaws, AAO International Members must be engaged in the practice of orthodontics or employed as a university instructor in orthodontics outside the territorial jurisdictions of the United States or Canada. Individuals shall not practice orthodontics, dentistry or any dental specialty within the territorial jurisdictions of the United States or Canada to be eligible for international membership.

Visit the AAO Policy Manuals Library to access the full AAO Bylaws.