Michigan's dental community enjoys one of the nation's most robust continuing education landscapes, with numerous events throughout 2026 designed to enhance clinical skills, practice management, and team development. For practices attending these events or implementing new technologies learned at conferences, maintaining seamless patient communication is critical. Arini's AI receptionist ensures your practice never misses a patient call during busy conference seasons, automatically scheduling appointments and answering FAQs while your team is focused on professional development.

Key Takeaways

• 10 major events identified across Michigan in 2026, from Grand Rapids to Detroit to Traverse City
• 50+ CE credit hours available across all verified events
• MDA Annual Session (April 30-May 2) serves as the flagship event with 100+ exhibitors and flexible package pricing
• FREE options for dental students (D3/D4) at multiple Detroit District events
• Strong focus on practice analytics, sleep medicine, and systemic health connections in 2026 programming
• New comprehensive sections on benefits of attendance, Michigan's dental landscape, and ROI maximization strategies

1. MDA Spring Scientific Session 2026

The MDA Spring Scientific Session offers a unique destination learning experience at the Great Wolf Lodge in Traverse City. This March weekend event combines professional development with family-friendly amenities, making it ideal for practitioners seeking work-life balance.

Event Details

• Dates: March 13-15, 2026 (Friday-Sunday)
• Venue: Great Wolf Lodge, 3575 N. Highway 31 S, Traverse City, MI 49684
• Hotel Block: Book by February 11, 2026 using Block Code 2603MDAS

Featured Speakers & Topics

• Hardev Singh, DMD, MS - "Why Is Periodontitis So Difficult to Treat, and How to Incorporate Advanced Treatment"
• Amber Auger, MPH, RDH - "Rx for the Real World™" (Friday 7-10 PM, 3 CE credits)
• Amber Auger, MPH, RDH - "Glucose, Gut and Gums" (Saturday 8-11 AM, 3 CE credits)
• Patrick Houlihan, DDS - "Practice Success through Analytics" (Saturday 7:30-10:30 AM)

Pricing

• Weekend Pass: $259 (MDA DDS members), $179 (staff/retired), $359 (non-members)
• Individual Day: $129/$99/$179
• Cancellation Policy: 72-hour notice required; $25 admin fee

Target Audience

Dentists, dental hygienists, dental assistants, and dental team members across all specialties, with particular focus on evidence-based practice and systemic health connections.

2. MDA Annual Session 2026

The MDA Annual Session represents Michigan's premier dental convention, transforming DeVos Place in Grand Rapids into a hub of innovation, education, and networking for three days in late April and early May.

Event Details

• Dates: April 30 - May 2, 2026 (Thursday-Saturday)
• Venue: DeVos Place Convention Center, 303 Monroe Ave. NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503
• Theme: "Brewing Up Big Ideas"

Daily Schedule Highlights

Thursday, April 30:

• Courses: 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
• Exhibits: Noon - 6:00 PM
• Keynote: Zonya Foco, RDN - "From Burnout to Brilliance: Health, Energy & Resilience for Dental Teams" 

Friday, May 1:

• Courses: 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
• Exhibits: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
• Keynote: Sam Goodwin - "Winning through Uncertainty" (11:30 AM - 12:15 PM)
• New Dentist Network Lounge: 4:30 - 6:00 PM (Dentists only)
• Runway on Tap Social Event: 6:30 - 9:30 PM

Saturday, May 2:

• Courses: 8:00 AM - 12:30 PM
• Keynote: Lindsay Tarpley, Olympic Gold Medalist - "Go for Gold: Teamwork, Toughness, and Tenacity" (8:00-8:45 AM)

Event Features

• Over 100 exhibitors showcasing latest dental technologies and services
• New flexible pricing eliminates cumbersome a la carte course selection
• Hot lunch included Thursday & Friday in Exhibit Hall
• Courses for entire dental team (dentists, hygienists, assistants, office staff)
• ADA CERP recognized with Michigan Board of Dentistry approval

Special Networking Events

• University of Michigan Alumni Luncheon (Friday 12:30-2:00 PM)
• American College of Dentists Breakfast (Friday 7:30 AM)
• International College of Dentists Breakfast (Friday 7:00 AM)
• Pierre Fauchard Academy Luncheon (Saturday Noon-1:00 PM)

3. West Michigan District Dental Society Spring Seminar

The West Michigan District Dental Society continues its tradition of high-quality, cost-effective local programming with a spring seminar at the renowned Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park.

