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Where can you learn new dental techniques, hear about the latest technology and products, earn continuing education (CE) credits, and get the opportunity to network with other industry professionals? At a dental conference, of course! As a dental professional, you follow a set of standards, including continuing to learn new skills and improving your trade. Clearly, you’ll want to know the 2025 dental conference lineup.
Allow us to brush you up. The following piece includes the full lineup of top dental conferences in 2025 including date, location, cost, what to expect, and speakers. You’ll also find conferences divided by topic, including orthodontics, periodontics, dental tech, education, and dental management. Plus, we’ve organized the gatherings by time of year as well as location, in case travel and schedule are major impediments to your conference planning.
Below, you’ll find an alphabetical list of the best dental conferences to check out in 2025, some tips for choosing the right event, and easy ways to make the most of the experience.
Date: July 9–12
Location: Montreal, Quebec, Canada
Cost: Varies depending on membership status and experience. Course registration is usually additional.
About/What to Expect: The AGD conference describes itself as the “premier meeting for general dentistry.” The AGD annual scientific session has earned a reputation for having some of the finest dental continuing education in the world. The conference offers one-hour hands-on education and clinical and practice management lectures. Attendees can apply the continuing education earned at the conference toward the AGD Fellowship and Mastership Awards.
CE Credits Available: Yes; see website
Speakers/Topics: Topics for 2025 have not been posted yet, but 2024 courses covered a wide range of topics, including “Practical Approaches to Special Care Dentistry,” “The Dentist’s Role in Obstructive Sleep Apnea,” “Practical Laser-Assisted Dentistry,” and “Treating Medically Complex Patients.”
Handle/Hashtag: @AGDdentist
Date: March 27–29
Location: Seattle, WA
Cost: TBD
About/What to Expect: AO’s annual meeting brings together generalists and specialists to explore technology and emerging research. The annual meeting will explore advanced clinical techniques in implant dentistry.
CE Credits Available: Yes; see AO’s website for continuing education credit updates closer to the meeting
Speakers/Topics: This year’s theme is “Controversies in Treatment Concepts: How to Make It Easy.” The annual meeting offers three days of engaging presentations for attendees. See the AO website for updates as topics are announced.
Date: April 2–5
Location: Boston, MA
Cost: Registration fees range from $316 to $1,375
About/What to Expect: The event will feature speakers, workshops, continuing education opportunities, and networking opportunities.
CE Credits Available: Yes; up to 29.5 continuing education hours
Speakers/Topics: The 2025 conference topics include “Surgical Treatment of the Swollen and Infected Patient,” “Tips and Tricks for a Successful Endo-restorative Practice,” and “Pharmacological Management of the Emergency Patient.”
Handle/Hashtag: #AAE25
Date: October 22–25
Location: New Orleans, LA
Cost: Cost varies depending on registration category and date, $335–$1,915.
About/What to Expect: This is a specialized event for prosthodontists. The theme for 2025 has not yet been announced, but in 2024 the conference focused on “Thriving Practices: Diverse Approaches and Common Goals.”
CE Credits Available: Yes; check website
Speakers/Topics: Speakers and topics for 2025 will be posted later in the year. Topics in 2024 included “Troubleshooting Common Challenges and Failures in Implant Rehabilitation,” “An Introduction to Myofunctional Therapy,” and “Emerging Technologies in Maxillofacial Prosthodontics.”
Date: October 23–25
Location: Washington, D.C.
Cost: Cost varies depending on when a dental team registers
About/What to Expect: Sponsored by the ADA, SmileCon is a premier conference that offers a range of sessions, workshops, and continuing education opportunities, as well as networking events and exhibits. The ADA’s annual meeting is also held during SmileCon.
CE Credits Available: Yes; check website
Speakers/Topics: The list of topics and speakers for SmileCon 2025 are not yet available, but past events have included topics on marketing, best practices, compliance, and innovative technology in the dental world.
Date: October 4–6
Location: Long Beach, CA
Cost: Although guests and students can pay less, those wanting CE credit will pay between $195 and $869, depending on membership status, number of days being attended, and registration date.
About/What to Expect: This conference is the largest dedicated specifically to dental hygienists. It offers a variety of learning formats, including lectures, master classes, and hands-on labs.
