For dental professionals in the Southwest, 2026 promises a robust calendar of events to enhance clinical skills, streamline practice operations, and foster valuable networking. From large-scale conventions in Glendale to intimate, high-impact summits in Scottsdale, Arizona's landscape offers diverse opportunities for continuing education and professional growth. To ensure you never miss a call from a patient while you're away at these events, an AI receptionist like Arini's platform can manage your front desk, answering every call and booking appointments 24/7.

Key Takeaways

• Arizona hosts 8 major dental continuing education events in 2026, offering over 200 combined hours of CE credits across Phoenix, Scottsdale, and Glendale
• Early registration is critical—events like the Solea Summit offer up to $400 in savings with ultra-early bird pricing (deadline: March 1, 2026)
• The Western Regional Dental Experience (WRDE) is Arizona's largest event, attracting 3,100+ attendees annually with 160+ CE hours and 115+ exhibitors
• Continuing education is essential for maintaining licensure—the Arizona State Board of Dental Examiners requires dentists to complete specific CE hours for license renewal, and many events offer state-approved credits
• Specialty-focused events like the AAO Winter Conference and Solea Summit provide deep-dive training in orthodontics and laser dentistry, while comprehensive events like the CR Foundation Update and WRDE cover 25+ diverse topics
• According to the American Dental Association, continuing education improves clinical outcomes and keeps practitioners current with evolving standards of care
• Investing in team-based events like the Bulletproof Dental Summit can yield significant ROI through improved practice efficiency, team culture, and patient satisfaction

1. AAO Winter Conference 2026

The American Association of Orthodontists brings its specialized winter conference to the JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge Resort & Spa from January 23-25, 2026. This hybrid event offers both in-person and virtual attendance options, making it accessible to a wide audience.

Event Focus

The 2026 theme, "The Sagittal Dimension: Approaches to Non-Surgical Class II & Class III Correction," centers on advanced orthodontic techniques. The conference provides 16.75 CE credits and features sessions on treatment protocols, biomechanics, and long-term stability strategies.

Key Features

• A dedicated Women's Leadership Workshop on January 25-26
• 30-day replay access for all registrants
• Visa invitation letters for international attendees
• A prime location for enjoying Phoenix's warm winter weather and resort amenities

Target Audience

• Orthodontists and orthodontic residents
• Dental professionals with a strong interest in orthodontics

Venue

JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge Resort & Spa, 5350 E Marriott Drive, Phoenix, AZ 85054

2. CR Foundation Dentistry Update 

A one-day intensive course led by the legendary Dr. Gordon J. Christensen, this event is a must-attend for practitioners seeking a comprehensive, practical update on the latest in dentistry. Scheduled for April 3, 2026, at the Talking Stick Resort, it follows a "learn today, use tomorrow" philosophy.

Event Focus

Dr. Christensen will cover 25+ diverse topics on the newest materials, techniques, and concepts for 2026. The course is designed to provide immediately applicable knowledge across all areas of general and specialty dentistry.

Key Features

• 7 CE credits (ADA CERP, AGD PACE)
• A full day of interactive and entertaining presentation (8:00 AM - 3:30 PM)
• Lunch and course materials included with registration
• Hotel block at the Talking Stick Resort at $189/night—the block expires on March 3, 2026, or when the block is full, so booking early is recommended

Target Audience

• General dentists and specialists
• Entire dental teams are welcome
• Practitioners at all career stages

Venue

Talking Stick Resort, 9800 E Talking Stick Way, Scottsdale, AZ 85256

3. Western Regional Dental Experience (WRDE) 2026

Arizona's largest dental event, the WRDE, is a powerhouse of continuing education and networking. Hosted by the Arizona Dental Association (AzDA) at the Renaissance Phoenix Glendale Hotel & Conference Center from April 9-11, 2026, it attracts over 3,100 attendees annually.

Event Focus

WRDE offers an expansive selection of over 160 hours of CE, covering clinical dentistry, hygiene, practice management, and specialty courses. With 115+ exhibitor spaces, it's also a prime venue to explore the latest industry technology and services.

