A Message from AAO Trustee Dr. Michael Sherman:
Workforce challenges remain a top concern for orthodontists in Ontario and beyond. The AAO continues to collaborate closely with the Ontario Association of Orthodontists (OAO) to reduce unnecessary barriers by expanding the scope of practice for dental assistants. With support from the AAO Component Legal Support Fund (CLSF) and guidance from provincial counsel GT & Company, this initiative has gained traction in policy discussions with the Ontario Ministry of Health and regulatory stakeholders.

Since launching this campaign, our collective advocacy has helped ensure orthodontists’ perspectives are included in conversations about workforce solutions. While more work lies ahead, we anticipate that opportunities for member participation in grassroots advocacy will be available soon.

When the time comes, your voice will be critical in advancing changes that allow qualified dental assistants to perform orthodontic procedures under proper supervision, helping to address the workforce shortage while protecting patient safety.  To learn more about this issue, please click here to review the Ontario one-pager.

Thank you to those who have provided continued leadership including Dr. Joel Schacher, Past President of the Ontario Association of Orthodontists, Dr. Mariela Anderson, Ontario Component Advocacy Liaison in the National Advocacy Network, and Dr. Jennifer Seo, Canadian Association of Orthodontists and Dental Specialty Provincial Liaison. Grassroots leadership and engagement from AAO/OAO members is essential in this ongoing initiative and the key to our success.

We are also grateful for the leadership of our National Advocacy Network (NAN) members throughout Canada. Their dedication and persistence have been instrumental in advancing this effort and creating an advocacy presence throughout the provinces:

  • Dr. Christos Papadopoulos, Component Advocacy Liaison, New Brunswick
  • Dr. Anthony Rossi, Component Advocacy Liaison, Quebec
  • Dr. Grace Bellerose, Opposition Research and Innovation Captain, Alberta
  • Dr. Navi Bharj, Resident Captain, British Columbia
  • Dr. Mariela Anderson, Component Advocacy Liaison, Ontario
  • Dr. Jennifer Seo, Canadian Association of Orthodontists and Dental Specialty Provincial Liaison, Ontario

Please watch for updates in the weeks ahead. Your engagement will be key in moving this initiative forward and ensuring Ontario orthodontic practices can continue to attract, train, and retain the skilled teams needed to serve patients across the province.

Thank you for your AAO membership.

Sincerely,

Michael Sherman, BSc, DDS, MSc, MBA 
Trustee, Great Lakes Association of Orthodontists
American Association of Orthodontists