ADAA

Oregon Dental Conference
2026-04-09 - 2026-04-11 | The Oregon Convention Center (OCC), 777 NE Martin Luther King Jr., Blvd, Portland, OR, 97232, United States
Join thousands of dental professionals at ODC 2026, April 9-11 in Portland, for 3 days of CE, a 2-day dental exhibit hall, special events, and more!

Pacific Northwest Dental Conference
2026-03-28 - 2026-03-30
PNDC unites thousands of dental professionals for three compelling days designed to elevate your practice, energize your team, and keep you at the forefront of dentistry.
From cutting-edge dental CE lectures to hands-on workshops, PNDC offers the opportunity to earn 20+ credits from an exceptional lineup of world-class speakers from the Pacific Northwest and across the United States. See our full dental CE schedule. Plus, explore a dynamic three-day Exhibit Hall showcasing the latest dental technologies, products and innovations.

Dental Assistants Recognition Week
2026-03-01 - 2026-03-07
Dental Assistants Recognition Week™ (also known as DARW) is held the first full week in March every year, and was designated by the American Dental Assistants Association as the perfect time to acknowledge and recognize the versatile, multi-talented member of your dental team. Dentists in the United States and Canada will celebrate by honoring their dental assistants for their various duties and helping them provide patients with quality dental care.

Florida Dental Assistants Association Meeting
2026-01-31 | Daytona State College – Hosseini Center, 1200 W. International Speedway Blvd., Daytona Beach, Florida
Amplify Your Impact! A day for dental assistants and students to engage, ignite and be inspired!
Featured Educational Sessions:
Showing off your superpowers! Tips and Tools for Making Dental Equipment Maintenance Easy-peasy.
Tools of the Trade: Smart Supply Management for Dental Assistants
What’s in your water? Dental Unit Water Lines Safety Management
From Ambitious to Achievement: Step up to Stand out.

Yankee Dental Congress, Boston, Massachusetts
2026-01-29 08:00 - 2026-01-31 17:00 UTC | Boston Convention & Exhibition Center, Boston, MA, United States
Yankee Dental Congress is the nation’s top dental conferences for professionals seeking the highest quality dental continuing education, as well as dental products, services, and resources.
ADAA Booth #1433
DANB Booth #1525

ADAA Webinar: 1-2-3 Steps of CBCT Interpretation
2026-01-06
ADAA Webinar: 1-2-3 Steps of CBCT Interpretation
Please Note: This is a LIVE only webinar (virtual). There will be no recording of this webinar and no on-demand version.
Register Here
Tuesday, January 6th, 2026; 7:00 – 8:00 pm (Eastern time)
Description: This webinar is designed to prepare you to systematically review CBCT scans using the CS 3D imaging software. We will concentrate on efficiently manipulating CBCT scans using different views in every scope of practice.
Learning Objectives: At the end of this webinar, participants will be able to…

Manipulate scans efficiently using 3D imaging software.
Recognize the difference between normal and abnormal anatomical structures.
Analyze and overcome most common artifacts and errors within CBCT scans.

Presented by: Lea Al Matny, DDS MS
Dr. Lea Al Matny is a licensed Oral and Maxillofacial Radiologist at SeeThru Reports and Director of Clinical Education at Carestream Dental. Her passion lies in educating dental professionals on how to leverage 3D imaging to enhance diagnostic accuracy and transform patient care. Dr. Al Matny earned her certificate in Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology and Master’s in Dental Science from the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio (UTHSA). In addition to her clinical role at SeeThru Reports, she serves as a peer reviewer for the prestigious Oral Surgery, Oral Pathology, Oral Medicine, and Oral Radiology (OOOO) journal and is actively engaged in numerous committees at the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology (AAOMR).
1.0 CE hour available

American Dental Assistants Association (ADAA)
Nationally Approved PACE Program Provider for FAGD/MAGD credit. Approval does not imply acceptance by any regulatory authority or AGD endorsement. 6/1/2025 to 5/31/2028. Provider ID# 217389

