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Orthodontists gain exclusive .25% rate discount and zero origination fees on practice loans through the AAO’s first endorsed practice finance program
June 3, 2026 – The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) has selected Panacea Financial, the financial technology platform built exclusively for doctors and their practices, as its endorsed practice finance lender. With the agreement, Panacea is now the only practice finance lender independently endorsed by the AAO. This partnership offers AAO members access to exclusive pricing on practice and personal loans, applied after underwriting on top of Panacea’s already competitive rates.
The AAO is the largest professional organization representing orthodontists in North America with 19,000+ members. The endorsement follows a formal request-for-proposal process and multi-month review.
Whether AAO members are opening a new practice or buying an orthodontic practice from a retiring colleague, the endorsed program applies to the full lifecycle of practice ownership. The AAO’s member benefit through Panacea Financial includes:
- Access to exclusive pricing on practice and personal loans
- Financing for practice startups, acquisitions, expansions, equipment, commercial real estate, and working capital
- One lending relationship across the full career lifecycle, from residency through multi-location ownership
“Orthodontists assume one of the most financially demanding paths in healthcare,” said Michael Jerkins, M.D., M.Ed., President and Co-Founder of Panacea Financial. “From dental school, to a highly competitive and expensive residency, much of it self-funded through student loans. By the time an orthodontist is ready to open or acquire a practice, they may be carrying $500,000 to $700,000 in educational debt. Panacea Financial is built by doctors who understand that trajectory, and the AAO endorsement tells orthodontists that they don’t have to take that on faith.”
“Our members invest years and significant resources to become orthodontic specialists. When we looked for a practice finance partner, we applied the same due diligence we’d expect our members to bring to any major financial decision. We evaluated candidates rigorously, vetted their underwriting approach, and assessed alignment with member interests at every stage. Panacea Financial stood out as a lender that was built by doctors and designed around the financial trajectory of a healthcare career. This endorsement reflects that work,” said Dr. Michael Durbin, President, American Association of Orthodontists.
“My wife and I had the pleasure of working with Panacea to finance the practice we’ve always dreamed of. As a pediatric dentist and an orthodontist, we envisioned running a dual-specialty practice together. However, other lenders in the space presented challenges due to the size of the facility needed to accommodate both specialties. Panacea understood the unique requirements of our non-traditional setup and made the entire process smooth from start to finish. Now, three months into owning our dream practice, we couldn’t be happier. The Panacea team was responsive, professional, and easy to work with throughout. We highly recommend Panacea for anyone pursuing their practice goals,” said Michael Seelig, DMD, MS, at Shine Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics.
Members can begin applying today. AAO members can verify their membership when applying through https://panaceafinancial.com/aao-members/.
About Panacea Financial
Panacea Financial Holdings, Inc. is a financial technology company dedicated exclusively to serving physicians, dentists, and veterinarians. Founded by doctors, Panacea delivers a vertically integrated financial platform – including lending, deposits, payments, and advisory services – designed to support doctors from education through practice ownership. Panacea is a division of Primis, Member FDIC. All Panacea deposits are insured up to $250,000. Loans offered in all 50 states and Washington D.C.
About the American Association of Orthodontists
The American Association of Orthodontists represents 19,000 orthodontist members throughout the United States, Canada, and abroad. Founded in 1900, AAO is the world’s oldest and largest dental specialty organization. AAO is dedicated to ethically advancing the art and science of orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics worldwide; improving the overall oral healthcare of the public; advocating for the health and safety of the public; educating the public about the benefits of orthodontic treatment provided by an orthodontic specialist. For more information, visit aaoinfo.org.
MEDIA CONTACTS:
For AAO: Jill Pioter: [email protected] or 314-292-6568.
For Panacea Financial: Suzanne Block: [email protected]