AAO 2017: What You Need to Know About This Year's Annual Session

The 2017 AAO Annual Session will take place this year at the San Diego Convention Center from April 21-25.

On one hand is a city that boosts of having the world’s best weather. On the other hand is the world’s oldest and largest dental specialty organization. Sounds like a great combination.

The American Association of Orthodontists (founded in 1900) will conduct its 2017 Annual Session at the San Diego Convention Center from April 21-25. More than 18,000 members are expected to attend the 117th annual meeting, whose theme this year is “Navigating Orthodontics: The Art, The Science, The Business.”

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Considered “the premier global gathering of orthodontists,” organizers pledge that the five-day event will provide “informative educational programs with a mix of entertainment and activities.”

More than 300 lectures (many offering CE) for orthodontists and their staff will be conducted. Attendees will hear the latest on orthodontic research, technology and practice management. And in deference to busy doctors, this year’s lectures will feature more speakers and shorter presentations.

AAO organizers call this year’s Exhibit Hall “the largest of its kind under one roof.” With more than 350 exhibitors on hand to display useful products and services, orthodontic professionals “will find everything all in one place.”

AAO president DeWayne McCamish, D.D.S., explains that today “navigating an orthodontic practice is an art, a science and a business.” And the Tennessee orthodontist for more than 40 years says the San Diego event will offer “unparalleled access to insights on current scientific and clinical aspects of orthodontic treatment, as well as today’s best business practices.”

This year’s Scientific Program offers a wealth of insightful information, including: the latest research on sleep apnea and accelerated tooth movement, findings on advanced finishing techniques and the proper application of the principles of interdisciplinary care, state-of-the-art mechanics presentations (TADS, Class II correction, vertical control and open bite correction), information on pre-adolescent treatment modalities and facial esthetics, new findings on the management of TMJ disorders and discussions of the impact of biology and genetics the orthodontics.

The Opening Ceremony on April 22 will include a performance by country music singer and songwriter, Martina McBride. And tennis legend Andre Agassi will keynote The Excellence in Orthodontics Awards Ceremony and Luncheon on April 23.

Matching San Diego’s awesome weather are countless fine dining and entertainment possibilities.

According to Zagat, San Diego's best restaurants include: Dao Fu, Carnitas' Snack Shack — North Park, Addison, Sushi Ota, CUCINA Enoteca Newport Beach, Donovan's Steak & Chop House, The Marine Room, BO-beau kitchen + bar, Rocky's Crown Pub, and the 1500 OCEAN Restaurant.

You haven’t been to San Diego, if you haven’t been to the city’s world-renowned Zoo — it’s everything it’s touted to be. Located in beautiful Balboa Park, the 100-acre zoo is home to more than 3,500 rare and endangered animals and has a botanical collection with more than 700,000 exotic plants. No matter your age, it will impress. To complete the nature tour, spend some time at San Diego’s amazing SeaWorld.

Be sure to visit and explore Coronado Island. Known as California’s “Crown City,” visitors can walk the surf, dine at the spectacular Hotel del Coronado, bike or sail around the island.

Orthodontists who love golf might look into playing the city’s U.S. Open-caliber course, Torrey Pines. The links where Tiger Woods won his last major tournament in 2005 is open to the public.

A trip to the city’s Gaslamp Quarter should also be on the dental professional’s agenda. Rich in Victorian architecture and history — the neighborhood offers a variety of shops, art galleries, theatres and trendy restaurants.

John McDonald, D.M.D, a Salem, Oregon orthodontist, believes that dental professionals “are crazy not to come” to the AAO meeting. He says “there's great value for your money” in attending and “you’ll learn something you don’t know and see something you haven’t seen.”

For more info, here’s the AAO Annual Session program.

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