Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Florida Association of Orthodontists - Advocating for Excellence
Founded in 1940, the Florida Association of Orthodontists (FAO) is a professional organization representing over 600 orthodontists across Florida. We are dedicated to advancing orthodontic care through education, advocacy, and collaboration with state and national dental associations. Our annual meetings provide continuing education, networking opportunities, and expanded duties certification for orthodontic teams. With a legacy of leadership spanning decades, we promote ethical treatment, legislative awareness, and innovation in orthodontic practices.Our members benefit from mentorship programs, policy advocacy, and resources to enhance patient care and professional growth. Through partnerships with institutions like the American Association of Orthodontists, we ensure our members remain at the forefront of industry advancements while serving Florida's public health needs.
Services
Professional Advocacy
Continuing Education
Expanded Duties Certification
Legislative Affairs
Annual Networking Events
Details
- Year established: 1940
Highlights and features
- We offer 85+ years of experience advancing orthodontic care in Florida
- Our network includes 600+ orthodontists and 60 student members statewide
- We provide expanded duties certification for orthodontic teams annually
- We advocate for member interests through state and national partnerships
- Our annual sessions deliver 3 days of specialized continuing education
Services
Professional Advocacy
We advocate for Florida orthodontists through legislative engagement and policy development. Our team works with state officials to protect professional standards and patient access to care. Members receive updates on regulatory changes affecting orthodontic practices across the state.
Continuing Education
Our annual conferences provide specialized continuing education for orthodontists and their teams. These programs cover emerging techniques, practice management, and clinical advancements. Over 30 hours of CE credits are available during our annual March meeting.
Expanded Duties Certification
We offer certification courses for orthodontic assistants across six clinical functions. Training locations span Florida with sessions led by experienced instructors. Certifications help practices meet state regulatory requirements for delegated dental procedures.
Annual Networking Events
Our annual three-day conferences combine education with networking opportunities. Events feature guest speakers, product exhibitions, and social gatherings. Sponsors and exhibitors connect with orthodontists to showcase new practice technologies and services.
Leadership Development
Through mentorship programs and leadership positions, we develop orthodontists' professional capabilities. Members gain experience through committee work and event planning. Our alumni network includes past presidents of national dental organizations.
People
Dr. John Cordoba
President
Dr. John Cordoba currently serves as FAO President. He earned his orthodontic specialty degree from the University of Florida and maintains a private practice in Lake Mary, Florida. Dr. Cordoba promotes active association participation for orthodontic residents through mentorship initiatives.
Lissette Zuknick
Executive Director
Lissette Zuknick has served as FAO Executive Director for over 15 years. She manages day-to-day operations and coordinates with state legislators on orthodontic policy matters. Her leadership ensures effective delivery of member services and educational programs.
Dr. Arghavan Welch
Immediate Past President
Dr. Arghavan Welch completed her term as FAO President in 2024. She owns a Palm Beach Gardens orthodontic practice and serves on multiple AAO committees. Dr. Welch continues contributing to FAO's strategic planning initiatives as Immediate Past President.
Dr. Eddy Sedeo
Vice President
Dr. Eddy Sedeo currently serves as FAO Vice President. He leads advocacy efforts through Florida's Congressional delegation outreach program. Dr. Sedeo also coordinates expanded duties certification courses across multiple training locations statewide.
Dr. Richard Mariani
Expanded Duties Chair
Dr. Richard Mariani chairs FAO's Expanded Duties Committee. In this role, he oversees certification program development and instructor recruitment. His leadership ensures training programs meet Florida Dental Association standards for orthodontic assisting certifications.
Questions
How do I become a member of FAO?
You automatically join FAO when you become a member of the American Association of Orthodontists. Florida residents practicing orthodontics qualify for membership.
What educational programs do you offer?
We provide annual continuing education conferences, expanded duties certification courses for orthodontic assistants, and legislative update webinars throughout the year.
Is the FAO Annual Session worth attending?
Our members report 94% satisfaction with annual meeting content. Attendees gain CE credits, network with colleagues, and explore new orthodontic technologies at exhibitor booths.
How does FAO support orthodontic practices?
We advocate for orthodontists with Florida lawmakers, provide practice management resources, and offer networking opportunities through local and state-wide events.
What are expanded duties certification courses?
These programs certify orthodontic assistants in specific clinical procedures according to Florida dental regulations. Courses cover six of nine applicable functions for orthodontic practices.
How can I get involved with FAO leadership?
Members can join committees, attend executive meetings, or run for office. Our leadership development program prepares orthodontists for progressive roles within the association.