ADAA Webinar: The Impact of Dental Therapy on the Profession of Dentistry
2025-11-05
ADAA Webinar: The Impact of Dental Therapy on the Profession of Dentistry
Register Here
Wednesday, November 5th, 2025; 7:00 – 8:00 pm (Eastern time)
Description: As the United States continues to face an access to dental care crisis, dental therapy is often mentioned as a possible solution. This program will discuss how dental therapists are in improving access to care and how this will affect the profession of dentistry. The different types of dental therapists working today will be defined as well as their educational paths. The presenter will share about her journey to become a dental therapist through a pilot dental therapy program which trained dental hygienists with restorative endorsements the additional skills to become dental therapists. The current status of dental therapy education in the United States will also be discussed.
Learning Objectives: At the end of this webinar, participants will be able to…

Review the current status of dental therapy in the United States

Discuss how dental therapists are increasing access to care.

Discuss the impact of dental therapy on the profession of dentistry.

Explore models for dental therapy education.

Presented by: Amy Coplen, RDH, DT, MS
1.0 CE hour available
AGD Subject Code: 550 and 558

American Dental Assistants Association (ADAA)
Nationally Approved PACE Program Provider for FAGD/MAGD credit. Approval does not imply acceptance by any regulatory authority or AGD endorsement. 6/1/2025 to 5/31/2028. Provider ID# 217389

Advancing Your Career and Your Salary
2025-10-23 20:00 - 21:00 (America/New_York) | Virtual
Discover strategies for professional growth, including certifications, CE, networking, and salary negotiation to help you move into leadership and higher-paying roles.

SmileCon 2025
2025-10-23 - 2025-10-25 | Walter E. Washington Convention Center, United States

Finding Your Fit: Thriving in a Dental Office Culture
2025-10-21 20:00 - 21:00 (America/New_York) | Virtual
Learn how to integrate into a new team, recognize healthy vs. toxic cultures, ask smart interview questions, and set yourself up for long-term success.

ADAA 2025 Annual Session
2025-10-18 12:00 - 13:00 (America/New_York)
ADAA Members are welcome to join us at the 2025 Annual Session. This session will be held virtually. To register for this event, login to the Members Only portal, select Events/Browse Upcoming Events, select 2025 Annual Session and then Register in blue underneath the date and time. A registration confirmation email will be sent to your email on file with ADAA with the meeting link. Please note this link and information in your calendar.
This virtual event is held from 11am – 12pm CT / 12pm – 1pm ET.

Webinar - Disasters and Dental Assistants: Applying Our Knowledge to Help Victims and Families
2025-09-18 20:00 - 21:00 (America/New_York) | Virtual
Thursday, September 18, 2025; 8:00 – 9:00 pm (Eastern time)
Discover the critical role dental assistants play in mass disaster response—both natural and manmade. This webinar will explore how dental assistants contribute within the morgue setting, the impact of their work on disaster victim identification, and the process behind when and why deployment occurs. Learn how your skills can make a meaningful difference during emergency situations.

Southwest Dental Conference
2025-08-22 - 2025-08-23 | Hilton Anatole Dallas, 2201 North Stemmons Freeway, Dallas, T, 75207, United States
Regional Dental Meeting with close to 6-8K dental professionals attending. Tons of CE opportunities and exhibits to check out.

Kentucky Dental Assistants Association Annual Meeting
2025-08-15 - 2025-08-16 | Crowne Plaza, Louisville, K, United States
The KYDAA will hold its annual meeting in conjunction with the Kentucky Dental Association in Louisville, KY at the Crowne Plaza Expo Center Hotel.

American Medical Technologists Annual Meeting in Pennsylvania
2025-07-24 08:00 - 17:00 UTC
This meeting is for all allied health professionals who are interested in growing their professional development journey. Who should attend?

