Dental Conferences, Conventions, and Events

Table of Contents

• Overview of Dental Conferences
• Why Dental Conferences Matter
• Key Features of Dental Conferences
• Major Dental Events and Their Missions
• Continuing Education and Professional Development
• Cutting-Edge Dental Technology and Research
• Frequently Asked Questions
• International Dental Conferences

Overview of Dental Conferences

Dental conferences and conventions serve as essential platforms for professional growth and advancement in dentistry. These events bring together thousands of dental professionals to share knowledge, showcase innovations, and build valuable connections. Dental specialties typically offer an annual meeting where all oral surgeons, orthodontists, endodontists, periodontists and pedodontists gather usually without other dentists or other specialists. Then, there are other conferences where anyone can attend, but having a membership in their organization brings the cost down. These organizations are private entities that offer discounts and access to journal subscriptions that are unique to those specific groups. Finding information about these events and groups can be challenging, so we have outlined some of the main organizations below and you can find upcoming events below.

Importance for Dental Professionals

• Dental professionals gain direct access to continuing education credits through conference attendance. These credits help maintain licenses and stay current with industry requirements. The continuing education offered at these conferences can also be some of the best lecturers that dentistry has to offer.
• Networking opportunities at conferences enable dentists to connect with peers, specialists, and industry leaders. These connections often lead to mentorship relationships, practice growth and/or discounted dental materials.
• Conference participation gives dental professionals first-hand exposure to new techniques, tools, and technologies. This hands-on experience proves more valuable than reading about innovations in journals or online. Try out the latest in dental technology without buying it first!

Key Features of Dental Conferences

Most dental conferences offer hands-on workshops and live demonstrations of new dental procedures or techniques. These interactive sessions allow attendees to practice techniques under expert guidance.

The exhibit halls showcase the latest dental equipment, materials, and software from leading manufacturers and dental companies. Dental professionals can test new products and compare options in person. Meet sales reps that can put you in touch with your local representative to ensure you have everything you need whenever you need it. The exhibit halls can also be where you as a dental professional are bombarded with sales people trying to get you to buy their new piece of equipment. You'll either love it or hate it in the exhibit halls. For the new dentists, the key is to make friends with some sales reps so they can treat you to a nice free dinner and drinks (which their company will always pay for) – you're welcome.

Common Conference Features:

• Educational lectures and seminars
• Product demonstrations
• Networking events
• Research presentations
• Trade show exhibitions

 

Major Dental Events and Their Missions

Yankee Dental Congress

Mission: To provide the highest quality dental continuing education and showcase cutting-edge dental technology.

Celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2025, the Yankee Dental Congress is the premier dental meeting in the United States. Held annually in Boston, it offers:

• A wide variety of continuing education courses taught by industry experts
• Insights on evolving trends and best practices in oral health care
• The largest gathering of dental professionals in the New England region
• Over 400 exhibitors showcasing innovative dental technologies and products
• Specialized programs for new dentists, hygienists, and practice managers
• Networking and professional growth opportunities

The congress is a leading source of education and innovation, helping dental professionals stay on the cutting edge of oral health care.

Chicago Dental Society Midwinter Meeting

Mission: To be “The Respected Leader in Scientific Dental Meetings” and provide a comprehensive platform for dental education and innovation.

Celebrating its 160th year in 2025, the Midwinter Meeting offers:

• Over 240 courses led by 159 speakers, including 46 hands-on workshops and 34 free courses
• A collaboration with the Pankey Institute featuring a three-day course on aesthetics, occlusion, and restorative techniques
• A large exhibit hall showcasing the latest dental products and services
• Special events such as the Early Career & New Dentist Reception and President's Dinner Dance
• Emerging topics including artificial intelligence in dentistry

This meeting provides unparalleled access to industry leaders and innovative education programs tailored to attendees' needs.

Greater New York Dental Meeting

Mission: To provide an unparalleled educational program and showcase the newest dental technology to a global audience of dental professionals.

Entering its 101st year in 2025, this meeting features:

• Over 1,600 technical exhibits demonstrating the latest dental advancements
• An expanded World Implant Expo, Annual Global Orthodontic Conference, and 3D Printing Conference
• No pre-registration fee, making it highly accessible
• A diverse educational program covering all aspects of dentistry
• Opportunities to engage with over 600 exhibitors from around the world

This meeting allows attendees to interact with and compare the newest materials and technology in dentistry today.

Pacific Dental Conference

Mission: To bring together dental professionals for learning, networking, and exploring innovations in dentistry.

Held annually in Vancouver, Canada, this conference offers:

• Over 150 expert-led lectures and hands-on workshops
• 300+ exhibitors showcasing the latest in dental technology and products
• Opportunities to earn continuing education (CE) credits
• A platform for thousands of dentists, hygienists, and dental professionals to network and learn

The conference provides a comprehensive educational experience while fostering connections among dental professionals.