Event Details

• Date: Spring 2026 (exact date TBD)
• Venue: Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park, Grand Rapids, MI
• Service Area: Kent, Ottawa, Ionia, Mecosta, and Montcalm counties

Featured Presentation

• Speaker: Dr. Susan Maples
• Topic: "Breathe Well and Sleep Tight: Integrating Practices for Sleep-Disordered Breathing and OSA—Cradle to Grave"
• Focus: Comprehensive approach to sleep-disordered breathing from pediatrics to geriatrics

Program Benefits

• ADA CERP recognized continuing education
• Local accessibility reduces travel costs and time away from practice
• Cost-effective pricing for members compared to larger conventions
• Specialized clinical focus on growing area of sleep medicine integration

Organization Commitment

WMDDS remains dedicated to providing relevant, high-quality continuing education that addresses both clinical excellence and practice management needs for West Michigan dental professionals.

4. Detroit District Dental Society Western Branch Meeting

The Detroit District Dental Society maintains strong local engagement through its branch meetings, with the Western Branch offering a focused evening on sleep disorders and interdisciplinary collaboration.

Event Details

• Date: April 15, 2026
• Time: 6:00 PM registration; 6:40 PM dinner; 7:00-9:00 PM program
• Venue: Four Points by Sheraton Detroit Novi, 27000 South Karevich Drive, Novi, MI 48377
• Registration: Eventbrite

Program Features

• Topic: "Sleep Disorders and Dentistry" + Bonus Physical Therapist session
• Speakers: Dr. Rick Nygiel, DDS and Sherry McLaughlin, DPT
• Format: Dinner meeting with interdisciplinary collaboration focus
• CE Credits: 2 hours

Pricing

• Detroit District Members: $70.00
• Dental Students (D3 and D4): FREE with prior RSVP
• Non-Members: $95.00

Contact Information

(313) 337-4900 for questions

Target Audience

Detroit District Dental Society members, dental students, and non-member dentists interested in sleep medicine and interdisciplinary care approaches.

5. Detroit District Dental Society All Branch Dinner Meeting

This comprehensive all-branch meeting brings together the entire Detroit District community for leadership development and team-focused practice improvement.

Event Details

• Date: May 14, 2026
• Venue: Laurel Manor, Livonia, MI
• Registration: Eventbrite
• Schedule: 5:30 PM registration; 6:45 PM dinner; 7:00-9:00 PM educational program

Featured Speaker

• Dr. Louis Kaufman, DDS, FAGD - "BECOME EXTRAORDINARY - How Identifying with both Your Team and Your Patients Drives a Productive Environment and Delivers the Care Patients Want"
• Background: Practicing clinician with Fellowship in the Academy of General Dentistry, specializing in dental implants, comprehensive reconstruction, and cosmetic smile design

Pricing

• MDA Members: $50.00
• Non-member dentists: $75.00
• Dental students (3rd & 4th year): FREE
• Guests: $50.00

CE Credits

2 hours

Format

In-person all-branch dinner meeting with emphasis on team development and patient-centered care.

6. Washtenaw District Dental Society Health & Wellness Meeting

The Washtenaw District focuses on practitioner wellness with a dedicated health and wellness session in January, addressing the critical issue of provider burnout and self-care.

Event Details

• Date: Monday, January 12, 2026
• Time: 6:15-8:45 PM
• Venue: Weber's Inn, Ann Arbor area
• CE Credits: 1.0 CEU

Speaker & Topic

• Susan Brimacombe, MS, ATC - "Health and Wellness of the Dental Practitioner"
• Focus: Physical and mental health strategies for dental professionals

Target Audience

Dental practitioners seeking practical wellness strategies and peer support.

