EPIC4, Corus Orthodontists, and Specialty Smile Partners met the 95% membership requirement for the new recognition program.
The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) has awarded Gold Star status to EPIC4, Corus Orthodontists, and Specialty Smile Partners as part of a new recognition program for large group practices. The program encourages orthodontic support organizations (OSOs) and dental support organizations (DSOs) to maintain high AAO membership levels among their affiliated doctors.
Program Requirements and Tiers
The Gold Star/Bronze Star OSO/DSO Partner Program requires participating organizations to have at least 20 affiliated orthodontists. To achieve Gold Star status, 95% of an organization’s orthodontists must hold AAO membership in good standing by an annual qualifying date. The Bronze Star tier requires 85% membership.
Incentives for Participating Organizations
Organizations that reach Gold Star status receive incentives such as signage and interaction opportunities with orthodontists and residents during AAO meetings. This includes exclusive participation in selected events, as well as recognition in AAO media outlets and resident programming. Bronze Star partners receive similar incentives.
The benefits do not include membership dues discounts, and the participating organizations themselves are not considered AAO members.
“The Gold Star/Bronze Star OSO/DSO Partner Program is intended to recognize large orthodontist employers who are committed to a unified specialty and who support the advancement of the art and science of orthodontics through education, advocacy, and research,” says Steven Siegel, DMD, president of the AAO, in a release. “All who are involved in the specialty—including orthodontists affiliated with OSOs and DSOs, and the OSO and DSO organizations themselves—benefit from AAO membership.”
Recognized Organizations
The three recognized organizations operate across North America. EPIC4 Specialty Partners is a doctor-led platform supporting orthodontic and pediatric specialists with enterprise operations. Corus Orthodontists is a partnership network with locations across Canada and the US that shares resources and expertise among doctor-led practices. Specialty Smile Partners represents a community of pediatric dentists and orthodontists, providing business support to its affiliated practices.
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