Dental conferences are some of the best places to learn about 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. Learning new skills, improving your trade, and expanding your network are incredibly important to you as a professional and a business. Knowing the 2026 dental convention and conference schedule is a great place to start.
The following piece includes the full lineup of top dental conferences and conventions in 2026 including exact date, location, cost, what to expect, and speakers (if they’ve been announced yet). You’ll find these 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 take priority in your 2026 dental conference planning.
Below, you’ll find an alphabetical list of the best dental conventions to check out in 2026, some tips for choosing the right event, and easy ways to make the most of the experience.
Date: June 24–27
Location: Las Vegas, NV
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 2026 have not been posted yet, but courses in previous years 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.”
Date: March 5–7
Location: Washington, DC
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 “Make a Difference: Transforming the Lives of Our Patients and Ourselves.” The annual meeting offers three days of engaging presentations for attendees. The 2026 lineup includes topics such as “Esthetic Zone: Immediate Implants and Digital Previsualization,” “Soft Tissue Augmentation Procedures,” “Digital Workflows and Material Selection in Completely Edentulous Patients,” and “Treatment Considerations for Esthetic Implant Recession.” See the event website for the full agenda.
Date: April 15–18
Location: Salt Lake City, UT
Cost: Check the website closer to the event. Previous registration fees ranged 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; check the AAE’s website closer to the meeting for continuing education credit updates
Speakers/Topics: Topics for 2026 have not been posted yet, but the 2025 conference topics included “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: #AAE26
Date: November 11–14
Location: Chicago, IL
Cost: Cost varies depending on registration category, membership status, and date. Previous registration fees ranged from $335–$1,915.
About/What to Expect: This is a specialized event for prosthodontists. The theme for 2026 has not yet been announced, but in 2025 the conference focused on “Concepts and Techniques for Immediate Implementation.”
CE Credits Available: Yes; check website
Speakers/Topics: Speakers and topics for 2026 will be posted later in the year. Topics in 2025 included “Conical & Telescopic Concepts — Made Simple,” “Integrating Neurotoxins in Prosthodontics: Esthetic and Therapeutic Applications in Today’s Dental Practice,” and “Stock vs. Custom Tibases: Managing the Implant Restorative Emergence Profile for Biologic Health & Stability.”
Date: September 26–28
Location: Fort Worth, TX
Cost: Costs vary 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: Yes; attendees in the past have received up to 22 CEUs
Speakers/Topics: Individual topics for 2026 have not yet been released, but previous topics included “Contemporary Ultrasonic Instrumentation: Integrating Technology in Navigating the Biofilm Frontier,” “Dreamin’ Big: Unlocking Generational Learning Through Neuroscience,” and “Can Artificial Intelligence Improve Oral Health Care Delivery?”
Date: May 27–29
Location: Salt Lake City, UT
Cost: Fees for 2026 have not yet been released, but 2025 fees ranged from $445 to $1,575
About/What to Expect: This annual conference is the premier event for infection control and safety in dental settings.
CE Credits Available: Yes, see website for details
Speakers/Topics: Speakers and topics in 2026 have not yet been released, but speakers in 2025 covered topics such as “Workplace Violence Prevention,” “Envisioning the Future of Dental Assisting,” and “Advancing Dental Readiness: Achieving High Reliability in the Military Health System.”
Date: May 14–16
Location: Anaheim, CA
Cost: Registration price varies from $0–$1,050.
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 2026 have not yet been posted. The event will include 180 courses and workshops, led by 130 speakers.
Date: May 13–16
Location: Mohegan Sun Casino & Resort, Uncasville, CT
Cost: Typically range from free (Connecticut State Dental Association 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 2026 course schedule is not yet available. Topics in previous meetings included “The Digital Dental Practice,” “Review of CDC Guidelines for Infection Control,” and “The Business Side of Dentistry: What Every Dentist Should Know.”
Date: September 18–20
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 2026 lineup has not yet been announced. Check back with the MSDA website later in 2026 for more information about speakers, topics, and registration information.
Date: February 19–21
Location: Chicago, IL
Cost: Registration is free for CDS members. Fees go up to $899 for non-ADA members registering close to the date of the meeting.
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 2026 include “Botox Certification Training,” “Orthodontics and the Airway,” and “How to Tackle Full-Mouth Rehabilitation.” In addition, the event has daily hands-on workshops in a variety of fields.
Date: January 29–31
Location: Salt Lake City, UT
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 2026 conference requires log-in and registration, but the event includes hands-on learning to encourage collaboration and motivational talks.
Date: September 24–26 (registration info to be updated)
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 previous topics 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 25–27
Location: Orlando, FL
Cost: Costs TBA, 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 2026 theme is “Plug In, Amplify, and Rock Your Practice!” Current topics for 2026 have not been released, but previous topics included “Laser Dentistry from A to Z,” “Next Level Digital Dentistry, and “Sleep Apnea: Wake Up to the Problem.”