Rising Stars: Attendees with little or no prior leadership experience
Experienced Leaders: Attendees with prior experience as volunteer leaders who want more engagement and opportunities to develop new skills
Presiding Leaders: Attendees who have served as chair or president of a volunteer body, or as CEO or executive director, and want to perfect their leadership skill

AMT is extending a one day rate of $99 on July 24th for any dental assistants who would like to attend. Registration opens on April 14th. The meeting is being held at the Wyndham Grand Pittsburgh Downtown.

ADAA Connection Zone - The Magic of Connection with Purpose: Advocating for Dental Assistants
2025-07-15 20:00 - 21:00 (America/New_York) | Virtual
Date/Time: Tuesday, July 15. 8-9pm ET
Join us for a powerful and interactive session designed to ignite a unified voice for Dental Assistants across the country. The Magic of Connection with Purpose will equip attendees with the tools, strategies, and inspiration to become effective advocates for the profession.
With legislation and responsibilities rapidly evolving in dentistry, now is the time for Dental Assistants to engage in shaping the future. From the rise of advanced expanded functions like the Oral Preventive Assistant (OPA) to the urgent need for consistent educational standards, the profession stands at a pivotal moment.
This session will explore:

Why NOW is the time to take action
The key issues facing the profession, including workforce shortages, role expansion, and public safety concerns
The two primary types of advocacy: Public and Government
How to craft compelling messaging that resonates with stakeholders
Real-world advocacy success stories, including recent legislative wins

Whether you’re new to advocacy or ready to take your involvement to the next level, this session will leave you informed, empowered, and connected with a broader community working toward the same goal: to elevate and protect the vital role of Dental Assistants in modern healthcare.
Who Should Attend:
Dental Assistants, educators, association leaders, and anyone passionate about advancing the profession and making a lasting impact.

Webinar - Understanding the Complexities of the Brain During Oral Hygiene Instruction
2025-06-24 19:00 - 20:00 (America/New_York) | Virtual
By understanding how the brain takes in information, develops new habits and goals, and deals with stress, we can accomplish significantly better oral home care routines with our patients. When we deliver home care instructions aimed at memory retention and motivation, using evidence-based behavioral change frameworks, and having knowledge of a broad range of oral homecare tools to recommend, we can truly see the change to healthy gums.

ADAA Connection Zone: From Graduation to Your Future in Dental Assisting
2025-04-01 18:30 - 19:30 (America/Chicago) | Virtual
Are you ready to take the next step in your dental assisting career? Join us for an insightful webinar designed to help recent graduates and aspiring dental assistants transition from the classroom to a successful career in the field.

Dental Assistants Recognition Week (DARW)
2025-03-02 - 2025-03-08

Webinar - Implementing a Digital Workflow in the Modern Dental Practice
2025-02-26 19:00 - 20:00 (America/Chicago) | Virtual
Join us for an insightful webinar on integrating CAD/CAM technology into your dental practice for enhanced precision and efficiency. This session will explore the benefits of digital workflows in removable restorations, demonstrating how modern tools can streamline processes, improve patient outcomes, and boost productivity. Learn how to implement a seamless digital workflow, from scanning to final restoration, and discover the advantages of bringing CAD/CAM solutions into your office. Whether you’re new to digital dentistry or looking to refine your approach, this webinar will provide valuable insights and practical strategies.
Presented by: Ben Larson, Southern Digital Dental Lab
1.0 CE hour available

Yankee Dental Congress
2025-01-30 - 2025-02-01 | Boston Convention & Exhibition Center, Boston, MA, United States
Yankee Dental Congress, held at the BCEC in Boston, is one of the nation’s top dental conferences for professionals seeking the highest quality dental continuing education, as well as dental products, services, and resources.

