Connecticut's dental professionals have a robust calendar of events in 2026, from the massive Charter Oak Dental Meeting at Mohegan Sun to intimate monthly workshops at CSDA headquarters. For practices aiming to maximize their time at these events, an Arini AI receptionist can handle all inbound calls, schedule appointments, and answer patient FAQs, ensuring your team never misses a call while you're focused on learning and networking.

Key Takeaways

• 8+ major events are scheduled for 2026, offering over 50 CE credits for Connecticut dental professionals.
• The Charter Oak Dental Meeting (May 13-16) is New England's largest dental conference, with 2,000+ attendees and 100+ exhibitors.
• Monthly CSDA workshops in Southington provide accessible, hands-on continuing education throughout the year.
• Specialized events like the Nutmeg Conference cater to hygienists, while the Mission of Mercy offers a vital community service opportunity.
• Arini's AI receptionist ensures your practice remains fully operational and responsive to patient calls while you attend these events, converting missed calls into booked appointments.

1. Charter Oak Dental Meeting (159th Annual)

The Charter Oak Dental Meeting is the cornerstone of the Connecticut dental calendar, consistently recognized as New England's largest conference. Held at the Mohegan Sun, this event draws over 2,000 dental professionals for a comprehensive blend of education, networking, and product discovery.

Event Details

Date: May 13–16, 2026 Venue: Mohegan Sun Sky Convention Center, Uncasville, CT

Registration: Opens February 1, 2026 

Cost: Free for CSDA new dentist members and students; $150 for nonmembers

What to Expect

Extensive CE Credits Over 20 ADA CERP-certified CE credits available across a wide range of clinical and practice management topics.

Massive Exhibit Hall Explore the latest from 100+ vendors, from new dental technologies to practice management software like Arini's AI receptionist.

Hands-On Learning Participate in tech courses on implants, restorative dentistry, and more.

Networking & Events Enjoy the Thursday Night Country Western Party, a golf tournament, and other social events designed to connect the Connecticut dental community.

Target Audience

General dentists and specialists Dental hygienists and assistants Practice managers and office staff Dental students

This is the premier event for a practice to see a full suite of operational solutions. For teams who can't all attend, Arini's Call Answering ensures your front desk is never left short-handed, booking appointments directly into your PMS even while you're away.

2. Yankee Dental Congress 2026

While just over the border in Boston, the Yankee Dental Congress is a major draw for Connecticut professionals seeking a broader Northeast perspective. As one of the region's largest events, it offers an unparalleled scale of learning and exhibition.

Event Details

Date: January 29–31, 2026 Venue: Boston Convention & Exhibition Center, Boston, MA

Registration: Details TBA on the Yankee Dental Congress 

Cost: Free for students/new members; $300+ for nonmembers

What to Expect

200+ CE Courses Dive deep into clinical techniques, new technologies, and practice management strategies.

Largest Northeast Exhibit Hall With 300+ vendors, this is the best place to compare a vast array of products and services.

Live Demonstrations See new equipment and technologies in action, providing a real-world understanding of their potential.

Target Audience

Dentists and specialists Dental hygienists and students Practice owners and managers Vendors and industry partners

For a Connecticut practice looking to scout a wide range of vendors and innovations, the Yankee Dental Congress is a must-attend. To ensure your office doesn't lose new patient calls while you're away, Arini AI receptionists can handle common insurance and billing questions, reducing the load on your remaining staff.

3. Nutmeg Conference (110th Annual Session)

Hosted by the Connecticut Dental Hygienists' Association (CTDHA), the Nutmeg Conference is the essential annual event for the state's hygienists, RDHs, and students. It focuses on the specific needs and regulatory updates of this vital segment of the dental team.

Event Details

Date: November 2026 (specific dates TBD; based on 2025, the House of Delegates is tentatively Nov 7) Venue: TBD (likely New Haven area) 

Registration: TBA on the CTDHA website 

Cost: TBA (2025 included hybrid options)

What to Expect

Hygienist-Focused CE Earn 4–8 CE credits on topics directly relevant to dental hygiene practice.

Regulatory Updates Stay current on Connecticut-specific dental hygiene regulations and scope-of-practice changes.

Networking Opportunities Connect with peers from across the state in a collaborative environment.

