The International Association of Aligner Orthodontics
A clear pathway to mastering
aligner orthodontics.
Aligner technology has made orthodontic treatment more accessible than ever.
But access to the technology is not the same as having a strong foundation in orthodontics.
The International Association of Aligner Orthodontics (IAAO) has been founded to establish clear education standards and a structured qualification pathway for dentists providing aligner treatment.
Through our progressive pathway from
Certificate to Diploma,
and finally Master in Aligner Orthodontics,
the IAAO will recognize not only whether or not you’ve attended the program but also how you understand and apply the knowledge you’ve gained in it.
A qualification pathway that evolves alongside you.
The IAAO qualification pathway is designed for dentists who want to develop and express their
knowledge of aligner orthodontics.
The pathway includes three progressive levels. Each level recognizes a different stage of education,
clinical experience, and professional development. Requirements and expectations scale with your
growing experience, becoming more advanced as you move through the pathway.
Certificate in Aligner
Orthodontics:
Build a strong foundation in aligner orthodontics, with a focus on diagnosis, case selection, treatment planning, biomechanics, treatment monitoring, and retention.
Diploma in Aligner
Orthodontics:
Build on that foundation with greater clinical experience and a broader understanding of diagnosis, treatment planning, growth, mixed dentition, complications, refinements, and retention.
Master in Aligner
Orthodontics:
The highest qualification in the IAAO pathway, recognizing advanced
education, extensive clinical experience, strong case presentation skills,
formal examination, and academic contribution.
At every level, the focus goes beyond completing courses. Dentists are
expected to demonstrate their education, clinical experience,
decision-making, and ability to apply what they have learned to actual cases.
What the IAAO qualifications measure
The IAAO pathway is designed to recognize the many days and long hours you’ve put into your practice and your career. As dentists progress through the levels, they are expected to demonstrate their education, clinical experience, decision-making, and ability to apply their knowledge to actual cases.
We want to make sure that you’re getting everything you can out of our program, and that you’re gaining experience and knowledge that really makes a difference.
IAAO Qualifications:
Qualification Comparison
| Qualification Requirements | IAAO Certificate | IAAO Diploma | IAAO Master Coming Soon |
|---|---|---|---|
| Continued Education Hours | 50 hours | 150 total hours | 300 total hours |
| Orthodontist-Led Education | Minimum 20% | Minimum 20% | Minimum 30% |
| Clinical Experience | 50 | 100 | 200 |
| Video Presentation of Cases | 1 | 3 | 5 |
| Case Submissions with Documentation | 2 | 6 | 10 |
| Required Case Mix for Submissions | Any appropriate age group | Any appropriate age group | 5 adult and 5 growing-patient cases |
| Case Submission Passing Score | 80/100 | 80/100 | 80/100 |
| Written Examination | Online | In-person seated | In-person seated |
| Academic Submission | None | None | Thesis and Final Project |
| Credential Expiry | 2 Years | Does not expire | Does not expire |
| Certification Fee | $1,500 | $1,500 | $3,000 |
Who We Are:
Carefully constructed around your education and clinical experience
The IAAO is being developed by a committee of educators and proctors from both the orthodontic and general dentistry communities, bringing together experience from around the world.
The goal of our association is to establish a clear and rigorous international standard for aligner orthodontics.
One that recognizes education, but also requires dentists to demonstrate how they apply their knowledge in practice.
The IAAO is not being created around one course, one company, or one treatment system. Education may be completed through Clearly Aligned™ or through other approved education providers.
As aligner treatment continues to evolve, the education behind it must evolve as well. The IAAO is giving dentists a clear and structured way to build their knowledge, demonstrate their clinical development, and work toward a higher standard of care.
