Thank you for your cooperation. We hope you have a safe and enjoyable experience at SmileCon 2025!
Essential details for attending SmileCon
What you need to know before you go!
Make sure to download the ADA Events app to have the latest SmileCon information in the palm of your hand, including viewing your agenda, registering for events, browsing exhibitors and exploring convention center maps for easy navigation!
Please note: Course, event and exhibitor details will not be available in printed form onsite. We strongly encourage you to download the mobile app for the latest information.
Need help? Visit the Mobile App Help Desk at the Info Desk, located outside the East Salon on Level 1.
Ask Flossie
Got questions? Flossie’s got answers! Our AI chatbot will help answer your SmileCon questions. Just text “Hi” to 844.937.3613, and Flossie will text you back.
SmileCon Address
Unless otherwise indicated, all events will occur at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center,
801 Allen Y. Lew Place NW, Washington, D.C. 20001.
Registration Hours and Location
East Salon, Level 1
Wednesday, Oct. 22, 1–5 p.m.
Thursday, Oct. 23, 7 a.m.–5 p.m.
Friday, Oct. 24, 7:30 a.m.–5 p.m.
Saturday, Oct. 25, 6:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m.
Badge and Tote Bag Pick-up
East Salon, Level 1
All SmileCon attendees will receive a SmileCon 2025 tote bag while supplies last, which may be retrieved in the registration area with a badge scan. Bags are available to everyone with a SmileCon Registration Pass.
CE Courses and Hands-On Activities Hours
Locations: Levels 1 and 2
- Thursday, Oct. 23, 9:15 a.m.–5 p.m.
- Friday, Oct. 24, 8 a.m.–5 p.m.
- Saturday, Oct. 25, 8:30 a.m.–Noon
Dental Central Hours (Exhibit Hall)
Location: Halls D & E, Level 2
- Thursday, Oct. 23, 9 a.m.–5 p.m.
- Friday, Oct. 24, 9 a.m.–5 p.m.
- Saturday, Oct. 25, 9 a.m.–1:30 p.m.
Events and Activities
Thursday, Oct. 23
- Opening Session, 8–9:15 a.m., Ballroom, Level 3
Friday, Oct. 24
- Dental Student Breakfast, 8-9 a.m., West Salon, Level 1 (This is for dental students only.)
- Changemakers Celebration, 11:30 a.m.–1 p.m., West Salon, Level 1 (This is a ticketed event.)
- Friday Night Fest and New Dentist Lounge, 7-9 p.m., National Portrait Gallery/Smithsonian American Art Museum (8th and G Streets NW, Washington, D.C. 20001), New Dentist Lounge sponsored by Panacea Financial and Indeed. (RSVP is required)
Saturday, Oct. 25
DC Dental Society Symposium for Licensure, 8 a.m.–5 p.m., West Salon, Level 1
Dental Central Tailgate Party, Noon–1:30 p.m., Dental Central, Level 2
Courses are located on Levels 1 and 2 in the convention center. Course room numbers can be found in the ADA Events mobile app.
CE Verification
Visit CE Verification page for verification instructions. New this year, CE verification codes are no longer required. Go into the CE Verification site, find the course you attended, complete the short evaluation and your CE will be granted!
What does my pass include?
One-Day or Two-Day Pass holders may attend all Presentations and Experiences & Conversations on the day of attendance, plus the Opening Session if attending on Thursday or Tailgate if attending Saturday. All other social events, Hands-On Activities and Master Classes are available a la carte for an additional fee.
Smile Pass (3-Day) holders are allowed entry to all Presentations and Experiences & Conversations, Opening Session, and the Tailgate. A ticket to the Friday Night Fest is also included, but RSVP is required. Tickets are going fast, so make sure to RSVP today by adding to your registration record. You can purchase additional tickets for colleagues, friends and family at Registration, based on availability.
NEW! CE Add-On for Smile Pass holders: Unlock even more CE for one flat fee! This is a great value if you plan to attend multiple Hands-On Activities or Master Classes.
Parking Information
Parking is available at more than 3,000 spaces within a three-block radius of the Walter E. Washington Convention Center, including surface lots and garages. Exhibitors and attendees should plan to use these public parking facilities, as there is no public parking at the Convention Center. Please note: Parking regulations are strictly enforced in the surrounding residential areas.
Learn more about parking at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center.
Shuttle Info
All official block hotels are within walking distance of the convention center, so you can stay close to all the SmileCon 2025 action. Regular shuttle service will not be provided, but if you require special assistance, please contact smilecon@ada.org.
Shuttle service will be provided to and from the Walter E. Washington Convention Center for attendees of the Friday Night Fest at the National Portrait Gallery on Friday, Oct. 24, 2025, 6:30–9:30 p.m. The venue is within walking distance of the convention center and hotels in the official block.
