Chicago Dental Society Midwinter Meeting 2026: The Midwest's Premier Dental Event

The Chicago Dental Society Midwinter Meeting is one of the oldest and most respected dental conferences in the United States — and the flagship dental event of the Midwest. The 2026 edition, held February 19-21 at McCormick Place West in Chicago, marked the 161st year of the meeting and welcomed roughly 25,000 dental professionals from across the country and around the world for three days of continuing education, hands-on workshops, and one of the largest dental exhibit halls anywhere.

CDS Midwinter Meeting 2026 At a Glance

Dates	February 19-21, 2026 (Thursday–Saturday)
Location	McCormick Place West Building, Chicago, IL
Attendance	Approximately 25,000 dental professionals
Courses	250+ CE-accredited courses, including 45 hands-on workshops and 26 free courses
Exhibitors	400+ exhibiting companies, including 35+ first-time exhibitors
CE Credits	Varies by course; CDS is an ADA CERP recognized provider
Registration	Register via cds.org (online registration opened November 3, 2025)
Website	cds.org/2026-midwinter-meeting
Organized by	Chicago Dental Society

What Makes the CDS Midwinter Meeting Unique

The Midwinter Meeting has been a fixture of American dentistry for well over a century, and that longevity shows in the depth and breadth of its programming. With 250+ CE-accredited courses packed into three days, it is one of the most comprehensive scientific programs in the profession — covering every specialty from restorative and endodontics to periodontics, oral surgery, pediatric dentistry, and practice management. The Chicago Dental Society, which organizes the meeting, is one of the oldest dental societies in the country, and CDS member dentists receive complimentary registration. ADA members from outside the CDS tri-county area can also attend free by becoming CDS Associate Members, making the meeting exceptional value for the entire region.

Education & CE Credits

The 2026 scientific program offered more than 250 CE-accredited courses across a full range of formats:

• Lecture courses — clinical updates, emerging technology, and practice management taught by nationally recognized speakers
• Hands-on workshops — 45 interactive, limited-enrollment sessions with equipment provided for practical skill building
• Free courses — 26 complimentary sessions included with registration
• Team and front-office tracks — programming for hygienists, assistants, and office managers

CE credit varies by course. The Chicago Dental Society is an ADA CERP recognized continuing education provider. Each attendee is responsible for submitting CE documentation to their state licensing body, as requirements differ by state. The full course catalog is available at cds.org.

Exhibit Hall

The Midwinter Meeting exhibit hall is one of the largest dental technology showcases in the United States, with more than 400 exhibiting companies — including over 35 first-time exhibitors — filling McCormick Place West. Attendees can explore:

• Practice management software and AI-powered front-office solutions
• Digital imaging, intraoral scanners, and CAD/CAM technology
• Dental materials, instruments, and equipment
• Patient communication and engagement platforms
• Financial, insurance, and practice services

Practical Details

• Venue: McCormick Place West Building, 2301 S. King Drive, Chicago, IL 60616 (entrance address commonly listed as 2317 S. Indiana Ave)
• Parking & transit: McCormick Place offers on-site parking; the CTA Green Line and Metra Electric District line both serve the campus, and shuttle service typically runs from official hotels
• Hotels: CDS negotiates group rates at downtown Chicago hotels; the hotel block opened November 1, 2025 — check cds.org for the official block
• Schedule: Courses run Thursday through Saturday; on-site registration opens Wednesday, Feb 18, with the exhibit hall and education program running Feb 19-21

Who Should Attend

The Midwinter Meeting is built for the entire dental team: general dentists, specialists (orthodontists, periodontists, endodontists, oral surgeons, pediatric dentists), dental hygienists, dental assistants, office managers, and dental students. With roughly 25,000 attendees from across the Midwest, the country, and internationally, it is one of the best networking and continuing education opportunities in American dentistry.

While You're at the Midwinter Meeting, Who's Answering Your Phones?

Three days at a conference means three days away from the practice. Your patients don't stop calling because you're in Chicago. In fact, dental practices miss 30-38% of calls even on normal business days — during a conference, the miss rate climbs higher as key staff attend sessions and walk the exhibit hall.

This is where AI front desk technology changes the equation. An AI receptionist answers every call 24/7, books appointments directly into your PMS (Dentrix, EagleSoft, OpenDental), handles patient questions, and sends you a summary — all while you're earning CE credits. Your practice stays productive even when you're not in the office.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does CDS Midwinter Meeting 2026 registration cost?

Registration fees vary by attendee type and timing. CDS member dentists receive complimentary registration, and ADA members from outside the CDS tri-county area can attend free by becoming CDS Associate Members. Most courses and the exhibit hall are included with registration, while some hands-on workshops and special events carry an additional fee. Check the official meeting page at cds.org for current pricing.

How many CE credits can I earn at the Midwinter Meeting?

CE credit varies by course, and with 250+ CE-accredited courses available over three days, attendees can build a substantial schedule. The Chicago Dental Society is an ADA CERP recognized provider. CE requirements differ by state, so verify your state board's requirements before selecting courses.

Is the Midwinter Meeting worth attending for practice managers and office staff?

Yes — the program includes dedicated tracks for hygienists, assistants, and office managers covering workflow efficiency, technology adoption, patient communication, and practice operations. With 26 free courses and an exhibit hall of 400+ vendors showcasing practice management software and AI front-office tools, it is one of the best opportunities for office staff to learn and evaluate technology in person.

What AI and technology topics are covered at the CDS Midwinter Meeting 2026?

The program features sessions on AI in dental diagnostics, digital workflows, intraoral scanning, CAD/CAM, front desk automation, and practice management software. The exhibit hall showcases AI receptionist solutions, automated scheduling platforms, and patient engagement tools. For practices evaluating AI front desk technology, the Midwinter Meeting offers a chance to compare demos from many vendors in one location.