ODA Annual Session: ‘The Source’ for education, connections, supplies, entertainment and more!

The 147th Ohio Dental Association Annual Session, Sept. 19-22 in Columbus, will offer a variety of Continuing Education courses, nationally known speakers, the largest Exhibit Hall in the area, special events, entertainment and more.

The ODA Annual Session Committee works year round to ensure the ODA Annual Session offers the best speakers and CE courses available, plus top quality products for sale in the Exhibit Hall and special events that everyone will enjoy.

“The theme for the 2013 ODA Annual Session is ‘The Source.’ That pretty much says it all when you look at the benefits of the entire dental team attending annual session,” said Dr. Bruce Grbach, 2013 ODA Annual Session general chairman. “The ODA Annual Session committee has worked very hard to design an experience that is ‘The Source’ for education, connections, camaraderie, supplies, friendships and entertainment. We truly believe there is something for every member of the dental team.”

Grbach said this year he is looking forward to the entire CE program that will be offered because it truly has something for everyone. A few highlights he pointed out are:

• Dr. Jeff Brucia and Dr. David Hornbrook – two of Grbach’s favorite restorative speakers for dentists (Course Codes T10 and F39; and Course Codes F45, F61 and S70).

• Dr. Randy Huffines – presenting on aging and oral health issues (Course Codes T16, T30, F41 and F62).

• Dr. John Svirsky – presenting oral pathology courses in his own special style (Course Codes F44, F56, F63 and S77).

• Mr. Dave Weber – giving a unique perspective on practice management and relationships (Course Codes F42 and F65).

“I am excited about our entire Continuing Education program because it was designed to offer every member of the dental team more than one opportunity to attend a course every day,” Grbach said. “There are so many fine speakers that it is really difficult to choose favorites.”

He said he’s also excited about the Saturday morning team-building program that the Ritz Carlton Leadership Center will be presenting and the number of hands-on courses available in restorative dentistry, endodontics, lasers, orthodontics and dental implants.

On top of the great speakers and CE opportunities, Annual Session also gives attendees the opportunity to shop for products in the Exhibit Hall.

“The Exhibit Hall at Annual Session gives the dental team an opportunity to explore the latest and greatest new products and services,” Grbach said. He added that attendees should note that the Exhibit Hall raffle has been changed to include separate raffles for dentists, hygienists and staff members with a new chance to win on Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Attendees will need to stop by the ODA Membership Booth each day to drop off a new ticket.

A new event hosted in the Exhibit Hall this year will be the “New Product Roundtable” just for dentists (Course Code S69) Saturday from 8 to 10 a.m., where attendees can learn about the latest dental products over breakfast.

But Annual Session isn’t just about CE and purchasing products. It also offers plenty of special events and opportunities to meet new friends and reconnect with old friends to have a good time.

Grbach said he’s especially excited about four of the special events that will take place during Annual Session: The Callahan Celebration of Excellence (Event Code E93) on Friday evening from 6:30 to 11:30 p.m., followed by The Bash! at Callahan’s from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m., plus the Women Dental Professionals Luncheon (Event Code F55) on Friday from noon to 2 p.m. and the New Dentist Reception (Event Code E92) at Bar Louie on Thursday evening from 8 to 10 p.m.

“Each year I look forward to the whole ODA Annual Session experience: great Continuing Education, a vibrant Exhibit Hall and endless opportunities for fun,” Grbach said. “It’s the only time of the year that I get to see many of my friends from across the state all in one weekend. I also look forward to all the great restaurants and the night life that are within walking distance.”

To register for Annual Session and for more information about Annual Session, including all of the speakers, events and courses listed here plus a full schedule of events, visit www.oda.org/events or refer to the Annual Session program received in the mail.