American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD) Conference

Mission: To advance excellence in the art and science of comprehensive cosmetic dentistry and encourage the highest standards of ethical conduct and responsible patient care.

The AACD Annual Scientific Session, taking place in San Diego every year, features:

• A comprehensive educational program including hands-on workshops, lectures, and symposia
• Topics covering esthetic dentistry, digital workflows, patient communication, and practice management
• Networking opportunities with peers, mentors, and industry leaders
• An exhibit hall showcasing innovative products, technologies, and services

This conference provides a platform for dental professionals to expand their knowledge, gain new certifications, and connect with colleagues dedicated to advancing cosmetic dentistry.

SmileCon® – ADA Dental Conference

Mission: To advance the dental profession and improve oral health by providing a forum for continuing education, networking, and the exchange of ideas.

As the American Dental Association’s annual meeting, SmileCon offers:

• A broad range of educational sessions for all dental professionals
• A large exhibit hall featuring the latest products and innovations
• Networking opportunities with dentists and dental teams from across the country

This conference covers all aspects of dentistry and serves as a key event for dental professionals.

American Academy of Implant Dentistry (AAID) Annual Conference

Mission: To advance the science and practice of implant dentistry through education and research.

The AAID Annual Conference is dedicated to implant dentistry and offers:

• Advanced education in the latest implant techniques and research
• Training on new technologies in implant dentistry
• A specialized focus on practical application and patient outcomes

This event is essential for dentists specializing in or significantly involved in implant procedures.

Pacific Northwest Dental Conference (PNDC)

Mission: To provide high-quality continuing dental education for professionals in the Pacific Northwest.

PNDC offers:

• A variety of educational sessions and technical exhibits
• Opportunities for dentists, hygienists, and dental assistants to enhance their skills
• A regional networking environment focused on local dental professionals

This event caters specifically to the needs of dental professionals in the Pacific Northwest region.

Florida Dental Conference

Mission: To provide continuing education and networking opportunities for dental professionals in Florida and beyond.

This regional conference features:

• Educational opportunities for dentists, hygienists, and assistants
• An exhibit hall showcasing new dental technologies
• A strong focus on professional development and community engagement

It serves as a key educational and networking event for dental professionals in Florida.

Academy of General Dentistry (AGD) Meeting

Mission: To support general dentists in lifelong learning and professional excellence.

This conference provides:

• Continuing education tailored to general dentists
• Hands-on workshops and lectures covering a broad range of procedures
• Opportunities to earn valuable CE credits

AGD 2025 is specifically designed for general dentists looking to expand their skills across multiple areas of practice.

Continuing Education and Development

Dental professionals must complete CE credits to maintain their licenses. Many conferences offer up to 70 CE hours through workshops and lectures.

CE Credits and Certification

Dental professionals need to complete specific continuing education requirements to maintain their licenses. Most conferences offer between 12 and 22 CE credits for attending the conferences, but there are many more hours that can be earned by attending lectures at the events. Some annual conferences can provide up to 70 CE in a weekend! These annual dental events can provide you with your CE requirements for your entire renewal period.

Advancing Dental Education

Conferences feature expert speakers who present the latest research and clinical techniques. Hands-on workshops allow dentists to practice new procedures in a supervised setting. Dental students or other researchers will typically present posters at these events, showcasing the newest research on broad topics including:

• Materials Science

  • Dental composites and their properties

  • New restorative materials (e.g. nanocomposites)

  • Ceramics and glass ionomers

  • Zirconia and other advanced ceramics

• Bonding Agents and Adhesion

  • Universal adhesives and their performance

  • Self-etching vs total-etch bonding systems

  • Bond strength to different dental substrates (enamel, dentin)

  • Effects of various treatments on adhesion

• Bioactive Materials

  • Remineralizing composites and bonding agents

  • Materials with antibacterial properties

  • Calcium phosphate nanoparticles for remineralization

• Clinical Techniques

  • Comparisons of different restoration techniques

  • Evaluations of new clinical protocols

  • Long-term clinical performance studies

• Biomaterials and Regenerative Dentistry

  • Stem cell research in dentistry

  • Tissue engineering approaches

  • Biomaterials for bone and tissue regeneration

• Oral Biology and Pathology

  • Caries research

  • Periodontal disease pathobiology

  • Oral cancer studies

• Digital Dentistry

  • CAD/CAM technologies

  • 3D printing applications

  • Digital workflow optimizations

  Popular educational formats include:

  • Keynote speakers
  • Live patient demonstrations
  • Small group hands-on labs
  • Interactive case studies
  • Panel discussions

  Innovations in Dental Training

  Digital learning platforms extend the conference experience through:

  • On-demand video content
  • Mobile learning apps
  • Online discussion forums
  • Virtual mentoring

  New training technologies help dental professionals master advanced techniques more quickly and effectively than traditional methods alone. Dental organizations now offer online dental CE available to their members, which can be accessed on-demand. Most are now offering live webinars to supplement the dental learning and offer unique opportunities to dental professionals.

