2016 Annual Session to feature events celebrating ODA’s 150th anniversary
The 2016 ODA Annual Session will feature a wide variety of courses for the entire dental team, including hands-on courses and a variety of courses on Sunday based on feedback from attendees. Annual Session will be Sept. 15-18 in Columbus.
The 2016 ODA Annual Session will be the main event celebrating the ODA’s 150th anniversary. This year’s Annual Session will be Sept. 15-18 at the Greater Columbus Convention Center.
“2016 is a very special year for the Ohio Dental Association,” said Dr. Greg Beten, 2016 ODA Annual Session chair. “We have been working to incorporate the 150th anniversary celebration into a wonderful continuing education event for all of our members. We will be offering some new and unique courses that will involve our members’ entire staff.”
The ODA’s 150th anniversary celebration activities will take place throughout the event. The ODA’s 150th Anniversary Gala and Award Celebration will take place Friday, Sept. 16 in honor of the ODA’s 150th anniversary and will include a sesquicentennial cake ceremony. Additionally, lapel pins and pens commemorating the 150th anniversary will be available on-site at Annual Session, and a 150th anniversary video will be shown.
“The Ohio Dental Association worked hard on a video commemorating the 150th Anniversary that will be playing in various venues during the meeting,” Beten said. “There will be some great surprises throughout the weekend that reflect back on our rich history as an association.”
This year’s Annual Session has a strong lineup of speakers covering a variety of topics for the entire dental team.
“We are delighted to have Dr. Gordon Christensen with us again this year, along with his wife, Rella, to provide some wonderful updates on materials and techniques on Thursday,” Beten said. “The Madow Brothers will be with us Friday morning, and are sure to keep you on your toes all day. Our Saturday and Sunday schedule is loaded with speakers that were brought in in response to feedback from prior attendees. Take a look; you will be sure to find a course that catches your eye.”
Several free courses will be offered aimed at employee dentists and new dentists, and there will also be courses addressing access to care issues. This year’s Annual Session will also feature a stronger lineup of courses on Sunday based on feedback from attendees.
In addition to these nationally known speakers, Annual Session will feature one of the largest Exhibit Halls in the area, where attendees can comparison shop and speak to knowledgeable sales reps who can answer questions about their products. The Exhibit Hall will contain more than 200 booths.
“Many of our vendors are well aware of the speaking lineup and are waiting for our attendees to visit after classes to see the exciting new products they learn about that day,” Beten said. “The exhibitors are great in providing feedback to our committee to make the overall experience in the hall a worthwhile trip. Be sure to look for some of our 150th anniversary memorabilia in the Exhibit Hall as well.”
In addition to the lineup of speakers and opportunities to shop in the Exhibit Hall, Annual Session will also feature special events for attendees, including a new dentist reception for dentists in practice for 10 years or less, and The Bash! for all attendees.
“As always, we encourage our members and attendees to invite a colleague that maybe has attended in the past to return to help us celebrate our big anniversary,” Beten said. “There will be programming geared for all office members, so come prepared to learn. The area surrounding the convention center has a lot to offer to visitors, so come and enjoy the entire weekend.”
Registration will open in May. Visit www.oda.org/events for more information and to register, and watch your mailbox for the 2016 ODA Annual Session preview program.
