Maryland's dental professionals have an exceptional array of continuing education, networking, and professional development opportunities in 2026. From the oceanfront grandeur of the Chesapeake Dental Conference to specialized workshops at MSDA headquarters, the state offers comprehensive options to meet licensure requirements and advance clinical skills. For practices attending these events, maintaining patient communication is critical—Arini's AI receptionist platform ensures you never miss a call while you're learning, answering 100% of inbound calls 24/7 and booking appointments directly into your practice management system.

Key Takeaways

• Maryland hosts 8 major dental events in 2026, spanning all regions from Ocean City to National Harbor
• The Chesapeake Dental Conference (September 18-20) and RDH Under One Roof (July 16-18) are the state's premier multi-day events
• Maryland State Dental Association (MSDA) serves as the central hub for most continuing education, reachable at (410) 964-2880
• CE requirements include mandatory infection control and opioid prescribing courses, available through MSDA's continuing education series
• Early registration is essential for popular events, with some like the ASDA District 3 Annual Meeting already sold out
• The Maryland Board of Dental Examiners requires 30 CE hours every 2 years for license renewal, including specific mandatory courses

1. ASDA District 3's Annual Meeting 2026

ASDA District 3's Annual Meeting offers dental students from Maryland, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware an unparalleled networking and educational experience. Held at the Baltimore Marriott Inner Harbor at Camden Yards from January 30 to February 1, 2026, this event sold out months in advance with registration closing on December 31, 2025.

Event Highlights

• Theme: "Anchoring the Future: Diving Deep Into Dentistry"
• Two sponsored social events on Friday and Saturday nights
• All meals included (Saturday breakfast, lunch, and dinner)
• Awards reception and exclusive merchandise
• Comprehensive introduction to organized dentistry

Educational Focus

• Career path exploration across dental specialties
• Leadership development within organized dentistry
• Professional networking with peers from District 3 schools
• Presentations on emerging trends in dental education

Registration Details

• Cost: $215 (includes 2-night hotel stay)
• Status: SOLD OUT for 2026
• Contact: Natalie Wang or Katie Roeder 

This event represents the future of Maryland's dental community, where tomorrow's practice owners build relationships that will shape their careers. For these emerging professionals, understanding practice efficiency from day one is crucial—solutions like Arini's workflow customization can help new practitioners establish efficient operations from the start.

2. MSDA Dentist Day 2026

MSDA Dentist Day on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, at the Governor Calvert House in Annapolis provides Maryland dentists with critical advocacy training and legislative engagement opportunities. Running from 7:00 AM to 2:00 PM, this event focuses on the political aspects of dental practice that directly impact daily operations.

Advocacy Components

• Training on effective legislative communication
• Updates on Maryland dental policy issues
• Potential meetings with state legislators
• Comprehensive advocacy handbook provided

Strategic Importance

• Understanding regulatory changes affecting practice management
• Building relationships with elected officials
• Staying informed about insurance and reimbursement policies
• Networking with colleagues on policy challenges

Registration Information

• Opens soon via the MSDA website
• Contact: (410) 964-2880 
• Location: Governor Calvert House, Annapolis, MD

For practices attending Dentist Day, maintaining patient communication during daytime hours is essential. Arini's call answering system ensures that advocacy efforts don't come at the cost of missed patient calls, handling routine scheduling and questions while you're at the state capital.

3. Maryland AGD Participation Series - Spring Programs

The Maryland AGD Participation Series offers two intensive spring programs on April 17-18, 2026, at the Maritime Conference Center in Linthicum. These MasterTrack-eligible courses provide advanced clinical training for general dentists seeking to expand their skill sets.

Program 1: Advanced Composite Restorations

• Instructor: John Gammichia, DMD, FAGD
• CE Credits: 8 or 16 Lecture/Participation
• AGD Code: 200 Orofacial Pain
• Focus: Complex multi-cusp composite restorations with enhanced durability and aesthetics

Program 2: Dental Sleep Medicine

• Course: "Dental Sleep Medicine: Clinical Screening & Oral Appliance Therapy"
• Instructor: Sylvan Mintz, DDS
• CE Credits: 8 or 16 Lecture/Participation
• AGD Code: 730 - Oral Medicine, Oral Diagnosis, Oral Pathology
• Focus: Sleep-disordered breathing screening, obstructive sleep apnea management, and oral appliance therapy

Practical Applications

• Real-world private practice implementation strategies
• Physician collaboration protocols for sleep medicine
• Advanced clinical techniques for restorative excellence
• Hands-on training components for immediate application

Registration

Visit maryland-agd.org for complete details and enrollment. These intensive programs require significant time investment, making Arini's patient communication tools invaluable for handling routine patient inquiries during weekend training.

