Orthodontic inventors and other product/service developers are invited to apply for the 2022 AAO Ortho Innovator Award. Now in its fourth year, the Ortho Innovator Award is part of an ongoing effort to support innovation among orthodontists and industry suppliers. Businesses considered eligible to enter the competition are companies offering new products or services for orthodontic treatment or orthodontic practice management.
“The Ortho Innovator award is just one way the AAO is committed to supporting entrepreneurial orthodontists and partners in our industry,” said Dr. Ken Dillehay, AAO President. “The AAO Committee on Technology (CTECH) is looking for that bright idea that helps advance our specialty. If you have an idea that can help manage a practice better, a unique marketing approach, or a product that revolutionizes orthodontic treatment I encourage you to apply. “
Each entrant must submit an “elevator pitch” video featuring the innovating AAO member/orthodontist(s). All entries should be addressed to the AAO Committee on Technology and received by January 31, 2022. CTECH will evaluate all entries by uniqueness, originality, functionality or feasibility, and value for the orthodontic practice.
One winner will be selected by the committee to receive the 2022 AAO Ortho Innovator award. Grand Prize winner will receive a travel stipend to attend the 2022 AAO Annual Session and exhibition space during the 2023 Annual Session in Chicago.
The Ortho Innovator Award application is also the entry form for AAO Ortho Tank Pitch Event that will take place at AAO Annual Session 2022 live on the Exhibit Hall floor.
For “how to enter” information please visit: https://www2.aaoinfo.org/orthoinnovators/
Past Ortho Innovator Winners
Since the AAO Ortho Innovator Award program launched in 2019, winners have included:
● 2019: Dr. Brandon Owen for the KLOwen custom digital bracket system, designed for production in the orthodontic office.
● 2020: Mr. Todd Blankenbecler and EasyRx, offering integrated software and applications for orthodontic practices to manage lab prescription and digital workflow processes, all in one system. In addition to Mr. Blankenbecler, EasyRx is led by an orthodontist, Dr. Marc Lemchen.
● 2021: Dr. Adam Schulhof for the Grin Remote Monitoring and Consultation System, featuring the Grin App and the Grin Scope, a patent-pending, FDA-listed medical device.
