How to Get the Most out of a Dental Conference
- Plan Ahead: Take a look at the conference schedule before you attend. This purposeful approach helps you get the most of a couple of days you’ll be at the conference.
- Blend Your Time with Different Activities: Don’t spend the whole time at educational workshops or cocktail parties. While you should still participate in these sessions and events, spend some time walking the exhibitor floor, getting coffee with other attendees, and listening to speakers.
- Participate in Conversations: Maybe the most important advice we have for those attending a dental conference is to talk with as many people as possible. Whether they’re dentists, consultants, or equipment dealers, almost everyone you meet will have something to help you get just a little bit better at running your practice.
Why Attend?
- Networking opportunities with other dentists, strategic partners, and service providers
- Continuing education (CE credits) to expand your skills as a dentist and further your career
- Helpful information on how to grow new patient opportunities and increase efficiency at your practice
- An update on what’s going on in dentistry today
Decide Which Conferences to Attend
Before deciding on which conference to attend, ask yourself the following questions:
- How far do I want to travel?
- Do I want to bring my team along?
- What’s the goal of attending? Continuing education? Networking? Practice management?
- Do I want to go to a more specialized event or one focused on a specific type of dentistry?
General Dentistry Conferences
Greater New York Dental Meeting
New York, NY
November 27th – December 2nd, 2020
New York County and Second District Dental Societies
In their words: Welcome to the 96th Annual Greater New York Dental Meeting! We invite you to participate in one of the largest Dental Congresses in the world. At our 2018 Meeting, we hosted over 52,000 health care professionals at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center featuring over 1,600 Technical Exhibits which demonstrated the newest technology for the dental profession.
Southwest Dental Conference
Dallas, TX
October 10-11, 2019 (2020 dates not yet announced)
Dallas County Dental Society
In their words: The annual Southwest Dental Conference is the premier dental conference in the southwest, hosted by the Dallas County Dental Society. The event features superior education and CE opportunities, exceptional speakers discussing the latest in the dental community, and an Exhibit Hall featuring the most advanced dental equipment and technology.
AGD 2020
https://www.agd.org/agd-meeting
Jul 15-18 2020
Las Vegas, NV
Academy of General Dentistry
In their words: Network with colleagues, students, and dental team members at the premier meeting for general dentistry. AGD’s annual scientific session has earned a reputation for having some of the finest dental continuing education in the world. From advanced hands-on education to clinical and practice management lectures in an innovative one-hour lecture format, all of the CE earned at an AGD meeting can be applied to the AGD Fellowship and Mastership awards.
Smiles at Sea
https://www.smilesatsea.com/our-conferences/dental-conferences/
Cruise from Miami, Fl-Nassau, Bahamas
April 23-26, 2020
Smiles at Sea
In their words: This convention was created specifically for the lighthearted dental professional to have the best continuing education experience ever! We pride ourselves on being the best team building experience in existence!
Annual Mid-Continent Dental Conference
https://www.greaterstlouisdentalsociety.org/meetings-events/attendee-main
St. Charles, Missouri
November 14-15, 2019 (2020 dates not yet announced)
Greater St. Louis Dental Society (GSLDS)
In their words: The Mid-Continent Dental Congress (MCDC) offers two days of CE courses and hands-on workshops presented by 30+ nationally recognized speakers. The convention has averaged a total attendance of 2,300 to 2,550 over the past four years, with an audience consisting of dentists, hygienists, assistants, office staff, dental technicians and exhibitor representatives. The Exhibit Hall is open both days and features 100+ exhibit booths.
Rocky Mountain Dental Convention
Denver, CO
Jan 23-25, 2020
Metro Denver Dental Society & Mountain West Dental Institute
In their words: Mark your calendars for the Rocky Mountain Dental Convention (RMDC). Headline speakers include Dr. Newton Fahl, Dr. Jeff Brucia, Dr. David Clark, Prof. Karen Baker, Dr. Seena Patel, Dr. Bobby Birdi, and more!
Yankee Dental Congress
Boston, MA
Jan 30-Feb 1, 2020
Massachusetts Dental Society
In their words: Yankee Dental Congress is New England’s largest meeting for professionals seeking the highest quality dental continuing education, as well as dental products, services, and resources. With 26,000 dental professionals in attendance encompassing all members of the dental team, Yankee Dental Congress is the fifth largest dental meeting in the country. Held in Boston each January, Yankee is the best source in New England for industry professionals on the cutting-edge of oral health care.
Chicago Dental Society Midwinter Meeting
https://www.cds.org/meetings-events/midwinter-meeting
Chicago, IL
Feb 20-22, 2020
Chicago Dental Society
In their words: Enjoy our world-class city of Chicago while you learn from the leaders in dental education. Choose from more than 200 courses, including valuable hands-on workshops, lectures and live patient demonstrations.