4. RDH Under One Roof 2026

RDH Under One Roof 2026 represents the premier dental hygiene conference in the nation, held July 16-18, 2026, at the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center in National Harbor. This three-day event attracts hygienists from across the country for comprehensive education and networking.

Event Features

• Nationally recognized speakers and educators
• Extensive exhibit floor with latest products and equipment
• Multiple educational tracks and presentations
• Professional networking opportunities
• Social events and receptions

Complementary Program: RDH Evolution 2026

• Dates: July 13-15, 2026 (pre-conference intensive)
• Early Bird Price: $419 (if registered by May 31, 2026)
• Focus: Professional development, goal setting, clinical expansion, and speaking skills
• Limited seating with intensive, personalized instruction

Strategic Value for Hygienists

• Expanding clinical skills and practice roles
• Learning about new technologies and products
• Building professional networks across the industry
• Professional development opportunities including publishing and speaking

Registration Options

For practices sending their hygienist team to this major event, Arini's analytics dashboard provides real-time insights into call volume and appointment booking, ensuring practice performance remains strong during team absences.

5. Chesapeake Dental Conference 2026

The Chesapeake Dental Conference 2026 stands as Maryland's largest dental event, running September 18-20, 2026, at The Princess Royale Oceanfront Resort in Ocean City. Organized by the Maryland State Dental Association, this conference expects 1,000-2,000 attendees and offers up to 80 hours of continuing education credits.

Comprehensive Offerings

• Nationally known speakers across all dental disciplines
• Extensive exhibit hall with 37-92+ exhibitors
• Multiple educational tracks for all team members
• Oceanfront resort setting with family amenities
• Networking events and social gatherings

Past Exhibitors Include

• Mediloupes
• DDSmatch Transitions
• Pulpdent
• MSDA Member Perks Endorsed Vendors

Charitable Components

• Silent Auction benefiting the MSDA Foundation
• Wall of Wine fundraiser
• Support for charitable dental care and oral health education for underserved Maryland populations

Venue Amenities

• Maryland's largest oceanfront resort
• Four-story tropical atrium
• Indoor pool and arcade
• Award-winning spa
• Sandy beaches and Atlantic Ocean access

Registration

Opens Spring 2026 via msda.com. For practices attending this major conference, maintaining patient communication is critical—Arini's AI receptionist platform ensures continuous coverage, converting missed calls into booked appointments even while you're networking at the oceanfront.

6. Maryland AGD Speaker Series 2026

The Maryland AGD Speaker Series provides consistent, high-quality continuing education throughout 2026 with sessions on January 23, May 1, and December 4 at the Maritime Conference Center in Linthicum.

January 23, 2026: AI in Restorative Dentistry

• Course: "Application of AI in Restorative Dentistry"
• Instructor: Tony Tomaro, DDS
• CE Credits: 7 Lecture
• AGD Code: 250 Operative (Restorative) Dentistry
• Topics: AI fundamentals, current applications, and future implications for patient care

May 1, 2026: Team-Based Orthodontics

• Course: "Comprehensive Practice Integration: Team-Based Orthodontic Solutions for the General Practice"
• Instructors: Craig Hewitt, DDS & Dee Holloman, CDA
• CE Credits: 7 Lecture
• AGD Code: 370 Orthodontics
• Topics: Clear aligner integration, team training, patient communication, and workflow optimization

December 4, 2026: Modern Restorative Dentistry

• Course: "Mastering Modern Restorative & Aesthetic Dentistry: Digital Design, Occlusal Precision, & Undetectable Composite Restorations"
• Instructor: Joyce Bassett, DDS
• CE Credits: 7 Lecture
• AGD Code: 610 Fixed Prosthodontics
• Topics: Digital design, veneers, crowns, implants, occlusion management, and composite techniques

Registration Fees

• MAGD Members
  
  • Full Series: $550
  • Single Seminar: $199
    
• Staff
  
  • Full Series: $150
  • Single Seminar: $60
    
• Non-Members
  
  • Full Series: $900
  • Single Seminar: $325
    
• Students
  
  • Full Series: FREE
  • Single Seminar: FREE

The January session on AI in dentistry directly aligns with Arini's mission of leveraging artificial intelligence to improve dental practice efficiency. While the course focuses on clinical AI applications, practices can extend AI benefits to administrative functions through Arini's HIPAA-compliant voice AI for patient communication.

7. MSDA Continuing Education Course Series 2026

The MSDA Continuing Education Course Series provides essential licensure-compliant training throughout 2026 at MSDA Headquarters in Columbia, MD. As an ADA CERP Recognized Provider (May 2024 - June 2028) and AGD Fellowship/Mastership/LLSR accepted provider (ID: #219250), MSDA offers the mandatory courses required for Maryland dental license renewal.

