Annual Convention Brings More than 30,000 Dental Professionals to McCormick Place Feb. 20-22

CHICAGO, Feb. 20, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- More than 30,000 dentists and dental professionals will get a first look at the latest innovations in dentistry at the Chicago Dental Society's 149th Midwinter Meeting.

The meeting, which kicks off Thursday, Feb. 20 at McCormick Place's West Building and runs through Saturday, Feb. 22, attracts dental professionals and more than 600 exhibiting companies from around the world. This year's meeting theme, "The Bridge: Past, Present and Future," focuses on expanding past education and training to move into the future of dentistry. 

"This meeting's intent is to provide every member of the dental team an opportunity to expand their knowledge of the art, science and practice of dentistry through ground-breaking technologies, hands-on courses and in-depth educational programs," said 2014 CDS President Richard S. Holba, DDS. "Ultimately, what dental professionals take away from this gathering will lead to the highest quality care available to patients."

The CDS Midwinter Meeting is recognized as one of the largest exhibits of dental products in North America and one of Chicago's top conventions. According to Choose Chicago, the convention and tourism bureau of Chicago, the 2014 conference is expected to generate more than $43.5 million for the local economy.

Visitors to the Midwinter Meeting will not only get a first look at an array of new dental products, but will also have access to an agenda of educational programs that address all aspects of dentistry, including more than 225 courses and live patient demonstrations. True to the Chicago Dental Society tradition, more than 50 percent of the courses will be complimentary.

Program topics include:

• Healthcare reform
• Pediatric dentistry
• Oral cancer
• Restorative dentistry

The Chicago Dental Society also recently released results from its annual member dentist survey, which polled dentists to learn more about current trends, tips and more. More than 250 dentists responded to the survey. Topline findings include:

A winning smile: Lisa Madigan wears it best. Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan has the best smile on the Illinois politician scene, according to CDS member dentists. The first female attorney general in Illinois got more than half the votes (53 percent) in a recent CDS survey.

Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White came in second with just over a quarter of the votes (26 percent). Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel, Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle and Illinois State Comptroller Judy Baar Topinka tied with roughly 5 percent each. Illinois Governor Pat Quinn came in sixth with 3 percent of votes.

Energy drinks are just as bad as candy for your teeth. Energy drinks nearly tied with sweets this year in a recent survey that asked dentists which vice is worst for your teeth. Smoking came in at a close third.

More dentists are going digital. More dentists are building an online presence for their practices, thanks in part to social media. The use of Facebook among CDS member dentists shot up to 55 percent from 34 percent last year. Dental offices are also represented on Twitter, YouTube, Pinterest, FourSquare and Instagram.

Coincidentally, dental offices texting patients has also become more common. Almost half (46.4 percent) of dentists surveyed said they communicate with patients via text, up from a third last year.

About the Chicago Dental Society

Organized in 1864, the Chicago Dental Society represents more than 4,000 dentists in the metropolitan Chicago area. Its mission is to represent the interests of dentists, promote the art and science of dentistry, and advocate for improving oral health for all. The society is the largest local affiliate of the Illinois State Dental Society and the American Dental Association and is celebrating its 150^th year.

Connect with the Chicago Dental Society on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.

SOURCE Chicago Dental Society