The 2025 Orthodontic Resident Challenge is officially underway! Dr. Zack Miller and Dr. Rachel Thorstenson invite all AAO student members (residents) to take part in this year’s challenge. Dr. Miller is the AAO Council on New and Younger Members (CONYM) liaison to the Council on Government Advocacy and Dr. Thorstenson is the CONYM liaison to AAOPAC.

Each AAO resident making a $10 or greater contribution to the AAO Political Action Commiteee at AAOPAC.org between February 27 and April 10 will be eligible for a raffle to win a free lunch for their entire program during the 2025 AAO Annual Session in Philadelphia.

To qualify for the raffle, your residency program must reach 100 percent participation between February 27and April 10. *

Residents who contribute $31.94 or more will receive a limited-edition pair of AAO 125th Anniversary socks and will have unlimited access to the AAOPAC Lounge at the AAO Annual Session which offers complimentary coffee, soft drinks, snacks, access to special events, WiFi, charging stations, and a quiet space to relax.

This is a great opportunity for residents to engage in AAO advocacy, support AAOPAC, and join  a fun competition with other orthodontic residency programs from around the country. This challenge is a micro-volunteer opportunity, requiring only a small action that will have a big impact on AAO’s advocacy efforts. Last year, Mayo Clinic Orthodontic Residency Program and MedStar Washington Hospital Center Orthodontic Program both took home the win. Will your program be next?
Make Your Contribution Now at AAOPAC.org*

* Per FEC rules, only AAO members who are U.S. citizens and permanent residents can contribute to AAOPAC. Residents who are non-U.S. citizens or permanent residents must contribute $31.94 to the AAO Foundation to be counted. Learn more and contribute at aaofoundation.net.

Florida Student Loan Repayment Program
As Florida continues to address workforce shortages in critical fields, the Florida Dental Student Loan Repayment Program remains an important resource for eligible professionals. The program provides financial relief to qualifying individuals working in designated high-need areas, helping to attract and retain skilled professionals.

Applications for the 2025 program will be accepted from March 15 – April 30. Now is the time for eligible AAO members carrying student loan debt and who are interested in this Florida opportunity to prepare their materials for application. Eligible orthodontists who serve dental health professional shortage areas (HPSAs) and Medicaid patients can receive up to $50,000 per year for up to five years in loan repayment assistance (up to $250,000 total reimbursement).