7. Washtenaw District Dental Society Spring Meeting

This spring meeting provides valuable leadership updates and connection to both state and university dental leadership.

Event Details

• Date: Monday, March 9, 2026
• Venue: Weber's Inn, Ann Arbor area
• CE Credits: 1.0 CEU

Program Focus

• "Updates from your MDA President and UMSOD Dean"
• Leadership insights from Michigan Dental Association and University of Michigan School of Dentistry
• Policy and educational direction updates affecting Michigan dental practices

Target Audience

Washtenaw County dental professionals seeking to stay informed about state and academic developments affecting their practice.

8. University of Michigan School of Dentistry Continuing Education Programs

The University of Michigan School of Dentistry offers cutting-edge continuing education programs leveraging its position as one of the nation's top dental schools.

Program Overview

• Location: University of Michigan School of Dentistry, Ann Arbor
• Focus Areas: Periodontal and peri-implant plastic surgery, advanced clinical techniques, research integration

Featured 2026 Events

• Moyers Symposium: March 6-8, 2026 - Focus on orthodontics and craniofacial growth
• Ramfjord Symposium: June 4-7, 2026 - Advanced periodontal and implant techniques

Program Benefits

• Access to cutting-edge research and techniques
• Hands-on workshops with expert faculty
• Academic prestige and evidence-based approaches
• Statewide and national accessibility

9. School of Dentistry Research Day 2026

U-M's annual Research Day showcases the latest dental research and provides networking opportunities between researchers, clinicians, and students.

Event Details

• Date: February 11, 2026
• Venue: Michigan League - Second Floor, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
• Organizer: Office of Research, School of Dentistry
• Format: In-person research presentations

Featured Speaker

Dr. Ophir Klein

Target Audience

Dental researchers, faculty, students, and practitioners interested in research applications.

10. Detroit District Scientific Education Committee Meeting

This virtual planning meeting ensures the Detroit District's educational programming remains relevant and high-quality.

Event Details

• Date: March 2, 2026
• Time: 7:00-8:00 PM
• Format: Zoom Meeting (virtual)
• Organization: Detroit District Dental Society
• Contact: Marcy Dwyer - (313) 337-4900

Purpose

Committee planning meeting for scientific education programs

Attendance

Committee members (Zoom link sent to members)

Benefits of Attending Dental Conferences

Continuing education events offer measurable benefits beyond meeting licensure requirements. According to the American Dental Association's CERP program, structured CE activities improve clinical outcomes and practice efficiency.

Clinical Excellence

• Evidence-based updates on evolving treatment protocols and materials
• Hands-on learning with new technologies before implementation
• Specialty insights from leading practitioners and researchers
• Reduced clinical errors through exposure to best practices

Practice Growth

Research published in the Journal of Dental Education demonstrates that practitioners who engage in regular CE show higher patient satisfaction scores and practice profitability. Key benefits include:

• Revenue enhancement through expanded service offerings
• Competitive differentiation in local markets
• Team development when staff attend together
• Operational efficiency from practice management insights

Professional Network

• Referral relationships with specialists and peers
• Vendor connections for favorable pricing and support
• Mentorship opportunities especially for new dentists
• Leadership pathways through society involvement

Regulatory Compliance

The Michigan Board of Dentistry requires continuing education for license renewal. Strategic conference attendance efficiently meets these requirements while maximizing professional value.

Michigan's Dental Education Landscape

Michigan's robust continuing education ecosystem reflects the state's commitment to dental healthcare excellence and innovation.

Strong Academic Foundation

With the University of Michigan School of Dentistry consistently ranked among the nation's top dental schools, Michigan benefits from research translation into clinical practice. The school's continuing education programs bring cutting-edge techniques directly to practicing dentists statewide.

