SmileCon brings innovations, celebrations to New Orleans

There’s still time to register for Oct. 17-19 meeting

SmileCon is just around the corner with countless opportunities for dentists to meet, play and learn.

The meeting, which takes place Oct. 17-19 at the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, will kick off with the Opening Session. Bestselling author and organizational expert Shawn Kanungo, who has guided countless organizations through major technological shifts, is this year’s keynote speaker, and Trudy-Ann Frazer, D.D.S., an educator, podcaster and advocate for self-care, will serve as the ADA member host.

The Opening Session will also include remarks from ADA President Linda J. Edgar, D.D.S.; President-elect Brett H. Kessler, D.D.S.; and Executive Director Raymond A. Cohlmia, D.D.S.

Dental Central will be the center of excitement throughout the meeting. There, dentists can get the scoop on the latest trends in dental products, services and technology and visit the booths of internationally known exhibitors and new and exciting companies for demonstrations and show specials.

The Dental Team Hub and Podcast and Influencer Hub will return this year to Dental Central, while the ADA Forsyth Institute will fuel the new Innovation Hub, which will introduce some of the most cutting-edge dental technology to SmileCon for an interactive show-and-tell.

“Sixteen top companies in artificial intelligence, diagnostics, devices, software as a service and business-to-business solutions will join us for interactive coffee sessions, hands-on demonstrations and short tech talks,” said Wenyuan Shi, Ph.D., CEO of ADA Forsyth. “This is your opportunity to try out the most innovative technology in the dental field, see how it works and meet the entrepreneurs behind the designs.”

Those who visit the hub can also learn more about ADA Forsyth and attend a meet and greet with Dr. Shi.

 

Dentists will have a wide variety of continuing education at their fingertips during SmileCon, including two new course formats. Master classes will focus on practice management, while mainstage sessions will dive into dentistry’s trending topics. Returning formats include presentations, hands-on activities, and experiences and conversations. Hands-on activities, or clinical workshops, will be led by educators and residency directors from the top dental schools in the nation. 

For the first time, the American Dental Association will gather its annual award winners together to celebrate as a community. The inaugural Changemakers Celebration on Oct. 18 will recognize the winners of the Distinguished Service Award, Humanitarian Award, 10 Under 10 Awards, Evidence-Based Dentistry Faculty and Practice Awards, Gold Medal Award for Excellence in Dental Research and Norton M. Ross Award for Excellence in Clinical Research.

The celebration will continue that night for all of SmileCon with the Bouncin’ in the Bayou Fest, which will bring the music and good vibes of New Orleans to participants.

On Oct. 19, SmileCon attendees can gather one last time for a tailgate party in Dental Central to connect and enjoy refreshments before they conclude their time at the meeting. Dentists are encouraged to represent their dental school at the event and socialize with fellow alumni. Some schools will be hosting alumni receptions during the meeting as well. Check SmileCon.org for a list of schools participating in the tailgate and other receptions. 

The meeting website also includes information on affiliate meetings and events taking place during SmileCon.

To learn more and register for SmileCon, visit SmileCon.org.