Orthodontists met with lawmakers to discuss patient safety, workforce challenges, and student loan debt.
More than 120 members of the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) met with federal lawmakers in Washington, DC, this week during the 2026 Professional Advocacy Conference. The group advocated for policies related to patient protections, the orthodontic workforce, and access to care.
“Our members are in Washington this week to work with policymakers on solutions that protect patients, support the orthodontic workforce, and help ensure more families can access the care they need,” says Trey Lawrence, CEO of the AAO, in a release.
Association Outlines Key Advocacy Priorities
During meetings with members of the 119th Congress, AAO members focused on several policy areas, including challenges for small businesses, federal teledentistry legislation, student loan debt, and expanding access to care.
The association highlighted the need to prevent federal overregulation of orthodontic offices, address workforce needs, and support the responsible use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in clinical practice.
Teledentistry Oversight and Patient Protection
A primary focus of the advocacy effort was patient safety in teledentistry, particularly concerning some direct-to-consumer mail-order orthodontic models. According to a 2023 AAO survey, 77% of orthodontists reported treating patients who required retreatment after using mail-order services.
The AAO is supporting policies that would require an in-person examination before orthodontic treatment or devices are prescribed via teledentistry.
“Rather than restricting teledentistry, we want to ensure it is used responsibly, with the right safeguards in place before treatment begins,” says Nathan Mick, vice president of advocacy for the AAO, in a release. “We are in DC representing not just our orthodontist members, but also patients throughout the country.”
Addressing Student Loan Debt for Future Orthodontists
The AAO also urged lawmakers to address the student loan debt burden on future orthodontists. The average loan debt for an orthodontic resident is approximately $567,000. New federal borrowing caps set to take effect July 1, 2026, may not cover the full cost of residency programs, potentially increasing residents’ reliance on private loans.
Members advocated for policies like the Resident Education Deferred Interest (REDI) Act, which would allow medical and dental residents to defer student loan payments interest-free during their training.
“Orthodontists serve patients in communities across the country, including rural and underserved areas where access to specialty care can already be limited,” says Dr Steven M Siegel, AAO president for 2025-26, in a release. “We’re urging lawmakers to consider policies that strengthen the future orthodontic workforce and ensure patients everywhere can continue to access the specialized care they need.”
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