SmileCon FAQ
What is SmileCon?
SmileCon® is the ADA’s reimagined annual meeting, offering continuing education, networking opportunities, hundreds of exhibitors, social events, and fun!
Where and when is SmileCon 2023?
SmileCon 2023 will take place on Oct. 5–7 in Orlando, FL, at the Orange County Convention Center in the South Building.
How can I register for SmileCon?
Registration is open here at SmileCon.org. Compare pass options and rates on the Registration page. The Advanced deadline is Sept. 22 at 5 p.m. CT. After Sept. 22, the Standard rate will apply. Registrations are not accepted over the phone, via fax or by mail, sorry.
What type of evening and social events are planned?
The Smile Squad is hard at work planning some serious fun for Orlando. Thursday, Oct. 5 we are heading to Universal’s Islands of Adventure for an unforgettable night! On Friday evening, get into the Halloween and fall spirit at the Grin & Gobblin’ Fest, a family-friendly party from 5–7 p.m. We end SmileCon with a Closing Party in Dental Central on Saturday, Oct. 6, from 1–2:30 p.m. Learn more on the Play page.
Will there be any alumni and affiliate groups?
Yes, there will be alumni receptions and affiliate group meetings in conjunction with SmileCon. View alumni events and affiliate meetings on the Meet page.
What are the dates for the House of Delegates?
Information on HOD can be found here.
How can I register for SmileCon?
Registration is open here at SmileCon.org. Compare pass options and rates on the Registration page. The Advanced deadline is Sept. 22 at 5 p.m. CT. After Sept. 22, the Standard rate will apply. Registrations are not accepted over the phone, via fax or by mail, sorry.
Will my registration materials be sent in the mail?
No, registration materials will not be sent via the mail. All badges must be picked up onsite at the Orange County Convention Center. We recommend stopping by Registration on Wednesday, Oct. 4 between 1–5 p.m. to avoid long lines on Thursday morning.
Where do I pick up my badge?
Registration and badge pickup will be located in the Orange County Convention Center, South Hall, Level 2, near S220.
Can I register onsite?
Yes; however, we recommend pre-registering to avoid potential lines onsite. A photo I.D. is required for all onsite registrations. If applicable, please bring your student I.D.
How do I make a change to my already submitted registration?
Please log back into your account using the Registration ID you received in your confirmation email from ADA SmileCon Meeting Customer Service. Once you are logged back in, you can update your information, add or change courses and events, and complete your registration again. You will then receive a new confirmation email showing the changes you made.
I cannot attend SmileCon and need a refund, how do I do that?
To receive a refund, all requests must be postmarked or sent no later than Sept. 22, 2023. You may send your request to ada@maritz.com. Registration and course cancellation/refund requests must be in writing.
No refunds will be accepted or granted after Sept. 22, 2023—including absences due to illness, late arrivals, weather, or parking difficulties.
Can I add my dental team or guests to my registration?
Yes, you can add additional dentists, dental team members, students, and guests to your registration in the online registration system. Log back into your account and select the appropriate registration category on the dashboard.
I am a dental office staff member; can I attend without my doctor?
Yes, dental staff can register and attend SmileCon without being connected to a registered dentist. When registering, please select “Dental Team” as your registration category.
Can I bring my family to the meeting?
Yes, we would love to have your family join you in Orlando! You can add spouses and guests to your registration in two ways: you can register them for a Dental Central Pass, which gives them access to the exhibit hall, the Opening Session, and the Saturday keynote with the option to add on tickets for the evening events; OR you can purchase a Friends & Family Evening Events Pass for them, which includes tickets for both Grin & Gobblin’ Fest and A Night at Universal’s Island of Adventure, but no access to SmileCon.
You can sign up children 18 and under for a Dental Central Pass for free, with the option to add on tickets for the evening events. Children are also permitted in course rooms without a ticket; however, they may not register for a course or occupy a seat. Strollers are not permitted inside course rooms.
Is there childcare during SmileCon?
The ADA does not provide childcare. However, some official ADA hotels do offer childcare services. Please check with the concierge at your booked hotel for recommendations of these services.
What is the CE course schedule?
View course, speaker and event details in the online Agenda Builder. Pre-registration is required for Hands-On Activities and Lunch C.H.A.T.s, but not for Presentations (lectures). Keep in mind that Dental Central pass holders may only attend CE in Dental Central—here’s a list of Dental Central courses. If you’d like more CE options, you can upgrade to a Smile Pass or Platinum Pass on the registration website.
How do I register to attend a course?
There is no pre-registration for Presentations and Experiences & Conversations; they are first-come, first-served. Dental Central Pass only grants access to Presentations in Dental Central (see a list here). Smile Pass and Platinum Smile Pass holders have access to all Presentations. Platinum Smile Pass attendees also may skip the line for all Presentations.
Hands-On Activities and Lunch C.H.A.T.s do require pre-registration and can be added in the registration system. Smile Pass and Platinum Smile Pass attendees may add Hands-On Activities and Lunch C.H.A.T.s.
