SmileCon 2025 kicks off in Washington, D.C.

Dentists convene in nation’s capital for annual meeting

One of dentistry’s most anticipated events of the year is here. SmileCon 2025 returns Oct. 23-25 in Washington, D.C., promising a mix of education, celebration and connection for thousands of dental professionals across the country.

This year’s event, held at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center, will feature continuing education opportunities, networking events, a daily exhibit hall and celebrations recognizing leaders in the field.

SmileCon kicks off Oct. 23 with the opening session, which will include remarks from ADA President Brett Kessler, D.D.S., and President-elect Richard Rosato, D.M.D. The session will be hosted by ArNelle Wright, D.M.D., general dentist and co-host of the ADA’s Dental Sound Bites podcast. Filmmaker and entrepreneur Brett Culp will serve as the keynote speaker.

Programming will include a wide range of CE courses, hands-on activities and the return of Dental Central – an interactive exhibit hall open daily. Dental Central will feature live learning opportunities, product demos and areas dedicated to social impact, membership engagement and industry innovation.

One highlight of the meeting will be the Changemakers Celebration on Oct. 24. The event will recognize recipients of several of the ADA’s top honors. Bill Claytor, D.D.S., will receive the ADA Distinguished Service Award, and Bill Kane, D.D.S., will be honored with the ADA Humanitarian Award. Nicole McGrath-Barnes, D.D.S., will be recognized with the Evidence-Based Dentistry Practice Award.

Additionally, Chenshuang Li, D.M.D., and Parish P. Sedghizadeh, D.D.S., will receive the Evidence-Based Dentistry Faculty Awards, and Dr. Craig Miller will be presented with the Norton M. Ross Award for Excellence in Clinical Research. The ADA will also recognize the 2025 class of 10 Under 10 Award recipients, first honored in March at the Elevate Conference.

Additional events include the Give Veterans A Smile Pack and Give Back activity Oct. 23, where attendees can assemble comfort kits for underserved veterans in the D.C. area, and the Dental Central Tailgate, closing out the meeting Oct. 25 with food and informal networking.

Download the ADA Events mobile app for the latest updates, schedules and event maps.  Visit ADA.org/smilecon for more information.