American Dental Association - SMILECON 2026
Event Date
October 8–10, 2026
Location
Indianapolis, IN
About This Show
AI-drafted summaryThe ADA 2026 Scientific Session — formerly known as SmileCon — is the American Dental Association's annual meeting. The ADA 2026 Scientific Session, formerly known as SmileCon, will be held Oct. 8-10, 2026 in Indianapolis. The event brings the dental community together for evidence-based continuing education, hands-on learning and professional networking at the Indiana Convention Center.
Attendees are invited to advance their clinical expertise through evidence-based learning and meaningful connection. The program is built around science-driven continuing education, an exhibit hall of leading industry suppliers, and a General Session featuring ADA leadership. The ADA 2026 Scientific Session will be held alongside the Indiana Dental Association Center for Excellence program.
The meeting draws dentists, dental team members, students and other dental professionals looking to complete CE, explore new products and connect with peers. It is worth attending for its research-grounded curriculum, hands-on workshops and the chance to network with colleagues across specialties and career stages. Note that 2026 marks the final year of the ADA's annual conference under the SmileCon name, making it a milestone event for the profession.
Show Highlights
Signature features of the ADA 2026 Scientific Session include:
- Evidence-based CE — Presentations, panels and Hands-On Workshops grounded in the latest research and clinical guidelines.
- General Session — Hear from ADA leadership on the state of the Association and what to expect next.
- Exhibit Hall — Explore cutting-edge products, services and solutions from leading industry exhibitors, with an Exhibit Hall Happy Hour on Thursday from 5–6 p.m.
- Hands-On Workshops — Live, skills-based training available via an all-access add-on pass, including specialty courses offered in partnership with AAFE (Botulinum Toxin, Dermal Fillers, TMJ and Gum Builder Training).
- IDA Center for Excellence Program — Held alongside the Scientific Session courtesy of the Indiana Dental Association.
- Changemakers Celebration Reception — A networking event on Friday evening.
- Networking — Happy Hour and social opportunities to connect with colleagues.
Use the online Agenda Builder to explore sessions and plan your schedule in advance.
Registration
Registration is open online through the official ADA registration portal. All passes provide access for the full three-day event, Oct. 8–10.
Pass options and pricing (Advanced / Standard):
- ADA Member Dentist (Conference Pass): $699 advanced / $1,099 standard. Exhibit Hall Only: $0 / $25.
- Nonmember Dentist: $1,049 advanced / $1,649 standard. Exhibit Hall Only: $25 / $50.
- Dental Team: $349 advanced / $549 standard. Exhibit Hall Only: $0 / $25.
- Student: $49 (both). Exhibit Hall Only: $0.
- Other (state/local society staff, non-clinical dental professional): $349 advanced / $549 standard. Exhibit Hall Only: $0 / $25.
- Guest / Child: Exhibit Hall Only, $0 advanced / $25 standard.
Advanced pricing is available before Sept. 28 at 5 p.m. ADA member early-career dentists (1–5 years out of dental school) receive 50% off the Conference Pass.
Add-ons and discounts: A $1,350 all-access Hands-On Workshop add-on unlocks all live workshops (some exclusions apply). A Dental Practice Group Discount offers $50–$150 off per pass when registering three or more from the same practice.
Badges: All badges are picked up onsite at the Indiana Convention Center, Level 1, in the Crossroads Hallway outside Hall D. Attendee registration opens Wednesday, Oct. 7.
Cancellation: Full refunds (less a $50 processing fee) require written requests to ADA@maritz.com by Sept. 18, 2026 at 5 p.m. CT; no refunds are granted after that date.
History
The event is the American Dental Association's annual scientific session, historically the profession's flagship national meeting. In recent years it was branded "SmileCon," and for 2026 it has been renamed the ADA Scientific Session. The American Dental Association's annual SmileCon will hold its final event in October. After careful consideration, the ADA has decided to sunset the conference in 2026, according to a statement. While SmileCon received positive feedback from attendees and saw a growing percentage of repeat participants each year, attendance never rebounded to pre-COVID-19 levels. The rising costs associated with holding events were also a factor in the ADA's decision. The ADA is required by its governance manual to hold an annual scientific session, and the Association has said it is exploring new meeting formats and programs for the future.
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where is the ADA 2026 Scientific Session (SmileCon)?
The event takes place October 8–10, 2026, at the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis, Indiana. It was formerly known as SmileCon and is now called the ADA Scientific Session.
Who should attend the ADA 2026 Scientific Session?
The meeting is designed for dentists, dental team members, dental students and other dental professionals. It offers evidence-based continuing education, hands-on workshops, an exhibit hall and networking opportunities across specialties and career stages.
How do I register and what does it cost?
Registration is open online through the official ADA portal, with all passes providing full three-day access. Conference Pass pricing ranges from $49 for students to $699 for ADA member dentists and $1,049 for nonmember dentists at advanced rates, with advanced pricing available before September 28 at 5 p.m. Exhibit Hall Only passes are also available, many at no cost.
What is included in a Conference Pass?
The Conference Pass includes CE presentations and panels, the Exhibit Hall, the General Session and Happy Hour. Hands-on workshops can be added via a separate all-access add-on pass for $1,350, with some course exclusions.
Is 2026 really the last ADA SmileCon?
Yes. The ADA has decided to sunset the SmileCon conference in 2026, making the October event its final edition under that model. The ADA is required to hold an annual scientific session and has said it is exploring new meeting formats for the future.
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