Required Maryland Courses

• Infection Control in the Era of Emerging/Re-emerging Disease(s) - 3 CE
• Proper Pharmacologic Prescribing and Disposal - 2 CE (Maryland requirement)
• CPR/BLS Certification (required but not CEU-eligible)

According to the Maryland Board of Dental Examiners, dentists must complete 30 CE hours every 2 years, including these mandatory courses. The CDC provides guidelines on infection control standards that inform these required courses.

Scheduled 2026 Courses

CPR Renewal: Saturday, March 21, 2026 (8:00 AM - 5:00 PM)

• Instructor: Kay Hickman
• Cost: $100 (MSDA members), $200 (non-members), $75 (staff)
• American Heart Association certification card provided

Dental Unit Waterlines: As Simple as 1, 2, 3: Saturday, May 2, 2026

• Two sessions: 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM or 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
• Instructor: Lori Serna Pate, RDH
• CE Credits: 3 hours
• Focus: Infection control compliance for dental water systems

Implant Dentistry Lecture & Hands-On: Saturday, May 9, 2026

• Time: 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
• CE Credits: 7 hours
• Topics: Digital dentistry, single implant restorations, All-on-4 protocol

Registration Information

• Contact: Sarah Beckmann at (410) 964-2880
• Location: 8901 Herrmann Drive, Suite A, Columbia, MD 21045
• Format: In-person, live/virtual webinars, and hybrid options available

For practices managing multiple team members' CE requirements, Arini's notification system can help coordinate coverage schedules, ensuring patient communication remains seamless during staff training periods.

8. Maryland Dental Assistant School Training Programs

The Maryland Dental Assistant School offers comprehensive training programs beginning June 6, 2026, with multiple format options to accommodate working professionals.

Program Options

DENTAL ASSISTANT II - In Person: $4,585.00

• Classroom lectures every other week
• Live instructor instruction
• Registration Fee: $100

DENTAL ASSISTANT II - Hybrid: $3,800.00

• Online coursework combined with in-person clinicals
• Flexible scheduling for working students
• Registration Fee: $100

SPRING SEMESTER - March 7, 2026: Saturdays

• Basic Chairside Dental Assistant
• Radiology (X-Ray) Course
• Prior dental experience required for some courses

Program Requirements

• Employer letter stating current work in dental office (for certain courses)
• Commitment to regular attendance for in-person components
• Registration early to secure spots as classes are filling up

Contact Information

• Phone: 1-888-401-4555
• Website: marylanddentalassistantschool.com
• Status: Classes filling quickly for 2026 semesters

For dental practices investing in team development through formal assistant training, maintaining patient communication during extended training periods is essential. Arini's call answering service ensures that staff development doesn't compromise patient service quality.

Benefits of Attending Dental Events in Maryland

Maryland's 2026 dental events offer multifaceted advantages that extend far beyond basic continuing education compliance. Understanding these benefits helps practices maximize their professional development investments and justify the time and resources allocated to conference attendance.

Clinical Excellence and Skill Advancement

Hands-on workshops and participation courses, like the Maryland AGD Spring Programs, provide opportunities to master techniques that can't be learned from textbooks alone. Advanced composite restoration techniques, sleep medicine protocols, and digital dentistry workflows require live instruction and supervised practice. These skills translate directly into expanded service offerings and enhanced patient outcomes, often leading to increased case acceptance and practice revenue.

Regulatory Compliance Made Convenient

The Maryland Department of Health oversees dental licensing requirements that mandate specific continuing education. Maryland's local events make compliance more convenient than traveling out of state, with MSDA's headquarters in Columbia providing central accessibility. The mandatory infection control and opioid prescribing courses required by state law are regularly offered throughout the year, ensuring practitioners can meet deadlines without logistical complications.

Networking and Practice Growth

Multi-day conferences like the Chesapeake Dental Conference and RDH Under One Roof create environments where lasting professional relationships form. These connections often lead to referral networks, practice transition opportunities, specialist collaborations, and peer mentorship. For emerging professionals at events like the ASDA District 3 Annual Meeting, these relationships shape entire careers.

Planning Your 2026 CE Strategy

Strategic planning transforms continuing education from a compliance burden into a practice growth catalyst. Maryland practitioners with a clear CE strategy maximize learning value while minimizing practice disruption.

Creating Your Annual CE Calendar

Begin by identifying mandatory requirements: Maryland requires 30 CE hours every 2 years, including specific courses in infection control and opioid prescribing. Block these essentials first, using MSDA's regularly scheduled sessions at their Columbia headquarters for convenience.

Next, identify clinical skill gaps or new services you want to add. If sleep medicine interests you, the April Maryland AGD program provides comprehensive training. For composite excellence, John Gammichia's course offers immediate practice applications. Hygienists should prioritize RDH Under One Roof for the year's most comprehensive professional development.