Pacific Northwest Dental Conference
https://www.wsda.org/continuing-education/pacific-northwest-dental-conference/pndc-2020
Seattle, WA
May 28-30, 2020
Washington State Dental Association
In their words: On behalf of the volunteer dentists and staff who plan the Pacific Northwest Dental Conference, we are excited to announce that PNDC will return to the Emerald City in 2020!
Join us for three days of high-quality continuing dental education, a two-day Exhibit Hall, and a fresh conference experience you won’t want to miss.
Star of the North Dental Meeting
St. Paul, MN
Apr 23-25, 2020
Minnesota Dental Association
In their words: The 2020 Star of the North Meeting is the Upper Midwest’s premier dental conference. With networking opportunities, the latest technology and services, and CE tracks customized to meet your needs, this meeting has it all!
TDA Meeting
https://tdameeting.com/attendees/general-information/future-meetings/
Austin, TX
May 7-9, 2020
Texas Dental Association
In their words: The TDA Meeting is the premiere event for dental professionals in Texas. This annual event offers an unparalleled opportunity for Texas dentists and staff to hone professional skills, discover information on cutting-edge topics, and network with peers. The TDA Meeting is open to Dentists, Dental Residents, Dental Students, Dental Hygienists, Dental Assistants, Dental Office Staff, Laboratory Technicians, and family members of all the above dental professionals.
New Orleans Dental Conference
New Orleans, LA
May 7-9, 2020
New Orleans Dental Association
In their words: At this 3-day conference, we focus on providing attendees with a value for their continuing education dollars. Reduced registration fees and nominal charges for continuing education sessions allow attendees the ability to customize their goals based on time available and budgets. For dentists and team members seeking an economical source of continuing dental education, this is your meeting. For those seeking information and training from the industry’s premier speakers on “hot” topics, that’s available too. Against the backdrop of a fun festival weekend, the New Orleans Dental Conference & LDA Annual Session offers a great opportunity for learning, fine dining, and fun. It’s among the most unique of experiences.
AACD Conference
Orlando, FL
Apr 22-25, 2020
American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry
In their words: Cosmetic dentistry’s biggest event is your premier opportunity to network with leading dental professionals from around the world. The American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry® (AACD) is dedicated to advancing excellence in the art and science of comprehensive cosmetic dentistry and encouraging the highest standards of ethical conduct and responsible patient care.
Delivering WOW Live Summit
New Orleans, LA
Mar 13 – Mar 14 2020
In their words: The dental business landscape changes at a blistering pace and it is up to dentists and their teams to stay up-to-date with the latest tips, tactics and techniques if they want to stay ahead of the game. Attending the Delivering WOW LIVE Summit will give you the chance to see what new business ideas and strategies are out there and how you can apply them to your own practice.
In addition, one of the best perks of getting to attend events and conferences is the chance to meet industry influencers. The Delivering WOW LIVE Summit offers an intimate setting where you will get a unique opportunity to spend time with these leaders, along with the chance to actually build real relationships with them. Using the information and ideas you obtain during the sessions, the connections you have established along the way, not to mention the inspiration from both peers and leaders alike, you and your team will leave feeling excited and motivated!
Dental Success Summit
https://www.truedentalsuccess.com/dental-success-summit-2020/
Phoenix, AZ
Mar 27 – Mar 28 2020
In their words: Become a more effective and inspiring CEO of your dental practice.
- Create a team culture that breeds cooperation, mutual respect and a common vision.
- Get Overhead and Cash Flow to work in your favor.
- Increase your personal income and forecast for future growth.
- Increase your new patient flow with a Real, Comprehensive marketing plan.
- Convert your practice from a Staff Dependent to a Systems Dependent operation.
- Reactivate lost patients.
- And so much more!
Career Advancement Conferences
Think Beyond the Prophy Conference
https://beyondtheprophy.mykajabi.com/thinkbeyondtheprophy2019
Alexandria, Virginia
October 11-12, 2019 (2020 dates not yet announced)
Beyond The Prophy
In their words: At Beyond The Prophy, we know the challenges you face in this industry. We also know the potential! That’s why we’ve developed a conference that will teach you everything you need to know for success within your career and success within yourself. This conference is designed to give you the skills & knowledge that will allow you to take your career to the next level, enhance your clinical practice, and enhance yourself. With industry-leading speakers and action-based workshops, you can expect to leave feeling empowered & inspired – with everything you need to start elevating your career. Prepare to be blown away in what you can achieve.
National Dental Association Annual Convention
Washington, DC
Jul 17-21, 2019 (2020 dates not yet announced)
https://ndaonline.org/2019-nda-convention/
National Dental Association
In their words: The National Dental Association promotes oral health equity among people of color by harnessing the collective power of its members, advocating for the needs of and mentoring dental students of color, and raising the profile of the profession in our communities.
