I am just recently back from my first time attending the ASDA conference, a three day session that focuses on the newest technologies in the field of aesthetic dentistry.
This group limits the number of attendees in order to provide a concentrated learning experience that allows for a great amount of socializing and networking with friends and colleagues. Breakfasts and lunches were held right in the exhibit space to enable attendees to speak with selected exhibitors about new product developments. Mornings were devoted to general sessions while the afternoons were given over to hands-on workshops.
The morning sessions included presentations by Dr. Irwin Smigel, who spoke on “Who Owns the Face?”, followed by Dr. Paul Belvedere covering “Direct Composites”. On Thursday, Dr. George Kirtley spoke about the “Art of a Beautiful Smile” and Dr. Robert Lowe presented how “Dental Lasers are Impacting Aesthetic Dentistry”. There was also a special, unscheduled presentation by Dr. Kim from Korea on the “Human Bridge” a new product now available in Asia.
There were a great variety of hands-on workshops, and among the many presenters were included Oral Health’s own Drs. Fay Goldstep, George Freedman and Elliot Mechanic.
There was a terrific line up of social events, open to all attendees, exhibitors and registrants. The meeting kicked off with a Welcome reception on the Wednesday night, sponsored by Supersmile. Then on Thursday there was a Gala Buffet Reception sponsored by GC America where they held the incduction ceremony for new members and presented the Diplomat Award to Dr. Jordan Soll. And the Smigel Prize was presented to Dr. Seok-Kyun Kim from Korea.
Although I wasn’t able to stay for it, the meeting culminated with a Celebration Dinner Dance on Saturday night,sponsored by Nobel Biocae and Valley Dental Arts,with a special guest appearance by the Irwin Smigel Review.
It was an excellent opportunity to mix and mingle with colleagues, to make new friends and renew old friendships and to learn about new products and developments in the field of aesthetic dentistry. I think I’ll have to schedule next year’s meeting (October 19-22 2011 in Amelia Island Florida) into my calendar!
