D. Douglas Depew, DMD, MS, is the academic director and founder of the Academy of Orthodontic Assisting. He has been in the private practice of orthodontics since 1990.

OP: Tell me about the formal training program you offer to orthodontic staff members.

Depew: The academy was created to provide a source for formal training of orthodontic assistants and other staff members. Lessons and testing are provided online in two formats: an individual-user format and a subscription format. The subscription format allows doctors to train all their staff for a much lower fee than if they were to do it individually. As the individual format is designed for people wishing to enter the field of orthodontics, it gives students more interaction with our instructional staff. Our teaching methods are proven and academically recognized. Students can take lessons at their own pace, although they must have a 75% average on all tests in order to successfully complete the course. An optional “hands-on” component is also available to course participants. Our 277-page textbook is an important study aid as well. One important point to make is that our course gives students a firm knowledge of why they do certain procedures, not just how. 

OP: How many different types of courses and training avenues do you offer?

Depew: We have students all over the country—in fact, the world. We even have a classroom-based program operating in Australia, and online students in New Zealand. We will be working closely with the AAO in the future to make our courses even more accessible for orthodontists and their staffs.

OP: Tell me about the Clinical Efficiency Retreat for hands-on experience. How does that work? 

Depew: The Clinical Efficiency Retreat is a great way for newer assistants—and even some experienced assistants—to apply what they have learned in the course. Practically every technique covered in the course is reviewed and practiced under the close supervision of certified Academy instructors over a 2-day period of time. We have students come from all over the country, and they return home feeling very capable of performing duties that are requested of them. We plan to offer these in other parts of the country as well.