Geographic Distribution

Events span from Traverse City in the north to Detroit in the southeast, ensuring accessibility for Michigan's approximately 6,000 licensed dentists. This distribution reduces travel burdens and supports local dental communities.

Focus on Systemic Health

The 2026 programming reflects national trends connecting oral health to overall wellness. According to CDC oral health data, systemic conditions like diabetes and cardiovascular disease have significant oral manifestations, making integrated care education increasingly critical.

Support for New Dentists

Multiple events offer free or reduced admission for dental students and recent graduates, addressing the unique challenges of practice establishment and student debt burden.

Maximizing Your Conference ROI

Strategic Selection

Choose events aligned with practice goals:

• Clinical expansion: Technique-focused workshops (MDA Spring Session, U-M specialized programs)
• Practice management: Leadership tracks (MDA Annual Session keynotes)
• Team development: Multi-staff attendance options (Detroit District All-Branch Meeting)
• Networking: Large-format conventions with social events (MDA Annual Session)

Pre-Event Planning

• Review course catalogs in advance to prioritize sessions
• Schedule vendor appointments at large exhibitions
• Coordinate team coverage to minimize practice disruption
• Set learning objectives for measurable outcomes

Technology Integration

For practices attending these events or implementing new technologies learned at conferences, Arini's scheduling platform ensures seamless operations during these periods, automatically handling routine calls and booking appointments directly into your practice management system.

Post-Event Implementation

• Team debriefs to share learnings across staff
• 90-day implementation plans for new techniques or technologies
• ROI tracking of new services or efficiency gains
• Follow-up networking with connections made at events

Practices implementing new technologies learned at conferences can leverage Arini case study examples to seamlessly incorporate AI receptionist capabilities into their updated workflows.

Strategic Considerations for Dental Practices

Managing Practice Operations During Events

Dental practices sending team members to these events face potential staffing challenges and increased call volume from patients seeking appointments. Arini's AI platform ensures seamless operations during these periods, automatically handling routine calls and booking appointments directly into your practice management system.

Technology Implementation Post-Events

Many 2026 events emphasize practice analytics, team communication, and technology integration. The analytics and notifications module can help track ROI from new patient appointments generated during and after team members attend these educational events.

Continuing Education Strategy

Michigan's diverse event calendar allows practices to create comprehensive CE strategies covering clinical skills, practice management, and team development. When team members attend events and build new referral relationships, Arini's 24/7 availability ensures you never miss follow-up calls from prospective patients, with proven revenue results showing $56K+ in new appointments within 30 days.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I find dental events in Michigan for 2026?

The Michigan Dental Association website serves as the primary resource for statewide events, while district society websites (Detroit, West Michigan, Washtenaw) provide local programming details. The MDA Annual Session offers the most comprehensive single-event experience.

Are there free CE credits available for Michigan dentists in 2026?

While most events require registration fees, dental students (D3 and D4) receive FREE admission to multiple Detroit District Dental Society events. Additionally, the Detroit District is expanding its webinar offerings based on member feedback, which may provide more accessible CE options.

What are the benefits of regional dental study clubs in Michigan?

Regional events like those from the West Michigan District Dental Society and Washtenaw District Dental Society offer cost-effective, locally accessible continuing education with reduced travel time and expenses. These events often focus on region-specific issues and provide strong peer networking opportunities within your local professional community.

How can my dental practice improve efficiency with conference technologies?

Events like the MDA Annual Session showcase the latest practice management technologies, including AI solutions like Arini's AI receptionist. These technologies can automate routine tasks like call answering and appointment scheduling, allowing your team to focus on implementing new clinical techniques learned at conferences while maintaining excellent patient communication.

How can AI technology help practices capitalize on networking event opportunities?

When team members attend events and build new referral relationships, Arini ensures you never miss follow-up calls from prospective patients. The platform's 24/7 availability and automatic appointment scheduling convert networking opportunities into booked appointments, with case studies showing significant revenue impact within the first 30 days of implementation.