Consider practice goals when selecting events. Practices focused on growth might prioritize the Chesapeake Dental Conference's extensive exhibit hall and networking opportunities. Those interested in advocacy should attend MSDA Dentist Day. Student practitioners benefit enormously from ASDA District 3's career exploration focus.

Team Coordination and Coverage

Large multi-day events require careful practice coverage planning. Options include:

• Staggered attendance: Send different team members to different days or sessions
• Temporary coverage: Arrange for substitute hygienists or assistants through staffing agencies
• Reduced scheduling: Block fewer patients during conference days
• AI automation: Implement Arini's AI receptionist to handle calls, schedule appointments, and answer routine questions without human intervention

The last option proves particularly effective for Maryland practices, as Arini's workflow customization integrates with major practice management systems to maintain seamless operations during staff absences.

Maximizing ROI from Conference Attendance

Transform conference attendance from passive consumption to active implementation:

Before the Event:

• Review speaker information and course descriptions to prioritize sessions
• Set specific learning objectives aligned with practice goals
• Prepare questions for speakers and vendors
• Schedule team meetings to discuss implementation plans

During the Event:

• Take detailed notes with immediate action items
• Collect vendor information and pricing for technologies of interest
• Exchange contact information with peers for future collaboration
• Photograph innovative setups or materials for later reference

After the Event:

• Schedule team debriefs within one week while information is fresh
• Create implementation timelines for new techniques or services
• Follow up with vendors for pricing and demonstrations
• Share key takeaways with team members who didn't attend

Budget Planning

Maryland's diverse event pricing accommodates various budgets. Consider:

• MSDA membership: Often pays for itself with CE discounts alone
• Early registration: Can save hundreds on major conferences
• Staff-friendly events: Maryland AGD offers $60 staff seminars versus $199-$325 for dentists
• Local advantages: Maryland residence eliminates travel and lodging costs for most events
• Package deals: RDH Under One Roof and Maryland AGD offer full-series discounts

Budget not just for registration, but also for implementation. A $300 course on sleep medicine provides limited value without the $3,000-$8,000 initial equipment investment. Factor these costs into your CE planning to ensure new skills translate into practice revenue.

Making the Most of Maryland's 2026 Dental Events

Strategic Planning Tips

• Register early for popular events, as the ASDA District 3 Annual Meeting demonstrates with its sold-out status
• Leverage MSDA membership for significant savings (typically 50% off CE courses)
• Coordinate team attendance to minimize practice disruption
• Plan travel and accommodations well in advance for multi-day events like Chesapeake and RDH Under One Roof
• Track CE credits carefully to ensure license renewal compliance

Technology Integration Opportunities

While attending events focused on clinical advancement and practice management, consider how AI solutions like Arini can complement your educational investments. The workflow customization works seamlessly with major practice management systems including OpenDental, Dentrix, EagleSoft, and Denticon, ensuring your front desk efficiency matches your clinical excellence.

Geographic Accessibility

Maryland's events span six regions, with central locations like Columbia and Linthicum offering convenient access via I-95 and BWI Airport proximity. The oceanfront setting of the Chesapeake Conference and the resort amenities of National Harbor's RDH Under One Roof provide both professional development and personal rejuvenation opportunities.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I find a comprehensive calendar of all 2026 dental events in Maryland?

The Maryland State Dental Association (MSDA) serves as the central hub for most dental events in the state. Contact them at (410) 964-2880 or visit msda.com for the most up-to-date calendar. Additional events like RDH Under One Roof can be found at their respective websites.

Are there any specific requirements for earning CE credits at Maryland dental events?

Maryland dentists need 30 CE hours every 2 years for license renewal, including mandatory courses in infection control and opioid prescribing. The MSDA is an ADA CERP Recognized Provider and offers all required courses at their Columbia headquarters. All CE courses must be from approved providers to count toward licensure requirements.

What is the best way to network with other dental professionals at these events?

Multi-day conferences like the Chesapeake Dental Conference and RDH Under One Roof offer the most networking opportunities through social events, exhibit halls, and shared educational sessions. Smaller events like MSDA's continuing education series provide more intimate networking, while advocacy events like Dentist Day facilitate connections with colleagues interested in policy issues.

Can Arini's AI Receptionist integrate with the systems discussed at these professional development events?

Yes, Arini's workflow customization seamlessly integrates with major dental practice management systems including OpenDental, Dentrix, EagleSoft, and Denticon—the same systems frequently discussed at practice management seminars. This ensures that while you're learning about operational efficiency at events, you can implement solutions that work with your existing infrastructure.

Are there events specifically for dental hygienists or dental assistants in Maryland?

Absolutely. RDH Under One Roof in July is specifically designed for dental hygienists and is considered the premier hygienist conference nationally. For dental assistants, the Maryland Dental Assistant School offers formal training programs, while many MSDA events welcome all team members with discounted staff registration rates.