ADAA Connection Zone - The Importance of Continuing Education: Staying Current in Our Profession
2024-12-17 18:00 - 19:00 (America/Chicago) | Virtual
This forum promises to be an inspiring exchange on lifelong learning, professional development, and the future of our field. Save the date: December 17, 2024, at 6:00 PM Central Time. Here is information on how to access this session:
Join Zoom Meeting
https://kellen.zoom.us/j/96395322353?pwd=[REDACTED]
Meeting ID: 963 9532 2353
Passcode: [REDACTED]
Moderator: President-Elect, Erin Hendricks
Key Topics We’ll Cover:
§ Why Continuing Education is Critical: Advancing skills, ensuring patient care, and adapting to industry changes.
§ Benefits for Career Growth: Enhancing competence, career advancement, networking, and earning potential.
§ Different Types of Continuing Education: Comparing formal education, on-the-job training, and specialized certifications.
§ Balancing Work, Life, and Education: Time management and employer support.
§ Overcoming Barriers: Financial considerations, access to resources, and maintaining motivation.
§ Future Planning: Setting goals, fostering a culture of lifelong learning, and identifying resources.
§ Open Forum for Sharing Experiences: Success stories, challenges, and solutions in continuing education.
In addition, a topic brought forward by one of our members will add a new dimension to our forum: the potential for a national standard in licensing for dental assistants. This discussion will address the inconsistencies across states and the impact on our profession, particularly for educators and practitioners. We’ll explore whether a more unified approach to licensing is possible and beneficial, opening a valuable dialogue on this complex issue.

Webinar - One Team, One Dream! Community Dental Health Coordinator
2024-11-12 20:00 - 21:00 (America/New_York) | Virtual
The Community Dental Health Coordinator (CDHC) program teaches Community Health Worker skills to a dental or other health professional who may be from a private practice or public health setting. Many families are unsure about what dental services are necessary, where those services are located, or how to begin to access those services. A professional with CDHC training can help with those issues through culturally competent “case management” strategies. CDHC’s can be trained on the job allowing the benefits of this position to be seen immediately.

ADAA 100th Annual Session
2024-11-09
Celebrating 100 Years of ADAA
In November 2024, the American Dental Assistants Association (ADAA) will proudly mark its 100th year as the oldest and largest professional association dedicated to the dental assisting profession. With a rich legacy of commitment to membership and education, ADAA continues to set the standard for excellence in the field.
To celebrate this significant milestone, ADAA is hosting an in-person session for its 100th Anniversary on Saturday, November 9th, in Irving, TX – returning to the state where it all began!
Join us in commemorating a century of dedication and progress in dental assisting!

ADAA would like to thank Pacific Dental Services (PDS) for hosting this meeting and sponsoring lunch. Without PDS support, this meeting would not be possible. The day’s session will include an educational session with PACE continuing education credits available, the ADAA Annual Session report and a celebration of the 100th anniversary.

Registration:
The PDS Support Center has a limited capacity due to Fire Marshall restrictions and thus registration is limited to 175 individuals. Registration is on a first come first served basis and the cost for members is $150. The cost for non-members is $175. There will be no registration onsite. You must register in advance. Registration will close on October 31, 2024.
Register Here

*ADAA has recently upgraded to a new database portal. To register for the event, you’ll need to create an account on the new ADAA portal. Please refer to the instructions here. If you’ve already done this, you can skip this step and proceed directly to registration.
Location: Pacific Dental Services Dallas Support Center, 2425 Gateway Drive, Irving, TX 75063

Members who are not local to the area may reserve a room at: Element Dallas Fort Worth Airport North, 3550 Highway 635, Irving, Texas 75063. This is the partner hotel for PDS’s facility which has graciously extended the PDS negotiated room rate.
In order to receive the PDS negotiated room rate, you will need to complete this form and PDS will make your reservations for you. The hotel will send you a confirmation once reservations are complete. If you are arriving early, staying late or sharing a room, please note these details in the Additional rooming requests in the open field on the form. You are responsible for all room, tax and incidental costs. You must complete this form by October 18, 2024.
There is a shuttle from DFW Airport to the hotel. Additionally, the hotel shuttle will take attendees to/from the PDS location in the morning and at the close of the meeting. Schedules and details on timing of these shuttles will be provided to all registered attendees.
Parking information is available for individuals driving to the meeting.

