ADA to end SmileCon in 2026
Final conference to meet this October in Washington, D.C.
The American Dental Association’s annual SmileCon will hold its final event in October.
After careful consideration, the ADA has decided to sunset the conference in 2026, according to a statement. While SmileCon received positive feedback from attendees and saw a growing percentage of repeat participants each year, attendance never rebounded to pre-COVID-19 levels. The rising costs associated with holding events were also a factor in the ADA’s decision.
“SmileCon has been much more than a professional conference; it’s been a showcase of the best dentistry has to offer,” ADA President Brett Kessler, D.D.S., said in the statement. “It's where new ideas have been shared and where the dental community has come together to shape the future of oral and overall health. From dental professionals and presenters to sponsors, exhibitors and vendors, everyone contributed to its legacy. As we explore new ways of connecting and growing together, the ADA extends heartfelt thanks to everyone who made SmileCon possible, including the host cities that welcomed us with open arms and warm hospitality.”
SmileCon 2025 will proceed as planned from Oct. 23-25 in Washington, D.C., but SmileCon 2026 — originally scheduled for Oct. 8-10, 2026, in Indianapolis — will not move forward. Although registration had not yet commenced for SmileCon 2026, the ADA said in its statement that it understands the anticipation surrounding the event and is working with the Indiana Dental Association and Visit Indy to identify future opportunities in the city.
The ADA has historically held its House of Delegates meeting in conjunction with SmileCon. The House, which is the Association’s policy-making and legislative body, will meet after SmileCon 2025 in Washington, D.C., as planned and will continue to meet annually, including in Indianapolis in 2026. Details for future years can be found at ADA.org/HOD.
The Governance and Organizational Manual of the ADA requires the ADA to hold an annual scientific session. The Association is exploring new meeting possibilities and programs to help keep dental professionals up to date on the latest scientific guidelines and technical innovations. More information will be shared when it is available.