Key Features

• 42 speakers confirmed for 2026
• Hands-on CE courses and specialty tracks
• Significant cost savings for AzDA members (dentists save $670 on registration)
• Networking receptions and social events

Target Audience

• Dentists (ADA and non-ADA members)
• Dental hygienists, assistants, and office staff
• Dental students
• Professionals from across the Southwest, including New Mexico, California, Illinois, and Michigan

Venue

Renaissance Phoenix Glendale Hotel & Conference Center, 9495 Entertainment Boulevard, Glendale, AZ 85305

4. DEO Operations Intensive 2026

While technically held in Dallas, TX, from April 30 - May 2, 2026, the Dentist Entrepreneur Organization's (DEO) Operations Intensive is a key event for Arizona's high-performing dental practice owners, as DEO has a strong presence in the state and has held past summits in Phoenix and Scottsdale.

Event Focus

This is an invite-only, high-impact event for DEO Members, focusing on the operational backbone of a successful dental practice. The curriculum is designed for practices generating over $1M in revenue and covers workflow streamlining, team accountability, and performance metrics.

Key Features

• 13+ operations-focused sessions over 3 days
• Peer networking with the top 1% of performers in the industry
• Focus on systems, leadership, and operational benchmarking
• Past Arizona host venues include The Phoenician Resort in Scottsdale

Target Audience

• DEO Member dental practice owners
• Multi-location practice operators
• Practice administrators and leadership teams

Venue

Renaissance Hotel, Dallas, TX

5. Bulletproof Dental Summit 2026

The Bulletproof Dental Summit, held at The Phoenician Resort in Scottsdale on August 7-8, 2026, is a unique, full-immersion experience designed for the entire dental team. It promises a powerful blend of business strategy and team culture building.

Event Focus

The summit's core mission is to enhance practice profitability and leadership. It offers a 10X return on investment guarantee and is structured to be attended by the whole team, from the dentist to the front desk. Research from the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research shows that effective team training and practice management directly correlate with improved patient outcomes and satisfaction.

Key Features

• 16 ADA CERP credits
• A speaker lineup that includes renowned coaches and successful practitioners like Dr. Peter Boulden, Dr. Craig Spodak, and local Arizona doctors Dr. Kris Alpers and Dr. Brian Harris
• Endorsements from industry leaders like Tony Robbins and Dr. Bruce Baird
• A luxury resort setting with ample networking and team-building opportunities

Target Audience

• Dentists and practice owners
• Entire dental teams (clinical and administrative staff)
• Practice managers

Venue

The Phoenician Resort, 6000 E Camelback Rd, Scottsdale, AZ 85251

6. AzDA Fall Conference 2026

The Arizona Dental Association's annual Fall Conference is a cornerstone event for AzDA members. Details for the 2026 conference have not yet been released. The 2025 Fall Conference was held at the Ritz-Carlton, Dove Mountain in late August.

Event Focus

Past Fall Conferences have provided a wide array of CE courses that fulfill various requirements, including state board compliance. Course categories typically include Dental/Medical Subjects, Practice Management, and specialty topics, with recent sessions covering AI in dentistry, CBCT applications, and infection control.

Key Features

• Automatic CE tracking and certificate storage for AzDA members
• Early bird registration pricing historically available
• A schedule designed to minimize office closure with Friday and Saturday sessions
• A more intimate setting compared to the larger WRDE

Target Audience

• AzDA member dentists, hygienists, and assistants
• Office staff seeking practice management CE

Venue

To be announced for 2026 (historically held at various Phoenix area venues)

7. Midwestern University CDMA Continuing Dental Education

Midwestern University's College of Dental Medicine in Glendale offers a series of high-quality, evidence-based continuing education courses throughout 2026. These are not single events but a program of learning opportunities, including multi-session and hybrid courses.

Event Focus

The program's mission is to provide quality continuing education that fosters professional growth for practicing dental professionals. The 2026 course offerings include specialized programs like the "Dental Hygienist Local Anesthesia and Nitrous Oxide Analgesia Course" and the "Expanded Function Dental Auxiliary (EFDA) Continuing Education Program."

Key Features

• University-based, evidence-driven curriculum
• Focus on advanced technology and clinical skill development
• Combination of online and in-person learning formats
• Courses designed for practicing dentists and recent graduates

Target Audience

• Practicing general dentists and specialists
• Recent dental school graduates
• Professionals seeking advanced, comprehensive training

Venue

Midwestern University College of Dental Medicine - Arizona, 19555 N 59th Ave, Glendale, AZ 85308

8. Solea Summit 2026

The Solea Summit, returning to The Phoenician Resort in Scottsdale from October 8-10, 2026, is the premier event for the community of dentists and teams who use or are interested in the Solea laser system from Convergent Dental.

