Dental conferences are a key part of professional growth for dentists and dental teams. In 2026, these events will be about more than earning CE credits. They focus on technology, staffing, leadership, and long-term practice stability.
Many practices use conferences not only to learn, but to reassess operations, team structure, and flexible dental staffing options for the year ahead.
This guide breaks down the most relevant U.S. dental conferences in 2026 and explains what each offers.
Let’s get started . . .
Why Attend Dental Conferences in 2026?
Even with the growth of online CE, in-person dental conferences still deliver unmatched value.
Attending dental conferences can help dental professionals in all roles, from dental assistants to dentists, in five key ways. Let’s take a look at those now:
- Earn required continuing education (CE) credits
- Stay current on clinical techniques and dental technology
- Network with peers and industry leaders
- Uncover dental practice management strategies
- Dental staffing strategies and ideas
- Step away from daily operations and reset priorities
In 2026, conference agendas increasingly reflect real-world challenges, including the following four topics:
- Retention
- Burnout
- Leadership
- Workforce flexibility
6 Major Dental Conferences in the United States (2026)
Large national conferences offer broad CE options, extensive exhibitor halls, and exposure to multiple specialties in one place.
Yankee Dental Congress (Boston, MA)
The Yankee Dental Congress is one of the largest dental conferences in the U.S.
It is typically held in late January; for 2026, it is scheduled for January 29–31 in Boston.
This conference is designed for dentists, hygienists, assistants, and office managers.
It offers:
- Extensive CE session
- Hands-on workshops
- A large exhibit hall
Chicago Midwinter Dental Meeting (Chicago, IL)
The Chicago Midwinter Meeting is traditionally held in February. This conference is scheduled for February 19–21, 2026, in Chicago.
Known for high-quality education and a large exhibitor hall, the event attracts many practices to evaluate new technology and workflow tools.
LMT Lab Day 2026
The LMT Lab Day will be held in Chicago Feb 19-21 in 2026.
Hinman Dental Meeting (Atlanta, GA)
The Hinman Dental Meeting will be held annually in March in Atlanta. In 2026, it will be held on March 12-14.
Hinman is respected for its strong clinical programming and practical CE offerings for all members of the dental team.
American Dental Group Practice Conference
Hosted by the American Academy of Dental Group Practice, this event is geared toward group practices and multi-location dental organizations. It will be held on February 4-6 in 2026 (https://www.aadgp.org/aadgp2026/). Sessions at this conference focus on leadership, operations, scaling, and team structure.
ADA SmileCon Dental Conference
This year will be your last opportunity to attend Smilecon, as the ADA is discontinuing the conference after this year.
SmileCon 2026 is hosted by the American Dental Association, blends CE, innovation, and professional development. In 2026, SmileCon’s flagship Scientific Session is scheduled for October 8-10 in Indianapolis, as the ADA hosts its Scientific Session at that time.
SmileCon offers a mix of clinical and technology sessions, advocacy updates, and networking.
Greater New York Dental Meeting (GNYDM)
The Greater New York Dental Meeting is one of the largest dental meetings worldwide. The meeting is scheduled for November 27 – December 1, 2026, in New York City.
Professionals often attend to compare vendors, explore technology, and plan investments for the upcoming year.
Now, let's take a look at a few niche, smaller conferences.
Regional and Niche Dental Conferences in 2026
Some smaller conferences often offer targeted education, easier networking, and lower costs. Two to consider include:
Rocky Mountain Dental Convention (Denver, CO)
The Rocky Mountain Dental Convention (RMDC) is scheduled for January 22–24, 2026, in Denver.
It combines clinical CE, hands-on courses, and a regional expo hall.
Dental Podfest
If you're interested in combining your dental knowledge with a podcast or if you already have a podcast, then Dental Podfest is for you.
Dental Podfest is a growing niche event category focused on marketing, podcasting, branding, and thought leadership.
While official 2026 dental-branded Podfest details have not yet been fully published at the time of writing, the broader Podfest Expo is scheduled for January 15–18, 2026, in Orlando, FL.
Dental Conference Topics and Trends 2026
10 themes consistently appear in 2026 agendas for the dental conferences:
- Digital dentistry
- AI-driven tools
- Staffing
- Employee retention
- Workforce flexibility
- Leadership
- Mental health
- Staff burnout prevention
- Operational efficiency
- Patient experience
How to Choose the Right Dental Conference for Your Team
Which conference is the right fit for you? Which should you prioritize attending?
The best conference depends on your goals.
When evaluating dental conferences in 2026, consider:
- Whether your priority is CE, leadership, technology, or networking
- Which team members will attend
- Budget and travel requirements
- Alignment with current practice challenges
Some practices plan staffing coverage by using temporary dental staffing while team members attend out-of-state events.
Dental Conferences and Continuing Education (CE) Credits
Most dental conferences offer state-approved CE credits for office staff, assistants, hygienists, and dentists as well as workshops.
If you need CEs when attending a conference, always confirm CE eligibility with the event organizers to ensure credits meet licensing requirements.
Check out these free dental CE opportunities.
Dental Conferences and Team Staffing Strategies
Since dental conferences often create broader conversations about staffing and operations, practices often use conferences to revamp their staffing strategies.
Let’s take a look at how. . .
- Compare workforce approaches with peers.
- Address gaps when looking to hire a dental hygienist or a dental assistant
- Connect with professionals exploring dental job opportunities
In that sense, dental conferences in 2026 serve as strategic checkpoints—not just educational events.
Princess Dental Staffing will be here to help you with your dental staffing needs in 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Conferences in 2026
What are the top dental conferences to attend in 2026?
Major U.S. events include the Yankee Dental Congress, the Chicago Midwinter Meeting, the Hinman Dental Meeting, ADA SmileCon, the Greater New York Dental Meeting, and regional events such as the Rocky Mountain Dental Convention.
Do dental conferences offer CE credits?
Yes. Most conferences provide CE credits approved by state dental boards.
Are dental conferences worth attending for hygienists and dental assistants?
Yes. Most major conferences offer dedicated CE tracks for hygienists, assistants, and office managers.
How do I choose the best dental conference for my practice?
Focus on your goals (CE, leadership, technology, networking), budget, and team. Consider regional events if travel is a constraint.
Are there dental conferences focused on marketing and branding?
Yes. Events like Podfest Expo and related dental gatherings appeal to professionals interested in marketing, branding, and thought leadership.
Dental Conferences and Practice Planning in 2026
Dental conferences serve a purpose beyond continuing education.
For many practices, dental conferences serve as planning checkpoints for the team and the practice, and as opportunities to reassess staffing needs, technology investments, workflows, and long-term goals.
When you decide to attend a dental conference, you make smarter decisions about professional development and team structure.
Which dental conference will you attend in 2026?
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