Convention Center Maps
Level 1 (PNG)
Level 2 (PNG)
Level 3 (PNG)
Dental Central Map (PNG)
You may also access these maps in the ADA Events app.
Collect one of each of the six buttons for a chance to win a prize! Start your quest at the Info Desk and look for the button ambassadors at various locations throughout Dental Central.
SmileCon Store
ADA Hub Booth 401 in Dental Central
Get your official gear at the SmileCon Store!
Thursday, Oct. 23, 9 a.m.–5 p.m.
Friday, Oct. 24, 9 a.m.–5 p.m.
Saturday, Oct. 25, 9 a.m.–1:30 p.m.
Thrive On at the ADA Hub
Booth 401, Dental Central
Discover the ADA Hub to explore member benefits and resources to support you throughout your career. Attend CE sessions, learn about the new ADA Credit Union, the latest CDT, OSHA and patient education tools at the ADA Store, and learn how the ADA Library and archives support ADA members.
Stay informed on the latest advocacy issues shaping dentistry, how the ADA and partner organizations are influencing policy and ways you can get involved.
Don’t miss the prize crane for a chance to win fun giveaways! Plus, take a moment to celebrate this year’s award winners.
Tailgate
Don’t pass on this one … rush on over to Dental Central on Saturday, Oct. 25 at noon for light bites and fun! Rep your alma mater and wear your gear to get in the spirit! Although dental schools will be showing out at this event, you don’t have to be an alum to join the party; everyone is welcome.
People’s Choice Exhibitor Awards – You decide the winners (and you could win, too!)
The ADA is thrilled to bring back the People's Choice Exhibitor Awards! This exciting program gives exhibitors a chance for recognition in various award categories and SmileCon attendees the opportunity to celebrate excellence among our exhibitors. Categories include Best Interactive Experience, Friendliest Staff, Best Giveaway and Best Overall Design.
Vote for an exhibitor in each category and you will be entered to win one of 10 $100 Amazon gift cards! Voting starts when Dental Central opens on Thursday, Oct. 23 and closes on Friday, Oct. 24 at 5 p.m. CT. Winning exhibitors will be announced Saturday morning. Scan the QR code and cast your votes!
We’re putting the “mile” in “SmileCon”! Meet with Dr. Kessler and other colleagues for a picturesque run to and from the Lincoln Memorial.
Friday, Oct. 24
6:30 a.m. — Meet at Marriott Marquis
6:45 a.m. — Run to and from the Lincoln Memorial
8 a.m. — Approximate return to the Marriott Marquis
Friday, Oct. 24
8–9 a.m.
West Salon, Level 1
Join your dental student peers for an informal breakfast with ADA volunteer and staff leadership. Chat and learn more about how the ADA supports dental students, early career dentists and dentistry as a whole, with:
- Dr. Aliya Kassam, CLA Chair and Howard University College of Dentistry
- Dr. Brett Kessler, ADA President
- Dr. Nader Nadershahi, SVP, Education & Professional Affairs
- Ms. Michele Reeder, SVP, Affiliate Services
- Mr. Jim Schulz, SVP, Government & Public Affairs
- Mr. Marko Vujicic, Chief Economist, Vice President Health Policy Institute
Check out our featured exhibitors (PDF) with in-booth activities during SmileCon.
Remember the 4 Ws:
Wear a mask — Wearing a mask is optional; however, if you choose to do so, wear it over your nose, mouth and chin.
Wash your hands — Wash your hands for at least twenty seconds and frequently use hand-sanitizing stations.
Watch your distance — Be mindful of maintaining distance and respect people’s comfort levels of personal boundaries.
Well-being check — To attend SmileCon, you should have no known exposure to or symptoms of COVID-19 in the past 14 days. If you are experiencing any COVID-19-related symptoms, please stay in your hotel room and contact the hotel medical team.
- Local Area Safety: Washington, D.C. is a vibrant city, but it’s important to stay aware of your surroundings. We recommend that you remove your badge and lanyard when exploring the city. It is always great to travel in groups, when possible, especially at night, and keep your belongings secure.
The CE Verification site for 2025 will be live and available the first day of SmileCon, Thursday, Oct. 23, 2025.
ADA Events Mobile App: For app support before arriving at SmileCon, please contact support@eventbase.com. When you’re onsite, head to the Info. Desk outside Salon E on Level 1 for assistance.
Registration: For assistance with registration before you arrive in D.C., including course registration, please reach out to ADA@maritz.com. Once onsite, you can visit the Registration Desk located in the East Salon on Level 1.
SMILECON is a registered trademark of the American Dental Association.