CE Credits Available: Up to 22 CEUs
Speakers/Topics: Individual topics for 2025 have not yet been released, but the conference will cover six specialized educational tracks: Clinical Skill Building, Mastering Emerging Technologies, Precision Practice: Meeting Individual Needs, Future Focus: Transforming Learning Through Modern Methodologies, Preventive Strategies for Optimal Oral Health, and Careers in Dental Hygiene.
Handle/Hashtag: @YourADHA
Date: May 15–17
Location: Anaheim, CA
Cost: Registration price varies from $205–$1,040.
About/What to Expect: The conference involves separate learning tracks for specific roles, networking with peers, and several days of in-depth continuing education credits.
CE Credits Available: Yes; up to 8 hours each day
Speakers/Topics: Topics for 2025 have not yet been posted. Multiple tracks are taught at once, and each day is packed with continuing education credit opportunities.
Date: May 14–16
Location: Mohegan Sun Casino & Resort, Uncasville, CT
Cost: Typically range from free (CSDA new dentist members and students) to $150 (nonmembers). Most lectures in the past have required nominal additional fees.
About/What to Expect: This conference, sponsored by the Connecticut State Dental Association (CSDA), is geared to all types of dental professionals, from general practitioners to specialists to office managers. Its schedule offers lecture sessions, hands-on tech courses, and exhibits showing the latest products and services.
CE Credits Available: Yes; see website
Speakers/Topics: The 2025 course schedule is not yet available. Courses in 2024 included “The Digital Dental Practice,” “Review of CDC Guidelines for Infection Control,” and “The Business Side of Dentistry: What Every Dentist Should Know.”
Handle/Hashtag: @CSDAEducation
Date: September 18
Location: Ocean City, MD
Cost: TBA
About/What to Expect: This event, hosted by the Maryland State Dental Association (MSDA), brings together dental professionals for continuing education, networking, and exhibits.
CE Credits Available: Yes; see website
Speakers/Topics: The 2025 lineup has not yet been announced. Check back with the MSDA website later in 2025 for more information about speakers, topics, and registration information.
Date: February 20–22
Location: Chicago, IL
Cost: Registration is free for CDS members, $169 for ADA members, and $869 for non-ADA members, with a range between $69 and $169 for other categories of dentists. Most programs and workshops require an additional fee.
About/What to Expect: The conference promises engaging programs, exciting events, and an exhibit hall featuring technological innovations. It also has a live patient demonstration area.
CE Credits Available: Yes; listed in the course descriptions.
Speakers/Topics: Various topics are offered for administrative and clinical staff members. Some topics in 2025 include Dr. E. Armand Bedrossian presenting “What Have We Learned with Applying Digital Technology In Full Arch Implant Therapy?,” Dr. Kenneth Abramovitch presenting “Update on CBCT Technology: The Marketplace & Key Features of Imaging Software,” Dr. Miles Cone presenting “Exposed: The Art and Science of Dental Photography for the Clinical Team,” and Judy Kay Mausolf presenting “Delivering W.O.W. Service! People Will Forget Everything Except How You Made Them Feel.” In addition, the event has daily hands-on workshops in a variety of fields.
Date: February 6–8
Location: Frisco, TX
Cost: The attendance fee is $1,395, which includes three meals each day, two of which are the dinner celebrations.
About/What to Expect: This event is a premier team-building conference for your dental staff and focuses on personal and professional wellness. It bills itself as an “experience” focused on building a “culture of success” in your dental practice.
CE Credits Available: 15
Speakers/Topics: Accessing the schedule for the 2025 conference requires log-in and registration, but the event includes hands-on learning to encourage collaboration and motivational talks.
Date: September 25–26
Location: El Paso, TX
Cost: TBA
About/What to Expect: This conference offers dental professionals a chance to network with other industry professionals while learning from talks and classes addressing recent innovations and everyday practice concerns.
CE Credits Available: Yes; check website
Speakers/Topics: Topics and speakers for this event have not yet been announced, but topics in 2024 included “The Dental Insurance Guy: Understanding Dental Insurance and Myths,” “Diabetes and the Role of the Community Dentist,” and “Artificial Intelligence: Are You There Yet?”
