Attending a dental conference in 2024 is a great way to take an active role in the dental field. 

For some, attending a dental conference supports their growth as a clinician and provides an opportunity for professional growth and development.

For dental practice owners, conferences offer the opportunity to inspire, motivate, and support your team, helping them to get information about new treatments and technologies as well as exposure to tools and resources that improve your practice.

3 Reasons to Attend

If you’re looking for good reasons to attend a dental conference, we’ve got a few.

1. Dental conferences are a great way to learn about cutting-edge technologies, emerging trends, and best practices in the dental field.
2. Many conferences offer opportunities for continuing education.
3. Networking is another great reason to attend, with opportunities to speak with your colleagues and hear from industry leaders with insights into the latest advancements. 

Which Conferences Are Best?

It may be important to think about a few things when choosing which conference is right for you.

Questions you might consider include:

• How far will I need to travel and how long will that take?
• Should I attend alone, with friends, or with coworkers?
• What do I want to get out of attending this conference?

We’ve put together a list of some of the top dental conferences in 2024, including when they’re happening, where they’re occurring, a little about the event, and a link to learn more about each conference.

2024 Dental Conferences

Here are some conferences to consider in 2024.

2024 Pacific Northwest Dental Conference

When: May 9-11, 2024 

Where: Seattle, WA

From their website: Join thousands of dental professionals at PNDC 2024, May 9-11 in Seattle, for three days of CE, dental exhibits, special events and more at Washington's largest dental conference!

Learn more: https://www.wsda.org/continuing-education/pacific-northwest-dental-conference 

2024 TDA Meeting

When: May 16-18, 2024

Where: San Antonio, TX

From their website:The TDA Meeting is the premiere event for dental professionals in Texas. This annual event offers an unparalleled opportunity for Texas dentists and staff to hone professional skills, discover information on cutting-edge topics, and network with peers. The TDA Meeting is open to Dentists, Dental Residents, Dental Students, Dental Hygienists, Dental Assistants, Dental Office Staff, Laboratory Technicians, and family members of all above dental professionals. The friendliest dental meeting in the country happens right here in Texas. Get up-to-date on the latest topics in dentistry; learn cutting-edge skills; and make some new dental connections. All at a world-class dental meeting tailored to Texas dentists and their team members.

Learn more: https://tdameeting.com/ 

NDA Annual Convention

When: July 25 – 28, 2024 

Where: Las Vegas, NV

From their website: Provide opportunities for minority oral health decision makers to increase their knowledge base with some of the top exhibitors showcasing their products and services. Providing our members with current trends, best practices, products and services information will increase health equity, opportunities to mentor our students and raise the profile of our profession.

Learn more: https://ndaonline.org/meetings/2024-nda-convention/ 

ADHA24 Annual Conference

When: July 26 - July 28, 2024

Where: New Orleans, LA

From their website: Experience a seamless blend of outstanding clinical, practical, academic and industry-leading expertise addressing the core issues and practice of dental hygiene. Annual Conference boasts more leading oral health care minds focused on elevating your profession than anywhere else!

Learn more: https://swdentalconf.org/ 

AGD 2024

When: July 17-20, 2024

Where: Minneapolis, MN

From their website: Network with colleagues, students and dental team members at the premier meeting for general dentistry. AGD’s annual Scientific Session has earned a reputation for having some of the finest dental continuing education in the world. From advanced hands-on education to clinical and practice management lectures in an innovative one-hour lecture format, all of the CE earned at an AGD meeting can be applied to the AGD Fellowship and Mastership awards. 

Learn more: https://www.agd.org/agd-meeting/general-information 

SmileCon 2024

When: Oct. 17–19, 2024 

Where: New Orleans, LA

From their website: Expand your professional circle by connecting with peers and mentors. Let the good times roll at the Bouncin’ in the Bayou Fest and other social events. Master the latest research and techniques. Agenda Builder is open!

Learn more: https://www.ada.org/en/education/smilecon 

Mid-Continent Dental Congress

When: October 24-25, 2024

Where: St. Louis, MI

From their website: MCDC offers two days of CE courses and hands-on workshops presented by 30+ nationally recognized speakers. The convention has averaged a total attendance of 2,300 to 2,550 over the past four years, with an audience consisting of dentists, hygienists, assistants, office staff, dental technicians, dental students, and exhibitor representatives. The Exhibit Hall is open both days and features 100+ exhibit booths.

Learn more: https://www.mcdcstl.org/ 

More Conferences to Consider

Here are a few specialty conferences to consider.

• American Academy of Dental Group Practice Meeting & Expo
• Academy of Fixed Prosthodontics (AFP) Annual Scientific Session
• American Association of Endodontists (AAE) Annual Meeting
• American Academy of Implant Dentistry (AAID) Annual Conference
• American Association of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons (AAOMS) Dental Implant Conference

East Coast Conferences

• Chesapeake Dental Conference
• Yankee Dental Congress

West Coast Conferences

• California Dental Association Presents
• Western Regional Dental Experience (WRDE)
• Oregon Dental Conference

Midwest

• Chicago Midwinter Meeting
• Midwest Dental Conference

South

• Florida Dental Association Annual Convention (FDC)
• Southwest Dental Conference

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