American Association of Orthodontists Annual Session Conference 2026

The 2026 American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) Annual Session will be held in Orlando, Florida, from May 1-3, 2026, at the Orange County Convention Center (OCCC). This premier event brings together orthodontic professionals from around the world to access the latest evidence-based scientific and clinical information. Attendees can participate in a wide range of educational sessions, explore a massive Exhibit Hall featuring over 350 industry suppliers, and network with colleagues at numerous social and special events.
Learning Objectives
By engaging with this educational programme, attendees will be able to:

Apply the latest clinical techniques and scientific advances in orthodontics to improve patient care.

Integrate new digital solutions, technologies, and innovative products into clinical practice, guided by insights from the Innovation Pavilion and AAO TechSelect.

Implement effective business strategies, risk management protocols, and marketing tools (like the Consumer Awareness Program) to enhance practice success.

Develop leadership and practice management skills, including team building, employee retention, and efficient workflows, particularly through programs like the Simon Sinek + AAO Inspiring Leadership Program and the Wharton – AAO MBO.

Understand current legal, insurance, and coding challenges in orthodontics and apply strategies to safeguard wealth and navigate compliance.

Collaborate and learn from global experts and peers through specialized programs, including those focused on Craniofacial & Special Care, women in orthodontics, and various constituent caucuses.

Target Audience

This event is intended for orthodontic professionals seeking to advance their clinical knowledge, explore new technologies, and improve their practice management skills.
It is designed for U.S., Canadian, and International AAO members, WFO members, orthodontic residents, and orthodontic team members. Best for Orthodontists.

Topics

Additional Programming:

Cybersecurity Panel Hosted by AAO CTech

Interactive Learning for Ortho Teams (Marketing, Employee Recruitment/Retention)

SOE G. Frans Currier Educational Leadership Conference & Reception

New Orthodontist Seminar/Networking Event

AI Panel Discussion Hosted by AAO CTech

Resident Seminar & Luncheon

Hellman, Sicher & Graber Awards & Lectures

Interactive Learning for Ortho Teams (Artificial Intelligence, Clinical Photography)

AAO Council on Benefits Coding Corner

Consumer Awareness Program (CAP) Presentation

Oral Research Presentations

Table Clinics

Interactive Learning for Ortho Teams (Insurance Coding/Billing, Dental Hygiene)

Women Orthodontists Networking Session

Risk Management for Doctors

OrthoTank Start-Up Pitch Event

Special Committee on Inclusion & Engagement Session with Jackie Joyner-Kersee

2026 AAO Ortho Innovator Award Presentations

Lifetime Achievement Award Lecture: Dr. Rolf Behrents

John Valentine Mershon Award Lecture: Dr. Roberto Hernandez-Orsini

Edward H. Angle Award Lecture: Dr. Greg Huang

Craniofacial & Special Care Orthodontics Member Interest Group

Jacob A. Salzmann Award Lecture: Dr. MariaCostanza Meazzini

Sponsored Lunch & Learns:

Taxes. Taxes. Taxes. When Building, Scaling, or Exiting – Tax Strategy Matters

Safeguarding Wealth: Lawsuit Prevention and Tax Strategies

Driving Clinical Excellence through Digital Orthodontic Workflows

The Weakest Link: Why Your Attachments Are Failing You and Your Patients

From Self-Planning to Full Support: Strategic Decision-Making Across the Aligner Workflow Spectrum

Business Meetings:

First Meeting of the House of Delegates

Reference Committee Hearings (Constituent Caucuses, Reference Committee #1, Reference Committee #2, Reference Committee #3)

Second Meeting of the House of Delegates

Engage and Connect:

AAO First-Time Attendee Tour & Welcome

AAO Service Awards Presentation

AAO First-Time Attendee Coffee

Smiles in Action – AAO + Heart of Florida United Way

Keynote: The AAO Show Featuring Joey Fatone and Lance Bass of *NSYNC

Alumni Receptions

Ortho Resident Party

Fun Run & Walk

AAO Foundation Celebration Breakfast

Career Fair

AAO Fest

Global Reception

AAO Presentation Stage Schedule:

Meet the Speakers (Dr. Neal Kravitz, Drs. Lucia Cevidanes & Jonas Bianchi, Dr. Sunil Kapila, Dr. Nikhillesh Vaiid, Dr. Flavia Artese, Dr. Flavio Uribe, Dr. Juan Martin Palomo)

OrthoTank Start-Up Pitch Event

CDABO Case Display Award Presentation

Ortho Innovator Award Presentation

New Products Showcase Award Presentation