Register today!

Do you need a reason to attend the Annual Session? Explore these highlights and build your Annual Session plan to include the best in education, speakers, entertainment and more. The 2009 Annual Session offers fantastic opportunities for all dental professionals to:

• Explore Hawaii
• Opening General Session and Distinguished Speaker Series
• The ADA's "An Evening Under the Stars"
• First Time Attendees
• World Marketplace Exhibition
• Continuing Education
• Dental Related Organizations
• House of Delegates
• Presidential Gala
• American Dental Assistants Association
• Health Screening Program

Hawaii is like no other place on Earth. Home to one of the world’s most active volcanoes and the world’s tallest sea mountain. Birthplace of surfing and the hula. Former seat of a royal kingdom, Hawaii is one of the youngest geological formations in the world and also the youngest state of the union, celebrating its 50th anniversary of U.S. statehood in 2009.

Discover one of the many exciting tours available in the Hawaiian Islands for ADA attendees.

But perhaps Hawaii’s most unique feature is its Aloha Spirit: the warmth of the people of Hawaii that wonderfully complements the Islands’ perfect temperatures.

Learn more about Hawaii by viewing these enchanting Stories of Hawaii.

Return to Top

On Wednesday evening, September 30, beginning at 5:30pm, celebrate the ADA’s 150th anniversary at this spectacular tribute to the power of dentistry.

This milestone commemoration of dentistry and your Association will feature the 2009 Distinguished Speaker, Sidney Poitier, and will be held at the Waikiki Shell, a beautiful outdoor venue near Waikiki.

Academy Award-winning actor, writer, director, and diplomat (he serves as the Bahamas' ambassador to Japan and UNESCO), Sidney Poitier has been a political and artistic trailblazer for more than half a century. On the lecture stage he recounts the uplifting story of his life-from his childhood as the son of poor tomato farmers to his pioneering cinematic career-in inspiring audiences to pursue their dreams no matter what the odds. He also speaks with passion about the importance of diversity and about the humanitarian causes that most deeply concern him, in motivating others to make a difference in the world around them.

Sidney has had an incalculable impact on American culture since the early 1950s, when he began appearing in a string of groundbreaking movies that addressed issues of racial and social inequality. To listening audiences he narrates his courageous struggle to achieve equality for himself and other black actors, as well as the films that would make him one of the world's most popular and respected actors, including No Way Out, The Blackboard Jungle, Lilies of the Field, The Defiant Ones, A Raisin in the Sun, Guess Who's Coming to Dinner, and In the Heat of the Night. For these cinematic milestones he received the Life Achievement Award from the Screen Actors Guild in 2000, and in 2002 was honored with the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.

This year’s series has been underwritten in part by the ADA Foundation through a grant from Johnson & Johnson.

Plan your travel so you can attend this spectacular event. Be a part of it!

Return to Top

On Friday evening, Oct. 2, join your friends, family and colleagues at the Waikiki Shell for a spectacular evening of Hawaiian music and culture while celebrating the ADA’s 150th anniversary.

Explore seven Polynesian cultures through hands-on activities for the whole family in a village-style setting on the grounds of the Waikiki Shell.  Witness the music, the dances and the pageantry of the islands as over 100 talented performers bring the magic of Polynesia to life in a stunning stage spectacular.

This beautiful open-air stage is located amidst the stunning backdrop of Diamond Head Crater and the warm tropical breezes of the Pacific Ocean.

Ticket prices include transportation to and from all ADA official hotels, live entertainment, one complimentary specialty drink and soft drinks.

General Admission Seating:
$89 — Orchestra (chairs)
$79 — Terrace (chairs)
$69 — Upper Terrace (chairs)
$55 — Lawn (lawn seating)
$30 — Lawn, children under 12

Don't miss this once-in-a-lifetime celebration!

Return to Top

First-Time Attendees

Navigating the largest dental meeting in the United States can present some challenges, especially for those attending for the first time.

But don't despair: at the ADA's Annual Session, first timers will get some much-needed support through their very own home-away-from-home, the First-Time Attendee Orientation Center.

Learn about the First-Time Attendee Orientation Center in ADA News.

Return to Top

World Marketplace Exhibition

Find solutions for your business and the hottest dental products and services. Shop at the ADA World Marketplace Exhibition and learn from the hundreds of exhibitors as you touch, feel and use the latest products on the market—before you buy.

Return to Top

Continuing Education

Select from more than 180 continuing education options both inside and outside the classroom to build a schedule that meets your needs.

Return to Top

Dental Related Organizations

Dental Related Organization Meetings

More than 200 alumni and dental related organizations will come together during this year’s Annual Session. Don’t miss this unparalleled networking opportunity.

A list of alumni, fraternal, military and professional dental organization meetings that are being held in conjunction with the 2009 ADA Annual Session is available by clicking here:

• Dental Related Organization Meetings | PDF file/30k

Return to Top

House of Delegates

As the legislative and governing body, the House of Delegates is the supreme authority in the American Dental Association. As such, it speaks for the 156,000 members of the Association and for the dental profession in the United States.

Meetings of the House of Delegates will take place beginning on Friday, Oct. 2 and ending on Tuesday, Oct. 6. Anyone may attend the meetings of the House of Delegates as a visitor, upon display of a 150th Annual Session badge. Details of this important meeting will be available in the 2009 Preliminary Program and on ADA.org.

• 2009 Preliminary Program Digital Edition NEW!
• 2009 Annual Session Preliminary Program | PDF file/8.2MB NEW!

Return to Top

Presidential Gala

Join your friends and colleagues for an elegant evening honoring Dr. and Mrs. John Findley and the ADA’s 150th Anniversary Celebration! Enjoy a three course dinner and dance the night away while enjoying your favorite hits. This celebration will be the perfect finale to your stay in the beautiful Hawaiian Islands!

Date:		Monday, October 5
Time:		7:00pm Reception 7:45pm Dinner and Dancing
Where:		Hilton Hawaiian Village Mid-Pacific Conference Center Coral Ballroom
Cost:		$110
Code:		E003

Note: Resort evening attire - "Hawaiian" or similar style shirt, sports jacket, slacks, skirts or dresses. A cash bar will be provided after dinner. Transportation not provided.

Return to Top

American Dental Assistants Association

The 2009 meeting of the American Dental Assistants’ Association will take place in Hawaii, concurrent with the 2009 ADA Annual Session. The ADA extends a warm welcome to all dental assistants and encourages you to take part in this outstanding event.

ADAA attendees will register through the Annual Session registration system including ADAA special events. More information will be available in the 2009 Preliminary Program or at www.dentalassistant.org.

• 2009 Preliminary Program Digital Edition NEW!
• 2009 Annual Session Preliminary Program | PDF file/8.2MB

Return to Top

Health Screening Program

The revamped ADA Foundation Health Screening Program offers new, improved complimentary medical screenings and continuing education on how to screen for medical conditions in a dental setting.  This year’s screenings are available by appointment only, Thurs. Oct. 1 – Sat. Oct. 3.  Find out more on the Health Screening Program page.

Return to Top