Get ready for the 146th Midwinter Meeting in Chicago

In 2010, the Midwinter Meeting drew more than 31,000 attendees, including nearly 7,000 dentists.

“Each of the 145 Midwinter Meetings preceding the coming 146th Midwinter Meeting shared one great expectation — the advancement of the art and science of dentistry,” said Ian Elliott, DDS, president of the Chicago Dental Society, organizer of the meeting, in a letter to attendees. “I promise you the 146th will add to the dental continuum of outstanding Midwinter Meetings that made the Chicago Dental Society the respected leader in scientific meetings.”

Dr. Terri Tiersky, general chair, Michael Durbin, program chair, and Al Kleszynski, CDS director of scientific programs, have amassed a scientific program that will address every aspect of the practice of dentistry, Elliott said.

In all, there will be 115 speakers, more than 220 lectures and 40 hands-on participation courses. Approximately 60 percent of the courses are free, and there will be courses for all disciplines and specialties of the profession.

Continuing education

As the respected leader in scientific dental meetings, the Chicago Dental Society offers an array of courses at its Midwinter Meeting designed to meet the continuing education needs of all members of the dental team and enhance the art and science of dentistry.

The Chicago Dental Society is an ADA CERP Recognized Provider. As such, specific continuing education (CE) credit may be awarded for courses presented. CE Certification Stations are located in General Registration. CDS will also have generic forms for documenting course accreditation on counters throughout the General Registration area.

The State of Illinois has instituted mandatory continuing education requirements for dentists and dental hygienists. Illinois dentists are required to obtain 48 CE hours in a three-year period. The current cycle ends in September 2012. Illinois hygienists are required to obtain 36 CE hours in a three-year period and CPR certification in the year of licensure. To verify attendance and obtain CE credits, attendees must record the code number announced at the end of each session on an appropriate form. It is the responsibility of the individual to obtain this code, complete the form and retain all CE documentation.

Since 2004, all courses, including F Courses, are ticketed. Only your registration badge is required to obtain a ticket at the door for admittance to F Courses. Those who request tickets to F Courses during pre-registration will be seated first if they arrive before the published start time of the course. Those without tickets will be seated according to available space. When the room is filled, no more people will be admitted because of fire department regulations. If you have not pre-registered for an F Course, please be pre­pared to select an alternate session to attend.

Hands-on participation courses provide opportunities to handle and manipulate materials, equipment and instruments, and to practice techniques under the supervision of an expert clinician. Participation courses are scheduled for full- or half-day sessions. Some participation courses have a mandatory lecture as part of the presentation (these courses are marked in informational materials with an “M”).

Seats are reserved for those taking the mandatory participation courses; however, as a service to the membership, the remaining seats may be offered without charge or with a ticketed fee. Room capacity is limited and seats are available on a first-come, first-seated basis.

Registration fees vary with each course, depending on the supplies that are necessary, the capacity of the room and the ability of the instructor to give close attention and supervision to the registrants. There is a $15 surcharge for participation courses purchased on site. Some courses require the participant to bring instruments or materials from the office. Please check schedules and tickets carefully for such information.

Exhibit hall

Nearly 600 exhibiting companies will participate in the meeting, creating one of the largest exhibits of dental products and manufacturers in North America. The exhibit hall is the place for oral health professionals to see the latest products and services that will aid them each day and every day in providing the care their patients deserve.

Products and services will be on display from Thursday through Saturday in the West Building, Level 3, Hall F. The hours of the exhibition are 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. each day. Exhibit-only passes are available to ADA dentists, international dentists and non-ADA dentists who wish to visit the exhibit hall only. The pass is only sold on site at McCormick Place. Certain rules apply.

Special events

On Thursday, the Opening Session starts with a reception from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m., featuring refreshments, followed by the awards program and an entertaining performance by comedian John Pinette. Pinette has been entertaining audiences around the world in a variety of ways for over 20 years, but it is making people laugh that John enjoys most of all.

When asked to describe his stand-up, John Pinette said, “I talk about my life, it is the funniest thing I can think of. For some reason, people enjoy seeing me lose my cherub like demeanor.”

Tickets for the Opening Session and reception may be purchased on site Thursday morning at McCormick Place West at the Special Events ticket counter in the Registration Area, Level 3, Concourse, subject to availability.

More good times will come on Friday, starting with “A Touch of Glamour,” the annual fashion show and luncheon at noon at the Hilton & Towers in the Grand Ballroom. ZZAZZ Productions promises another entertaining look into the latest in fashion featuring a variety of beautiful clothing from a number of Chicago’s outstanding stores.

Also on Friday, an evening of entertainment will be offered beginning 8 p.m. at the Park West featuring Dennis DeYoung, a founding member of the famous Chicago rock group Styx.

For over four decades, DeYoung has been a singer, songwriter, keyboardist and record producer. He wrote and sang several classics, including “Lady,” “Come Sail Away,” “Best of Times,” “Mr. Roboto,” “Show Me the Way,” “Desert Moon,” “Don’t Let It End” and the 1979 Peoples Choice Award winner, “Babe.” His singing talents have made his voice one of the most recognizable in the world. DeYoung has recorded seven solo albums, including Desert Moon, whose title track achieved Top Ten status. DeYoung continues to tour with his rock band around the world.

The meeting will end on a high note on Saturday at the President’s Dinner Dance, honoring Dr. Ian Elliott and his wife, Jan. It will be an evening of fine dining and dancing to remember. The Chicago Hilton & Towers will provide exquisite cuisine, and High Society Orchestra will provide the music to dance the night away.

Midwinter Meeting awards

Dr. Jeff Brucia is the 2011 recipient of the Gordon J. Christensen Recognition Lecturer Award. Established in 1990, the award acknowledges Christensen’s many outstanding contributions to the dental profession and the Midwinter Meeting. Brucia will receive the Christensen Award during the Opening Session on Thursday, for his many contributions to the profession.

The 2011 Cushing Award winner is State Rep. David Miller (D-29th District). Throughout his more than 20 years of practicing dentistry, Miller has integrated community activities and dental health. In an effort to fulfill that desire of giving back to the community, he established a Chicago dental office to treat an underserved population — children, who are the majority of his patients. He has taken part, advised and created on-site dental screening programs in the metropolitan Chicago area to benefit children. Miller is in private practice in Dolton, Ill.

(Source: Chicago Dental Society)