ODA ANNUAL SESSION IS A UNIQUE OPPORTUNITY TO CONNECT WITH THE DENTAL PROFESSION
Pictured are Drs. Matthew Shaughnessy, Jimmy Zimmerman, III, Amar Vagadia, Brian Gallagher, Zachary Christoff, Jeffrey Evanko and Britni Skoda at the New Dentist Social. The 2023 ODA Annual Session is Sept. 21-23 in Columbus. Learn more and register at www.oda.org.
Connecting with others in the dental profession is at the heart of the ODA Annual Session. Whether it is staff from your own office, colleagues from across the state, course speakers, or exhibitors and sales reps, Annual Session provides an opportunity to connect with the dental community.
“I have attended the ODA Annual Session almost every year since graduating from OSU in 1988,” said Dr. Thomas Danford, a general dentist in Marietta. “I look forward to the camaraderie of fellow classmates and others I have met over the years. The Exhibit Hall is a good place for reunions and experiencing new products. I also look forward to meeting up with our sales reps and consultants there.”
The 2023 ODA Annual Session is Sept. 21-23 in Columbus and will feature CE for the entire dental team, an expansive Exhibit Hall and fun social events.
“The unique opportunities to connect and have conversations with various people involved in our profession always makes me feel connected and part of a great profession,” said Dr. Amar Vagadia, a general dentist in Doylestown.
Dr. Brian Gallagher, a general dentist in Cleveland, said his favorite part about attending Annual Session is the people.
“I’m always excited to see friends, classmates, and meet other colleagues,” he said. “It’s an eye-opening experience to see so many Ohio dentists coming together. Seeing that community is a great reminder of the support group that is there through the ODA.”
Dr. Britni Skoda, a general dentist in Beachwood, agreed. “I love to connect with colleagues from around the state that I don’t get a chance to see often,” she said.
Kevin Keenan, Senior Regional Sales Director at Kerr and an exhibitor at ODA Annual Session, said he’s most looking forward to the social aspect of seeing old friends and colleagues at Annual Session.
“I’m looking forward to the camaraderie and having the ability to show our doctors how they can provide the best possible care to their patients to grow their business and overall goals,” he said.
Annual Session also offers opportunities for dental offices to bring their entire staff to attend courses together and enjoy time out of the office.
“Many years, including this year, we bring our entire staff for an overnight and a team building course such as The Ritz-Carlton Leadership Center,” Danford said. “We will spend a wonderful evening and dinner together for some fun rather than daily patient treatment.”
ODA Annual Session will also feature an expansive Exhibit Hall that offers opportunities to connect with sales reps and vendors to explore products.
“Online shopping is great and super convenient, but there’s something that can’t be replaced about the physical shopping experience,” Skoda said. “Seeing and feeling new products is important and that is what is so great about the Exhibit Hall at Annual Session.”
Keenan said that shopping in the Exhibit Hall gives attendees a chance to try products and equipment and have a head-to-head comparison in a short period of time.
“A former ADA leader stated that dentists truly need to attend these events to stay up on the latest research and technology that is displayed and presented at these events,” he said. “Not that attendees should have to buy anything at all, but that it’s a disservice to not be aware of these new items that can provide better results and experiences for their patients.”
ODA Annual Session also features 45 live CE courses to choose from, offering topics for general dentists and specialists plus every member of the dental team.
“In-person CE is always better than online due to the interaction you have with other attendees and presenters,” Danford said. “As is the Exhibit Hall where you can handle the new technology. Our team looks forward to bringing many little tidbits back home to put into practice.”
Courses this year include DEA education, The Ritz-Carlton Leadership Center, medical emergencies in the dental office, opioid education, interactive workshops and more.
“The workshops, panel discussions, and interactive sessions encourage active participation and skill development,” Vagadia said. “These activities offer a chance to enhance professional expertise, learn new techniques, and gain practical knowledge.”
ODA Annual Session also includes special events around Columbus and in the Exhibit Hall where attendees can connect with colleagues.
“Face to face interactions are still important,” Gallagher said. “We do business with people not entities. So in physically going to the Annual Session it’s easier to establish relationships, it gives you the opportunity to focus, and you can see in person what the ODA is doing for dentists.”
To learn more about ODA Annual Session and register, click here.
