Thomas P. Hinman Dental Meeting 2026: Atlanta's Premier Dental Event

The Thomas P. Hinman Dental Meeting is one of the most respected dental conferences in the United States — and the largest in the Southeast. Now in its 113th year, the 2026 edition brings together over 23,000 dental professionals, 71+ speakers, and hundreds of exhibitors at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta for three days of world-class continuing education, hands-on workshops, and cutting-edge technology exhibitions.

Hinman 2026 At a Glance

Dates	March 19-21, 2026 (Thursday–Saturday)
Location	Georgia World Congress Center, Atlanta, GA
Attendance	23,000+ dental professionals
Speakers	71+ nationally and internationally renowned
CE Credits	Varies by course — 1-8 CE hours per session
Registration	Register at prereg.net (opened Dec 9, 2025)
Website	hinman.org
Organized by	Hinman Dental Society (~800 member dentists)

What Makes Hinman Unique

Unlike many dental conferences run by state associations, Hinman is organized by a society of ~800 member dentists who personally host over 23,000 attendees. This creates a uniquely collegial atmosphere — it feels more like a professional community gathering than a trade show. The quality of CE programming reflects this: Hinman consistently attracts the top speakers in dentistry, and courses are curated rather than pay-to-play.

Education & CE Credits

Hinman 2026 offers a comprehensive scientific program spanning three days:

• Lecture courses — clinical advancements, emerging technologies, practice management
• Hands-on workshops — limited-enrollment, equipment-provided sessions for practical skill building
• Practice management tracks — staffing, efficiency, technology adoption, patient communication
• Interdisciplinary sessions — cross-specialty collaboration and team-based care approaches

CE credits vary by course (1-8 hours per session). Each attendee is responsible for submitting CE documentation to their licensing body, as requirements differ by state. The full course catalog is available at hinman.org/education-events/courses.

Exhibit Hall

Hinman's exhibit hall is the Southeast's largest dental technology showcase, featuring hundreds of exhibitors displaying the latest in:

• Practice management software and AI solutions
• Digital imaging and CAD/CAM technology
• Dental materials and instruments
• Patient communication and engagement platforms
• Financial and insurance services

Practical Details

• Venue: Georgia World Congress Center, 285 Andrew Young International Blvd NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
• Parking: GWCC parking available; MARTA rail (Dome/GWCC/Philips Arena/CNN Center station) is recommended
• Hotels: Hinman negotiates group rates at nearby hotels — check hinman.org for the official hotel block
• Schedule: Typically 8 AM–5 PM for courses, exhibit hall hours posted closer to the event

Who Should Attend

Hinman is designed for the entire dental team: general dentists, specialists (orthodontists, periodontists, endodontists, oral surgeons), dental hygienists, dental assistants, office managers, and dental students. With 23,000+ attendees from across the Southeast and beyond, it is one of the best networking events in American dentistry.

While You're at Hinman, 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 Atlanta. 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 Hinman 2026 registration cost?

Registration fees vary by attendee type (dentist, hygienist, assistant, student) and timing (early bird vs on-site). Check the official registration page at prereg.net for current pricing. Hinman member dentists typically receive discounted or complimentary registration.

How many CE credits can I earn at Hinman?

CE credits vary by course — individual sessions offer 1-8 CE hours. Over three days, it is possible to earn 15-24 CE credits depending on your course selections. CE requirements differ by state, so verify your state board's requirements before selecting courses.

Is Hinman worth attending for practice managers and office staff?

Yes — Hinman offers dedicated practice management tracks covering staffing, workflow efficiency, technology adoption, patient communication, and revenue cycle management. The exhibit hall also features practice management software vendors, AI solutions, and patient engagement platforms. For office managers evaluating technology, Hinman is one of the best opportunities to see multiple solutions in person.

What AI and technology topics are covered at Hinman 2026?

Hinman's program includes sessions on AI in dental diagnostics, front desk automation, digital workflows, CAD/CAM technology, patient communication platforms, and practice management software. The exhibit hall features AI receptionist solutions, automated scheduling platforms, and digital patient engagement tools. For practices evaluating AI front desk technology, Hinman offers an opportunity to see demos from multiple vendors in one location.