Guest: Dr Steven Siegel, AAO President

📌 Episode Overview: 

In this episode of the Orthodontic Products Podcast, host Alison Werner sits down with Dr. Steven Siegel, president of the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO), to discuss the newly released 2025 Economics of Orthodontics Survey.

This in-depth survey takes a closer look at the state of orthodontic practice across the U.S. and Canada, covering patient volumes, treatment trends, practice finances, staffing, and shifting business models. Dr. Siegel shares insights into what the data reveals about opportunities and challenges facing orthodontists today—and how the AAO is working to support its members.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to the Economics of Orthodontics Survey

02:07 Understanding Patient Volume Trends

05:32 Financial Disparities in Orthodontics

07:16 Addressing Gender and Ethnic Disparities

10:30 Future Investments in Orthodontic Practices

13:45 Consumer Awareness and Patient Acquisition

15:39 Advocacy and Future Directions for Orthodontics

Key Takeaways:

🔹 Patient volumes hit record highs in 2024, but many orthodontists still reported not feeling busy enough, reflecting uneven growth across regions.

🔹 Nearly half of orthodontists expect to shift practice modalities within five years, highlighting generational change and evolving career paths.

🔹 Income disparities by gender and ethnicity persist, even after adjusting for variables, prompting new AAO initiatives to address equity.

🔹 Braces are seeing a resurgence over aligners, influenced by social media trends, compliance challenges, and case complexity.

🔹 Younger orthodontists are investing in new offices and digital workflows, signaling optimism and commitment to the profession’s future.

Resources Mentioned: 

🔗 2025 AAO Economics of Orthodontics Analysis Reporting on 2024 Practice & Patient Statistics 

👤  Guest Bio: 

Steven M. Siegel, DMD, is the 2025–2026 president of the American Association of Orthodontists. With over 35 years in practice in Glen Burnie, Md, he has also served as longtime faculty at the University of Maryland and worked with the Johns Hopkins Cleft Palate and Craniofacial Team. An AAO trustee since 2016, Siegel has led initiatives in inclusion and engagement. He trained at Tufts and the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey and began his career in public health and general dentistry.

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