Date: June 19–21
Location: Kissimmee, FL
Cost: Costs TBD, based on registration category and early bird pricing
About/What to Expect: This convention features educational and networking opportunities. The three-day convention allows professionals a chance to enhance their skills and make lifelong connections. Come listen to industry professionals discuss cutting-edge trends, techniques, and technologies.
CE Credits Available: Yes, up to 20 hours
Speakers/Topics: The 2025 theme is “Polishing Your Perspective,” and topics include “Laser Dentistry from A to Z,” “Next Level Digital Dentistry, and “Sleep Apnea: Wake Up to the Problem.”
Handle/Hashtag: #FDC2025
Date: Meeting Dates: November 28–December 3. Exhibit Dates: November 30–December 3
Location: New York, NY
Cost: Free pre-registration, registration closer to the date of the conference may charge $50. Some seminars and workshops cost extra.
About/What to Expect: As one of the largest dental gatherings in the U.S., you’ll hear from some of the top educators and leaders in the field. Attend half-day or full-day seminars and workshops focused on the latest dentistry developments. Exhibits include demos of innovative dental technology and services at work.
CE Credits Available: Yes; check website
Speakers/Topics: Plans for the 2025 event have not yet been released, but the 2024 event included symposiums on dental implants, orthodontics, 3-D printing, oral health, pediatrics, public health, women’s health, special needs, and dental laboratory education.
Date: June 18–22
Location: Destin, FL
Cost: TBA, registration opens in early 2025
About/What to Expect: This event held by the Alabama Dental Association is the largest dental meeting on the Gulf Coast. The Gulf Coast Dental Conference draws in dental teams from around the country. Come for the social events, networking opportunities, and continuing education opportunities.
CE Credits Available: Yes; check with the website in early 2025 for more continuing education information
Speakers/Topics: The 2025 speaker and topic lineups have not yet been announced. The 2024 schedule included “Breaking the Chain: Mastering Infection Control Basics and Maintaining Water and Suction Lines for Optimal Safety,” “From Standard to Stellar: Elevating Dental Care,” “I Have It …You Need It! Materials and Techniques That Move Us from Reparative to Restorative Dentists,” and “The Single Unit Crown: Maximizing Efficiency and Focusing on Longevity.”
Date: January 30–31
Location: Honolulu, HI
Cost: Registration fees range from $0 for all HDA members, $300 for ADA dentists, to $1,300 for non-ADA members.
About/What to Expect: This two-day event provides an opportunity for networking and earning continuing education credits. See presentations from exhibitors around the globe. Open to anyone who works in the dental field.
CE Credits Available: Yes, up to 12 CE credits
Speakers/Topics: Topics will include “Taking a Team Approach for the New Patient Experience,” “Dental Ethics in Practice” with Dr. Arthur Curley, “Better Composite Restorations” with Dr. David Clark, and others.
Date: July 24–26
Location: Seattle, WA
Cost: See the website for costs; registration opens March 3, 2025
About/What to Expect: The Kois Center is a training center that emphasizes a supportive and interactive learning environment. The Symposium updates dentists on the latest research and products in dentistry.
CE Credits Available: See the website for CE credits available
Speakers/Topics: The schedule for the 2025 event is still being finalized, but topics will include restorative and periodontal dentistry, perio medicine, and treatment planning.
Date: April 3–6
Location: Kansas City, MO
Cost: TBD; check the website
About/What to Expect: The Midwest Dental Conference is hosted by the University of Missouri–Kansas City School of Dentistry. Attendees at this event can access continuing education credits, learn from the leading experts in the industry, and network with other professionals.
CE Credits Available: Yes, up to 21 hours
Speakers/Topics: The 2025 session schedule includes “Systematic Endodontics: A Methodical Approach to Root Canal Treatment,” “ AI and Other Emerging Technology for the Dental Team,” and “Utilizing Lasers in Your Perio Program.”
Handle/Hashtag: #UMKCMDC
Date: TBD
Location: TBD
Cost: Fees are structured by NDA membership and registration date. Typically range from $400 to $1,150.
About/What to Expect: This conference is a popular choice for those who hope to promote healthcare equity among people of color. It includes special tracks for new dentists and students. In addition to a wide range of speakers, it includes an exhibition hall and a forum for minority oral health professionals.
