Join the AAO in an anti-bullying campaign and influence young people in your community to commit to being part of the solution to help eliminate bullying. For the fourth year, the AAO will observe National Bullying Prevention Month in October, which will coincide with National Orthodontic Health Month.  

Once again, the AAO will partner with Stand for the Silent. Founded in 2010, Stand for the Silent has become one of the leading and most effective anti-bullying organizations. 

Bring the #bullyingbites Campaign to Your Practice and Community
To make it easy for you and your team to join the #bullyingbites campaign, the AAO provides creative, easy-to-use resources.

Since we began working to engage members on the bullying issue – and help members engage patients – many AAO members have joined in the effort.

Click here to access this year’s resources for each action item. Scroll down the page to access resources in the individual activity sections. In addition, please use the #bullyingbites hashtag to share your practice’s National Bullying Prevention Month social posts with the AAO.

WHAT TO DO:  Spread the Word
When:  Throughout October
Downloadable Resources:  Flyers, designed social media posts, and posters from the AAO

Share key messages about bullying on your social media pages. Display posters in high-traffic areas of your office and distribute flyers in your office and at community events.

WHAT TO DO:  Pledge Online
When:  Throughout October
Downloadable Resources:  Printable pledge, shareable online pledge from the AAO

The pledge against bullying reads, “I will be a friend. I will always be kind. I want to take a bite out of bullying.” Take the pledge yourself. If someone takes your photo while you sign it, share the photo on social media. Share the online pledge with your patients and community and distribute the printable pledge in your office, encouraging everyone to sign.

WHAT TO DO:  Go Orange (wear orange)
When:  October 19 for Unity Day (or on a different day if October 19 is not convenient)
Downloadable Resource: AAO “Be Kind” T-shirt template

October 19, 2022 is Unity Day and orange is the Unity Day color. This annual observance was initiated by the PACER Center, which also created National Bullying Prevention Month. You can send the AAO’s T-shirt template to a local printer to produce orange shirts for your team to wear, or get creative and design your own!  Either way, please be sure to show us your orange shirts and designs by using #bullyingbites when sharing.

WHAT TO DO:  Give Back
When:  Throughout October
Resources:  Select related charities in your community, or a national organization.

We recommend considering financial support of Stand for the Silent or the AAO Foundation Donated Orthodontic Services Program (which you may also support as a provider volunteer).

National Orthodontic Health Month: Celebrate Orthodontics!
Traditional National Orthodontic Health Month materials, which include fliers, posters, social media posts and more, are also available. Members are welcome to share entertaining and informative messaging to help spread the word about how orthodontic treatment from an orthodontist results in a healthy, beautiful smile.

Explore National Orthodontic Health Month resources by clicking here. Members can find materials by logging in and scrolling down the linked page to Promotions > National Orthodontic Health Month.

Many posts from the blog on the AAO consumer website, aaoinfo.org, also offer great information to share in observance of National Orthodontic Health Month, or any time:  Options include:

– Celebrate Halloween with the Right Kind of Candy

– Why an Orthodontist is the Definitely Right Person for Orthodontic Treatment

– Early Orthodontic Treatment May Help You Avoid Costly Treatments