Press registration

The ADA welcomes credentialed members of the media to the ADA 2026 Scientific Session, Oct. 8–10 in Indianapolis.

Media registration

The ADA 2026 Scientific Session will take place Oct. 8–10, 2026 at the Indianapolis Convention Center.

The American Dental Association welcomes appropriately credentialed members of the press and media (such as reporters, bloggers, podcasters and health and medical writers), as well as corporations and organizations, to request ADA 2026 Scientific Session press passes.

Any questions about these media policies or registration may be directed to ADA Media Relations.

Media registration FAQs and policies

Who can apply for the ADA 2026 Scientific Session press or media pass? 

Working members of the media may apply for press and media passes by submitting the appropriate credentials, as outlined below, to mediarelations@ada.org. Please note, requesting access to the ADA 2026 Scientific Session via email does not guarantee a press or media pass. Within 10 business days of the ADA receiving your email, your application will be reviewed. A response from “mediarelations@ada.org” will notify you as to whether a press or media pass has been granted. Requests submitted without supporting documents, as outlined below, will not be reviewed or approved. 

What are the appropriate credentials?
  • For dental trade press and other news media sources, the appropriate credential would be at least two published, bylined editorial/news articles, podcast episodes, etc. from the last 12 months related to dental health or a related topic.
Who should not register as press or media?
  • editors-in-chief, advisory board members or marketing/sales team members, or any other staff that do not write public-facing news articles for their publications.
  • companies or organizations producing publications, videos, blogs and/or other electronic media intended for internal use, marketing, advertising, financial analysis or public relations purposes.
  • marketing, advertising, sales or public relations personnel.
  • representatives from dental or medical education companies.
What if I don’t qualify for a press or media pass?
Those who do not qualify can still register for access to the ADA 2026 Scientific Session. For registration pass options and prices, please visit the Registration page. Please note, the Exhibit Hall Only Pass does not include access to education.
How do I sign up for a badge?

Once your application has been approved and you are eligible to attend the ADA 2026 Scientific Session as a member of the press, you will receive a registration group code and instructions. You will use the provided group code to register for the ADA 2026 Scientific Session as a member of the press.

During registration, you can also book a hotel room in one of the ADA 2026 Scientific Session official hotel room blocks through the registration system.

Where can I pick up my media badge?

Pre-registered, credentialed press will be able to pick up their badges at the Info Counter near Main Registration counter located in the Registration area, outside Hall D during the following days/times:

Wednesday, Oct. 7: 1 p.m.–5 p.m.
Thursday, Oct. 8: 7 a.m.–6 p.m.
Friday, Oct. 9: 7:30 a.m.–5 p.m.
Saturday, Oct. 10: 7:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m.

If you need additional assistance, please contact ADA Media Relations at mediarelations@ada.org.

Onsite media rules

The following rules apply only to registered media. All other meeting attendees are required to adhere to the general ADA 2026 Scientific Session policies displayed during online registration.

Violation of ADA Policies by reporters

The American Dental Association reserves the right to bar from this and future ADA Scientific Session meetings any registered media who:

  • attempt to obtain advertising or subscriptions from any exhibitor or registrant.
  • deliberately promote the marketing objectives of a single company or institution.
  • misuse media privileges to engage in activities other than journalistic pursuits.

If you need additional assistance, please contact ADA Media Relations at mediarelations@ada.org.

Meeting admission
Registered media are required to wear the badge at all times when on the premises for the purpose of transparency. All continuing education sessions and special lectures are open to the media for observation only as long as a course is not sold out. Arrangements for any interviews with a CE course speaker, ADA leadership or other individuals appearing at ADA must be made in advance. Entry into sessions requires a visible media badge.
Photography, videotaping and audio recording

Registered media are allowed to:

  • take photos (non-flash only) and record audio in the Exhibit Hall.
  • record video in public areas of the convention center; Media must receive prior approval and arrange for an escort by contacting ADA Media Relations (mediarelations@ada.org).

Members of the media are prohibited from the following activities related to CE courses, private receptions and events and ADA Governance meetings:

  • taking flash photos or video during CE sessions, which includes any CE PowerPoint, video presentations and audio clips without proper consent (this applies to virtual events as well).
  • recording and posting audio or video of any CE session, event, reception or meeting in its entirety.
  • covering private receptions held during the ADA 2026 Scientific Session without prior approval from the Media Relations team.

Disclaimer: Photos of copyrighted material reprinted/posted without the prior consent of an author/presenter is strictly prohibited.

Onsite interviews

There will not be a dedicated press room at the ADA 2026 Scientific Session. Badge pickup will take place at the Info counter in the main registration area. Please contact mediarelations@ada.org if you are in need of an interview location.

Media interviews are allowed to take place within the confines of an exhibitor booth, so long as the rules of the ADA 2026 Scientific Session and Exhibit Hall are observed, including the photography policy.