2027 AAO Ortho Innovator Award Contest

Are you an orthodontist who has an innovative product or service in the world of orthodontics? Something that improves clinical outcomes, improves the patient experience, or enhances operational efficiencies? Submit your “elevator pitch” featuring the innovating AAO member orthodontist(s) via a 3–5 minute video addressing the AAO’s Committee on Technology.

For 2027, submissions will be accepted October 1, 2026 – January 31, 2027. 

The committee may select winners in one of two categories to receive the 2027 AAO Ortho Innovator Award:

Award Categories

Category 1: Emerging Innovation
Recognizes groundbreaking ideas that have progressed beyond concept and are demonstrated through a prototype, pilot, or minimum viable product (MVP). These innovations may not yet be commercialized but show strong potential to transform the field. This category celebrates the courage and creativity of early-stage innovators who are shaping the future with tangible proof-of-concept solutions.

Category 2: Market Impact Innovation
Honors innovations that have successfully moved from development into the commercial market, demonstrating real-world adoption and measurable impact. This category highlights products or solutions that are not only innovative but also proven in practice, driving meaningful change and advancing industry standards.

Important Eligibility Note: The purpose of this award is to recognize orthodontists who are innovators. If the orthodontist is not the inventor or founder, the company is not eligible.

Winners and honorable mentions will be recognized at the 2027 AAO Annual Session and the winner of the Market Impact Innovation Category will receive a $2,000 travel stipend and free booth space at the 2028 AAO Annual Session.

Please contact [email protected] for questions about submissions.

 

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Contact Information

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Ortho Tank

Submission Information

Enter the link to your publicly viewable 3–5 minute video (YouTube, Vimeo, etc.).
Describe your submission.

By completing this application form and making a submission to the American Association of Orthodontists (“AAO”) 2027 Ortho Innovators contest, you acknowledge and agree that you are doing so solely for the purposes of applying for and participating in the 2027 Ortho Innovators contest, and you will not receive any compensation or credit for making a submission (other than if you are selected as the winner of the contest). BY COMPLETING THIS APPLICATION FORM AND/OR SUBMITTING A VIDEO, YOU ARE ACCEPTING AND AGREEING TO THE AAO 2026 ORTHO INNOVATORS TERMS AND CONDITIONS. You understand that your application and/or submission is not confidential nor submitted in confidence or trust and no confidential or fiduciary relationship is intended or created by such application and/or submission. You further understand that the American Association of Orthodontists, and/or its employees, officers, directors, agents and representatives (the “AAO Entities”) may possess or come to possess information similar or identical to information contained in your application and/or submission, and you agree that any such similarity or identity shall not give rise to any claim or entitlement, whether for compensation, credit or otherwise. By making an application and/or submission, you hereby release the AAO Entities from any and all claims or liabilities relating to your application and/or submission.