Target Audience

Dental hygienists (RDH) Dental hygiene students Dentists with hygiene teams

This is a critical event for any practice that values its hygiene team's professional development. To manage the schedule gap when your hygienist is away, Arini AI receptionist can be configured to handle appointment confirmations and rescheduling, ensuring your hygiene schedule stays full.

4. CSDA Continuing Education Workshops

For professionals who prefer a more focused, local learning experience, the CSDA Continuing Education Workshops offer a consistent, monthly opportunity to stay current. Held at the CSDA headquarters in Southington, these workshops are ADA CERP certified and cover a wide array of topics.

Event Details

Dates: Monthly throughout 2026 Venue: CSDA Headquarters, Southington, CT 

Registration: On the CSDA website 

Cost: $50–$300 per workshop (members receive 20–30% discount)

What to Expect

Diverse Curriculum Topics range from mandatory subjects like infection control and opioid prescribing to practice management and the latest in dental technologies.

Flexible Format A mix of in-person and webinar options provides flexibility for busy schedules.

Practical Skills These workshops are designed to deliver immediately applicable knowledge and skills.

Target Audience

General dentists Specialists seeking focused CE Practice managers Dental team members

These monthly workshops are ideal for a dentist or office manager to attend without requiring a major time commitment. Arini's platform ensures that any new practice management strategies you learn can be quickly implemented in your automated call flows, maintaining a seamless patient experience.

5. CSDA Hands-On Course: Master Sinus Lift

For general dentists looking to expand their clinical skills, the CSDA Hands-On Course: Master Sinus Lift provides a deep, practical dive into a specific advanced procedure. This is not a lecture but a lab-based, immersive experience.

Event Details

Date: April 25, 2026 Venue: CSDA Headquarters, Southington, CT 

Registration: On the CSDA website 

Cost: $945 (early bird by 3/26); $995 (regular)

What to Expect

Expert Instruction Led by Dr. Thomas Wiedemann from NYU College of Dentistry.

Hands-On Practice Work on models to master both crestal and lateral window surgical approaches for sinus floor augmentation.

6 CE Credits Focused, high-value continuing education for a specific skill set.

Target Audience

General dentists seeking surgical skills Implant dentists Periodontal specialists

This intensive course is a significant investment of time and focus. To protect your practice's revenue during this dedicated training day, Arini AI receptionists can be your virtual front desk, capturing new patient calls and booking them into your schedule, so you return to a full calendar.

6. Connecticut Mission of Mercy Free Dental Clinic

The Connecticut Mission of Mercy is not a CE event but a cornerstone of the state's dental community service. This free, two-day clinic provides critical care to underserved populations and is a powerful opportunity for dental professionals to volunteer.

Event Details

Date: April 17–18, 2026 Venue: E.O. Smith High School, Mansfield/Storrs, CT 

Registration: Volunteer via CFDO.org or call (800) 688-9372 

Cost: Free for patients; volunteer opportunity for professionals

What to Expect

Community Impact Provide cleanings, fillings, extractions, and basic care to those who need it most.

Team Collaboration Work alongside other dedicated dental professionals in a high-energy, mission-driven environment.

No CE Credits This is a pure community service event, not for continuing education.

Target Audience

Dentists and specialists Dental hygienists Dental assistants Dental students

For practices that send a team to volunteer, it can create a significant staffing gap. An Arini AI receptionist can manage the influx of routine calls, ensuring your practice remains responsive to its existing patients while you give back to the community.

7. HUSKY Dental Pop-Up Resource Centers

These HUSKY Dental Pop-Up Resource Centers are outreach events designed to connect HUSKY Health members with their dental benefits and local providers. They are a unique opportunity for practices to engage with potential new patients.

Event Details

Dates: June 2026 (e.g., June 24 in Middletown, June 25 in Hartford; more TBD) 

Venue: Community centers and mobile pantry locations statewide 

Registration: Contact the Connecticut Dental Health Partnership for participation details 

Cost: Free

What to Expect

Patient Education Help community members understand their dental coverage.

Provider Connection Serve as a local resource for HUSKY patients looking for a dental home.

Outreach Focus This is about building relationships and accessibility, not CE.

Target Audience

Dentists accepting HUSKY Practice managers Community outreach coordinators

Participating in these events can be a smart marketing strategy. To ensure your practice is available to book the new patients you meet, Arini's Call Answering can instantly capture their information and book their first appointment, turning a brief conversation into a confirmed new patient.

