Greater than 20,000 attend Chicago Dental Society’s Midwinter Assembly, marking its one hundred and sixtieth anniversary

Greater than 20,000 dental professionals gathered on the Chicago Dental Society (CDS) Midwinter Assembly, held Feb. 20-22 at McCormick Place West, to rejoice its one hundred and sixtieth anniversary.

“It’s a big milestone to rejoice 160 years of the Midwinter Assembly, and I imagine its success lies in our distinctive mix of custom and innovation,” mentioned Heather Nash, chief govt officer of CDS.

Attendees—together with normal dentists, specialists, hygienists and workplace employees—got here from all 50 U.S. states and 74 nations. They’d entry to greater than 250 CE-accredited programs, explored the newest merchandise and applied sciences from 512 exhibitors, and took half in networking alternatives.

Museum-like setting

New choices included the Dental Innovation Lab, which showcased the newest dental merchandise that debuted on the 2025 Midwinter Assembly in a museum-like setting. One other addition, the CDS Midwinter Closet, allowed attendees to buy CDS-branded merchandise and Midwinter Assembly souvenirs in a single location.

Including to this 12 months’s historic celebration, dentistry’s favourite mascot, Hadley the Hound, marked his tenth birthday. In honor of Hadley, a birthday bash was held on the Expertise CDS sales space with mascot associates Southpaw from the Chicago White Sox and DIBS from DePaul College.

“If there’s one factor that brings dentists collectively—other than the Midwinter Assembly—it’s a beloved mascot,” mentioned Dr. Victoria Ursitti, 2025 CDS board secretary. “Hadley’s celebration was the cherry on prime of a really outstanding occasion, including an additional layer of enjoyable and pleasure to an already unforgettable celebration of our occupation.”

The occasion additionally had a big financial influence on town. In line with Select Chicago, the Metropolis of Chicago’s tourism company, the 2025 Midwinter Assembly contributed almost $25 million to the native economic system, generated $1 million in state taxes, $997,000 in native taxes, and supported greater than 6,000 jobs.