CE Credits Available: Yes; listed in the course descriptions
Speakers/Topics: Topics for 2025 are not yet available. Past topics have included implant basics, dental ethics and informed consent, and mentorship and recruitment diversity.
Handle/Hashtag: @NDA1913
Date: April 7–9
Location: Orlando, FL
Cost: TBD; past fees have ranged from $795 to $1,000, with students paying $325 to $400
About/What to Expect: The NOHC provides networking opportunities and continuing education. The conference is essential for those involved in public health dentistry, CHIP dental program staff, territorial dental directors, and anyone involved in the public’s oral health. Education is provided in several formats, including didactic presentations.
CE Credits Available: Yes; see website
Speakers/Topics: Check the website for 2025 scheduled courses. Topics in 2024 included “Oral Health Equity and Anti-racism in Action,” “Community-Engaged Oral Health Systems and Teledentistry,” and “Oral Health Advocacy and Social Media.”
Handle/Hashtag: @AAPHDorg
Date: September 25–27
Location: Columbus, OH
Cost: TBA; check website
About/What to Expect: Attendees access continuing education opportunities, speakers from a dynamic lineup of industry professionals, and opportunities to network with others from the industry.
CE Credits Available: Yes; check website
Speakers/Topics: The speakers and topics for 2025 have not yet been announced. The 2024 lineup included “The Modern-Day Root Canal: Let Our Technology Empower Us” presented by Dr. Sonia Chopra, “A Sickle Cell Smile: The Journey of a Sickle Cell Warrior” presented by Dr. Kari A. Cunningham, and “Bioceramics and Endodontics: Understanding How This New Class of Innovative Materials has Created a Paradigm Shift in Endodontics” presented by Dr. Najia Usman.
Date: April 3–5
Location: Portland, OR
Cost: TBD; registration opens January 9, 2025
About/What to Expect: Enjoy the chance to refresh your knowledge of dentistry topics while networking with professionals at the forefront of the dental field. Enhance your skills through workshops and courses tailored to professionals.
CE Credits Available: Yes, see the website
Speakers/Topics: The ODC conference will be releasing more information about the speakers in early 2025. The previous conference in 2024 included scientific sessions, research competition, and an exhibit hall opportunity.
Handle/Hashtag: #ODC2025
Date: March 6–8
Location: Vancouver, Canada
Cost: $0–$460 depending on registration date and other variables
About/What to Expect: As one of the largest dental conferences in North America, the Pacific Dental Conference offers over 200 open sessions and hands-on courses, 300 exhibitors, and live demonstrations with viewing on big-screen projections.
CE Credits Available: Yes, up to 20 CE credits
Speakers/Topics: Topics include emerging trends in periodontics, oral surgery, composite resin restorations, and more. For the full list of speakers and topics, see the website.
Handle/Hashtag: @pdfconf
Date: May 8–10
Location: Seattle, WA
Cost: Pricing depends on membership and position in the firm. For past years, office managers paid $150, and dental hygienists paid $225. Many dental lectures are included in the cost.
About/What to Expect: The Washington State Dental Association hosts the Pacific Northwest Dental Conference, which is a three-day event. Exhibits are offered for two days.
CE Credits Available: 20+
Speakers/Topics: Speakers cover various topics, including quality dental hygiene education, restorative dentistry, pediatric dentistry, periodontics, and lasers. Topics offered in 2024 included “Bonding Dental Ceramics,” “How to Build Your Startup Dental Office,” and “Implants for the General Practitioner.”
Handle/Hashtag: @TheWSDA
Date: January 23–25
Location: Denver, CO
Cost: Fees for members range from $0 to $439. The courses are extra.
What to Expect: The Metro Denver Dental Society and Mountain West Dental Institute present this conference, a gathering of dental professionals in the Rocky Mountain region.
CE Credits Available: Yes; check website
Speakers/Topics: Featured topics include dental implants, airway orthodontia and sleep apnea, dental pharmacology, and dental marketing strategies.
