Orthodontic Conferences 2026

Orthodontic conferences remain an important part of professional life for clinicians working in a field that continues to change in both clinical approach and day-to-day practice. As orthodontics becomes more structured around digital planning, coordinated workflows, and long-term treatment consistency, conferences provide a shared space to examine how these shifts are playing out across practices.

In 2026, orthodontic conferences in the United States range from large national meetings to regional and specialty-focused events. Major gatherings such as the AAO Annual Session bring together thousands of orthodontists, educators, and industry partners, offering broad exposure to continuing education, technology, and professional standards. Alongside these are state association meetings, clinical symposia, and smaller-format conferences that focus more narrowly on applied learning, peer discussion, and specific practice challenges.

Choosing the right orthodontics conference in 2026 depends on individual goals. Some clinicians prioritize clinical depth and case-based education, while others look for insight into practice operations, leadership, or team development. Conference size, format, and agenda structure all influence the experience, making it important to evaluate events based on how well they align with current professional and practice priorities.

SoftSmile regularly participates in orthodontic conferences, tradeshows, and professional meetings across the industry and also hosts educational events focused on treatment planning, digital workflows, and clinical decision-making. To stay informed about upcoming events and opportunities, you can subscribe to the SoftSmile newsletter, follow our social channels, or visit our events page.

Below is a curated list of American orthodontic conferences in 2026, selected to support a range of clinical, strategic, and professional development priorities.

Upcoming Orthodontic Conferences in 2026

Ortho Vanguard 2026

Dates: February 5–7, 2026
Location: Los Angeles, California — Fairmont Century Plaza
Website

Ortho Vanguard is an intensive, small-format orthodontic meeting designed around active participation rather than lectures. The two-day program centers on facilitated working sessions, where attendees collaborate at curated tables with experienced mentors to address clinical direction, operations, technology, marketing, and financial decision-making. Instead of passive note-taking, participants develop a clear 90-day plan during the meeting, supported by peer discussion and guided frameworks. The format emphasizes real-time problem solving, accountability, and execution, making the event particularly relevant for orthodontists who want to leave with concrete decisions, practical scripts, and a defined path forward rather than general ideas.

Texas Association of Orthodontists (TAO) — CE Conference / State Meeting 2026

Dates: February 27, 2026
Location: Houston, Texas — UT Health Houston, Cooley University Life Center
Website

The TAO CE Conference marks the first-ever state meeting hosted by the Texas Association of Orthodontists and draws orthodontists from across Texas for a full day of education and professional connection. The program features CE lectures from nationally recognized speakers, including Dr. J. Martin Palomo and Dr. Sercan Akyalcin, with sessions focused on sleep apnea management in orthodontic practice and the future of orthodontic care, including MARPE and 3D-printed customized appliances. The single-day format includes structured educational sessions, dedicated time with sponsors, and meals provided with registration, making the meeting a practical opportunity for clinicians to engage in focused learning while strengthening ties within the Texas orthodontic community.

Florida Association of Orthodontists (FAO) Annual Session 2026

Dates: March 5–7, 2026
Location: Tampa, Florida
Website

The FAO Annual Session is a regional orthodontic conference that combines continuing education with a strong emphasis on peer engagement. Held at the Renaissance Tampa International Plaza Hotel, the 86th Annual Session offers up to 10 hours of CE alongside networking opportunities, a full exhibit hall, and included meals. The 2026 program is structured around the theme of bonding, with educational content addressing clinical bonding techniques, team coordination, and practice cohesion, complemented by organized social events designed to encourage peer interaction. The meeting attracts orthodontists who value experience-based learning in a focused, community-oriented setting. SoftSmile will be present at the 2026 session, engaging with clinicians around treatment planning workflows and case management approaches.

Angle East Chapter of EHASO — 2026 Annual Meeting

Dates: March 19–22, 2026
Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania — The Union League of Philadelphia
Website

The Angle East Chapter of EHASO Annual Meeting is a four-day orthodontic conference that gathers members from across the region for education, professional exchange, and collaboration. Hosted at the historic Union League of Philadelphia, the meeting is designed to support clinical discussion, shared learning, and engagement among peers committed to advancing orthodontic care. In addition to the scientific program, the meeting includes a structured social program that integrates spouses and companions, with planned activities such as a guided visit to the Barnes Museum, group dining in Philadelphia’s Chinatown, and cultural experiences at the Reading Terminal Market. This combination of clinical sessions and shared social experiences encourages extended discussion, relationship-building, and a strong sense of professional community among attendees.

