The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) is now accepting submissions for its 2026 Ortho Innovator Awards. Orthodontists who have invented a product or service designed to improve the practice of orthodontics, clinically and/or operationally, while upholding the standard of care, are invited to submit an entry in one of two categories:
Category 1: Emerging Innovation
The Emerging Innovation Award recognizes groundbreaking ideas that can be demonstrated through a prototype, pilot, or minimum viable product (MVP). It includes innovations that may not yet be commercialized but show strong potential to transform the field.
Category 2: Market Impact Innovation
Honoring innovations that have successfully transitioned from development to the commercial market, this category showcases real-world adoption and measurable impact, driving meaningful change and advancing industry standards.
For both categories, applicants must submit a 3 – 5 minute video made specifically for the contest featuring the AAO member orthodontist(s) behind the development. Submissions will be judged by the AAO Committee on Technology based on uniqueness, originality, functionality, feasibility, and value to orthodontic practices.
By just checking a box on the entry, Ortho Innovator applicants who will be seeking VC funding in 2026 will be automatically entered in the AAO Ortho Tank Start-Up Pitch Event, taking place at AAO Annual Session 2026. Ortho Tank Finalists will pitch to a panel of judges on-stage at AAO Annual Session 2026 in Orlando.
Submit Your Ortho Innovator Award Application
Submissions are due by January 31, 2026, and winners will be announced at the 2026 AAO Annual Session in Orlando. The Market Impact Category Grand Prize includes a $2,000 travel stipend and complimentary exhibition space at the 2027 Annual Session. Grand Prize winners in both categories will receive an award that will be presented at the 2026 AAO Annual Session in Orlando, Florida.
A new video highlights the Ortho Innovator Winners Showcase, featuring winners from 2019 to 2025. Click below for a brief introduction to winning organizations
View the Winners Showcase Video
