Empowering Patients. Elevating Care.
At the California Association of Orthodontists (CAO), patient safety isn’t just a priority — it’s the foundation of everything we do. We believe that informed patients are empowered patients, and we are committed to ensuring that every Californian receives safe, high-quality orthodontic care delivered with professionalism, integrity, and transparency.
Mission Statement on Patient Safety and Informed Consent
At the California Association of Orthodontists (CAO), patient safety is fundamental to our mission of advancing the profession of orthodontics. We are dedicated to ensuring every patient receives safe, high-quality care delivered with integrity, professionalism, and transparency. By prioritizing informed consent, we empower patients and families to make well-informed decisions about orthodontic treatment, fostering confidence and trust in the care they will receive.
Key Points
- Commitment to Excellence:
- The CAO supports rigorous education and continuing professional development for the ADA-accredited orthodontic specialty.
- The CAO supports rigorous education and continuing professional development for the ADA-accredited orthodontic specialty.
- Promoting Transparency and Safety:
- Informed consent is a cornerstone of ethical dental health practices.
- We advocate for clear, open communication between providers and patients, ensuring that treatment options, risks, and benefits are fully understood.
- Informed consent is a cornerstone of ethical dental health practices.
- Educational Resources for the Public:
- CAO develops brochures, digital tools, and educational content to help patients understand orthodontic procedures and what to expect during treatment.
- Educating the public that Orthodontic Specialists are required to do another 2 to 3 years of training, exclusively concentrating on orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics.
- CAO develops brochures, digital tools, and educational content to help patients understand orthodontic procedures and what to expect during treatment.
- Advocacy for Patient Rights:
- CAO supports policies and regulations that safeguard patient rights and elevate informed consent as an ethical standard of care across California.
- We collaborate with state agencies and dental boards to support patient-centered legislation.
- CAO supports policies and regulations that safeguard patient rights and elevate informed consent as an ethical standard of care across California.
- Community Outreach and Awareness:
- Through school partnerships, community initiatives, and public campaigns, CAO educates families on how to identify safe, effective orthodontic care and identify an ADA-accredited orthodontic specialist.
- Through school partnerships, community initiatives, and public campaigns, CAO educates families on how to identify safe, effective orthodontic care and identify an ADA-accredited orthodontic specialist.