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Focusing on Fundamentals | Melbourne | 20–23 May 2026

From 20–23 May 2026, Melbourne will host the 30th Australian Orthodontic Congress. This milestone event for our profession is a timely opportunity to reconnect with the foundations that define excellence in orthodontic care.

This year’s theme, “Focusing on Fundamentals”, reflects something deeply relevant to contemporary practice. At a time when digital workflows, artificial intelligence, aligner systems, and interdisciplinary demands are evolving at pace, this Congress invites us to revisit the principles that underpin predictable, stable, and ethical orthodontic treatment. It is a program designed not only to inform, but to challenge, recalibrate, and inspire.

A World-Class Scientific Program

The 2026 Congress features an exceptional lineup of international and Australian speakers who represent the forefront of research, biomechanics, interdisciplinary care, and patient-centred practice.

Among the international keynote speakers are:

• Prof Lucia Cevidanes (USA)

• Dr Renato Cocconi (Italy)

• Prof Ama Johal (UK)

• Prof Bernd Lapatki (Germany)

• Prof Ambra Michelotti (Italy)

• Prof Sabine Ruf (Germany)

The formal program begins with the Official Opening Ceremony on Thursday morning, followed by the prestigious Steven Seward Lecture delivered by Dr Renato Cocconi on digital planning in complex interdisciplinary cases. From that moment forward, delegates will experience three days of rigorous, clinically relevant, and forward-thinking content.

Across the program, themes include:

• Advanced biomechanics and TAD applications

• Orthodontic-periodontic interface and ‘red flag’ cases

• TMD and bruxism implications for orthodontists

• Enamel demineralisation and preventive strategies

• Space closure versus prosthetic rehabilitation and quality-of-life considerations

Friday’s Arthur Thornton Taylor Lecture sees Prof Sabine Ruf explore predictive factors in successful Class II treatment, while additional sessions examine retention from the patient perspective, responsible and efficient use of CBCT, practical AI implementation in daily practice, paediatric OSA, dental sleep medicine, and contemporary TMD management.

Saturday’s Doctors Only program culminates in the distinguished PR Begg Lecture by Prof Bernd Lapatki on force and moment application in orthodontic tooth movement. This represents a powerful return to biomechanical fundamentals. The day continues with sessions on AI at the chairside, functional appliance decision-making, digital face-driven surgical planning, TMJ perspectives, and a Future of Orthodontics Panel.

This is a program carefully curated to ensure delegates leave with immediately applicable clinical insights, as well as broader strategic thinking about the direction of our specialty.