Hu-Friedy,Chicago, is holding its Eighth Annual Global Wire Bending Contest. Opento orthodontic residents and practitioners from around the world, thecontest will take place at the AAO’s annual session, which will be heldin the company’s hometown of Chicago from May 14 to 17.

The contest features two categories: Single Wire and Anything Goes.Entries in the Single Wire category must be designed from a single pieceof orthodontic wire, while entries in the Anything Goes category can bedesigned from multiple orthodontic wires. One winner from each categorywill be announced May 17 at the Hu-Friedy booth.

The Single Wire and Anything Goes winners will receive $1,000 and $3,000worth of Hu-Friedy orthodontic instruments, respectively. Winningentries will also be featured in a post-contest press release and on theHu-Friedy Web site and Friends of Hu-Friedy online community. Entrieswill be judged on creativity and hard work.

The 2010 winners displayed a combination of technique and inventiveness.Single Wire winner Daniel Nguyen, DDS, created an intricate phoenix(pictured) as an homage to his soon-to-be wife. Aaron Swapp, winner ofthe Anything Goes category, used nearly 300 feet of wire to build acomplete chess set and board.

Ron Saslow, president and CEO of Hu-Friedy, said, "Hu-Friedy has a longtradition of commitment to skill, quality and innovation in the dentalindustry. This competition allows us to recognize and reward these sameprinciples in the orthodontic practitioners throughout the world who useour products every day. We applaud the ‘artists’ who create theseincredible pieces of art."

To enter the contest, entrants must submit creations at the Hu-Friedybooth during the AAO convention. Entries must be received by 5 PM May16. All entries become the property of Hu-Friedy unless otherwisespecified by Hu-Friedy.

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