NESO News

AAOF Updates

Dr. Yuna Park

AAOF CORE 
Classes for Orthodontic Resident Empowerment equips residents with essential business skills

As a third-year orthodontic resident nearing graduation, I am beginning to explore my options for life after residency. I am not alone in this endeavor. A quick search on PubMed reveals numerous publications addressing post-residency career paths. Many of these articles highlight the lack of formal business training for residents, a persistent issue across various specialties.

Despite a steady decline in practice ownership, the majority of orthodontists (71%, according to the 2023 AAO Economics of Orthodontics and Patient Census Survey) still work in orthodontist-owned single or group practices. Therefore, understanding how to manage the financial health of your practice and effectively lead a team is crucial.

To address these challenges, the American Association of Orthodontists Foundation (AAOF) has partnered with Dr. Bill Layman to launch CORE, a new initiative for orthodontic residents. CORE, which stands for Classes for Orthodontic Resident Empowerment, is designed to equip residents with essential business skills to be successful practitioner. Whether you’re considering starting your own practice, purchasing a practice, or joining a corporate team, CORE aims to enhance your knowledge and success.

The CORE course consists of six modules, released monthly and available for two weeks each. The first module, focusing on basic accounting principles, was launched on August 15, 2024, and received positive feedback. The second module, set to be released on September 15, 2024, will cover strategies to enhance your competitiveness in the market.

Residents interested in expanding their business skills can sign up for this valuable opportunity at no cost. Register on the AAOF website (https://www.aaofoundation.net/core).