More than 20,000 dental professionals gathered at the Chicago Dental Society (CDS) Midwinter Meeting, held Feb. 20-22 at McCormick Place West, to celebrate its 160th anniversary.
“It is a huge milestone to celebrate 160 years of the Midwinter Meeting, and I believe its success lies in our unique blend of tradition and innovation,” said Heather Nash, chief executive officer of CDS.
Attendees—including general dentists, specialists, hygienists and office staff—came from all 50 U.S. states and 74 countries. They had access to more than 250 CE-accredited courses, explored the latest products and technologies from 512 exhibitors, and took part in networking opportunities.
Museum-like setting
New offerings included the Dental Innovation Lab, which showcased the latest dental products that debuted at the 2025 Midwinter Meeting in a museum-like setting. Another addition, the CDS Midwinter Closet, allowed attendees to shop for CDS-branded merchandise and Midwinter Meeting souvenirs in one location.
Adding to this year’s historic celebration, dentistry’s favorite mascot, Hadley the Hound, marked his 10th birthday. In honor of Hadley, a birthday bash was held at the Experience CDS booth with mascot friends Southpaw from the Chicago White Sox and DIBS from DePaul University.
“If there’s one thing that brings dentists together—apart from the Midwinter Meeting—it’s a beloved mascot,” said Dr. Victoria Ursitti, 2025 CDS board secretary. “Hadley’s birthday party was the cherry on top of a truly remarkable event, adding an extra layer of fun and excitement to an already unforgettable celebration of our profession.”
The event also had a significant economic impact on the city. According to Choose Chicago, the City of Chicago’s tourism agency, the 2025 Midwinter Meeting contributed nearly $25 million to the local economy, generated $1 million in state taxes, $997,000 in local taxes, and supported more than 6,000 jobs.