The dental conference calendar for 2026 is packed with opportunities to sharpen your clinical skills, grow your practice, and build relationships with like-minded professionals. Whether you’re a seasoned practice owner, a new associate, or somewhere in between, the right conference can deliver a serious return on your investment of time and money.

This year brings a notable change to the landscape: the ADA has officially discontinued SmileCon, though it will still hold a Scientific Session in Indianapolis this October in a new format. That shift makes it more important than ever to know where the best opportunities for CE, networking, and practice growth actually are.

Here’s our roundup of the conferences that deserve a spot on your calendar in 2026

Dates: January 29–31, 2026  |  Location: Thomas M. Menino Convention & Exhibition Center, Boston, MA

Best for: New England dental professionals, broad CE, exhibit hall, whole dental team

Yankee Dental Congress kicked off the 2026 conference season in Boston this past January, and once again proved why it’s one of the most respected dental meetings in the country. Sponsored by the Massachusetts Dental Society in cooperation with dental associations across all six New England states, Yankee draws approximately 28,000 attendees and over 300 exhibitors for three days of high-quality continuing education, hands-on workshops, and a massive exhibit hall showcasing the latest dental products, services, and technologies. Yankee is built for the entire dental team—dentists, hygienists, assistants, lab technicians, and office staff all find relevant programming. The Boston location, combined with networking receptions and social events, makes it an annual tradition for thousands of dental professionals. If you weren’t there this year, put Yankee on your radar for January 2027.

Dates: February 19–21, 2026  |  Location: McCormick Place West, Chicago, IL

Best for: Whole dental team CE, hands-on workshops, exploring new products

Now in its 161st year, the Chicago Midwinter Meeting remains one of the most respected scientific dental meetings in the country. Organized by the Chicago Dental Society, this three-day event draws thousands of dental professionals for cutting-edge continuing education, hands-on workshops, and a massive exhibit hall featuring the latest innovations in dentistry. The course lineup covers everything from AI in dentistry and CBCT imaging to practice management and ergonomics. If you can only attend one large-format conference this year, the Midwinter Meeting is a strong contender.

Dates: March 12–14, 2026  |  Location: Georgia World Congress Center, Atlanta, GA

Best for: Clinical CE, practice ownership education, Southern hospitality

The 113th Hinman Dental Meeting brings together world-class continuing education and an expansive exhibit hall in a setting known for exceptional hospitality. Hinman is a nonprofit, and excess revenue goes directly to dental education scholarships—over $11 million awarded to date. This year’s programming includes a dedicated Practice Ownership Program on March 14 geared toward dental students, residents, and associates exploring the path to ownership. Hinman consistently earns praise as one of the best-run dental meetings in the country, and the Atlanta location makes it an accessible destination for dentists across the Southeast and beyond.

Dates: March 25–28, 2026  |  Location: Gaylord Pacific Resort and Convention Center, Chula Vista, CA (San Diego area)

Best for: Comprehensive restorative dentistry, interdisciplinary treatment planning, digital workflows, AI in dentistry

Spear Summit has earned a reputation as the event of the year for forward-thinking dental professionals, and the 2026 edition looks to continue that tradition. Held at the brand-new Gaylord Pacific Resort overlooking the Pacific just minutes from downtown San Diego, this four-day event features Spear’s resident faculty and world-class guest speakers covering topics from AI-driven diagnosis and CAD design to veneer preparation strategies, implant decision-making, clear aligners in interdisciplinary therapy, and immediate restoration protocols. What distinguishes Spear Summit from typical dental meetings is its emphasis on comprehensive treatment planning and interdisciplinary thinking—the kind of clinical philosophy that transforms how you approach every patient in your chair. Beyond the lectures, the event includes a Leadership Symposium and special networking events designed to recharge your mind, body, and spirit. If you’re a Spear Education member or have been considering joining, Summit is the flagship experience. Even if you’re not yet a member, this event is worth the trip.

Dates: April 16–18, 2026  |  Location: JW Marriott Miami Turnberry Resort & Spa, Aventura, FL

Best for: Cosmetic and esthetic dentistry, hands-on workshops, restorative techniques

The American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry’s annual meeting is the go-to event for dentists looking to elevate their esthetic and restorative skills. AACD 2026 features an all-inclusive experience with open lectures, hands-on workshops, and access to the latest dental technologies from esthetic-focused exhibitors. The resort setting in Aventura, Florida doesn’t hurt either. If cosmetic dentistry is a growth area for your practice—or you want it to be—this is where you’ll find the education and inspiration to make it happen.

