This year’s AAO Annual Session in Boston offers plenty to see, learn and do

This year’s meeting, built on the theme Orthodontics Heard ’Round the World, features an array of leading clinicians and researchers — from Germany, Italy, Australia, Canada and the United States, among others — presenting their latest findings, along with an exhibit hall full of the newest technologies and products.

A few of the highlights include Dr Anthony A. Gianelly on Evidence-based Orthodontics and Dr Ravindra Nanda on Achieving Treatment Goals with Predictable Mechanics on Sunday, Dr Steven Jay Bowman on Miniscrews: Be Careful What You Wish For! and Dr Flavio A. Uribe on Enhancing the Speed of Tooth Movement: Can We Alter the Biology? on Monday, and Dr Frank Celenza on Seeking Interdisciplinary Excellence on Tuesday.

Sessions are broken down into courses for doctors as well as courses for staff. On the staff side, topics include everything from first impressions you make on your prospective patients to infection control to surviving in the new world of 3-D imaging.

New to the AAO this year are the clinical simulcasts. Three sessions — featuring presentations on TAD placement, laser surgery and lingual indirect bonding — will have a presenting doctor and dental assistant working live on a patient. These sessions will be offered Sunday and Tuesday.

On the exhibit floor

A huge part of attending the AAO is walking around the exhibit hall and getting a feel for what products are out there. This year, many exhibitors are pulling out all the stops. Some, such as Summit Dental, are offering special pricing deals. Some have games, such as ChaseHealthAdvance where you can putt for prizes. Still others are offering their own speakers.

At Ortho Organizers, Dr Pablo Echarri will discuss a variety of topics related to temporary orthodontic anchorage devices while Dr R. Bruce McFarlane addresses Aesthetic Treatment Options and the NeoLucent Ceramic Bracket System.

Masel is another exhibitor with its own speaker lineup. There, Rita Bauer will speak on Case Photos Made Easy, Dr Chang-Ok Oh will discuss Advances of the Orlus Mini Implant and Dr Drew Lombardi will detail his own Lombardi Bionator Bite Appliance.

Time to socialize

Of course, it wouldn’t be the AAO without a few special events to cap off the week. On Saturday, the Boston Pops will perform a special opening ceremonies concert, while on Sunday, the Excellence in Orthodontics Awards Ceremony will feature entertainment by Jason Alexander, best known as George Costanza in Seinfeld. Finally, the Beach Boys wrap things up Monday when they perform at the AAO Gala event.

AAO: What you should know

When
1–5 May 2009

Where
Boston Convention & Exhibition Center

Business Meeting Hotel
Westin Boston Waterfront

Attire
The official dress is business casual, which includes slacks, skirts, city shorts, etc.

Shuttle service
Daily shuttle service will be provided to and from the convention center and AAO-designated hotels. Boston rush hour traffic is heavy, so make certain you allow ample commute time.

Online
www.AAOmembers.org

C.E. Hours Pavilion
East Lobby, Exhibit Hall Level, BCEC. Record the lectures you attend and print your C.E. hours report. Also available online at www.AAOmembers.org under the Manage Your CE Credits link on the login page.

Audio-recorded lectures
Most of the general scientific lectures will be audio-recorded and made available for purchase as DVD-ROM in MP3 format.

Exhibit Hall
Located on Level 0, BCEC. Hours: 9:30am–5pm Saturday–Monday, 9:30am–3pm Tuesday. Dedicated hours (no lecture conflicts) are 11:15am–1:15pm Saturday–Tuesday.

Camp AAO
Children ages 6 months to 12 years are welcome to participate. The Activity Center will be located at the BCEC from Saturday–Tuesday. Children ages 6 to 17 can participate in educational youth tours. Tours depart and return to the onsite activity center each day. An hourly rate will apply. Call +1 504 524 0188 or go online to www.accentoca.com for more information.

Opening Ceremonies
Takes place from 4:30–6:30pm Saturday at the John B. Hynes Veterans Memorial Convention Center and features a performance by the Boston Pops. Tickets are $30 and are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

International Attendee Meet/Greet
Takes place from 6:45–8:45pm Saturday. $65 at the BCEC. Meet and interact with attendess from around the world. Appetizers and cocktails will be available.

Fun Run and Walk
Takes place from 6:30–8am Sunday. Take in the city of Boston as you enjoy an early morning 5K walk or run. Tickets are $35. A complimentary T-shirt and light refreshments are included, and transportation will be provided.

Excellence in Orthodontics Awards Ceremony
Takes place from 1:15–2:45pm Sunday at the Renaissance Boston Waterfront Hotel. An optional lunch begins at 12:30pm. Tickets that include the luncheon are $60. Tickets that do not include the luncheon are $20. The event will feature entertainment by Jason Alexander, best known as George Costanza in Seinfeld.

Women in Orthodontics Luncheon
Takes place from 11:30am– 1pm Monday. Cost is $50. This programme will feature a panel of women orthodontists who combine private practice with education, leadership and community service. The panelists, Carol Summe, Virginia Mennemeyer, and Cecile Yoon-Tarlie, will discuss their experiences and also the opportunities available to serve beyond their orthodontic practices.

AAO Gala
Takes place from 7:30–9:30pm Monday. The Beach Boys will perform. A cocktail reception begins at 7:30pm. The concert begins at 8:15pm. Tickets are $40 and include two drink tickets. A cash bar will also be available.