From Dental Tribune International:
CHICAGO: The Chicago Dental Society’s 146th Midwinter Meeting will be held Feb. 24-26 (Thursday through Saturday) at McCormick Place West in Chicago. The theme for the 2011 event is “Great Expectations: A Dental Continuum.” The Midwinter Meeting is among the top three dental meetings in the United States and one of the top 10 conventions 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”).
Image by Brooklyn Museum via Flickr
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.