Meeting Schedule

Friday, November 8th
Out of town guests arrive
Saturday, November 9th
7:45 – 8:15 Hotel shuttle takes attendees to facility (may need several rounds if shuttle is not large)
8:00– 8:30 Registration – Coffee & small breakfast items available
8:30 – 9:00 Kick off meeting

Thank PDS for their support (and any others)
President’s remarks
PDS/Foundation remarks

9:00 – 9:55 OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens Standards and Infection Control for Dental Providers
Sarah Stream, MPH, CDIPC, CDA, FADAA
This course is intended to share OSHA and Infection control rules, regulations and recommendations with clinical dental professionals. We will discuss infectious disease outbreaks that are related to the practice of dentistry as well as OSHA and CDC rules, regulations and recommendation for a facility to practice the safest dental visit.
Learning Objectives:

Discuss the need for OSHA compliance and infection control protocols in the dental setting
Explain OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens Standard Requirements
Identify high risk areas in the dental setting and mitigation strategies for the safest dental visit

9:55 – 10:15 Break with vendors
10:15 – 11:30 Documentation and the Dental Assistant
Tija Hunter, CDA, EFDA, CDIA, CDSO, MADAA‎
Doctors and Hygienists were taught how to write chart notes in school, but dental assistants ‎were not. Lawyers say we are an easy target because our documentation in all areas is the worst! ‎Patient chart notes are legal documents and are considered evidence in a court of law and/or ‎used by the dental board in the case of a patient complaint.
OBJECTIVES:
‎ ‎• Understand the importance of accurate chart notes and documentation
‎• Discover simple ways make complete chart notes
‎• Learn how to construct your notes completely and easily‎
11:30 – 1:30 Lunch & visiting vendors
1:30 – 2:15 Community Building and Advocacy for Dental Assistants
Jen Hawley Price, MAS, MS, Dental Assisting National Board (DANB)
Across the country, legislation and state regulatory changes are being introduced to address the dental workforce shortage. What happens when the proposed changes aren’t what is best for patients or oral healthcare practitioners? The power of your voice has impact.
This session will present a case study focused on collaboration and the impact amplifying the voices of dental assistants throughout the legislative process can make. Learn techniques and strategies to build a broad and diverse community of advocates focused on strengthening and developing a strong dental assisting workforce.
You will leave this session with an expanded view of how to create and build empowerment and a sense of community within your network. You will also learn more about ways you can get involved in state dental board and/or legislative activities that may have long-term impact on your career.
Upon completion of this session, attendees will be able to:

Track legislative issues impacting dentistry in their communities.
Recognize strategies to build impactful collaboration with colleagues, students, educators, and external organizations.
Identify opportunities to amplify voices in the legislative or rule making/changing process.
Describe the benefits of building and cultivating a community network of peers.

2:15– 2:45 Break- last chance with vendors
3:15 – 4:30 Our Future of Dental Assisting- The Possibilities are Endless
Tija Hunter, CDA, EFDA, CDIA, CDSO, MADAA‎
What a great time to be in dentistry! So much has changed over the years. Join us for this ‎closing keynote about where we have been and where we are headed. Dental Assistants, this is ‎your time! Let’s get equipped to move into the future and take charge!‎
Objectives:‎

Learn about where we have come from
Explore ways to improve yourself and your career
Discover what lies ahead and unlock your potential ‎

4:30 – 5:30 Door Prizes – Installation of New Officers – Meeting wrap up
5:30 – 6:00 Shuttle return to hotel*

ADAA Career Launch Week (October 21-25, 2024)
2024-10-21 08:00 - 2024-10-25 17:00 UTC | Virtual
The American Dental Assistants Association (ADAA) is excited to present its first Career Launch Week! Join us for five days dedicated to advancing your career, where you’ll have the opportunity to connect with members and learn through webinars, daily online community discussions, trivia, and raffles. All Career Launch Week activities will take place online and are completely free for members and non-members.
Register Here!

