The event, held May 2 and 3, featured a number of clinical, practice management, and exhibitor lectures that attendees could view from the comfort of their own homes. 

The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) released attendance figures for its first virtual annual session, held May 2 and 3, 2020. 

According to the AAO, the “record-breaking event” had the highest number of doctors registered in the association’s history—a total of 11,222 registrants, representing 93 countries. 

The virtual event took the place of the 2020 AAO Annual Session that was due to be held in Atlanta, but was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. 

“AAO members made this a resounding success by embracing this event, lending their talents as speakers and moderators and participating in record numbers,” said Gary Inman, DMD, AAO president.

The event features keynote addresses from Neal Kravitz, DMD, MS; Kyle Fagala, DDS, MDS; and Anil Idiculla, DMD; as well as 12 clinical, 15 practice management, and 15 exhibitor lectures from world-renowned orthodontists and industry leaders.

“Our goal was to bring the orthodontic community together with keynotes, happy hours and an awards ceremony, all while providing our members with an opportunity to get CE and connect with suppliers at no cost during this challenging time,” Inman said. “What ended up happening was far more than we could have ever expected. We overwhelmingly saw the orthodontic community unite over an incredible weekend of learning.”

Attendees qualified for access to 12 CE credits, and those who stuck around for AAOF sponsored programming accessed an additional 3 lectures and CE credits.

The event was free to AAO members and open to non-members for purchase. 

The 2021 AAO Annual Session is set to meet in Boston on April 23 to 27. The association says more details and registration will be available in the fall.