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2021 Dental Conferences and Continuing Education

2021 Dental Conventions [BIG Directory of the Hottest Events]

COVID didn’t cancel dental conventions this year. It just moved a whole lot of them online. If you’re looking to pick up some CE credits, want to expand your education, or simply enjoy networking with other dental professionals, you’ll find a wealth of opportunities on this list.

AAOSH Hot Topics in Oral Systemic Health

January 16, 2021  |  Online

Whether you’re passionate about systemic health or are simply looking for free educational opportunities, the American Academy for Oral Systemic Health virtual event is for you. With topics ranging from dental aerosols through the medical management of caries with silver and fluoride ions, and how caries and malocclusion, as well as a host of other conditions, may be related to the westernized diet, the one-day event will get you up to speed on the latest info. Visit AAOSH for more info.

RMDC Anywhere

January 21-21, 2021  |  Online

The Rocky Mountain Dental Convention (RMDC) is going virtual for the 2021 session. With a focus on the changing landscape in dentistry, programming will include teledentistry, pharmacology, and periodontology talks amid the 50 live and on-demand continuing education webinars. A virtual expo hall will also be available. Visit RMDCOnline.com for more info.

Yankee Dental Congress

January 28-30, 2021  |  Online

For more than four decades, this Boston mainstay has attracted crowds from Massachusetts, Connecticut, Maine, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont. This year, they’ll have an even bigger audience because the session is online. CE opportunities range from courses on layering anterior composites and advancements in dental tech through marketing and billing. A variety of exhibits will also be on hand. Visit YankeeDental.com for more info.

AAO Winter Conference 2021

February 12-14, 2021 |  Online

The theme for this year’s American Academy of Orthodontists Winter Conference is “An In-Depth Look at Clear Aligner Treatment.” Running for three days in February 2021, the conference offers up to 14.25 hours of continuing education and a virtual exhibit hall. Visit Meetings.AAOInfo.org for more info.

Chicago Dental Society Midwinter Meeting

February 25-27, 2021  |  Online

Celebrating 156 years in action, the Chicago Dental Society (CDS) Midwinter Meeting is one of the top three U.S. dental meetings and ranks among Chicago’s top 20 conventions overall. More than 6,000 dentists attended last year, with a total crowd of nearly 29,000 in attendance. As with many others. The Midwinter Meeting will be virtual in 2021, with CE offerings ranging from general practice management through communications, implant dentistry, and pharmacology. There are more than 100 live courses as well as on-demand options and exhibitions to view. Registration is available through March 15. Visit CDS.org for more info.

Thomas P. Hinman Dental Meeting

March 12-13, 2021  |  Atlanta, Georgia & Online

A Georgia mainstay, the Thomas P. Hinman Dental Meeting was the first to cancel in 2020 when the pandemic hit. However, they’re planning a big comeback for their March 2021 session, with both online and in-person offerings. In all, 40 virtual courses, with on-demand access through April 12 and live Q&A during the 12-13 session, will be available. A total of 45 courses will be held at the Omni Hotel at CNN Center as well. A keynote from retired Col. Nicole Malachowski will be livestreamed with an in-person viewing party on the 12th. Visit Hinman.org for more info.

AACD 2021 Rockies Esthetic Revolution

April 14-17, 2021  |  Aurora, Colorado

The 37th scientific session hosted by the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD) will be at Gaylord Rockies near Denver. Designed to help you fulfill your CE requirements in over the course of a fun-filled weekend, the Rockies Esthetic Revolution will feature a mix of hands-on workshops, in-depth learning sessions, and ToothTalks (Ted Talk-styled presentations). Visit AACD.org for more info.

Smiles at Sea Dental Festival

April 14-18, 2021  |  Miami, Florida

While the Smiles at Sea Dental Festival won’t really be at sea this year, but they’ve still managed to turn your dental continuing education into a fun vacation or teambuilding experience. Offerings include up to 24 CE credits paired with perks like massage therapists during the general session for back and shoulder treatments, a casino night, a Havana nights pool party, prizes, and giveaways. Visit SmilesAtSea.com for more info.