Cutting-Edge Dental Technology and Research

Modern dental practices embrace digital tools and advanced treatment methods to improve patient care. New technologies enhance precision, comfort, and long-term outcomes across all areas of dentistry.

Exploring Dental Technologies

Digital scanning systems have replaced traditional dental impressions in many practices. These scanners create precise 3D models of teeth and gums in minutes, leading to better-fitting crowns and bridges. Other intraoral scanners are great for submitting scans for Invisalign or other clear aligner therapy and can even show the patient a live representation of how their teeth will move throughout treatment. AI-powered diagnostic tools help dentists detect cavities on x-rays, help in implant planning, auto trimming of intraoral scan data and automatic design of crowns.

Key Technologies:

• CAD/CAM systems for same-day crowns
• AI-powered tools such as x-ray evaluation, periodontal charting, automated insurance claims and AI-assisted phone answering services
• 3D printing for dental models, nightguards, dentures and surgical guides
• Intraoral cameras for detailed tooth examination and patient communication

Innovations in Cosmetic Dentistry

• Digital smile design software lets patients preview treatment results before procedures begin. This technology helps dentist communicate with patients about the final results of their smile before the teeth are prepared. This technology can even provide a final template for the restorations that can be used by the dental lab, ensuring the best results.
• 3D printing allows for temporization that looks almost as good as the final restorations. 3D printing restorations can be pre-planned or done at the time of the prep appointment. Printing the wax-up model of the case can also be easily used for quick do-it-yourself reduction guides and putty stents for traditional temporization techniques.
• Facial scanners provide data that can put the digital smile into the persons face. Exocad and other planning softwares can utilize facial scans to show how the soft tissue will interact with the new smile.
• Digital facebows and articulators can be utilized to show the exact movements of a patient's jaw, which allows for high accuracy and precision of occlusion in complex or simple cases.

Implications for Oral Health Care

• • • Digital record-keeping systems improve treatment coordination between dental specialists. These practice management platforms store patient histories, x-rays, and treatment plans in one secure location. Conferences and conventions are great to test these systems out and see which new practice management software can compete with the big main ones in the dental space.
    • Remote monitoring tools help dentists track patient progress between visits. This technology is especially useful for orthodontic treatments and post-surgery care.
    • Teledentistry platforms connect patients with dental professionals for virtual consultations or allow for one-on-one discussions with licensed dentists. This access helps more people receive dental care guidance, particularly in rural areas.
    • 3D printing reduces the cost and time needed for creating dental prosthetics and surgical guides. This technology makes custom dental solutions more accessible to patients.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Which dental conferences offer CE credits?

Most major dental conferences provide CE credits for attending workshops, lectures, and hands-on training sessions.

Are dental conferences only for dentists?

No, many conferences are open to the entire dental team, including hygienists, assistants, office managers, and technicians.

What are the biggest dental conferences in the U.S.?

Some of the largest include the Yankee Dental Congress, Chicago Midwinter Meeting, Greater New York Dental Meeting, and the Pacific Dental Conference.

What types of courses are available at dental conferences?

This is highly dependent on the dental conference you're attending and what they are planning to address at that specific annual conference. Some conferences offer similar style courses with a wide variety of continuing education, for example: Yankee Dental Congress. Other conferences change the course topics depending on the theme of that particular year's event. The key is to find an event that will check most of the boxes for you in terms of the courses or lecture topics you'd like to attend.

How do I register for a dental conference?

Visit the official website of the conference you are interested in. All events allow online registration with options for early-bird pricing and group discounts.

Can dental professionals attend international dental conferences and receive CE or CPD credit?

Yes, dental professionals can attend international dental conferences and receive CE (Continuing Education) or CPD (Continuing Professional Development) credits. Be sure to check to see if the organization offering the continuing education credits is recognized by your dental governing body. The two main providers of continuing education are the ADA CERP (American Dental Association Continuing Education Recognition Program) and the AGD PACE (Academy of General Dentistry Program Approval for Continuing Education).

International Dental Conferences

Canada

Pacific Dental Conference – Vancouver, Canada

One of the largest dental conferences in North America, featuring expert-led lectures and cutting-edge exhibitions.

United Kingdom

International Conference on Dentistry – London, UK

A leading event discussing innovations and trends in general dentistry.

Australia

Australian Dental Congress – Perth, Australia

A premier event offering hands-on training, expert lectures, and networking opportunities.

Germany

International Dental Show (IDS) – Cologne, Germany

The world's largest dental trade fair, showcasing groundbreaking dental advancements.

France

Euro Dentistry Congress – Paris, France

Focusing on scientific advancements and the latest in esthetic dentistry.