*Registering once allows you to join both webinars over two days. Be sure to block off time on your calendar so you don’t miss either event. You will receive an email confirming your registration within 24 hours, along with the link to join the webinars.
Whether you’re just starting out and exploring career opportunities or you’re an experienced dental assistant looking to advance your career and boost your salary, these webinars are a must-attend. All events are online and completely free for both members and non-members, be sure to share with colleagues who can benefit!

Event Details:

Tuesday, October 22 (8-9 PM EST) – Webinar: Beyond the Chairside: Alternative Career Paths for Dental Assistants

Join us for an engaging and informative panel discussion exploring the diverse career opportunities available to dental assistants beyond the traditional chairside role. This session will feature experienced professionals who have successfully transitioned into alternative dental and healthcare-related careers. From education and management to sales, consulting, and public health, discover the wide range of professional paths where your dental assisting skills can be applied. Panelists will share their personal journeys, discuss the challenges and rewards of pursuing non-clinical roles, and offer practical advice on how to leverage your knowledge, certifications, and experience to thrive in new career directions. Whether you’re seeking to expand your career options, explore new professional horizons, or are simply curious about what’s possible, this panel discussion will provide you with valuable insights and inspiration. The webinar will conclude with a Q&A session with the panelists.

Thursday, October 24 (8-9 PM EST) – Webinar: Advancing Your Career and Your Salary

Are you ready to take your dental assisting career to the next level? Join us for a dynamic online panel discussion designed to help dental assistants explore strategies for professional growth and salary advancement. Our panel of experts will share their insights on how to expand your role, enhance your skills, and unlock opportunities for higher-paying positions in the dental field. Whether you’re looking to increase your earning potential or seek leadership roles, this session will provide practical guidance on certifications, continuing education, networking, and negotiating better pay. You’ll also learn about in-demand specializations and how to position yourself for success in an evolving dental industry. The webinar will conclude with a Q&A session with the panelists.

Kentucky DAA Annual Fall Program
2024-10-19 | St Elizabeth Hospital, Grand Ave, Ft Thomas, KY, 41075, United States
Visit www.nkdas.org for details and registration

Webinar - Creating Inclusive Smiles: Recognizing and Transforming Implicit Bias
2024-09-26 19:00 - 20:00 (America/Chicago) | Virtual
Thursday, September 26, 2024; 8:00 – 9:00 pm (Eastern time)
This course aims to help participants understand implicit bias, cultural differences, and how they influence patient care and team dynamics. By addressing biases and recognizing differences, we can improve case acceptance, talent attraction, and retention and provide more equitable patient care. Throughout the course, attendees will explore models, assessments, and easy-to-implement approaches to recognizing and reducing implicit bias. They will also learn ways to bridge cultural gaps, via cultural humility, and strategies for creating safer and more inclusive workplaces, resulting in enhanced teamwork, improved standard of care, and overall performance excellence.
Presented by: Kristine Berry RDH, MSEC, CDE

ADAA Connection Zone Discussion Forum: Effective Communication on Infection Control in Dentistry
2024-09-17 18:30 - 19:30 (America/Chicago) | Virtual
In the dental world, ensuring the safety of our patients starts with impeccable infection control practices. We’re excited to invite you to our inaugural discussion forum, where we’ll dive deep into the real-world scenarios that challenge us daily.

ADAA Offices closed July 4-5th
2024-07-04 - 2024-07-05

Webinar - Infection Prevention Practices by Healthcare Setting: Dental vs. Acute Care
2024-06-18 20:00 - 21:00 (Pacific/Easter) | Virtual
This presentation will review the similarities and differences in infection prevention and control practices between the dental and acute care healthcare environment.
Presented by: Jody Scebold, EdD, MSN, RN, CIC
1.0 CE hour available
To register, please click “Registration” at the top of this page, then select “Register Now”.