How many CE credits is each course worth?
Courses are worth 1.0 CE credit hour for each clock hour, unless otherwise indicated. An additional half hour is worth half a CE credit. Please see course details in the Agenda Builder or on the SmileCon registration site. It is the attendee’s responsibility to check with their state board to determine if chosen courses will be accepted for credit.
Can I exchange a course for another course that is the same fee?
Switching courses for the same fee, if the new course has available seats, is permitted. After the cancellation deadline of Sept. 22, if you switch a course that results in a refund due, you will not be refunded the difference in course prices.
Are children allowed in course rooms?
Children are permitted in course rooms; however, they may not register for a course or occupy a seat. Strollers are not permitted inside course rooms.
How do I keep track of my CE credits?
After you attend a complete course, it will appear in your account on the Verify CE website. (The site “knows” you attended because your SmileCon badge is scanned at the door.) At the end of the course, listen for the host to read the verification number. You will need to enter this number in the Verify CE website at ADA.org/verifyCE. To log in, you will need to know your Registration ID and the email address you registered with.
Where can I verify my CE from 2022 in Houston?
You can verify your CE at ADA.org/verifyCE. To log in, you will need to know your 2022 Registration ID (in your confirmation email from ADA SmileCon Meeting Customer Service) and the email address you registered with. More information can be found on the Verify CE page.
Are there travel discounts for attendees?
Yes! SmileCon attendees enjoy hotel, air, and rental car discounts. See details on the Travel page.
Where can I find information on Disney theme parks, restaurants, and other fun activities?
Start planning your Orlando adventure by visiting the Visit Orlando SmileCon site.
Where are the official ADA hotels located?
Please view the official ADA hotels and discounts on the Travel page.
What is the House of Delegates Hotel?
The ADA House of Delegates hotel is the Hilton Orlando. The hotel is not available for general attendees to book housing.
Do the hotel rates include tax?
The hotel rates listed on the map are exclusive of any taxes and fees.
How do I get hotel discounts?
You must be registered for SmileCon to make a reservation at an official ADA SmileCon hotel. The final step in the online registration process is the selection of your hotel.
Please note that reservations must be made through the SmileCon registration system to book rooms at the rates shown. These rates are not available by contacting the hotel directly.
Can I make a hotel reservation if I am not registered for the meeting?
No. To secure rooms in the ADA hotel room block, you must be registered for SmileCon. However, registrants can reserve up to three rooms for professional staff and family that will be accompanying them to Orlando.
What if I am supposed to be in a group block, but my hotel is not showing up?
To see a hotel block, you must enter your Group Code on the hotel search page. If you have entered your code correctly, your group block hotel should be at the top of the list.
Which hotels will have shuttle service?
Hotels with shuttle service are identified on the hotel map and on the Hotel Search page in the registration system.
Which hotels have a fitness center, restaurants, etc…?
For all information about the official ADA hotels, please view the hotel list in the registration system on the Hotel Search page.
What if I need to change or cancel my hotel reservation?
Hotel changes and cancellations must be received in writing by Maritz by 5 p.m. CT on Sept. 22, 2023. Please send all hotel changes and cancellations to ada@maritz.com. Beginning Sept. 27, 2023, all hotel changes and cancellations must be made directly with the hotel and are subject to one night’s room and tax charge direct from the hotel.
Do I need a visa?
Please consult your local U.S. consulate to determine if you need a visa. U.S. Applications can take some time to process. We recommend applying as soon as possible.
How do I apply for a visa?
Applying 4–6 months in advance for a U.S. visa is strongly recommended. To get started, please visit the U.S. State Department website.
When you register and pay for SmileCon online, you can instantly receive an official Letter of Invitation. This letter is intended to facilitate your visa application. If you register and pay online but your visa application is denied, you will receive a full refund after the meeting has ended.
Who do I contact if I have additional questions?
Any additional questions for international attendees can be addressed by ADA International Relations. Please call
2023 – Oct. 5–7 in Orlando, FL, at the Orange County Convention Center.
2024 – Oct. 17–19 in New Orleans, LA, at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center.
2025 – Oct. 23–25 in Washington, DC, at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center.
2026 – Oct. 8–10 in Indianapolis, IN, at the Indiana Convention Center.
Is the ADA offering tours in Orlando?
The ADA is partnering with Visit Orlando to highlight all that the city has to offer. Visit the Visit Orlando SmileCon site to see the city's best attractions, tours, tickets, and experiences for you to browse and purchase at your convenience.
Where can I get a scooter or wheelchair for the exhibit hall floor?
If you need special assistance, please check the appropriate box during the registration process and the ADA will contact you. Wheelchairs will be available for use within the convention center at no charge. A credit card will be required for rental; the card will only be charged if the wheelchair is not returned.
If you would like to rent your own scooter or wheelchair, please contact:
Scootaround
TOLL FREE number: 888-441-7575
Or you can request on the Scootaround website.