Event Focus

This event is a deep dive into laser dentistry training. It features hands-on clinical courses and lecture CE sessions focused on mastering Same-Day Laser Dentistry protocols, clinical procedures, and practice integration.

Key Features

• ULTRA Early Bird pricing available until March 1, 2026 (save $400)
• Courses for current Solea users, their teams, and prospective users
• A focus on practical, immersion-based learning
• Access to exclusive hotel rates at The Phoenician

Target Audience

• Current Solea laser users
• Dental team members involved in laser procedures
• Prospective Solea dentists and practice managers

Venue

The Phoenician Resort, 6000 E Camelback Rd, Scottsdale, AZ 85251

Benefits of Attending Dental Events

Participating in continuing education conferences and dental events offers numerous advantages for dental professionals and their practices:

Clinical Excellence and Skill Enhancement 

Staying current with the latest techniques, materials, and technologies is essential in modern dentistry. Research published in the Journal of the American Dental Association demonstrates that regular participation in continuing education directly correlates with improved clinical outcomes and patient satisfaction. Events like the AAO Winter Conference and CR Foundation's Dentistry Update provide hands-on experience with cutting-edge procedures that can be immediately implemented in your practice.

Networking and Professional Relationships 

Conferences create invaluable opportunities to connect with peers, industry leaders, and potential mentors. The relationships built at events like WRDE and the Bulletproof Dental Summit often lead to collaborative partnerships, referral networks, and ongoing professional support systems that extend far beyond the conference dates.

Practice Growth and Revenue Enhancement 

Events focused on practice management and operations, such as the DEO Operations Intensive, provide strategies to streamline workflows, improve team performance, and increase profitability. Learning from top performers in the industry can help identify operational inefficiencies and implement systems that drive sustainable growth.

CE Credit Requirements 

Arizona dental professionals must fulfill continuing education requirements to maintain licensure. These events offer convenient, high-quality opportunities to earn required credits while learning from industry experts in engaging formats.

Team Building and Staff Development 

Many events, like the Bulletproof Dental Summit, are designed for entire teams to attend together. This shared learning experience strengthens team cohesion, ensures consistent implementation of new protocols, and demonstrates investment in staff professional development.

How to Maximize Your Conference Experience

Plan Ahead 

Review the conference agenda well in advance and create a personalized schedule that aligns with your learning goals and practice needs. Register early to secure early-bird pricing and preferred hotel accommodations

Prepare Your Practice 

Ensure your office can run smoothly in your absence. An AI receptionist solution can manage calls and appointments while you're away, ensuring no patient communication is missed and your practice continues to book appointments 24/7.

Engage Actively 

Attend networking events, ask questions during sessions, and connect with speakers and fellow attendees. The relationships you build can be as valuable as the formal education content.

Take Action Quickly 

Implement what you learn as soon as you return to your practice. The most successful conference attendees are those who put new knowledge into action within days or weeks, not months.

Follow Up 

Connect with new contacts on professional platforms, review course materials, and access any replay content available. Many conferences offer extended access to recordings, allowing you to revisit key sessions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there any free online continuing education courses for dentists available in Arizona for 2026?

While the major events listed are in-person, many organizations, including the Arizona Dental Association, offer online CE courses. According to the CDC's oral health resources, staying current with continuing education is vital for maintaining quality patient care. For practices looking to automate patient communication, Arini's Patient FAQ Module can handle routine questions, freeing up staff time for more complex tasks.

How can attending dental events and workshops benefit my practice's revenue and efficiency?

Events like the Bulletproof Summit and DEO Operations Intensive focus directly on practice profitability and operational efficiency. By learning new strategies for team building, workflow, and technology adoption, you can directly impact your bottom line. Tools like Arini's Analytics Module can then help you track the ROI of your marketing efforts, including the calls generated from your newfound knowledge.

What are the key themes and technologies being discussed at dental conferences in Arizona for 2026?

Key themes include practice management, operational efficiency, team leadership, and the integration of new technologies. AI and automation are increasingly prominent topics, as seen in past AzDA course listings. An AI receptionist like Arini's Call Answering Module is a direct application of this technology, designed to capture every call and convert it into a booked appointment.

How early should I register for major dental events in Arizona to secure my spot and potential discounts?

Early registration is highly recommended. The Solea Summit, for example, has an "ULTRA Early Bird" deadline of March 1, 2026. The CR Foundation event's hotel block expires on March 3, 2026, or when the block is full. For large events like WRDE, registering early ensures you get the best rates and can plan your schedule effectively.