We kicked off Sunday evening with the Women in Business Network Reception & Dinner. On Monday morning, the group joined again for a WIBN Breakfast featuring our speaker Regan Walsh, Executive Coach, Author of Heart Boss. Be sure to download Regan’s leadership manual if you haven’t already! The WIBN Breakfast was followed by an art gallery excursion or bike tour.

If you haven't already, be sure to join the DTA WIBN LinkedIn Group and don't forget to register for our upcoming Breakfast and Speaker, powered by the WIBN at the Greater New York Dental Meeting on Monday, December 2nd! Learn more and register.

Later Monday night, the Annual Meeting attendees capped off the evening with the Opening Reception and Dinner along with the DTA Foundation's Cornhole Tournament.

Tuesday Recap

We kicked off our first official day of sessions with a full agenda. The morning featured the SDM Northcoast presentation on preparing for economic shifts in the dental industry, followed by our members honoring veterans and families by packing oral health care supplies during the Veterans Program, and an engaging presentation from our Opening Keynote Speaker, Shawn Kanungo. In the afternoon, attendees had the opportunity to participate in optional activities, including the annual Golf Tournament, the popular “Wine Walk,” and the exclusive Private Wine Cave Dinner Event.

Wednesday Recap

The second day of sessions featured an update on the DTA Foundation, highlighting this year’s significant achievements, including scholarships, grants, and more. We also gained valuable insights from the Polsinelli Health Policy Update and presentations by Brian Beaulieu of ITR Economics and Marko Vujicic from the ADA Health Policy Institute.

The day continued with powerful keynote presentations by Robyn Benincasa and Sekou Andrews. Sekou’s innovative "Poetic Voice" delivery inspired attendees to connect more deeply with their communities, enhance their leadership impact, and unlock new possibilities.

The evening wrapped up with a special Napa-Inspired Dinner, lively entertainment, and the Foundation Auction, followed by a fun bowling “After Party” benefiting the DTA Foundation, all sponsored by Darby Dental.

Day 1 Recap - U.S. Medical Devices

On day one, the focus was on U.S. medical devices with the executive team and the reviewers from the FDA’s Center for Devices and Radiological Health covering a myriad of topical issues including:

• the DICE Program to assist manufacturers
• updates on current 510(k) submissions
• 3–D Printing discussions around custom made 3–D printed medical devices
• the e–Star program to accelerate 510(k) submission approvals
• software issues and when is a medical device software – a stand alone device that needs 510(k) approval and other functions of medical device software
• cybersecurity updates with new FDA links to assist manufacturers so they can avoid any malicious cyber attacks.
  

Day 2 Recap - International Activities

Sunday-Monday

We kicked off Sunday evening with the Women in Business Network Reception & Dinner. On Monday morning, the group joined again for a WIBN Breakfast featuring our speaker Jenifer Hill, Executive Coach & Leadership Development Consultant. The WIBN Breakfast was followed by beautiful kayaking activity through the mangroves of the Cocohatchee River.

Annual Meeting attendees capped off the evening with the Opening Reception and Dinner along with the DTA Foundation's Cornhole Tournament.

Tuesday

Our first official day of sessions! Sessions that morning covered strategic organizational updates, a Dental Market briefing and our opening keynote speaker, Lisa Bodell.

For the next half of the day, folks attended optional activities including the Edison Ford Winter Estates Tour; the popular DTA annual golf tournament; the DTA Foundation fun and friendly pickleball tournament; and the Taste of the Tropics Themed Dinner Event, for a tropical Florida-style dinner and laid back vibes.

Wednesday

On the second day of sessions, we covered the DTA Foundation Report and learned about all the great accomplishments of the DTA Foundation this year including scholarships, grants and much more! Next, we learned what to expect and how to prepare for the economic changes in the dental industry with Brian Beaulieu, ITR Economics.

We then heard from our #DentTalks session speakers–Michael Norton, Kim Leifsen, and Dean Browell. After lunch, we were wowed by Ben Nemtin's inspiring presentation where he talked about ways to dream big, live with intention, and much more!

Then we closed the evening with a new-to-this-year glamorous red carpet reception, Foundation casino night, silent auction and dinner in support of the Dental Trade Alliance Foundation, sponsored by Premier Dental US.

We look forward to seeing all of our attendees next year for the 2024 DTA Annual Meeting at the Meritage Resort & Spa, Napa, California — Nov. 11-14, 2024.

DTA was well represented at the exhibition with more than 20 U.S. companies and their international representatives exhibiting and or working directly with local Australian dental distributors. There was a small U.S. Pavilion, sponsored by the DTA and in addition, various DTA members were exhibiting across two separate exhibition halls. Sydney Harbor proved to be a dramatic backdrop for the FDI World Congress which welcomed visitors from more than 35 countries.

Flemming Poulsen from Bisco greeting visitors at the FDI Exhibition in Sydney.

FDI announced a new educational program to reduce sugar in many packaged foods for consumers to help combat carries in dental patients and considered the number one type of infection for the world’s population. The 2024 FDI World Congress and Exhibition will be held in Istanbul Turkey in September.

During these popular two-day sessions, the DTA offered an excellent overview of trends of the dental industry, fundamental aspects of the specialties, and important terminology. The hands-on training sessions helped attendees better understand the needs of dental practitioners and the daily challenges they face.

Attendees gained valuable clinical education during, including an introduction to Dentistry, dental anatomy & nomenclature, dental material science, dental hygiene/ periodontal therapy, restorative science, radiology/ diagnostics, endodontics, implant dentistry, tour of the dental school, and hands-on clinical dental procedures - restorative & hygiene in Simulation (SIM) Clinic.

A big DTA thank you to everyone who attended and a special thanks to Touro College of Dental Medicine! To learn more about any upcoming Mini-Dental School updates, click here. 

Tuesday, April 25, 2023

For nearly a decade, DTA members have come together at our annual Washington Conference to ensure that crucial laws and regulations impacting our members are addressed with the economic health of the industry as a priority.
 
On Tuesday April 25th, we kicked off the conference with a reception and dinner at the Westin Washington DC City Center. The evening was filled with networking and catching up at the reception. We also heard from DTA's Federal Affairs Team, Polisnelli, on the Congressional Update & Legislative Priorities.

Wednesday, April 26, 2023

Wednesday was our first official day of the conference. We had a full day scheduled with briefings and guest presentations that covered many topics including: EU-MDR Policy, Trends in State and Federal Government Contracting, The State of Dental Insurance Plans, DTA Regulatory Updates, Updates on the OHCW Case Study, DTA and ADA Legislative Priorities, Congressional Meetings & Briefings and more. We closed out a productive Day 1 with a reception followed by dinner.

Thursday, April 27, 2023

We spent Day 2 on Capitol Hill where attendees met with members of Congress and staff to discuss oral health and industry issues. By introducing themselves, their businesses, and offering expertise on current issues, DTA members also used this time to develop and foster ongoing relationships with members of Congress.

We look forward to seeing even more of our members at next year's event advocating for important oral healthcare issues. Stay tuned for more details on our next DTA Washington Conference taking place in Spring 2024.