Meeting review: 2018 Hinman meeting in Atlanta

Fred Michmershuizen / DTA

Wed. 28 March 2018

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ATLANTA, Ga., USA: The 106th Thomas P. Hinman Dental Meeting was held March 22 to 24 at the Georgia World Congress Center, which was abuzz with dental practitioners who gathered for a comprehensive educational program, an opportunity to connect with compatriots and plenty of opportunities for socializing.

A large part of the annual tradition at the Hinman meeting is a strong focus on education, and there were plenty of ways for meeting attendees to learn. Opportunities to expand horizons abounded for dentists, hygienists, assistants, lab technicians and dental office staff.

Offerings included lectures, workshops, table clinics, a learning lab and even a special booth in the exhibit hall where attendees could schedule a 20-minute, one-on-one session with an expert in their field of interest.

A lot of the meeting’s excitement could be found in the exhibit hall, where dental practitioners were invited to partake in a wide range of offerings. Many companies showcased new technology designed to advance the quality of care dental practitioners can offer their patients.

One such company was Anutra Medical, which offers innovative local anesthetic delivery with a focus on enhanced efficiency for the practitioner and an improved experience for the patient. To help spread the word on the “science of buffering,” Anutra brought in a number of key opinion leaders. One of them was Dr. John Olmsted, offered a live product demonstration. Other speakers for Anutra included Lois Banta, Shannon Pace and Dr. Damon Adams. In addition, Ryan Vet, vice president of marketing for Anutra, spoke at the New Product Showcase.

Planmeca USA introduced a 3D ULD Certification Program to promote dialogue between patients and their dental practitioners on imaging radiation levels. “A Planmeca ProMax 3D system using ULD (Ultra Low Dose) can drastically reduce patient radiation by up to 77 percent, without a statistical reduction in image quality,” said Brett Hines, president of Planmeca USA, in a company press release announcing the certification program.

Due to attention in the lay press about this issue, the company said, it’s more likely that dental patients, too, may have questions and concerns. To help encourage these conversations about imaging safety, Planmeca is offering the complimentary certification program exclusively for its ProMax 3D ULD-capable systems.

The program includes office display materials, access downloadable digital materials for use on a practice’s website and social media outlets, a searchable database of certified dentists, and more.

Many other companies in Atlanta offered their popular, tried-and-true products and services. Case in point was Atlanta Dental Supply, whose booth was one of the first may saw as they entered the exhibit hall.

Some exhibitors featured promotions tied in with the NCAA basketball tournament, while many other companies offered exciting show specials or giveaways. One such company was Orascoptic, where attendees cud could have their badge scanned for a chance to win an Endeavor Headlight.

Also in the exhibit hall, many companies offered educational presentations right in their booths each day.

Atlanta Hinman Meetings