National Oral Health Conference

Fridays & Saturdays April 16-30, 2021  |  Online

Designed for to provide educational opportunities and networking within the dental public health discipline, the National Oral Health Conference (NOHC) will be virtual this year. The schedule is still being finalized, so check their site for the latest. Visit NationalOralHealthConference.com for more info.

Smile Source Exchange

April 29 – May 1, 2021  |  Las Vegas, Nevada & Online

Smile Source is a network of more than 700 locally owned dental practices. Their three-day event will cover practical strategies for success with offerings in person or online. Visit SmileSource.com for more info.

The New Orleans Dental Conference & LDA Annual Session

May 6-8, 2021  |  New Orleans, Louisiana

Since 1948, the New Orleans Dental Conference has attracted dental professionals from across the country. This year’s lineup includes a variety of topics and notable speaker such as Dr. Gordon Christensen, Dr. Anthony “Rick” Cardoza, and Dr. Jacob Dent. Visit NODC for more info.

CDA Presents the Art and Science of Dentistry- Anaheim

May 13-15, 2021  |  Online

The Anaheim California Dental Association (CDA) Convention typically attracts more than 26,000 people each May, including more than 6,000 dentists, over 5,000 assistants, and nearly 3,000 hygienists. Moving to online learning last year, the dental convention offers a plethora of CE courses in a variety of mediums to suit just about any need. More than 6,000 exhibitors typically attend as well. Note: If you can’t make the May session, their September San Francisco session will be online this year too! Visit CDA.org for more info.

AGD 2021

June 9-12, 2021  |  Austin, Texas

Featuring keynote speaker Scott Burrows, the American Academy of General Dentistry’s annual conference will be held in Austin this year. Around 2,500 dental professionals are expected to attend. A plethora of continuing education courses and exhibit hall will be available. Visit AGD.org for more info.

ADHA 2021 Annual Conference

June 18-20, 2021  |  Phoenix, Arizona & Online

The schedule for the 2021 American Dental Hygienists Association (ADHA) conference is still taking shape, but the premier event for dental hygienists is slated to have more CE opportunities than any other conference of its kind. Visit ADHA2021.org for more info.

Pacific Northwest Dental Conference

June 24-26, 2021  |  Seattle, Washington

The Pacific Northwest Dental Conference (PDNC) is presently planning to host their 2021 conference in Seattle this year, though vows to press forward with a “robust virtual event” should the pandemic make in-person gatherings impossible. Attendees will have the opportunity to earn 18 CE credits and explore exhibits from more than 175 companies. Visit WSDA.org for more info.

AAO Annual Session

June 25-27, 2021  |  Boston, Massachusetts & Online

Moving to a hybrid experience with online or in-person registration available for the 2021 session, the American Academy of Orthodontics (AAO) shifted its usual April conference to June this year. More than 10,000 attended the first virtual session, though details about this one are still emerging. Visit Meetings.AAOInfo.org for the latest.

RDH Under One Roof

July 22-24, 2021  |  Indianapolis, Indiana

Designed with the needs of dental hygienists in mind, RDH Under One Roof can help you earn up to 20 CE credits and provides access to more than 125 exhibitors. Hear from nearly 50 speakers and choose from 40 sessions. Topics range from cannabis and vaping through sleep apnea, Alzheimer’s, anesthesia, and more. Visit RDHUnderOneRoof.com for more info.

Star of the North Meeting

August 12-14, 2021  |  St. Paul, Minnesota & Online

The Minnesota Dental Association’s 138th annual scientific session will be a hybrid online and in-person event. Featuring Sarah Thomas, the first female NFL official, as keynote, and with the opportunity to earn up to six CE credits per day (including some free ones), the North Star Meeting is the Upper Midwest’s premier dental conference. Registration opens April 19, 2021. Visit Star.MNDental.org for more info.

