Why Every Dental Assistant Should Attend Conferences (Especially Early In Their Career)

Aug 1 / CQ
As dental professionals, we often focus on earning continuing education (CE) credits - but dental conferences offer so much more than that. Whether you are a dental assistant, hygienist, dentist, or student, attending conferences is one of the best investments you can make in your professional growth.

Conferences allow you to stay current with new technologies, materials, infection prevention updates, and evidence-based practices. They also give you the opportunity to learn directly from industry leaders and bring new ideas back to your workplace. They're also a lot of fun.

One of the biggest benefits = Free stuff...NETWORKING!
Some of the most valuable opportunities happen outside the lecture rooms. Meeting other dental professionals, educations, employers, manufacturers, and suppliers can open doors to mentorship, career opportunities, and lifelong professional relationships. The dental community, nationally, is incredibly supportive and conferences are a great part of it.

One of the best parts of attending a conference is reconnecting with people you haven't seen in years. It's common to run into former classmates, instructors, colleagues, or mentors, and it's always exciting to see where everyone's career has taken them. You might even make new connections that lead to future job opportunities.

And then there's the exhibit hall..

Who doesn't love walking through rows of vendors, trying out the newest dental products, entering prize draws, collecting samples, and yes - even free goodies? From toothbrushes and floss to loupes, gadgets, and educational resources, there's always something new to discover. 

Conferences to Consider

If you're planning your continuing education calendar, here are a few events worth adding to your list:

  • Spectrum Day - 
One of Canada's largest dental conferences, featuring free CE lectures, an impressive exhibit hall, hands-on learning opportunities, and more. There are a few coming up in Toronto, Montreal, and Vancouver. Pssssst...it is also FREE ADMISSION! Click here for more.

  • ODAA Conference - 
The Ontario Dental Assistants Association conference is designed specifically for dental assistants and focuses on education, professional growth, and connecting with colleagues across the province either in person OR virtually! That's right...you can attend virtually! Click here for more. 

  • Ontario Dental Association (ODA) Annual Spring Meeting (ASM) - 
One of Canada's premier dental conventions, bringing together thousands of dental professionals for lectures, hands-on courses, exhibits, and networking. Click here.

Final Thoughts

Learning doesn't stop after graduation or passing the NDAEB. The most successful dental professionals are lifelong learners who continue to grow, ask questions, and build relationships throughout their careers. 

So grab a colleague, look nice, wear comfy shoes, bring an extra tote bag for all the freebies, and don't be afraid to put yourself out there! You never know what you'll learn, who you'll meet, or what opportunities may come from a simple conversation.
With my classmates from over 10 years ago  
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