Dental conferences and tradeshows take place all over the world, including here in Canada. There are many reasons to consider attending as a new or up and coming dental professional, since they provide excellent opportunities for professional development.
In last month’s edition of Next Gen, we covered the Federation of Canadian Dental Students’ biannual Canadian Dental Student Conference (CDSC) that took place in January 2025. Every other year, the CDSC takes place in a different major Canadian city. This is a great example of a conference for students to attend and begin learning more about their future profession. As we progress through the year, other Canadian conferences will be taking place, and some may be happening near you. If so, here are some reasons you should consider attending.
Networking opportunities
Dental conferences are a gathering place for other dentists, allied professionals, and service providers. It gives attendees the chance to connect and make friends, with many social events happening after the show closes. If you have questions regarding specializations or opening your own practice, leading industry experts and speakers are available to share their knowledge and advice. Walking the exhibitor floor will introduce you to many different suppliers and service providers who you may wish to work with in the future. The relationships you create as a student or recent graduate could lead to valuable opportunities throughout your career.
Staying informed
While you have been busy learning the basics, research and discussions are taking place that will shape the future of dentistry. Attending dental events gives you a look into what’s to come in terms of innovations and can warn you of any universal issues facing the profession.
Learning new skills
As alluded to previously, there are many technologies and clinical techniques that are constantly evolving in dentistry. By attending conferences, you gain access to a variety of lectures and courses—many of them hands-on workshops—that will keep you up to date on the latest changes that your school curriculum is not always able to include. This is also where you can gain very valuable Continuing Education (CE) credits.
We hope to see you at an upcoming dental show soon. Oral Health will be present at the following:
ODA’s Annual Spring Meeting | May 8-10, 2025
Journées dentaires internationales du Québec | May 30-June 3, 2025
— Marley Gieseler, Managing Editor, Oral Health Group
