2025 was the year of digital dentistry, holistic healthcare, and patient-centric trends. What’s in store for 2026? Signs point to sports dentistry, sleep apnea care, and continued hiring struggles. We also are looking for ways to connect with other professionals in the community to discuss these topics and our challenges.
This week, Dentistry 411 has collected some of the top conferences and events for networking and continuing education. For more inside information on events and news in the industry, subscribe to our newsletter!
Safety Strong Boot Camp | Feb. 2 – 4 | Atlanta, GA
Advancing safe dental care together. This high-intensity training is designed to sharpen skills and elevate your infection control knowledge using real-world protocols. While the three-day course runs from Monday to Wednesday, the day before and after will feature an additional deep-dive workshop and a train-the-trainer program, respectively. A federal service session will also be available on Thursday for no extra charge. Rates are available according to association and registration deadlines. Early bird rates are available until Jan. 12.
ADEA Annual Session & Exhibition | March 21 – 24 | Montreal, Canada
Bridging pathways, advancing access. Health equity, social justice, and new technologies are headlining conversations in dentistry and will continue to do so at this event. The American Dental Education Association hopes to spark inspiration within the community. Their program is focused on trailblazers within the field and how they might encourage accessibility and advancements. Rates are available according to association, attendance duration, and registration deadlines. The early bird rates are available until Feb. 20.
IADR/AADOCR/CADR General Session & Exhibition | March 25 – 28 | San Diego, CA
Discover. Network. Advance. This event is a collaboration between three major research organizations. The groups’ collective experience of over 200 years adds to the varied expertise professionals can expect while attending. If you are stuck in a rut and are craving ways to shake up your work, this event may open doors you didn’t know existed. Rates are available according to association and registration deadlines. The early bird rates are available until Feb. 3.
National Oral Health Conference | April 13 – 15 | Oklahoma City, OK
Unveiling oral health possibilities. A joint conference between Association of State and Territorial Dental Directors (ASTDD) and American Association of Public Health Dentistry (AAPHD) focused on continuing education and networking under the discipline of dental public health. The conference will also offer weekend workshops in addition to the event for those interested, upping the possible CE credits from 18.75 to 27.25. Rates vary based on association, attendance duration, and registration deadlines. The early bird rate is available until the end of January.
American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry Conference | April 16 – 18 | Aventura, FL
The future is now. The members-only event will immerse attendees in the world of esthetic and restorative dentistry. Their hands-on experience will give participants expertise with some of the latest developments in the specialty. The American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry hopes to foster professional growth and give attendees confidence to implement new techniques in their practice. The current registration rates will increase on Jan. 3.
American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry 2026 | May 21 – 24 | Las Vegas, NV
The big authority on little teeth. Complete with an exhibit hall, social events, and expert-led CE lesson, this event is a must for anyone involved in pediatric dentistry. Information is limited, but you can join AAPD’s email list if you are interested.
Sports Dentistry Global Symposium | June 11 – 13 | San Diego, CA
Beyond the mouthguard. Unique from their team and sports dentistry courses, this event is designed for professionals seeking to begin and grow their familiarity in the specialty. With the ADA and the Academy of Sports Dentistry’s latest collaboration to promote visibility to the field, this year’s symposium is sure to be one to remember. Attendee registration is not yet available.
American Academy of Implant Dentistry Conference | Sept. 30 – Oct. 3 | Nashville, TN
Honoring the past, engineering the future. While still in the process of finalizing and announcing speakers and sponsors, this event promises to gather the brightest minds in the field and transform your practice. Last year, they offered hands-on workshops, networking opportunities, access to the latest technology, and CE credits. Future attendees should expect no difference this fall. Attendee registration is not yet available.
