More than 30,000 Dental Professionals Return to McCormick Place for Annual Convention

One of North America's Largest Exhibitions of Dental Products Brings Companies from 45 Countries to Showcase New Innovations and Technologies Aimed at Dentists and Consumers

Dentist Survey: Patient Stress On the Rise, Dental Procedures Decline During Tough Economy

CHICAGO, Feb. 25 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Today, 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 145th Midwinter Meeting. Held February 25 through 27, the Midwinter Meeting attracts dental professionals and nearly 600 exhibiting companies from around the world.

This year's meeting, referred to as "Go West CDS," will be held at McCormick Place for the 15th year in a row -- this time in the new West Building. The Midwinter Meeting is one of the largest exhibits of dental products in North America and one of Chicago's top conventions. The 2009 conference generated more than $50 million for the local economy, according to the Chicago Convention and Tourism Bureau.

More than 30,000 dental professionals are registered for this year's meeting and the space to exhibit on the trade show floor is sold out.

"Our long-standing partnership with McCormick Place remains strong as we welcome dental professionals from the U.S. and around the world to Chicago," says Chicago Dental Society President Dr. Michael Stablein, DDS, PhD. "This year's Midwinter Meeting will provide the dental community with the information and tools they need to better serve their patients during the current economic downturn. We also look forward to continued growth and innovation in the field of dentistry."

Visitors to the Midwinter Meeting will not only have the first peek at an array of new dental products but will also have the opportunity to attend more than 200 scientific programs, including approximately 30 hands-on programs, covering topics like forensic odontology, cosmetic dentistry, infection control during dental care and how clinical hypnosis can help relax nervous patients.

The Chicago Dental Society also conducted its seventh annual member poll to learn more about their opinions on currents trends, dental topics and more. From the more than 250 members who answered the fall 2009 survey, the society learned:

• The effects of the recession on the local dental industry have worsened since last year. More than 90 percent of dentists surveyed said their clients are putting off cosmetic procedures, up from 60 percent. More than 75 percent of dentists say their patients are putting off needed dental work—in 2008 more than half of dentists noted the same. And visits for preventative dental care are also on the decline according to more than half of dentists, up from more than 40 percent last year.
• Nearly 75 percent of dentists surveyed said their patients are reporting increased stress in their lives. And 65 percent of dentists are seeing an increase in jaw clenching and teeth grinding amongst their patients, signs that stress may be taking its toll on the mouth.
  
• Interesting food flavors continue to make their way into dental products. Nearly 40 percent of those surveyed are intrigued by mango toothpaste, and more than a quarter dentists wouldn't mind trying chocolate toothpaste.  Some dentists are also curious about cupcake or coffee dental floss and corn dog mints.

Established in 1864, the Chicago Dental Society counts more than 4,300 members in the Chicago area, making it the largest local affiliate of the American Dental Association. The society advocates for improving oral health care in this country and represents the interests of its members and the public they serve.

Dentists' top patient tips, including top tips for a stress-free mouth and survey data are available upon request. If you have not received a complete press kit and would like more information about the Chicago Dental Society's Midwinter Meeting, please contact Ambar Mentor at Valerie Denney Communications at 312.408.2580, ext. 25

SOURCE Chicago Dental Society