Date: Meeting Dates: November 27–December 2. Exhibit Dates: November 29–December 2
Location: New York, NY
Cost: Look closer to the date of the event for registration fees and costs. Previous events have included 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 2026 event have not yet been released, but previous events 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 9–12
Location: Miramar, FL
Cost: TBA
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 2026 for more continuing education information
Speakers/Topics: The 2026 speaker and topic lineups have not yet been announced. Previous schedules 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 14–16
Location: Honolulu, HI
Cost: Registration fees range from $0 for all HDA members to $300 for out-of-state ADA members. A daily fee up to $250 also applies.
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, see the website for details
Speakers/Topics: Topics will include “Dental Ethics,” “Profitable Collaborative Care,” and “From Planning to Placement: Step-by-Step Workflows to Restorative Excellence” with Dr. Alan Atlas, and others.
Date: April 23–26
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 2026 session speaker lineup has not been announced, but the 2025 schedule included “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: July 16–19
Location: Richmond, VA
Cost: Fees are structured by NDA membership and registration date. Typically range from $300 to $1,000.
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 2026 are not yet available. Past topics have included implant basics, dental ethics and informed consent, and mentorship and recruitment diversity.
Date: April 13–15
Location: Oklahoma City, OK
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 2026 scheduled courses. Previous topics included “Oral Health Equity and Anti-racism in Action,” “Community-Engaged Oral Health Systems and Teledentistry,” and “Oral Health Advocacy and Social Media.”
Date: TBD
Location: TBD
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 2026 have not yet been announced. Previous lineups 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 9–11
Location: Portland, OR
Cost: TBD
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 conference will be releasing more information about the speakers in early 2026. Previous conferences included scientific sessions, research competition, and an exhibit hall opportunity.
Date: March 5–7
Location: Vancouver, BC, Canada
Cost: $0–$475 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, see website for details
Speakers/Topics: Topics include practice management, clinical excellence, and more. For the full list of speakers and topics, see the website.
Date: May 28–30
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 in the past included “Bonding Dental Ceramics,” “How to Build Your Startup Dental Office,” and “Implants for the General Practitioner.”
Date: January 22–24
Location: Denver, CO
Cost: Fees for members range from $0 to $859. 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 in 2026 include “Dental Implants: Parts and Pieces,” “Excellence in Digital Photography,” and “The Use of Teeth as Records of Health History and Biomarkers for Prediction of Health Risks.”
Date: August 21–22
Location: Dallas, TX
Cost: TBA; registration opens at the end of March 2026
About/What to Expect: The theme for the 2026 Southwest Dental Conference is “Bridging Gaps, Breaking Boundaries: Collaboration in Oral Health.” 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 2026 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: #2026SWDC
Date: May 7–9
Location: San Antonio, TX
Cost: Costs vary. Past registration fees ranged from $0–$750. Registration opens January 7, 2026.
About/What to Expect: This conference features 42+ speakers and 27+ workshops.
CE Credits Available: Yes; 24 CE hours
Speakers/Topics: Speakers include dental and business experts who present on a number of topics. Although the full 2026 schedule is not yet available, the theme will be past topics have included bone regeneration, building accountability among team members, handling anxious patients, and treating dry mouth.
Handle/Hashtag: #TDAMeeting2026
Date: April 9–11
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 2026 speaker lineup is not yet available, however, the 2025 lineup offered over 30 speakers and included topics such as “Opioids and the Dental Industry,” “Hiring for Keeps: Finding People That Fit,” and “Advanced Local Anesthesia.”
Date: January 29–31
Location: Boston, MA
Cost: Some courses are included in the registration fee. Others have an additional charge. Registration costs vary, see the website.
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 a variety of courses on dental topics along with hands-on education sessions. Topics in 2026 include “Pain Management for the Dentist,” “The Do’s and Don’ts of Porcelain Laminate Veneers,” and “Dentistry’s Got Talent Marketing Showdown: Afternoon Competition.”
Date: May 1–3
Location: Orlando, FL
Cost: $0–$2,505
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; 14.25 hours
Speakers/Topics: The topics and speakers for 2026 have not yet been announced. Previous topics have included 3D printing and clinical techniques.
Date: September 17–19
Location: Dallas, TX
Cost: Past registration fees ranged from $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: Topics and speakers for 2026 have not been announced. Topics in 2025 included “Implementing CBCT Imaging and Analysis into Orthodontic Practice,” “Intro to Clear Aligner Therapy,” and “New Rules of Dental Marketing: Lead with AI or Follow the Pack.”
Date: April 16–19
Location: Orlando, FL
Cost: Registration fees range from $725–$1,550.
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. Chang-Ok Oh presenting “Various Techniques in the Management of Simple to Complex Orthodontic Problems,” Dr. David Rever presenting “Invisible Orthodontics, Visible Results: Embrace the Clear Aligner Revolution,” and Dr. Eillen Manalang presenting “Non-Surgical Management of Severe Skeletal, Dental, and Functional Class III Malocclusion.”
Date: January 16–17
Location: Scottsdale, AZ
Cost: $614.50–$1,753.50
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. Kelly Morgan presenting “Surviving a Cyber Attack,” Dr. Emily Howell presenting “The Digital Edge: Elevating Bonding with Practicality and Grace,” and Dr. Courtney Dunn presenting “Cracking the Ivy Code: Behind the Scenes of Elite College Admissions.”
