CDA to hold Anaheim meeting May 12-14

Attendees will have the opportunity to learn about the industry’s latest clinical and technological advancements, take advantage of an extensive exhibit hall, where nearly 600 companies will showcase today’s latest products and services at exclusive show-special pricing. In addition, the meeting will offer plenty of opportunities for networking and fun (more on that below). In all, meeting organizers expect 26,000 dental professionals to attend.

The CDA Presents Board of Managers plans meetings 18 months in advance by selecting speakers they have scouted at other national meetings. Their mission is to provide a wide range of continuing education programs to the entire dental team.

Here are some of the highlights of the meeting:

Lasers in dentistry workshop

Among the many educational highlights of the meeting will be a workshop, “The Wonderful World of Lasers in Dentistry,” to be held on Thursday from 8:30 to 11 a.m., and repeating from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. and again from 2:30 to 5 p.m.

Moderated by Dr. Donald J. Coluzzi, this course will use lecture and clinical simulation demonstration methods. Coluzzi will guide participants through basic laser physics, dental laser device description, operating modes, delivery systems and clinical uses for dental lasers.

Participants will then perform a variety of dental laser applications on pig jaws. The course will include clinical simulation of the most-used dental laser procedures.

Participating companies will be available to answer questions.

Digital technology workshop

Another highlighted course is “Digital Dentistry: Systems and Clinical Applications,” to be offered Thursday from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m., and repeating from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m.

Leb by Dr. Dennis J. Fasbinder, the course will challenge current concepts of restorative dental treatment by providing an introduction to alternative digital technology and its clinical application. Digital technology, in the form of chairside CAD/CAM systems, is available to provide ceramic restorations in a single appointment. Innovative digital systems are also available to replace traditional impression materials for transferring tooth preparation geometry and occlusal relationships electronically to the laboratory for the fabrication of high strength ceramic crowns and fixed partial dentures.

The course will offer an extensive opportunity for hands-on experience to explore the clinical workflow of a number of digital systems.

New dental board regulations

The Dental Board of California has recently adopted new Continuing Education (C.E.) regulations. The regulations no longer specify courses as Category I and Category II. The regulations, however, are specific regarding the content type and limits the number of credits for specific content areas. To facilitate California licensed dental professionals in complying with the new regulations, CDA will identify each course’s content as either a “Core” or a “20 percent” course. This is very similar to the previous Category I and II and divides continuing education courses into two categories that are defined as follows:

• Core courses must make up a minimum of 80 percent of the credits in a renewal cycle. These courses include courses that directly enhance the licensee’s knowledge, skill and competence in the provision of service to patients or the community.
• 20 percent courses can make up only 20 percent of the credits in a renewal cycle. These courses include courses considered to be primarily of benefit to the licensee.

Exhibit hall

CDA Presents will feature more than 550 exhibiting companies showcasing the latest in dental technology, products and services. Stay ahead of the curve by exploring the innovative new products being launched in the exhibit hall. The exhibit hall will be open Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

The grand opening of the exhibits will take place Thursday at 9:30 a.m. Exhibit hall hours are Thursday from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.; Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.; and Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Family hours are daily from 9:30 a.m. to noon.

The Spot

Back again this year by popular demand, The Spot is the meeting place to learn, engage and recharge. Located in the exhibit hall near registration, this oasis offers an educational theater providing C.E. credits, cool and new products, and Internet Café and Wi-Fi lounge, and convenient C.E. stations.

CDA Beach Party

Get ready to have a ball at the CDA Presents beach party! Attendees will enjoy tasty fish tacos, sliders, hot dogs, appetizers and other refreshments while grooving to the lively beach tunes of the Beach Toys Band. This entertaining group will have you singing, dancing and reminiscing to the songs of the Beatles and Beach Boys.

Create a team with your colleagues and friends and enjoy a friendly match on the volleyball court, relax in a cabana, or if you prefer, visit one of our surf-side boardwalk games for some amusement.

The party will take place Friday from 7 to 10 p.m. at the Arena Plaza at the Convention Center. The cost is $65 per person.

Disney tickets

No trip to Anaheim would be complete without a visit to a Disney park, and significantly discounted Disneyland Resort theme park tickets are available to attendees during CDA Presents.

These tickets will only be available for purchase online. These tickets are created just for you, and not all are available at the front gates of theme parks. To purchase these tickets, visit cdapresents.com.

Please note that purchase of theme park tickets is separate from CDA Presents registration. Ticket store closes at 9 p.m. PST on Saturday, May 7. All tickets are valid May 8 to 21, 2011.