Dates: April 23–26, 2026  |  Location: Loews Philadelphia Hotel, Philadelphia, PA

Best for: New dentists, early-career practice owners, associate dentists, networking

If you’re tired of massive, impersonal conventions and want something that actually changes the trajectory of your career, Super Dentist Boost Camp deserves your attention. Now in its 9th year, this intimate event is organized by Dr. Paul Goodman and the Dental Nachos community. The focus is squarely on the three Cs of dental practice success: clinical ability, communication skills, and culture fit. Boost Camp emphasizes real relationship-building over passive lecture attendance, with signature experiences like the Sip n’ Stroll networking event and curated small-group dinners. This year’s programming puts special emphasis on building a successful practice or group that allows owners to reduce chairside hours while empowering associate dentists to thrive. Attendees earn CE credits while making connections that often turn into mentorships and lasting professional friendships. The event regularly sells out and currently has a waitlist, so act fast if this resonates with you.

Dates: May 14–16, 2026  |  Location: Anaheim Convention Center, Anaheim, CA

Best for: West Coast dentists, broad CE selection, exhibit hall shopping

CDA Presents is the California Dental Association’s flagship event and one of the largest dental conferences on the West Coast. With more than 180 courses and workshops led by over 130 speakers, plus an exhibit hall featuring over 450 vendors, there’s no shortage of learning and discovery. The Anaheim location puts it within easy reach for dentists throughout California and the western states, and the CDA Party is always a highlight for those who like to mix networking with a good time.

Dates: May 21–24, 2026  |  Location: Caesars Forum Convention Center, Las Vegas, NV

Best for: Pediatric dentists, clinical updates in pediatric care, behavior management, practice management

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry’s 79th Annual Session is the largest gathering of pediatric dental professionals in the country. AAPD 2026 brings together thousands of attendees for world-class continuing education, clinical updates on everything from SDF and behavior management to trauma protocols, and an exhibit hall showcasing the latest innovations in pediatric care. Beyond the educational programming, the AAPD meeting is known for its strong sense of community and lively social events. Whether you’re a practicing pediatric dentist, a general dentist who treats kids regularly, or a resident exploring the specialty, this is the meeting that sets the standard for pediatric dental education. The Las Vegas setting makes it easy to combine learning with a memorable trip.

Dates: June 24–27, 2026  |  Location: Caesars Palace, Las Vegas, NV

Best for: General dentists, Fellowship and Mastership CE, hands-on courses, practice management

The Academy of General Dentistry’s annual Scientific Session has built a reputation for delivering some of the finest continuing education in the world—and 2026’s edition at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas is no exception. AGD meetings are uniquely valuable for general dentists because all CE earned can be applied toward the AGD Fellowship and Mastership awards, which are among the most respected credentials in general dentistry. The four-day program features advanced hands-on courses, clinical and practice management lectures in an innovative one-hour format, a New Dentist Lounge with dedicated lectures, and the Convocation Ceremony honoring new Fellows and Masters. If you’re a general dentist committed to lifelong learning and professional distinction, the AGD meeting should be a regular fixture on your calendar. Early bird registration rates are available through April 30.

Dates: June 25–27, 2026  |  Location: Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center, Orlando, FL

Best for: Whole team CE, fun atmosphere, clinical and business education

The Florida Dental Convention positions itself as something more than your average dental meeting, and it delivers. With over 150 CE courses spanning clinical skills, business management, and team development, FDC offers something for every member of the dental team. The Gaylord Palms Resort provides a memorable venue, and the conference’s energy-forward approach—“Plug in, amplify, and rock your practice” is the official tagline—makes it clear this event values engagement over passive education. It’s an especially good pick if you want to bring your whole team along.

Dates: September 3–5, 2026  |  Location: Loews Sapphire Falls Resort at Universal Orlando, FL

Best for: Office managers, practice administrators, team leadership development

If you’re a practice owner who knows that your office manager is the engine that keeps everything running, the AADOM conference is where you should send them—or attend together. The American Association of Dental Office Management brings together practice managers and administrators for three days of workshops focused on leadership, operations, team culture, and the business side of running a successful dental practice. The Universal Orlando venue adds a fun perk for those who want to extend the trip.

