Advocacy
How the OAO Advocates for You
Protecting Patients, Practices, and the Specialty
Advocacy is one of the most important ways the OAO supports orthodontists and the patients they serve. At the state level, advocacy helps ensure lawmakers understand the difference between orthodontic care delivered by a specialist and treatment models that may put convenience or profit ahead of patient safety.
Advocacy Protects Our Patients
Efforts at the state and federal level keep patient health and safety at the forefront, protecting patients from poor treatment outcomes and unethical business practices.
Advocacy Protects Our Practices
Advocacy also shields orthodontic practices from burdensome government regulation, unfair insurance practices, and misleading specialty advertising.
Advocacy Protects Our Specialty
No orthodontist has the time or resources to fight these battles alone. We are stronger as a profession when we join together and take part in advocacy efforts.
Current OAO advocacy priorities include specialty advertising, the importance of an in-person examination before orthodontic treatment, dental student loan repayment, and patient health and safety across Ohio. Working with the AAO Advocacy Team, Ohio lobbyists, and engaged members, the OAO helps keep orthodontists represented in policy conversations that shape the future of care.
Advocacy Resources
Learn More About the Policies Shaping Orthodontics
Legislative Efforts
AAO's work on national legislation
Laws & Regulations
State and federal regulatory tracking
Consumer Awareness
Helping patients recognize specialist care
How You Can Help
Your Voice Makes Advocacy Stronger
Membership dues and PAC donations fund the OAO's advocacy work, but the profession's strongest asset is its members. Every call, letter, and conversation helps show lawmakers that Ohio orthodontists are united around safe, specialist-led care.
Ways to get involved:
- Attend Ohio Advocacy Day at the Statehouse
- Respond to AAO action alerts when legislation is moving
- Contact your Ohio Senator and House Representative
- Stay current by reading OAO and AAO emails and attending association meetings
- Share OAO priorities with colleagues and other professional organizations you belong to
- Get involved in the AAOPAC Race to 10 (follow the Race to 10 Tracker)
- Volunteer through the AAO National Advocacy Network
2026 Ohio Advocacy Day
Bring the Orthodontic Perspective to Ohio Lawmakers
Thursday, October 22, 2026 · 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Ohio Statehouse, Columbus
Ohio Statehouse, Columbus
Join the AAO Advocacy Team and AAO's Ohio lobbyists, Aaron Ockerman and Isaac Northrop, for the 4th Annual Ohio State Lobby Day. Attendees will meet with Ohio lawmakers and staff to advocate for issues impacting current and future orthodontists, followed by lunch. An optional, self-guided tour of the Capitol will be offered at the end of the day.
This event will take place in conjunction with the Great Lakes Association of Orthodontists' 100th Anniversary Celebration at its Annual Session, October 22 to 24, in Columbus. Attendees are responsible for lodging, parking, and transportation. Lunch will be provided. AAO will also host a live virtual Advocacy 101 session prior to Ohio Advocacy Day, with details to come.