Date: September 30–October 3
Location: Nashville, TN
Cost: Pricing has not yet been released. Costs in the past ranged from $250–$2,395.
About/What to Expect: This conference includes a full agenda of hands-on workshops, social events, speakers, and more.
CE Credits Available: Yes; in past events, attendees earned up to 18.25 hours
Speakers/Topics: The theme and topics for the 2026 event have not yet been released. The 2025 theme was “Rock the Dental Implant World: Where Innovation Meets Expertise.” Topic lineups included “The Life Changing Impact of Dental Implants,” and “Transforming Smiles With Precision: The Role of Digital Dentistry in All-On-X.”
Date: October 29–November 1
Location: Seattle, WA
Cost: Fees range from $79 (Dental Student Interest Group, early bird) to $2,453 (nonmember dentist, onsite registration). Early bird ends after March 27, 2026, for all categories of professionals.
About/What to Expect: The meeting features workshops, speakers, networking opportunities, and more.
CE Credits Available: Yes, previous events offered up to 33.75 hours
Speakers/Topics: The 2026 schedule has not been released yet. Previous topics included leveraging a DSO platform, minimal flap approaches for regeneration, peri-implant soft tissue management, biologics, and treatment decision trees for periodontists.
Date: February 27–28
Location: Boston, MA
Cost: Fee ranges from $250–$750
About/What to Expect: The Harvard School of Dental Medicine brings together experts from its own faculty and from around the globe to explore tools and techniques in implant dentistry.
Speakers/Topics: The 2026 schedule explores a range of topics and presentations, including “Robotic-Assisted Implant Surgery — Current Status and Future Trends” with Dr. Alessandro Pozzi, “Static vs. Dynamic Navigation — Clinical Decision-Making” with Dr. Nikos Mattheos, and “Management of Esthetic Complications in the Digital Era” with Dr. Ramon Gomez Meda.
Date: February 20–22
Location: Chicago, IL
Cost: Prices range from $90–$460.
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 2026 include “Minimally Invasive Hard and Soft Tissue Management in the Anterior Esthetic Zone: From Tooth Extraction to Implant Placement” presented by Dr. Shaun Rotenberg, “Contemporary Approaches for Managing Periodontal and Peri-implant Diseases,” presented by Paul S. Rosen.
Date: April 16–18
Location: Miami Beach, FL
Cost: TBA
About/What to Expect: This event explores the latest innovations in implant dentistry and tissue regeneration. Attendees will enjoy engaging sessions about groundbreaking research.
Speakers/Topics: The speakers and topics for 2026 have not been released yet. Check back with the website for more information.
Date: March 21–24
Location: Montréal, Quebec, Canada
Cost: TBA
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 2026 have not yet been announced, but the theme is “Bridging Pathways, Advancing Access.” Previous topics included “Beyond Words: Insights Into More Compassionate Practices,” and “Building a Culture of Excellence: Excellence Isn’t Optional.”
Handle/Hashtag: #ADEA2026
Date: February 4–6
Location: Lost Pines, TX
Cost: Registration fees range from $495 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: The 2026 schedule has not been released, but 2025 workshops included “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 3–5
Location: Orlando, FL
Cost: Registration fees range from $695 to $1,875.
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 2026 lineup will be revealed in November 2025. Previous keynote speakers included Tim Gard, “Change the Game.”
Date: April 16–18
Location: Aventura, FL
Cost: $1,335–$5,300
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: The presentations in 2026 will include “Oral Fixation,” presented by Brady Smith, DDS, and “Beyond Beauty: The Evolution of Modern Cosmetic Dentistry,” presented by Miguel Stanley, DDS.
Date: May 21–24
Location: Las Vegas, NV
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 2026 conference has not yet been announced, but the topics for 2025 included “Minimally Invasive Dentistry: Adding MID to Your Toolbox,” “How to Stop a Coccus: A Review of Restorative, Therapeutic, and Preventative Interventions,” and “Pulpal Management of Immature Permanent Teeth with Open Apices and Pulp Therapy.”
Date: January 16–18
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.
Date: March 25–28
Location: San Diego, CA
Cost: $280–$1430, depending on professional title and registration date
About/What to Expect: Attendees can expect cutting-edge presentations, lunch and learn sessions, interactive hands-on workshops, and expert-led symposia.
Speakers/Topics: The schedule of topics for the event has not yet been posted to the website. Check back later for updates.
Handle/Hashtag: #IADR2026
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 dental 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 dental 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 dental conventions you attend.
This is a highly specific, targeted goal that you can act on when you return to your community from your conference.
One item to consider researching is malpractice risk and the rise in dental malpractice claims and licensing board complaints. If you’re looking for a trusted provider with a history of caring for customers, be sure to explore Berxi. Every dental malpractice policy at Berxi policy includes:
In addition, Berxi customers save an average of 15% versus industry standards because they have no commission fees, no membership costs, and no deductibles. Take a moment to get a free online quote — you might be surprised by how much you can save.
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Last updated on Nov 13, 2025.
Originally published on Dec 26, 2023.
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