NDA | National Dental Association 2026 in Richmond, VA

NDA | National Dental Association 2026

July 16–19, 2026
Richmond, VA

Event Date

July 16–19, 2026

Location

Richmond, VA

About This Show

AI-drafted summary

The NDA Annual Convention is the yearly gathering of the National Dental Association, held in 2026 as the organization's 113th convention. The NDA describes itself as the most significant dental organization representing dentists, dental students, dental hygienists, and dental assistants of African descent nationally and internationally, and its mission centers on advancing oral health equity in Black and underserved communities.

The convention brings together dental professionals, advocates, students, and industry stakeholders to exchange knowledge, collaborate, and develop solutions to close the oral health gap. Attendees can earn continuing education (CE) credits across a broad clinical and practice-management program covering topics such as digital restorative dentistry, endodontics, peri-implant care, AI in radiology, anesthesia safety, tax and asset-protection strategy, and health equity.

The 2026 program, themed "Architects of Change," also convenes the NDA's family organizations — including the National Dental Hygienists' Association (NDHA), the National Dental Assistants Association (NDAA), and the Auxiliary to the NDA (ANDA) — alongside plenaries, symposia, an exhibit hall, alumni receptions, awards luncheons, and the President's Gala. It is a strong fit for practitioners, educators, residents, and students seeking clinical education, mentorship, advocacy, and national networking.

Show Highlights

The 2026 convention theme is "Architects of Change." Signature program elements include:

  • Opening Plenary and President's Welcome Reception on Thursday evening, marking the Exhibit Hall Grand Opening.
  • Legislative and Social Justice Breakfast featuring former Richmond Mayor Levar Stoney and Congresswoman Jennifer McClellan.
  • Dr. Jeanne C. Sinkford Faculty Forum and Awards Luncheon, plus the President's Symposium bringing together deans and family-organization leaders.
  • Women's Health Symposium and Awards Luncheon with keynote Dr. Uche Blackstock.
  • Clinical CE sessions on digital restorative and prosthodontic treatment, endodontics (CBCT/AI), lasers in peri-implant treatment, dental anesthesia safety, AI in radiographs, and pain management beyond opioids.
  • Global Oral Health Symposium, poster competition, and a School Recruitment Fair.
  • Social and cultural events including a Family Organizations Mixer, alumni receptions, the President's Gala, a golf tournament, morning workouts, and a "Blk and Local Marketplace" spotlighting Richmond's Black-owned businesses.

Registration

Registration is handled online through the NDA's registration portal (genevent.kleerreg.com/nda26.html). Convention registration fees for the 2026 event are:

  • Member: $900 before June 15, 2026; $1,000 onsite/after June 15
  • New Dentist (less than 5 years): $600 before June 15; $800 onsite/after June 15
  • Non-Member: $1,050 before June 15; $1,200 onsite/after June 15
  • Resident / New Grad: $375 before June 15; $450 onsite/after June 15

Select ticketed events carry separate fees, including the Legislative & Social Justice Breakfast (free for members, $75 non-members), the Women's Health Symposium ($150 before June 15, $175 after), the President's Gala (free for members, $200 non-members), and the Golf Tournament ($250). Registration cancellations must be submitted in writing to registration@ndaonline.org no later than June 19, 2026; a $100 administrative fee applies to approved refunds, and cancellations after that date or no-shows are non-refundable. NDA family organizations (NDHA, NDAA, ANDA) register separately through their own links.

History

The 2026 event marks the National Dental Association's 113th convention, reflecting a long history as the organization's flagship annual gathering. The NDA represents dentists, dental students, dental hygienists, and dental assistants of African descent nationally and internationally, and is dedicated to advancing oral health equity. The related NDA Foundation was incorporated in 1976 as a 501(c)(3) supporting educational and scientific research and scholarships for African-American and other under-represented students. The convention is held jointly with the NDA's family organizations, and in 2026 the National Dental Assistants Association marks its 62nd convention alongside the NDA.

