The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) will hold its Annual Session May 4 to 8, 2018, in Washington, DC, at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center. Orthodontists and their professional staff members will have access to learning, discussion, study, and collaboration opportunities. More than 200 lectures will be presented during the Annual Session.
According to a press release from the AAO, 17,000 people are expected to attend, including 3,000 international attendees representing 85 counties.
“The AAO Annual Session offers unparalleled access to insights on current research, the scientific and clinical aspects of orthodontic treatment, as well as today’s best business practices, making it possible for us as orthodontists to fulfill our shared goal of delivering the highest level of care to each one of our patients,” said Nahid Maleki, DDS, MS, president of the AAO. “To learn first-hand from our specialty’s leading researchers, clinicians and practice management authorities is truly a not-to-be-missed opportunity. The 2018 AAO Annual Session offers an incomparable opportunity to gain rich insights into emerging treatment topics that will benefit orthodontists at all stages of their careers.”
The AAO Annual Session Exhibit Hall will be open Saturday, May 5 through Tuesday, May 8. More than 375 exhibitors, showcasing products and services for orthodontic practices, are expected.
Special events offered exclusively to 2018 AAO Annual Session attendees include a performance by stage, TV, and film star Kristin Chenoweth at the May 5 Opening Ceremonies; Mike “Coach K” Krzyzewski, head coach of Duke University’s men’s basketball team, author and businessman, the keynote speaker at the May 6 Excellence in Orthodontics Awards Ceremony; and the AAO Celebration Monday evening, May 7, at the Old Post Office Pavilion.
Lecturers at the Annual Session include Bjorn Zachrisson, DDS, MSD, PhD, of Oslo, Norway, who will give the Edward H. Angle Lecture. His subject is “Science, Practice and Ethics in Finishing Adult and Elderly Patients.” James L. Vaden, DDS, MS, will give the John Valentine Mershon Lecture, speaking on “Challenges ARE Opportunities.”
The AAO will also recognize a number of orthodontists and their accomplishments at the Excellence in Orthodontics Awards Ceremony and Luncheon on May 6. The James E. Brophy AAO Distinguished Service Award, given to those who have made contributions to orthodontics in addition to other valuable and devoted services to the AAO and to its membership, will be presented to Stephen Litton, DDS, PhD, of Golden Valley, Minn. The Lifetime Achievement Award in Orthodontic Research, recognizing significant contributions to the science related to the specialty of orthodontics over the course of the recipient’s lifetime, will be presented to Lysle Johnston, Jr, DDS, MS, of Eastport, Mich. The AAO Humanitarian Award, recognizing significant contributions to improve the quality of human life that extends beyond the usual scope of private practice, academic functions, or organized dentistry, will be presented to E. David Engst, DDS, MSD, of Bellingham, Wash. The Albert H. Ketcham Memorial Award, presented by the American Board of Orthodontics annually to an orthodontist who has made a notable contribution to the science and art of orthodontics, will be awarded to Birte Melsen, DDS, Dr Odont, of Aarhaus, Denmark. And the American Association of Orthodontists Foundation’s Louise Ada Jarabak Memorial International Teachers and Research Award, recognizing significant contributions to orthodontic teaching and research, will be presented to Brent E. Larson, DDS, MS.
“The AAO’s 2018 Annual Session will have it all—educational opportunities, special events, and fellowship with colleagues—in one of the most interesting, iconic, and important cities in the world. With two airports and excellent rail service, Washington, DC is easily accessible to domestic and international travelers. We look forward to welcoming everyone who wishes to pursue excellence in orthodontic patient care to join us May 4 to 8,” said Maleki.
