SANTA CLARA, Calif., Oct 18, 2007 /PRNewswire-FirstCall via COMTEX News Network/ -- Align Technology, Inc. (Nasdaq: ALGN), the inventor of Invisalign, a proprietary method of straightening teeth without wires or brackets, today announced approval of its Continuing Education Program by the Academy of General Dentistry's (AGD) Program Approval for Continuing Education (PACE) Committee.

PACE is an evaluation of the educational processes used in designing, planning and implementing continuing education. It was created to assist the dental profession in identifying and participating in quality continuing dental education.

"We are pleased that the AGD has approved our program, and in so doing, has recognized our dedication to continuing education," said Dr. Lou Shuman, vice president of strategic relations for Align. "Our acceptance in the dental community has been a direct result of the commitment we have to educating providers on the applicability of the Invisalign technique in their practice, and the general benefits it provides to their patients."

Align's Clinical Education department is working to provide a "True Continuum of Learning." The team's goal is to create diverse educational resources for Invisalign providers -- from the novice to the most advanced practitioner -- in a wide variety of delivery formats, thereby accommodating each customer's unique learning preferences.

To be considered for PACE, organizations that are national or international in scope, providing programs in more than one state or province or drawing a significant amount of participants from more than one state or province, submit applications that are then reviewed by a nine-member committee. Program providers must adhere to over one dozen published standards and criteria in different areas to receive and maintain approval status.

"Align has an incredible team that is dedicated to creating and managing the significant amount of education they provide each year," said AGD President Vincent C. Mayher, DMD, MAGD. "The PACE approval is recognition of Align's professional commitment to continuing education, both now and in the future."

Program providers approved through the AGD are approved to offer credit hours that can be applied towards the AGD's Fellowship (FAGD) and Mastership (MAGD) award programs. Currently, just under 500 program providers have received national approval by the AGD's PACE Committee.

The AGD is a professional association of more than 33,000 general dentists dedicated to staying up-to-date in the profession through continuing education. Founded in 1952, the AGD has grown to become the world's second largest dental association, which is the only association that exclusively represents the needs and interests of general dentists. A general dentist is the primary care provider for patients of all ages and is responsible for the diagnosis, treatment, management and overall coordination of services related to patients' oral health needs. Visit http://www.agd.org.

About Align Technology, Inc.

Align Technology designs, manufactures and markets Invisalign, a proprietary method for treating malocclusion, or the misalignment of teeth. Invisalign corrects malocclusion using a series of clear, nearly invisible, removable appliances that gently move teeth to a desired final position. Because it does not rely on the use of metal or ceramic brackets and wires, Invisalign significantly reduces the aesthetic and other limitations associated with braces. Invisalign is appropriate for treating adults and older teens. Align Technology was founded in March 1997 and received FDA clearance to market Invisalign in 1998.

To learn more about Invisalign or to find a certified Invisalign doctor in your area, please visit http://www.invisalign.com or call 1-800-INVISIBLE.

    Investor Relations Contact                 Press Contact
    Shirley Stacy                              Shannon Mangum Henderson
    Align Technology, Inc.                     Ethos Communication, Inc.
    (408) 470-1150                             (678) 540-9222
    sstacy@aligntech.com                       align@ethoscommunication.com

SOURCE Align Technology, Inc.

http://www.invisalign.com

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