Dates: September 24–26, 2026  |  Location: Pier Sixty-Six, Fort Lauderdale, FL

Best for: Practice marketing, business growth, reputation management, networking

Created by Dr. Len Tau, host of the Raving Patients podcast and a recognized authority in dental marketing, Supercharge Your Dental Practice is a concentrated event that reads like an MBA for dentists. The focus is entirely on the marketing and business side of running a practice: online reputation management, digital marketing strategy, social media, patient acquisition, and case acceptance. What sets this conference apart is the caliber of speakers—no filler, no pseudo-experts—combined with a Fort Lauderdale setting that balances serious learning with relaxation and fun. With 200+ dentists networking alongside proven industry experts, attendees consistently report leaving with actionable strategies they can implement immediately. If you’re struggling to grow your patient base, thinking about what makes your practice stand out online, or want to stop worrying about the business side of dentistry, this one is built specifically for you.

Dates: September 30–October 3, 2026  |  Location: Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center, Nashville, TN

Best for: Implant dentistry, surgical and prosthetic implant techniques, full-arch protocols

The American Academy of Implant Dentistry’s 2026 Annual Conference is a milestone event: AAID is celebrating its 75th anniversary under the theme “Honoring the Past, Engineering the Future.” As the first professional organization in the world dedicated to implant dentistry, AAID brings serious credibility to its annual gathering. The four-day program in Nashville features immersive educational sessions, hands-on workshops, and access to the latest advancements in implant technology, along with opportunities to earn 20+ hours of continuing education. Whether you’re a general dentist expanding into implant placement, a prosthodontist refining your restorative workflows, or already deep in the implant space, the AAID conference delivers the kind of focused, high-level education that’s hard to find elsewhere. The Gaylord Opryland is a destination venue in its own right, and Nashville’s dining and music scene makes it easy to extend the trip.

Dates: October 8–10, 2026  |  Location: Indiana Convention Center, Indianapolis, IN

Best for: ADA members, broad clinical CE, advocacy updates, industry networking

With the ADA officially sunsetting SmileCon, the 2026 Scientific Session in Indianapolis will debut a new meeting format. The ADA is partnering with the Indiana Dental Association’s Center for Excellence program to deliver a refreshed experience with expanded content offerings. While the full agenda is still coming together, expect clinical and technology sessions, advocacy updates, and networking opportunities. This is a transitional year for the ADA’s national meeting, which makes it a particularly interesting one to attend if you want to see what the future of organized dentistry’s flagship event looks like.

Dates: November 27–December 1, 2026  |  Location: Jacob K. Javits Convention Center, New York, NY

Best for: International networking, massive exhibit hall, comprehensive CE across all specialties

The Greater New York Dental Meeting closes out the year as one of the largest dental meetings in the world. Now in its 102nd year, GNYDM draws over 13,000 dentists from more than 160 countries, along with thousands of hygienists, assistants, and other dental professionals. The program typically includes more than 350 educational sessions spanning implant dentistry, orthodontics, pediatric dentistry, digital dentistry, 3D printing, and more. The exhibit hall is enormous, and registration is free—making it one of the best values in dental education. If you’re in the Northeast or want to wrap up the year with a major educational experience in New York City, GNYDM is the one to attend.

With so many strong options on the calendar, the key is matching the conference to your current goals. If you need broad clinical CE and want to explore the latest products, the large-format meetings like Chicago Midwinter, Hinman, Yankee Dental Congress, and GNYDM are hard to beat. If your priority is growing your practice through better marketing and business systems, Supercharge Your Dental Practice is purpose-built for that. If you’re an early-career dentist looking for mentorship and a community that will stick with you for years, Super Dentist Boost Camp is in a class of its own.

For general dentists pursuing Fellowship or Mastership, the AGD Scientific Session is the clear choice. If pediatric dentistry is your world, the AAPD Annual Session is the gold standard. Dentists looking to level up their implant game should have the AAID conference circled, especially in a landmark 75th anniversary year. If you want to transform how you approach comprehensive treatment planning and interdisciplinary care, Spear Summit delivers an experience that’s hard to replicate anywhere else.

Whatever you choose, make a plan to attend at least one or two conferences this year. The combination of CE credits, fresh ideas, and professional connections you’ll bring back is an investment that pays dividends long after the event ends.