Date: August 22–23
Location: Dallas, TX
Cost: TBA; registration opens at the end of February 2025
About/What to Expect: The theme for the 2025 Southwest Dental Conference is “Elevating Dentistry: Excellence, Expertise, and Evolution.” The conference, hosted by the Dallas County Dental Society, offers sessions and workshops that focus on cutting-edge technologies, including digital dentistry, as well as practice management and productivity strategies. Networking events and an exhibit hall are included as well.
CE Credits Available: Yes; see website
Speakers/Topics: The 2025 course schedule is not available yet, but previous topics included 3D printing, CBCT interpretation, practice management, and maximizing insurance reimbursements. Check the website for additions to the course schedule.
Handle/Hashtag: @SWDentalConf
Date: May 8–10
Location: San Antonio, TX
Cost: Costs vary; registration opens January 6, 2025
About/What to Expect: This conference features 42+ speakers and 27+ workshops.
CE Credits Available: Yes; see website
Speakers/Topics: Speakers include dental and business experts who present on a number of topics. Although the 2025 schedule is not yet available, past topics have included bone regeneration, building accountability among team members, handling anxious patients, and treating dry mouth.
Handle/Hashtag: @TDAMeeting
Date: March 27–29
Location: Glendale, AZ
Cost: Fees depend on dental specialty, professional membership status, and timing of registration
About/What to Expect: This conference brings together thousands of dental professionals from around the state and country. Attendees see all the latest dental techniques, trends, and technologies.
CE Credits Available: Yes; see website
Speakers/Topics: The 2025 lineup offers over 30 speakers and includes topics such as “Opioids and the Dental Industry,” “Hiring for Keeps: Finding People That Fit,” and “Advanced Local Anesthesia.”
Date: January 30–February 1
Location: Boston, MA
Cost: Some courses are included in the registration fee. Others have an additional charge. Registration varies, costing between $69 and $444.
About/What to Expect: The Yankee Dental Congress is New England’s largest meeting for dental professionals and is sponsored by the Massachusetts Dental Society. It is an annual tradition for more than 25,000 dental professionals.
CE Credits Available: Yes; check website
Speakers/Topics: This conference features more than 250 courses on dental topics along with hands-on education sessions. Topics in 2025 include health and wellness for dental team members, panoramic radiographs and cone beam CT, caries risk assessment, and more.
Date: April 25–27
Location: Philadelphia, PA
Cost: $0–$2,425
About/What to Expect: The AAO Annual Session brings together professionals from around the country and outside the U.S. to discuss the latest topics in orthodontics. Professionals learn new information they need to succeed in the field of orthodontics and enjoy opportunities to make lifelong connections, earn CE credits, and more. Join thousands of professionals for hours of orthodontic education and experiences mingling together with industry experts.
CE Credits Available: Yes; up to 15 hours
Speakers/Topics: The topics and speakers for 2025 have not yet been announced. Check back with the website for more information.
Date: September 18–20
Location: Grapevine, TX
Cost: $599–$899
About/What to Expect: The American Orthodontic Society annual meeting features a unique group of speakers and industry professionals presenting on the latest research for industry professionals.
Speakers/Topics: Speakers for the 2025 event have not yet been announced. Check back with the website for updates.
Date: May 1–4
Location: Washington, D.C.
Cost: Registration fees range from $725–$1,800.
About/What to Expect: The event will feature speakers, continuing education classes, and networking opportunities.
CE Credits Available: Yes; see schedule for options
Speakers/Topics: Speakers include Dr. Mike Smith presenting “Joint Stabilizing Aligner Therapy,” Dr. Kenneth Lau & Dr. Maridin Lacson presenting “Three Day A-Z Introduction to Orthodontics,” and Dr. Rick Grant presenting “The Bare Roots of Case Finishing.”
Date: January 17–18
Location: Orlando, FL
Cost: $595–$1,695
About/What to Expect: This two-day conference is the first and only official conference for women in orthodontics. Attendees enjoy networking opportunities, stories and strategies for growing their practice, and more. Team and doctor tickets are available.
CE Credits Available: Yes; up to 12 CE credits
Speakers/Topics: Presenters include Dr. Jennifer Smith presenting “Building The Team & Culture of Your Dreams: 7 Practical Steps to a Top-Notch Team and Happy Workplace,” Dr. Nicole Wax presenting “Fill the Bucket: An Energized Discussion of Sales, Marketing, Communication, Leadership, Motivation Tactics, and Customer Experience,” and Dr. Padma Mukhurjee presenting “The Dos and Don’ts for Surgical Orthodontics with Aligners.”
