The American Dental Association (ADA) will hold its annual SmileCon conference in October for the last time, as declining attendance in recent years has led to the end of the long-running trade show.
The American Dental Association (ADA) has officially announced that its flagship annual conference, SmileCon, will be held in Washington, D.C., in October 2025. The association recently sent an email to its members informing them that “after careful consideration, the ADA has made the difficult decision to discontinue SmileCon after the 2025 Annual Meeting.
We made this decision to adapt to changing attendance trends and rising costs to ensure we continue to provide the best value and resources for our members.”
The email also noted that the ADA Governance and Organization Manual requires some form of scientific conference to be held each year, adding: “While this news may be unexpected, rest assured that the ADA’s commitment to providing high-quality continuing education and fostering connections within the dental community is stronger than ever.
We are actively developing new and exciting ways to deliver this valuable experience and look forward to sharing more updates in the future.”
The ADA assured members that its legislative and policymaking body, the House of Representatives, will continue to meet annually, including in 2025 and 2026.
In 2021, the ADA launched SmileCon, a bold reinvention of its annual meeting. It is designed to inspire, delight, empower, and connect dental professionals. “Not only did you accept our invitation, you made SmileCon even more amazing than we could have imagined,” the announcement read.
The curiosity, insight, and ingenuity you brought to this event are living proof of the vibrant community that the ADA continues to work together to build.”
Despite positive feedback and an increase in repeat attendees, SmileCon has struggled to return to pre-pandemic attendance levels, according to the association.
In the email, signed by ADA President Brett Kessler, DDS, the association expressed its sincere gratitude to past attendees and supporters, saying, “We know that SmileCon is a valuable experience for so many, providing a unique space to learn, network, and explore the latest dental innovations. We sincerely thank you for your past participation and the energy you bring to our gatherings.
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