American Association of Orthodontists Annual Session Conference 2025

AAO 2025: THE ANNUAL SESSION – PHILADELPHIA
“The Birthplace of Modern Orthodontics Meets the Digital Future”

Conference Dates: April 25 – 27, 2025 Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania Convention Center) Academic Host: American Association of Orthodontists (AAO)

General Information
Welcome to the definitive event in global orthodontics. In 2025, the AAO descends upon Philadelphia—a city steeped in medical history—to define the future of the specialty.
This is not merely a trade show; it is a comprehensive educational curriculum designed to navigate the rapid technological shifts in the industry. As the “Direct-to-Consumer” model fades and the “Doctor-Led” model evolves, AAO 2025 focuses on hybridizing clinical excellence with digital efficiency. This course covers the full spectrum: from the biology of tooth movement to the economics of running a scalable private practice in the AI era.

Format: Doctors Scientific Program + Orthodontic Staff Program.

Focus: Digital Workflow, Aligner Biomechanics, and Interdisciplinary Care.

Target Audience
This program is the annual pilgrimage for:

Orthodontists: Seeking to master complex aligner cases (teen & surgical) that were previously restricted to fixed appliances.

Orthodontic Residents: Preparing for Board Certification and evaluating post-grad career paths (Private vs. OSO/DSO).

Treatment Coordinators (TCs): Who need to master the psychology of sales and patient conversion in a competitive market.

Lab Technicians: Transitioning from wire-bending to 3D printing and digital setups.

Learning Objectives
By attending the Philadelphia 2025 session, participants will be able to:

Master In-House Manufacturing: Implement a cost-effective 3D printing workflow for aligners and brackets, reducing lab overhead by 40%.

Decode Aligner Biomechanics: Apply the 2025 protocols for distalization, expansion, and deep bite correction using plastic instead of wire.

Manage the Airway: Screen and treat pediatric sleep-disordered breathing using expansion appliances (MARPE/MSE).

Leverage Artificial Intelligence: Use AI for remote monitoring (DentalMonitoring) and automated treatment planning to reduce chair time.

Course Topics & Tracks (2025 Highlights)
Clinical Orthodontics & Treatment Excellence

Complex Malocclusions: Master classes on treating Class II and Class III malocclusions, open bites, and complex surgical cases.

Facial Aesthetics: Integration of facial esthetics into orthodontic treatment planning.

Aligner Therapy: Advanced protocols for clear aligner treatments and hybrid therapies.

New Clinical Techniques: Evidence-based approaches for faster tooth movement and improved occlusal outcomes.

Technology & Innovation

Artificial Intelligence (AI): Utilization of AI for remote monitoring (e.g., DentalMonitoring+), automated diagnostics, and predictive treatment planning.

Digital Workflows: Complete digital integration from intraoral scanning to final appliance fabrication.

3D Printing: In-office manufacturing of aligners, retainers, and brackets (featuring innovations like the EPAX DX10 printer).

Cybersecurity: Protecting patient data in an increasingly AI-driven and digital landscape.

Practice Management & Business Growth

Staffing & Culture: Strategies to overcome labor shortages, improve employee retention, and build a positive office culture.

Profitability & Operations: Financial management, revenue cycle optimization, and “OrthoTank” business pitch competitions.

Marketing & Patient Acquisition: Digital marketing strategies to increase case acceptance and attract new patients.

Risk Management: Legal and safety protocols for doctors and orthodontic staff.

Research & Education

Oral Research: Presentations of the latest scientific studies and clinical trials in orthodontics.

Table Clinics & e-Posters: Visual displays of case reports, technique innovations, and academic research.

Resident Education: Dedicated tracks for orthodontic residents, including the William R. Proffit Resident Scholar Award.

Networking & Special Events

OrthoTank Pitch Event: A “Shark Tank” style competition for new orthodontic innovations (Winner example: OrthoBerry).

AAO Philly Fest: The premier social event for attendees held in Philadelphia.

Alumni Receptions: Networking opportunities organized by university alumni associations.

Wellness & Leadership: Sessions focused on mental well-being and professional leadership development.