The AAO Donated Orthodontic Services (DOS) Program has 160 patients waiting for treatment nationwide (although many are concentrated in Indiana and Kansas). Since the DOS was established in 2009, 692 patients have completed treatment through the program and currently, about 580 AAO members volunteer as providers.

Members in Every US State Are Invited to Join the DOS Program

The AAO Donated Orthodontic Services program is working to offer children in every U.S. state who could not otherwise afford orthodontic treatment the opportunity to receive treatment. After launching in Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, New Jersey and Rhode Island in 2009, the DOS program expanded to Tennessee, Virginia, North Carolina and Michigan in 2014. The program announced its national expansion in December 2015.

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. Click on the link below to view a brochure on the DOS program:

DOS flier 2016.pdf

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.

About the DOS Program

The DOS program is administered nationally by Dental Lifeline Network, with which the AAO collaborates to offer the program. Dental Lifeline refers applicants who are financially qualified to participating AAO members, who provide referred patients’ treatment on a pro bono basis. 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.

All patients referred for treatment are low-income children without insurance coverage, or who do not qualify for other assistance in their states of residence. The DOS Board of Directors has earmarked funding to offer financial assistance to a limited number of applicants who cannot afford the program’s $200 administrative fee.

Participating dental labs provide retainers, expanders, etc.