8. UConn Dental Students & Residents Research Forum

The UConn Dental Students & Residents Research Forum is a springtime event that showcases the future of dentistry. It's a chance for practicing dentists to connect with the next generation of professionals and see the latest in dental research.

Event Details

Date: Spring 2026 (specific date TBD) 

Venue: University of Connecticut School of Dental Medicine, Farmington, CT 

Registration: TBA on the UConn Dental School 

Cost: Free or low-cost

What to Expect

Poster Presentations View scientific experiments and clinical case studies from students and residents.

Networking Meet talented future dentists and discuss potential career opportunities.

Academic Insight Gain a glimpse into the research and clinical interests of the next generation.

Target Audience

Practicing dentists Academic faculty Dental students and residents Practices seeking new hires

This event is a great way to scout for future talent or simply stay connected to the academic side of the profession. For a smooth experience, Arini's front desk notifications can alert your team of any new appointments booked while you're away, ensuring a seamless transition upon your return.

Benefits of Attending Connecticut Dental Events

Participating in Connecticut's dental events offers significant professional and practice-building advantages. According to the American Dental Association's continuing education guidelines, ongoing professional development directly correlates with improved patient outcomes and practice growth.

Professional Development

Connecticut dental professionals must meet specific CE requirements for license renewal. The Connecticut State Dental Commission mandates continuing education to maintain licensure, and these local events provide convenient, high-quality options that meet state requirements.

Networking Opportunities

Building relationships within Connecticut's tight-knit dental community can lead to referral partnerships, mentorship opportunities, and collaborative learning. The state's geographic size makes these events particularly valuable for creating lasting professional connections.

Practice Growth

Events like the Charter Oak Dental Meeting and HUSKY Pop-Up Centers provide direct access to new patients and community visibility. Practices that actively participate in local events report stronger community ties and increased patient loyalty.

Technology Discovery

With dental technology evolving rapidly, hands-on exposure to new equipment, software, and practice management tools—including solutions like Arini AI receptionist—helps practices stay competitive and efficient.

Connecticut's Dental Community Landscape

Connecticut hosts a vibrant dental community serving approximately 3.6 million residents. According to the Connecticut Department of Public Health, the state faces unique challenges including disparities in access to care, particularly in rural and underserved urban areas.

Geographic Considerations

Connecticut's compact size means most dental events are within a 1-2 hour drive for practitioners statewide. The central location of venues like CSDA headquarters in Southington and UConn's Farmington campus makes continuing education accessible without extensive travel.

Regulatory Environment

Connecticut maintains specific requirements for dental licensure and continuing education, making local events particularly valuable for staying compliant with state-specific regulations and best practices.

Community Service Culture

Events like the Connecticut Mission of Mercy reflect the state's strong tradition of dental volunteerism and community service, with hundreds of professionals donating time to serve underserved populations annually.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I find the most up-to-date schedule for dental events in Connecticut for 2026?

The best sources are the official websites of the Connecticut State Dental Association (CSDA) for Charter Oak and their workshops, and the Connecticut Dental Hygienists' Association (CTDHA) for the Nutmeg Conference. For the most current information, check these sites regularly.

Are there specific requirements for dental professionals to earn CE credits in Connecticut?

Yes, Connecticut has specific CE requirements for license renewal. The CSDA workshops and the Charter Oak Dental Meeting are ADA CERP certified, which generally meets Connecticut's requirements. Always verify with the state board that your chosen CE activity is approved.

How can I ensure the online dental CE courses I take are reputable and accredited?

Look for courses that are ADA CERP or AGD PACE certified. These are the primary accreditation bodies recognized for dental continuing education. Reputable providers will clearly state their accreditation status.

What are the benefits of attending local dental events versus national conferences?

Local events like the Charter Oak meeting offer strong networking within the Connecticut dental community and are often more cost-effective. National conferences provide a broader range of topics and vendors but at a higher cost and travel time. A mix of both can be ideal.

How can Arini's AI receptionist platform help my practice convert insights from these events into tangible revenue growth?

Arini ensures you never miss a patient call, whether you're at a conference or in the operatory. By reducing missed calls 80%, it captures new patient leads and books them directly into your schedule, turning the operational efficiencies you learn about into immediate revenue. Arini's call tracking also helps you track the ROI of your marketing and patient engagement efforts.