The 2011 House of Delegates has approved the adoption of a new logo by the AAO. The logo, pictured at left, is now being integrated into AAO printed and online materials.
According to a release from the AAO, the new logo underwent extensive review by a series of consumer focus groups. The groups were made up of mothers with children aged 5 to 17, most with household incomes of more than $75,000. The focus group participants were asked detailed questions about their reactions to the existing AAO logo and three alternatives submitted by a design team. The focus group members immediately identified the smile graphic within the logo eventually adopted by the AAO House of Delegates, saying that it gave a sense of professionalism, but also a welcoming and approachable attitude that would help them view orthodontists positively.
The AAO has asked members to begin using the new logo in practice business cards, letterhead, brochures, and educational materials immediately, but the existing logo can be used until May 10, 2013, so that members can use materials currently in stock. The logo is available at AAOinfo.org in varying degrees of resolution. The high-resolution version is recommended for printed materials, while the low-resolution version is best used on orthodontic practice Web sites.??