Southwest Dental Conference

August 20-21, 2021  |  Dallas, Texas

Hosted by the Dallas County Dental Society, the Southwest Dental Conference typically attracts more than 500 dental professionals each year. CE opportunities, exceptional speakers discussing the latest in the dental community, and an Exhibit Hall featuring the most advanced dental equipment and technology are key features of the event. Registration and details will be available soon. Visit DCDS.org for the latest info.

CDA Presents the Art and Science of Dentistry- San Francisco

September 9-11, 2021  |  Online

The San Francisco California Dental Association (CDA) Convention typically brings in around 15,000 people each September, including over 6,000 exhibitors, 4,000 dentists, and 3,000 assistants, plus nearly 2,000 hygienists. Like the Anaheim session, the San Francisco dental convention is fully online this year, and will have full days of CE and skill-building courses, Q&A sessions, and a virtual exhibit hall. Visit CDA.org for more info.

AADOM 2021 Conference

September 9-11, 2021  |  Orlando, Florida

The American Association of Dental Office Management (AADOM) is taking its annual conference to Sapphire Falls Resort at Universal Studios in Orlando this year. The event typically attracts over 800 practice management professionals and covers a wide variety of topics ranging from practice metrics through marketing and developing a quality team. Additional details will be released soon. Visit AADOMConference.com for the latest info.

Dentsply Sirona World 2021

September 23-25, 2021  |  Las Vegas, Nevada

Details for Dentsply Sirona World 2021 are still being finalized. However, the event will feature a keynote, CE eligible educational courses, expert-led clinical procedures, and more. Educational tracks include Special Markets and Topics, Restorative, Hygiene, Orthodontics, Office Design, Laboratory, Implantology, Imaging, Dental Assisting, CAD/CAM, Business & Practice Management, and Endodontics. Registration is open now and early bird pricing is available through March 31, 2021. Visit DentsplySirona.com for more details.

AAOSH 2021 Scientific Session: Collaboration Cures

September 23-26, 2021  |  Atlanta, Georgia

Collaboration Cures is a collaborative meeting, with The American Academy for Oral Systemic Health (AAOSH), American Association of Physiological Medicine and Dentistry (AAPMD), and other allied organizations. The event will offer the opportunity to earn CE credits as well as a variety of hands-on workshops, joint sessions, and multiple tracks. Additional details will be released soon. Visit AAOSH for more info.

AAOMS Annual Meeting, Scientific Sessions, and Exhibition

September 27 – October 2, 2021  |  Nashville, Tennessee

This year marks the 103rd annual meeting of the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons (AAOMS). Details are still emerging, but it will be held at Music City Center at the Omni Nashville Hotel. Visit AAOMS.org to get the latest info.

SmileCon

October 10-13, 2021  |  Las Vegas, Nevada

At present, the American Dental Association (ADA) annual SmileCon is slated to be in-person at Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas for 2021. The organization aims to create a one-of-a-kind experience by pairing unique content with social events, like BrainDates, a Buddy Program, and Dine-Arounds to give dental professionals more of a community experience. Registration opens spring 2021. Visit SmileCon.org for more info.

Mid-Continent Dental Congress

October 28-29, 2021  |  St. Louis, Missouri

Now entering its 79th year, the Mid-Continent Dental Congress (MDMC) will include a two-day trade show, lectures, and special events, as well as a newly redesigned exhibition space at St. Louis Union Station to showcase even more dental tech and products than ever before. MCDC is planning more than 70 courses with 35+ speakers and over 100 exhibit booths. An anticipated 2,500 professionals are expected to attend. Visit MCDCStL.org for details.

Greater New York Dental Meeting

November 27 – December 2, 2021

The 97th Greater New York Dental Meeting (GNYDM) is scheduled for winter 2021, though the organization has not noted whether it intends to host it in person or continue with the virtual platform established in 2020 as of yet. Typically considered America’s largest dental convention, the event draws in more than 50,000 people from over 150 countries and all 50 states annually. Free registration along with free courses are typically offered. Visit GNYDM for the latest info.

Did We Miss Any of Your Favorite Dental Conventions?

If your favorite dental conference didn’t make this list, let us know what we missed in the comments below!

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