UTHealth Houston School of Dentistry hosts Texas Association of Orthodontists CE Conference
The Texas Association of Orthodontists hosted its first-ever continuing education conference at UTHealth Houston School of Dentistry. Photo by Kyle Rogers.
UTHealth Houston School of Dentistry welcomed orthodontists from across the state for the Texas Association of Orthodontists Continuing Education Conference on Feb. 27.
The first-of-its-kind conference, hosted by the Texas Association of Orthodontists, brought together members, residents, and orthodontic team members for a day of continuing education, professional collaboration, and networking.
Two nationally recognized leaders in orthodontics — J. Martin Palomo, DDS, MSD, and Sercan Akyalcin, DDS, MS, PhD — served as featured speakers, presenting on emerging technologies and evolving treatment approaches shaping the future of orthodontic care to a capacity full room in the Cooley University Life Center.
Palomo, a tenured professor and orthodontic residency director at Case Western Reserve University, opened the program with the course “Sleep Apnea in a Busy Orthodontic Office.” His presentation highlighted the role dentists and orthodontists can play in identifying and managing obstructive sleep apnea in both pediatric and adult patients.
He discussed how orthodontic practices can incorporate sleep apnea risk assessment and patient management strategies without disrupting clinical workflow. The session also addressed the difference between treatment and management of obstructive sleep apnea and reviewed potential orthodontic considerations in patient care.
In the afternoon session, Akyalcin, head of orthodontics at the Harvard School of Dental Medicine, presented “The Future of Orthodontic Practice from MARPE to 3D-Printed Customized Appliances.”
Akyalcin explored how contemporary technologies — including skeletal anchorage, miniscrew-assisted rapid palatal expansion, and 3D-printed customized appliances — are expanding the possibilities for treating complex malocclusions. Through case demonstrations and clinical comparisons, he illustrated how customized treatment planning and digital orthodontics can improve efficiency and clinical outcomes.
Akyalcin’s presentation also marked a homecoming. He completed his orthodontic training at the School of Dentistry and later served as a faculty member and researcher before continuing his academic career.
Organizers described the conference as an opportunity for orthodontic professionals to exchange ideas, learn from leading experts, and strengthen connections within the Texas orthodontic community.
The event marked a milestone for the Texas Association of Orthodontists as it launched its inaugural continuing education conference, while partnering with the School of Dentistry to host the gathering in the Texas Medical Center. The dental school’s PACE Center assisted with onsite logistics and coordination.
