Tier Advancement

International Association for Orthodontics (IAO) Tier Advancement membership categories have been designed to encourage members to participate in orthodontic continuing education (CE) programs and therefore to improve their clinical skills.

Certificates are given to IAO members when obtaining each new tier.

Eligible courses for IAO Tier Advancement include any orthodontic CE course including any orthodontic philosophy or closely related subjects such as functional orthodontics, straightwire mechanics, snoring and sleep apnea, and TMD courses.

The levels of Tier Advancement and their requirements are:

Associate:

Generally, this is the entry-level of membership for new IAO members. Dentists in this category have little or no experience in orthodontics and are beginning to take orthodontic CE and/or TMD courses from the IAO and other providers to learn how to incorporate orthodontics into their general or pediatric practices.

Active:

This is the next step up the ladder and requires the member to submit an Active Tier Advancement Application and proof of participation in 150 hours of continuing education programs in orthodontics. The application fee is $30.

Fellow:

This third level of tier membership starts the clinical examination process. Members achieving this level have a minimum of 300 total hours of orthodontic education and have begun providing this service to their patients. Each member applicant should submit a Fellow Tier Advancement Application along with a $45 application fee and a record showing completion of the requisite hours to the IAO Headquarters Office. Prior to final approval, the Member must submit and pass five (5) completed orthodontic cases to either IAO Headquarters or to an IAO Education Committee Examiner for approval.

*NOTE - One case should be presented first and approval is needed before submitting the final four required cases to reach the Fellow level.

Diplomate:

This board-recognized status is given to IAO Members who have completed 500 hours of orthodontic CE, have met the requirements for all prior categories of membership, have passed the examination for Diplomate Status, and have successfully presented 15 completed cases (10 of which must be two years past treatment).

For full details regarding the Diplomate and to get an application, please sign in to the Members Only Section.