The American Dental Association (ADA) has announced that its annual SmileCon event will cease after the 2025 edition, marking the end of the conference. The final SmileCon will be held in October at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington, D.C.
The ADA said the decision was made after evaluating post-pandemic attendance trends and the rising costs of hosting large events.
The ADA said that while the conference has received positive attendee feedback and has seen an increase in repeat attendance each year, overall attendance has not yet returned to pre-pandemic levels.
“SmileCon is more than just a professional conference; it is a showcase for the best in dentistry. It is a place where we share new ideas and come together as a community to shape the future of oral and overall health.
From dental professionals and speakers to sponsors, exhibitors and vendors, everyone contributes to the success of SmileCon,” said ADA President Dr. Brett Kessler. “As we explore new ways to connect and grow together, the ADA sincerely thanks all who made SmileCon possible, including our host cities that so warmly welcomed us.”
Over the years, the ADA’s annual conference has featured many high-profile speakers, including several former U.S. presidents. In 2013, former President Bill Clinton addressed attendees in New Orleans, and in 2014, former President George W. Bush addressed the ADA in San Antonio.
In 2021, the ADA renamed its annual conference SmileCon, combining the traditional scientific conference with additional programs and events to create a unified experience aimed at promoting community building, innovation and continuing education in the dental profession.
That year, the conference was held at the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino in Las Vegas. The newly redesigned SmileCon aims to create a more inclusive and engaging experience for dental professionals by emphasizing community building, innovation and continuing education.
The final event, SmileCon 2025, will be held in the nation’s capital from October 23-25, with registration opening on June 11.
The 2026 SmileCon, originally scheduled for Oct. 8-10, 2026 in Indianapolis, will no longer take place. The ADA said it is currently working with the Indiana Dental Association and the Indianapolis Tourism Bureau to identify future opportunities for professional events in the city.
The American Dental Association (ADA) said its main policy-making body, the ADA House of Delegates, will continue to hold its annual meeting.
The ADA said the House of Delegates will meet this year after the last SmileCon in Washington, D.C., and will meet in Indianapolis as originally planned next year.
According to the ADA’s Governance and Organization Manual, the association is required to hold a scientific meeting annually. The ADA said it is exploring new meeting formats and programs to replace SmileCon, aimed at promoting oral and overall health and keeping members informed of current scientific standards and technological developments. The ADA said details of future meetings will be announced as they are determined.
Founded in 1859, the ADA represents 159,000 dental members and remains the leading source of scientific and clinical information in dentistry.
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