Wear orange this Unity Day, October 22, in solidarity with those who are experiencing bullying and aim to break the cycle

ST. LOUIS, Sept. 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO), the world's oldest and largest dental specialty organization, is partnering with Stand for the Silent, a non-profit organization working to end bullying and youth suicide, on the Bullying Bites campaign. The campaign encourages everyone to take a stand against bullying by promoting a safe and healthy environment in and out of schools. October is both National Bullying Prevention Month and National Orthodontic Health Month and to observe it, everyone is encouraged to wear orange this Unity Day, October 22, and join in the effort to end bullying.

One in five students aged 12-18 experience bullying nationwide with an estimated 160,000 children missing school each day due to fear of an attack or intimidation by another student. Orthodontists are uniquely positioned to reinforce the importance of kindness as they meet with school-aged patients every six to eight weeks. In spreading awareness about how "bullying bites," AAO is hopeful that it can decrease these numbers by helping young people feel confident and safe at school and online.

"Because the work of orthodontists ties us closely with children and families, AAO is able to raise awareness about bullying among those who are most impacted – children and their families," said Dr. Steven Siegel, president, AAO. "We love partnering with Stand for the Silent in support of all those who have been affected by bullying. We encourage our members, staff, and the community to join us in wearing orange this Unity Day to raise awareness of this issue and take positive action to end bullying not just this October, but every day."

Beyond practices, AAO is lighting up more than a dozen monuments and landmarks in orange across the United States and Canada including The Parthenon in Nashville, Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati and the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland to raise awareness about bullying.

"Working with AAO again to raise awareness about the devastating effects that bullying can and does have is something that we have come to look forward to every year," said Kirk Smalley, president and co-founder, Stand for the Silent. "The work these amazing orthodontists do to help spread our message is critical to help end the bullying epidemic. Bullying impacts so many children every day it is important to reach people where we can."

Pledge cards and other materials will be available both in office and online, so that AAO members can challenge orthodontic patients and staff to commit to take a stand together against bullying. AAO also invites those looking for a philanthropic way to support anti-bullying efforts to consider giving financial support to Gifted Smiles, a program founded by the American Association of Orthodontists Foundation (AAOF) that provides necessary orthodontic treatments to children of families who lack access to care. Members can also choose to sponsor Stand for the Silent's efforts to provide educational assembly programs at schools nationwide.

Visit AAOInfo.org for more information and ways to get involved in the Bullying Bites campaign.

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.

About Stand for the Silent

Stand for the Silent was founded in 2010, in honor of Kirk and Laura Smalley's son, Ty Field-Smalley. Just 11 years old, Ty tragically took his own life after being bullied for over two years and suspended from school for retaliating. Determined to honor their son by protecting other children from bullying, Kirk and Laura began sharing Ty's story in schools, giving rise to what is now a national movement to end bullying and youth suicide.

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SOURCE American Association of Orthodontists