Chicago’s Midwinter Meeting: 160 years of dentistry and discovery

The Chicago Dental Society (CDS) Midwinter Meeting has long been a cornerstone of the dental industry and in 2025, it celebrated a remarkable 160 years, making it the oldest dental conference in the US. This milestone was not just about longevity but also about the continuous evolution of the event—keeping pace with technological advancements, fostering community and providing an unmatched platform for education and networking.

We had the pleasure of speaking with Dr Denise Hale, President of the Chicago Dental Society, to get an insider's perspective on what made this year's meeting special.

A legacy of community and commitment

Dr Hale credits the event's success to the tight-knit nature of the dental profession. Unlike some other medical fields, dentistry thrives on collaboration rather than competition. She highlighted how CDS actively scouts globally—from Canada to Mexico and even Australia—to bring in fresh voices, cutting-edge research and new technology. "There's a lot of camaraderie in dentistry," she explained. "We travel far and wide to bring the best speakers and exhibitors to Chicago."

A platform for product launches

The Midwinter Meeting is one of the biggest dental trade shows in North America, making it a prime location for companies to unveil new products.

"Many companies use the Chicago show to launch products," Dr Hale confirmed. "It's one of the top meetings in the country and getting a speaking slot here can launch a speaker's career."

This reputation attracts international attendees, including a growing number from Australia. One Australian dentist put it simply: "Whatever I see on the exhibit floor here, I know will be coming to Australia in the next year or two. It helps me stay ahead of the curve."

A keynote speaker who inspired

Beyond the tech and education, this year's keynote speaker left a lasting impact. Chef Grant Achatz of the renowned Michelin-starred Chicago restaurant, Alinea, shared his courageous journey battling stage IV tongue cancer and detailed his groundbreaking treatment and recovery as well as discussing the vital role dentists played in his oral cancer detection

Grant faced multiple hospitals that suggested radical surgery; he found an alternative treatment path that saved his speech, taste, and ultimately, his career.

"I wasn't ready to accept that. On the advice of a friend, I went to the University of Chicago. There, I was offered a different path—an experimental trial with chemotherapy and radiation. No surgery. No amputation of my tongue. It was a risk, but I took it. And it worked. That was 2008. Now, 16 years later, I stand here, cancer-free, still doing what I love—still tasting, still creating, still speaking."

With 500 people in attendance, his story was a powerful reminder of resilience and innovation—values that resonate deeply with the dental community.

Education meets cutting-edge tech

The Midwinter Meeting is known for its robust Continuing Professional Development (CPD) program, but this year, the buzz was also about new technology.

Dr Hale was particularly fascinated by 3D printing and digital scanning, which she believes will revolutionise dentistry.

"If I were 20 years younger, I'd be all over that," she admitted. "In the future, labs might become obsolete because everything can be made in-office."

To support learning, CDS increased its hands-on workshops, which proved to be hugely popular; many sold out quickly.

Balancing tradition with innovation

A challenge for any long-standing event is keeping it fresh and relevant and CDS has tackled this head-on. One key focus has been engaging younger dentists.

To attract new generations, the event introduced a more vibrant social scene, including a disco night with a DJ—a sharp contrast to the formal President's Dinner Dance.

"We want to keep young people engaged," Dr Hale said. "The dance floor was full—it was fantastic!"

Another major takeaway from the pandemic was the importance of in-person events. Exhibitors made it clear: they wanted a physical show, not a hybrid event. Dentists, too, preferred hands-on experiences—touching materials, testing equipment and interacting with products firsthand.

Looking ahead to 2026

For those considering attending next year, Dr Hale's message is simple: "The energy here is electric. If you want to see where dentistry is heading, network with industry leaders and experience the latest innovations firsthand—Chicago is the place to be."

With its rich history, forward-thinking approach and commitment to community, the CDS Midwinter Meeting continues to be a must-attend event for dental professionals worldwide.