Visit Official Show Website

Venue & Travel

Venue

Greater Richmond Convention Center

403 North 3rd Street

The Greater Richmond Convention Center is located in downtown Richmond at 403 North 3rd Street. For NDA 2026, event space includes the Grand Ballroom and Grand Ballroom Foyer, the Capitol Ballroom, and numerous breakout rooms (the "B" series such as B10–B18), which host plenaries, CE sessions, luncheons, the exhibit hall, and district caucuses. For all events, attendees enter at the corner of 5th and Marshall Street at either the Ballroom or Exhibit Hall Pavilion depending on the event location. Mobility scooter rentals will be available on-site for attendees who prefer additional mobility support while navigating the convention center and surrounding hotels.

See all shows at this venue

Parking

Parking is available at the convention center, the host hotels, and nearby public lots:

  • GRCC Parking Deck (connected to the venue via the 3rd level; GPS address 351 N. Third St.): $8.00 per entry and $26.00 for overnight parking. The deck has six levels with 401 spaces (including 10 handicapped-accessible), automated entry/exit, and a maximum vehicle height of 7'8" on Level 2. It is generally open 6 AM to 11 PM.
  • Richmond Public Self-Parking – 5th & Marshall Street Lot: $6 (0–1 hr), $12 (1–2 hrs), $18 (2–3 hrs), $22 (3–24 hrs); evening rate $12 (enter after 5:00 PM, exit before 6:00 AM).
  • Host hotel parking: Marriott $41 overnight / $25 daytime; Hilton $51 overnight. Room-block guests were quoted $10 + tax first-come, first-served.

Additional nearby options include the Marriott Parking Deck (entrance at 500 East Broad Street), the 7th and Marshall Streets Deck, and several surface lots on Marshall, Jackson, and Grace Streets. Non-metered street parking is available on 1st, 2nd, Clay, and Marshall Streets and throughout Jackson Ward. Parking rates are subject to change without notice.

Getting There

The nearest airport is Richmond International Airport (RIC), served by both Delta and United with connections from major hubs; the convention center is approximately 15 minutes from the airport by taxi, rideshare, or rental car. The NDA negotiated discounted airfares with Delta (meeting code NY4A8) and United (discount code ZRRH415771). Downtown Richmond is served by the Greater Richmond Transit System (GRTC), including the Pulse Bus Rapid Transit line, and Uber and Lyft operate throughout the city. Amtrak also serves Richmond. Driving directions to the GRCC parking deck are available from I-95 and I-64 via downtown exits.

Nearby Hotels

The NDA secured room blocks at three downtown hotels (all listed as sold out or closed for the block by publication; housing deadline was June 15, 2026):

  • Marriott Downtown Richmond (host hotel) — $199/night; directly across the street from the Convention Center with a connecting walkway.
  • Hilton Richmond Downtown — $189/night; across the street from both the Marriott and the Convention Center.
  • Delta Hotel by Marriott Richmond Downtown — $182/night; approximately 10 minutes from the Convention Center.

All three are in downtown Richmond within close proximity to the venue. Because block rooms sell out, attendees may need to book nearby downtown Richmond hotels independently.

Frequently Asked Questions

When and where is the 2026 NDA Convention?

The 113th National Dental Association Convention takes place July 16–19, 2026, at the Greater Richmond Convention Center, 403 North 3rd Street, Richmond, VA. Some official meetings begin Wednesday, July 15.

Who should attend the NDA Convention?

The convention is designed for dentists, dental students, dental hygienists, and dental assistants — particularly those focused on oral health equity — along with educators, residents, advocates, and industry partners. It also convenes the NDA's family organizations, including NDHA, NDAA, and ANDA.

How much does registration cost and how do I register?

Register online through the NDA portal at genevent.kleerreg.com/nda26.html. Before June 15, 2026, rates are $900 for members, $600 for new dentists (under 5 years), $1,050 for non-members, and $375 for residents/new grads, with higher onsite rates after that date.

What continuing education and sessions are offered?

The program includes CE-accredited clinical and practice-management sessions on topics such as digital restorative dentistry, endodontics, peri-implant lasers, AI in radiographs, anesthesia safety, and pain management, plus plenaries, the Women's Health Symposium, the Sinkford Faculty Forum, and a poster competition. CE credit hours are noted on the published schedule.

Where should I stay and how do I get there?

The NDA arranged room blocks at the Marriott Downtown Richmond (host hotel), Hilton Richmond Downtown, and Delta Hotel by Marriott, all in downtown Richmond, though blocks may be sold out. The nearest airport is Richmond International Airport (RIC), about 15 minutes away, with discounted Delta and United fares available for attendees.

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