Beginning in 2023, the AAO will open the Wharton-AAO Mastering the Business of Orthodontics (MBO) program to office managers who are employed by AAO member practices.

The online Wharton-AAO MBO program launched in 2021 as an AAO member exclusive and since then has graduated participants in five eight-week MBO cohort programs, with one cohort currently underway. Taught asynchronously by faculty from the Wharton School of Business – the #1-ranked U.S. Business School – paired with expert orthodontists and orthodontic practice consultants, the program has received highly favorable reviews from participants.

“Graduates of the MBO program have often suggested that it should be available to orthodontic office managers, to whom many practice owners entrust significant management and leadership duties,” said Dr. Norman J. Nagel, AAO president. “The AAO is delighted to extend this excellent opportunity for professional development to key orthodontic team members. The program content is understandable for those with experience in managing orthodontic practices, including non-orthodontists as well as orthodontists. All of the MBO program faculty members look forward to welcoming office managers to the course.”

Along with doctors, office managers may enroll in the next Wharton-AAO MBO program cohort, which will begin January 11, 2023. The program focuses on in-depth exploration and application of eight essential business and leadership topics for orthodontic practice management. Students quickly gain high-level knowledge of maximizing productivity, practice level financial management, financial acumen, patient focused marketing strategies, culture development, leadership and other key practice management topics and skills.

If an AAO member and his or her office manager register for the program together, a $100 discount will automatically apply to the order.

Click here to learn more about the MBO program.