Charter Oak Dental Meeting
https://www.csdadentalmeeting.com/
Mohegan Sun Casino and Resort, CT
May 6-8, 2020
Connecticut State Dental Association
In their words: CSDA’s Annual Charter Oak Dental Meeting has grown to be a world-class three day event offering numerous opportunities for professional development and personal enrichment. Build your knowledge with hands-on participation courses and information-packed lectures that will excite and inspire you. Meet up with friends and colleagues in person while you learn from the leaders in dental continuing education. This is your chance to see some of the most sought after speakers close to home AND at an unmatched cost compared to other dental meetings. We look forward to seeing you there!
The Thomas P. Hinman Dental Meeting
Atlanta, GA
Mar 19-21, 2020
The Hinman Dental Society
In their words: Come Home to Hinman this March and experience our unsurpassed hospitality and world-class dental CE for the entire practice! Registration opens December 10. Book your hotel room now to get your first choice. We look forward to seeing you in Atlanta!
Innovation in Dentistry Conferences
102nd Annual Meeting Scientific Sessions and Exhibition
https://www.aaoms.org/meetings-exhibitions/annual-meeting/101st-annual-meeting
Boston, MA
Sept. 16-21, 2019 (2020 dates not yet announced)
American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons (AAOMS)
In their words: At the conclusion of the AAOMS Annual Meeting, participants should be able to:
- Recognize emerging issues and trends in oral and maxillofacial surgery and be on the forefront of research and innovation.
- Apply knowledge and increase competencies by participating in didactic presentations, skill-building workshops, and distinctive educational formats to support complex concepts in oral and maxillofacial surgery.
- Demonstrate for all members of the OMS team the various evidence-based approaches and treatments applicable in oral and maxillofacial surgery, and foster interprofessional collaboration in practice to improve patient outcomes.
- Network with peers and mentors to find support, guidance, and leadership opportunities in the field of oral and maxillofacial surgery.
CDA Presents the Art and Science of Dentistry
Anaheim, CA
May 14-16, 2020
California Dental Association
In their words: Welcome to Anaheim and the nation’s most exciting dental convention. CDA Presents brings together hundreds of speakers, exhibitors, and volunteers who work collectively to share the best of the art and science of dentistry with thousands of attendees.
Kois Symposium
https://www.koiscenter.com/symposium/.com
Seattle, WA
July 23-25, 2020
Kois Center
In their words: The Kois Center is far more than a dental training center, it’s a supportive community of motivated dental professionals, with the inclusion of their families, who encourage one another in professional development and growth while in mutual pursuit of advancement in dentistry.
The primary focus of the annual Kois Center Symposium is centered around providing a yearly update on the newest research, products, and protocols in dentistry. It also has another important purpose: to offer Kois Center members and their families a great opportunity to build and maintain meaningful relationships and friendships with like-minded peers.
Practice Management Conferences
AADOM Dental Management Conference
Orlando, Florida
Jul 18-20, 2019 (2020 dates not yet announced)
https://www.aadomconference.com/
American Association of Dental Office Management
In their words: The mission of the American Association of Dental Office Management is to educate, connect, and empower dental office managers and practice leaders across North America.
Academy of Dental Management Consultants Annual Meeting
San Francisco, CA
September 3-4, 2019 (2020 dates not yet announced)
Academy of Dental Management Consultants
In their words: We’d like to personally welcome each of you to the ADMC’s 32nd Meeting. It’s an exciting time for ADMC as we continue to grow and adapt, remaining always adaptable, motivated, and responsive to our membership and our partnering sponsors.
Crown Council Annual Event
https://www.ccannualevent.com/
Nashville, TN
January 30-February 1, 2020
The Crown Council
In their words: The Crown Council’s Annual Event is the only event in dentistry with the singular focus of helping you create a culture of success in your personal and professional life. You will learn to be a better leader, a better member, a better person to serve the patients in your practice.
The Voices of Dentistry Podcast Summit
https://voicesofdentistry.com/
Scottsdale, AZ
January 24-25, 2020
Voices of Dentistry
In their words: The Voices of Dentistry Podcast Summit was established in January of 2017. It was founded and conceptualized by Alan Mead, Jason Lipscomb, Mark Costes and Shawn Van De Vyver. The world’s first dental podcast summit was such a hit that we decided to make it an annual event! The first event was held in Nashville, TN. This year, the event will be hosted once again by Alan Mead, Jason Lipscomb, Mark Costes and, freshly onboard, Justin Moody. Our purpose is to bring your favorite dental podcasts to one central location and have a fun-filled weekend of podcasting, networking and continued education.