Date: November 12–15
Location: Phoenix, AZ
Cost: TBA
About/What to Expect: This conference includes a full agenda of hands-on workshops, social events, speakers, and more.
CE Credits Available: Yes; up to 19.25 hours
Speakers/Topics: The theme for 2025 is “Rock the Dental Implant World: Where Innovation Meets Expertise.” Speakers and topic lineups have not been announced yet, so check back with the website for more information.
Date: October 15–18
Location: Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Cost: Early-bird registration fees range from $243 (student AAP member) to $1,782 (nonmember dentist). Fees increase after March 28, 2025, for all categories of professionals.
About/What to Expect: The meeting features workshops, speakers, networking opportunities, and more.
CE Credits Available: Up to 33.75 hours
Speakers/Topics: The 2025 schedule has not been released yet. Topics in 2024 included leveraging a DSO platform, minimal flap approaches for regeneration, peri-implant soft tissue management, biologics, and treatment decision trees for periodontists.
Handle/Hashtag: #PerioAM25
Date: June 12–15
Location: Boston, MA
Cost: $310–$1,020
About/What to Expect: The ISPRD brings together professionals and practitioners to discuss techniques and advancements in the field of restorative dentistry and periodontics.
Speakers/Topics: Topics include “Biological Insights of Post-Extraction Treatment Concepts in the Anterior Maxilla” presented by Dr. Vivianne Chappuis, “Decision Making for Immediate Implant Placement” presented by Dr. France Lambert, and “New Techniques for Guided Bone Regeneration in Advanced Cases” presented by Dr. Massimo Simion.
Date: February 21–23
Location: Chicago, IL
Cost: $75–$385
About/What to Expect: This event brings together a range of industry professionals to discuss the latest in periodontology research and innovation.
Speakers/Topics: Topics and speakers for 2025 include “Integrative Digital Pathways for Full Arch Implant Rehabilitation: From Diagnosis, Virtual Planning, Intraoral Scans, to CAD/CAM Prostheses” presented by Dr. Wei-Shao Lin and Dr. Chao-Chieh Yang, “Hands-on: Advancing Full Arch Implant Rehabilitation Solutions: From Denture Conversion to Accurate Intraoral Scanning” presented by Dr. Wei-Shao Lin and Dr. Chao-Chieh Yang, and “Soft Tissue Integration and Management” presented by Dr. Mario Roccuzzo.
Date: March 8–11
Location: National Harbor, MD
Cost: TBA; registration opens late 2024
About/What to Expect: This event brings together industry professionals to learn and grow together in an inspiring annual meeting. Learn about emerging technologies and research, and join others in networking opportunities.
Speakers/Topics: The speakers for 2025 have not yet been announced, but the theme is “Be Inspired, Empower Tomorrow.”
Handle/Hashtag: #ADEA2025
Date: September 17–19
Location: Nashville, TN
Cost: TBA
About/What to Expect: This conference focuses on dental technologies, including the latest developments and research. Join industry professionals to hear speakers and expand your networking opportunities.
Speakers/Topics: The 2025 speakers and topics have not yet been announced, but the 2024 lineup of speakers and topics included “Technology: An Investment in Uptime & Efficiency” presented by Patrick Jacob with and “Deconstructing Cyber Threats: Safeguarding Your Practices Through Recent Incident Analysis” presented by Scott Checkoway, DentalXChange, and Bill Radford.
Date: February 6–8
Location: Orlando, FL
Cost: Registration fees range from $695 to $2,195, depending on membership status and registration date.
About/What to Expect: The expo features speakers, networking opportunities, and exhibits.
CE Credits Available: Yes; check website
Speakers/Topics: Scheduled 2025 workshops include “The Art and Science of Developing Talent,” AI-Powered Dentistry: Elevating the Standard of Care,” and “Executing Growth Strategy — Buy vs. Build.”
Handle/Hashtag: @AADGP
Date: September 4–6
Location: Round Rock, TX
Cost: Registration fees range from $1,099 to $1,675.
