FAQs
for the Ivoclar Smile Award 2026
Can I edit my submission?
Yes, the form allows resuming via a unique link. You can edit until your final submission or until the official deadline. After you finally submitted or after the official deadline, all entries are locked.
How do I submit my case?
Submit your entry through the official Smile Award platform.
- Confirm and submit your entry before the official deadline.
- Register with your email address to create an account.
- Upload your case documentation (photos, descriptions, videos).
How do I know my submission has been received?
Once your submission is complete, you’ll see a confirmation message:
“Thank you for submitting your case.”
Do I retain the rights to my submitted work?
Yes, you remain the owner of your submitted materials. By submitting, however, you grant Ivoclar permission to display your case for marketing, promotional, or educational purposes (see Terms & Conditions).
When and how will finalists be notified?
Finalists will be contacted directly via email in June 2026.
I have several cases that fit the criteria, may I submit more than once?
- Rising Talents category: Only one case may be submitted.
- Proven Masters category: Multiple cases are allowed (for example, a technician submitting cases realized with different dentist partners). Each case must be submitted separately, but only one case per participant can qualify as a finalist.
Is there a fee or any other cost involved with participation?
No. Participation is free of charge.
I’m a Chairside dentist. Can I participate?
The Ivoclar Smile Award 2026 focuses on laboratory-fabricated restorations (Rising Talents) or the collaborative team approach between dentists and dental technicians (Proven Masters). A category specifically for chairside-fabricated restorations may be introduced in future editions of the Ivoclar Smile Award.
Which materials must be used to fabricate the final restorations?
To be eligible, the final restorations must be fabricated using materials from the IPS e.max product family (including IPS Ivocolor for staining/glazing).
Can I submit a case with only temporary restorations?
No. Only completed final restorations are eligible for submission.
What will the jury assess when selecting the winners?
The jury will evaluate:
- Overall case complexity
- Precision and execution quality
- Documentation and presentation
- The impact of the treatment on the patient’s esthetics, function, health, and quality of life
You can find the details on: Ivoclar Smile Award Categories | Ivoclar Smile Award
In my country there are legal restrictions regarding prizes. Should I still participate?
Yes, absolutely! We are aware that some countries have legal regulations that restrict receiving material or monetary prizes. For this reason, if you win, you will have the option to make a charitable donation instead.
What image formats are accepted?
You can upload images in JPEG or PNG format.
Please ensure your files are of sufficient quality for proper evaluation by the jury.
I don’t have professional video skills — what can I do?
That’s fine. Your video doesn’t need to be perfect — a simple recording made with your mobile phone is sufficient.
I’m not sure about the video of the final clinical situation, I have to submit. What exactly has to be shown?
Your video should:
- Give the jury a clear overall impression of the case.
- Ideally include a short patient testimonial (in their native language is perfectly fine). If possible, provide a brief English translation of the testimonial.
My patient doesn’t speak English. Is that a problem?
Not at all! A patient speaking in their native language feels more authentic. If possible, please include a short-written translation so the jury can understand the testimonial content.
How is my personal data handled?
All personal data is processed in accordance with Ivoclar’s Privacy Policy and GDPR regulations (see Terms & Conditions).
Who can I contact for help or technical issues?
Please email us at smileaward@ivoclar.com, if you have any problems or questions.
What is the exact age limit for participation in the Rising Talents category?
Participation in the Rising Talents category is open to anyone who is 30 years old or younger in 2026 (born 1996 or later). Older participants may compete in the Proven Master category together with a dentist.
Can I use materials not manufactured by Ivoclar for large cases?
Yes, participation is possible even if your patient case cannot be completed entirely with Ivoclar materials. For example, if a titanium framework is required, titanium from another manufacturer may be used. However, the restorations themselves must be fabricated using Ivoclar materials, such as IPS e.max ZirCAD or IPS e.max Press.
What is the ”corresponding layering/staining diagram” in the Rising Talents category?
This diagram should illustrate your individual staining and characterization concept for the restorations. It can be hand-drawn or created digitally and should include details such as the distribution of dentin and enamel, as well as the placement of effects like mamelons or halo effects. It serves as a visual representation of your artistic and technical strategy and demonstrates how your design concept is implemented in the final restoration.
Is there a guide for the submission process?
Yes. Our short how-to video explains how to submit your work for the Smile Award.
If we have not yet been able to answer your questions, please feel free to write smileaward@ivoclar.com.
