CDA Presents is the California Dental Association's premier annual convention — the largest dental meeting on the West Coast. The September 2026 edition in Anaheim brings together 17,000+ dental professionals, 450+ exhibitors, and 130+ speakers for three days of world-class continuing education, hands-on workshops, and the largest dental exhibit hall in California. Registration is free for CDA members.
CDA Presents Anaheim 2026 At a Glance
| Dates | September 10-12, 2026 (Thursday–Saturday) |
| Location | Anaheim Convention Center, 800 W Katella Ave, Anaheim, CA 92802 |
| Attendance | 17,000-18,500 dental professionals |
| Exhibitors | 450+ companies |
| CE Courses | 200+ courses, up to 24 CE units |
| Speakers | 130+ nationally recognized |
| Registration | Register at cda.org — FREE for CDA members |
| Non-member cost | $0–$1,050 (varies by course selection) |
| Website | cda.org |
Why CDA Presents Is the Must-Attend West Coast Event
California has over 30,000 licensed dentists — the largest dental market in the United States. CDA Presents captures this market in one event. Attendance has grown steadily: 15,038 (2022), 17,229 (2023), 17,177 (2024), 18,459 (2025). For dental technology companies and practice owners evaluating new solutions, CDA Presents offers unmatched access to the West Coast dental community.
The event is also uniquely accessible — registration is free for CDA members, removing the cost barrier that limits attendance at other major dental meetings.
Education & CE Credits
CDA Presents offers 200+ continuing education courses with up to 24 CE units available:
- Lecture courses — clinical techniques, practice management, regulatory updates
- Hands-on workshops — limited enrollment, equipment provided for practical skill building
- Practice management tracks — AI adoption, staffing, workflow optimization, patient communication
- Team CE sessions — courses for hygienists, assistants, and front office staff
- Online courses — 180+ additional online CE options for pre- and post-event learning
Exhibit Hall
CDA's exhibit hall features 450+ companies — one of the largest dental exhibit halls in the country:
- AI and front desk automation solutions
- Practice management software and PMS integrations
- Digital imaging, CAD/CAM, and 3D printing technology
- Dental materials, instruments, and equipment
- Patient communication and engagement platforms
- Financial services, practice lending, and insurance partners
View the interactive floor plan and full exhibitor list at cda26.mapyourshow.com.
Practical Details
- Venue: Anaheim Convention Center, 800 W Katella Ave, Anaheim, CA 92802
- Airport: John Wayne Airport (SNA, 15 min) or LAX (45 min)
- Hotels: Disneyland Resort area hotels within walking distance; CDA negotiates group rates
- Parking: Convention center parking available; rideshare recommended
- Contact: CDA at +1 800-232-7645 or contactcda@cda.org
While You're at CDA, Who's Answering Your Phones?
Three days in Anaheim means your front desk is either short-staffed or running on autopilot. California practices already miss 30-38% of inbound calls on normal business days — during a conference, that rate spikes as your best people are walking the exhibit hall instead of answering phones.
An AI receptionist keeps your practice running while you're at CDA. It answers every call 24/7, books directly into your PMS, speaks 24+ languages (critical in California's diverse markets), and handles patient questions with your practice-specific knowledge base. Deploy before you leave for Anaheim and your schedule stays full while you earn CE credits.
Attending CDA Presents 2026?
Set up AI reception before you head to Anaheim — your practice keeps booking while you learn.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is CDA Presents free to attend?
Registration is free for CDA members. Non-member pricing ranges from $0 to $1,050 depending on which CE courses you select. Exhibit hall access is typically included with registration. Early bird registration often includes bonus perks like chances to win free roundtrip flights.
How many CE credits can I earn at CDA Presents?
CDA Presents offers up to 24 CE units across 200+ courses. Options include lectures, hands-on workshops, and team-based sessions. An additional 180+ online courses are available for pre- and post-event CE. California Board of Dental Examiners requires 25 CE units per renewal cycle.
Is CDA Presents worth attending for practice technology evaluation?
With 450+ exhibitors, CDA Presents is the largest dental technology exhibition on the West Coast. You can evaluate AI receptionists, practice management software, digital imaging solutions, and patient communication platforms from multiple vendors in one location. The practice management CE track includes sessions on AI adoption, digital workflows, and technology implementation strategies.
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