About/What to Expect: The event will feature courses for continuing education credit, speakers, and networking opportunities.
CE Credits Available: Yes; up to 16 credits
Speakers/Topics: The 2025 keynote speaker is Tim Gard, “Change the Game.” Other speakers and course titles will be posted on the website when available.
Handle/Hashtag: #AADOM25
Date: April 3–5
Location: San Diego, CA
Cost: $1,200–$5,200
About/What to Expect: Join the AACD for the ultimate conference on comprehensive esthetics. Top educators in the field will teach learning sessions as well as hands-on workshops.
CE Credits Available: Yes; check the website
Speakers/Topics: Not all topics for 2025 have been announced, however, the presentations will include “Treating the Worn Dentition: Incorporating ‘Airway’ Concepts,” presented by Dr. Gregg Kinzer.
Handle/Hashtag: #AACD2025
Date: May 22–25
Location: Denver, CO
Cost: $0–$1,695, depending on professional title and registration date
About/What to Expect: Join leading professionals in the industry of pediatric dentistry to enjoy insightful sessions and networking opportunities.
Speakers/Topics: The speaker and topic lineup for the 2025 conference has not yet been announced, but the keynote speaker is Mick Ebeling, author of Not Impossible: The Art and Joy of Doing What Couldn’t Be Done.
Date: January 17–19
Location: Nashville, TN
Cost: $2,500
About/What to Expect: This three-day conference provides a comprehensive look at topics in oral and maxillofacial surgery. Come for networking opportunities and CE credit.
CE Credits Available: Yes; up to 22 CE hours
Speakers/Topics: Topics include clinical review of pathology and reconstruction, dentoalveolar surgery, TMJ, infections, implant surgery, and dentofacial deformities.
If you’re planning your next dental conference around the best time of year to be away from work or family, here’s a list of the conferences broken up by quarter and arranged by earliest date to latest date.
If you’re planning your next dental conference around the location nearest to you, here’s an alphabetical list of the conferences broken up by area of the United States.
What you learn at dental conferences can benefit you now and in the future. What you can’t put to immediate use in your practice might very well pay off a year or two from now.
Much of what you learn during presentations can be put right to work once you return home. This might include new techniques for procedures you already do, better products to replace the ones you use now, or tips for what apps or vlogs might help make you and your staff more efficient.
Even if it’s not feasible right away to use the research and trends you learn about at the conference, getting insight into the future of the dentistry can help you plan for next year or the year after. Understanding what other dentists are discovering and practicing gives you an edge in deciding where you want to take your practice and thinking about how you’ll get there.
A key benefit to attending a dental conference is that you can earn continued education credits. Fitting continuing education courses into your daily schedule can be challenging, which means it’s easy to let CE requirements slip off your radar until the last minute. Earning credits while attending a conference is an ideal and efficient way to make your life easier when license renewal time approaches.
Networking with other dental professionals is another huge benefit. Some of the best suggestions can come from other dentists who’ve learned through experience what works and what doesn’t. Not only that, but you might also be building professional relationships that help you grow your practice or company. So go ahead and exchange contact information to use once the conference is over.
Finally, simply taking a break from your daily dental practice can recharge you and give you some well-earned social time. Plus, listening to expert presenters, learning about new research, and sharing stories with colleagues might just remind you why you chose dentistry to begin with.
Because taking time away from your busy practice isn’t easy, choose which annual conference is best for you by researching ahead of time. Consider your primary goal in attending the conference: networking for career growth, learning about new advances, connecting with colleagues, getting CE credits, or something else.
While most conferences provide a mix of learning, socializing, and networking, each one typically emphasizes slightly different things. Here are some strategies for choosing which conference will best help you meet your goals this year.
Some conferences target different practice areas, such as pediatric dentistry, oral surgery, forensic dentistry, or oral pathology. Honing your specialty or practice area could open you up to better networking and learning opportunities for your skill set.
You want to learn from experts in the field, such as national experts, seasoned dentists, and those using the latest technology. Review the online program for each conference and then research the speakers’ credentials to ensure you’ll gain the latest and most comprehensive continuing education.
You’ll want to consider the credentials of the attendees. You can do this by reviewing the speaker list and the sponsor list. The dental conference should have a Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn page, and you can look at its followers for a sense of who is attending. And ask your current networking circle if they’ll be attending.