North America Orthodontic Symposium 2026

Dates: April 10–11, 2026
Location: Charlotte, North Carolina, Dentsply Sirona Academy
Website

The Orthodontic Symposium is a two-day educational event focused on advancing digital orthodontics through clinical application and collaboration. Held in Charlotte, North Carolina, the meeting brings together orthodontists and practice teams for a program that blends clinical lectures, hands-on learning, and peer exchange. Educational sessions cover digital planning workflows, aligner and wire treatments, complex case management, and hybrid approaches that integrate digital labs and advanced appliance techniques. The agenda also includes team-focused sessions for treatment coordinators and staff, with emphasis on patient communication, treatment acceptance, and workflow coordination. Through interactive workshops and live demonstrations, attendees gain practical insight into applying digital tools to improve efficiency, consistency, and patient experience in everyday practice.

2026 Spring Meeting — American Orthodontic Society (AOS)

Dates: April 17–18, 2026
Location: Grapevine (Dallas–Fort Worth), Texas — AOS Institute
Website

The AOS Spring Meeting is a focused orthodontic conference hosted by the Society’s credentialing organization and open to all members. The program features distinguished lecturers from across the United States, with the full speaker lineup to be announced closer to the meeting date. Educational content emphasizes current orthodontic techniques, emerging technology, and clinically relevant approaches for experienced practitioners. The meeting also includes the annual luncheon for Diplomates and Board-Eligible candidates, reinforcing its role in professional development and certification. Attendees can earn up to 14 orthodontic CE hours, with the AOS recognized as an ADA CERP and AGD PACE approved provider. The institute-based setting supports direct engagement and discussion, making the meeting well suited for clinicians who value structured education within a professional peer community.

AAO Annual Session 2026

Dates: May 1–3, 2026
Location: Orlando, Florida — Orange County Convention Center
Website

The AAO Annual Session is the largest orthodontic conference in the United States and brings together thousands of orthodontists and team members from around the world. The meeting is structured to be highly customizable, allowing attendees to choose from multiple learning paths based on their clinical, operational, or career priorities. Educational programming spans a wide range of orthodontic topics and offers up to 14.25 live CE credits, with additional continuing education available through pre-conference sessions. The exhibit hall includes more than 350 companies, giving attendees the opportunity to review orthodontic services, software, equipment, and practice solutions in one place. Together, the scale, education, and flexibility of the meeting make it a central reference point for orthodontic education and professional connection.

The TDA Meeting 2026

Dates: May 7–9, 2026
Location: San Antonio, Texas — Henry B. González Convention Center
Website

The TDA Meeting is a large multidisciplinary dental conference that includes orthodontic education alongside broader dental programming. Orthodontic-focused sessions typically address treatment planning, aligner therapy, interdisciplinary care, and technology integration, while the exhibit hall offers access to a wide range of vendors and service providers. The scale of the meeting makes it useful for orthodontists who want to explore industry trends, compare tools, and engage with the wider dental community in addition to specialty-specific education.

MASO 2026 Annual Session

Dates: September 17–19, 2026
Location: Atlantic City, New Jersey — Caesars Atlantic City
Website

MASO’s annual orthodontic conference pairs clinical instruction with practical management topics. Sessions often address treatment planning review, case finishing strategies, staffing considerations, and patient communication, alongside discussions on operational structure and workflow coordination. Speaker announcements, program details, and registration information are expected later this year.

Western Orthodontic Conference (WOCON 2026)

Dates: October 2–4, 2026
Location: Monterey, California — Monterey Conference Center
Website

WOCON 2026 is a joint PCSO/RMSO meeting that blends clinical depth with regional collaboration. Program highlights commonly include digital case planning, aligner mechanics, interdisciplinary treatment coordination, and case-based clinical panels. Its balanced agenda makes it popular for both education and networking.