Another good way to see whether the conference will be a helpful networking opportunity is to look at the agenda. Are there group functions (aka networking events) planned? Are breaks built into the schedule?
Can you easily attend all the conference events without a car? For example, are the hotel and events within walking distance or accessible by shuttle? Also, many people like to attend conferences in or near cities they’d like to visit. If location is important for you, you might focus first on industry events in a particular region.
Remember that attending a dental conference annually can be critical to helping you learn new techniques, keep up with the big news in the industry, and build relationships with other professionals in the dental field.
You’ll want to prepare to get the most benefit from attending the conference.
Many dental conferences offer discounts for those who register early. Depending on the event, you may not always know the speakers attending, but committing early also allows you to block off your time away from the office and schedule any necessary replacements.
You can also save money by booking your hotel early. Many conferences make arrangements with hotels for a certain number of rooms at a discounted conference rate. The rooms are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
You may get more out of the conference if you take a colleague with you. For example, having a colleague at networking events can make approaching others less awkward. Also, large conferences usually have many events occurring simultaneously. If several colleagues from your practice attend, they can split up and share the knowledge from each event. Cost, relevance, and logistics are factors in determining who to send. Sometimes, you may consider taking your entire dental team to the conference. Some conferences even offer special pricing for teams.
A conference presents a fantastic opportunity to see new products and technologies, such as dental robotics and laser dentistry. It’s also a great time to decide whether products you already use, like dental malpractice insurance, might benefit from an upgrade (Berxi’s dental malpractice insurance, for example, features flexible insurance limits and is typically 15% less expensive on average than the competition). However, the product exhibitions at many conferences are so extensive that you may not be able to visit every vendor. Go through the vendor list and highlight which ones appeal to you and mark where they’ll be on the floor plan.
You also might inventory your practice equipment and instruments before you attend and decide what you need. Be sure to record information about your current equipment so that you can compare it with what you see on the exhibit floor.
Also, check social media throughout the days of the conference. Often, vendors will post deals on social media.
Many large conferences are in sprawling convention cities or spread across several buildings. Print a map or download a mapping app to your phone ahead of time so you’ll know where to find your lodging. If you’re driving, also be sure you identify your parking options.
Look carefully at the conference brochure and plan which events you and your colleagues will attend. Register for ones that meet your goals and at least one for personal enrichment, giving you an opportunity to expand your thinking and learn something that interests you, even if it’s not connected to a specific goal. Don’t forget to allow time for networking, socializing, and rest. Gaining too much information in a short time can be exhausting.
You’ll want to pack several essentials for your conference:
Before you leave, set specific goals you’d like to meet while at the conference.
The most successful goals are specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART).
Here’s an example of five goals you might make for a dental conference:
Putting a number on this makes it measurable and stating “networking relationship” makes it a specific goal.
A dental practice is a business. Even learning two new dental marketing ideas can help you bring in new patients.
Dental insurance companies are constantly changing the rules, so this goal helps you remain compliant so you can get paid.
Tailor this goal to the equipment your team needs, but you can have a goal of buying something new at the event.
This is a highly specific, targeted goal that you can act on when you return to your community from your conference.
Attending a dental conference is one invaluable way to grow your knowledge, your practice, and your professional peer group – all in a single event. And 2025 offers many top-notch dental conferences to choose from.
Not only do you learn a lot while attending a conference, you also keep building on what you learned once you return to the office. You may try a new way of performing an old procedure or test a product you saw in a demonstration. Maybe you commit to networking more with your local dental community or find ways to educate your team on new research. Attending a dental conference can get you and your colleagues excited about dentistry all over again.
One item to consider adding to your growing list of new topics is malpractice risk, an unfortunate reality in today’s modern dentistry. Statistics show that malpractice is a growing problem, and individual stories of dentists’ being sued abound. Learn more about the sobering statistics and read this Dental Malpractice Guide to start learning about how to protect your practice from risk.
And make sure your dental malpractice policy offers the best quality coverage at the best price. Get a quote within 5 minutes from Berxi.
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Last updated on Dec 24, 2024.
Originally published on Dec 26, 2023.
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