SAO/SWSO Annual Meeting 2026

Dates: October 15–17, 2026
Location: Nashville, Tennessee — Gaylord Opryland Resort
Website

This regional orthodontic event serves members of the Southern and Southwestern Association of Orthodontists. Educational sessions typically focus on case-based learning, evidence review, and peer-reviewed research, while the exhibit area highlights tools that support efficient treatment workflows and consistency.

GLAO 2026 Annual Session (100th Anniversary)

Dates: October 23–24, 2026
Location: Columbus, Ohio — Hilton Columbus Downtown
Website

The Great Lakes Association of Orthodontists marks its centennial with a focused annual meeting. Sessions emphasize evidence-based care, practice transitions, and digital tools that support long-term consistency, alongside historical perspective on how orthodontic planning and practice models have evolved.

Ortho Pearls 2026

Dates: November 6–7, 2026
Location: Scottsdale, Arizona
Website

Ortho Pearls is a boutique orthodontic conference centered on clinical insight, peer exchange, and shared experience. Formerly known as the Mother of Pearls Conference, the event combines detailed clinical education with a strong emphasis on community and connection. Sessions often revolve around in-depth case presentations, diagnostic reasoning, biomechanical choices, and lessons drawn from complex or non-standard cases. Alongside the educational program, the meeting is known for its social component, including the Friday Night Pearls Party, which reinforces the conference’s informal, high-energy atmosphere. The format appeals to orthodontists who prefer smaller audiences, direct discussion, and a setting that blends serious clinical learning with relationship-building outside the lecture hall.

NESO 2026 Annual Meeting

Dates: November 6–7, 2026
Location: Boston, Massachusetts — The Westin Copley Place
Website

NESO 2026 brings together orthodontic professionals and industry partners from across the northeastern United States and Canada for focused education and professional exchange. As a constituent society of the American Association of Orthodontists, the meeting emphasizes continuing education, collaboration, and shared standards in orthodontic care. Programming is designed to support clinical excellence, research awareness, and informed discussion around current challenges and opportunities in orthodontics, making the meeting well suited for clinicians who value peer connection and structured professional development.

Greater New York Dental Meeting

Dates: November 27 – December 1, 2026
Location: New York, New York — Jacob K. Javits Convention Center
Website

The Greater New York Dental Meeting is one of the largest dental congresses in the United States and includes a wide range of orthodontic-focused education within a multidisciplinary program. The 2026 meeting continues a long-standing format that combines full-day and half-day seminars with hands-on workshops led by experienced educators across dentistry and orthodontics. Dedicated programs include the Annual Global Orthodontic Conference, a 3D Printing Conference, and expanded implant, pediatric, and laboratory education tracks. The exhibit floor features hundreds of exhibitors demonstrating current dental and orthodontic materials, equipment, and technology, giving attendees the opportunity to compare tools directly. With no pre-registration fee and educational options for both clinicians and staff, GNYDM remains a practical choice for orthodontists who want broad exposure to clinical education, technology, and industry direction in a single setting.

Many orthodontists find the greatest value by combining different types of conferences throughout the year. Large national meetings provide broad clinical updates and industry perspective, while regional and smaller-format events often deliver insight that translates more directly into daily practice. Balancing these formats allows clinicians to stay informed without overloading schedules.

Why Attend Orthodontic Conferences in 2026

Orthodontic conferences continue to play a meaningful role in how the specialty develops and stays connected. Events such as the AAO Annual Session, regional association meetings, and focused clinical symposia remain reference points for education, shared standards, and professional dialogue within the orthodontic community.

Even as education, communication, and resources are increasingly available online, in-person conferences still matter. Face-to-face conversations create space for relationships that do not form the same way on screens. They lead to new professional connections, unexpected collaborations, and opportunities that support both personal growth and business decisions. Informal discussions, shared experiences, and direct interaction often have lasting impact well beyond the event itself.

As 2026 picks up pace, exploring what is planned, selecting the conferences that align with your goals, and showing up with purpose helps turn industry events into meaningful steps forward for individual growth and for the practices and teams that depend on it, and we hope this guide helps make those choices clearer.