Previously, the CDS Midwinter Meeting ran for four days with exhibits opening
on the second day, but this year, the meeting is now three days (Thursday
through Saturday) and the exhibit floor will be open the entire time. The economy
remains at the forefront of everyone’s minds these days, and the move to a
three-day conference was to make the meeting more cost-effective for attendee
and exhibitor alike. To encourage participation, CDS has kept registration and
exhibit fees as low as possible. This year, CDS has been able to negotiate the lowest
hotel rates in years; in addition CDS has a rebate coupon program that is open
to current CDS members (any dentist may join the society) who register in
advance of the meeting and make a purchase on the exhibit floor (Note: Pre-registration runs through January 31, 2010) and of course, more than 100
free continuing education courses doesn’t hurt the pocketbook at all.
The move to McCormick West has allowed CDS to expand its offerings, while
keeping everything under one roof. This year CDS offers on-site child care, along
with a suite of health screenings at a reduced rate. The health screening program
is available to any attendee and measures the risk of developing illnesses like cardiovascular
disease, diabetes and osteoporosis. Tests will be administered on the
exhibit floor.
Two of the more unique course offerings at the CDS Midwinter Meeting this
year are a panel discussion entirely in Spanish and a gross anatomy lab dissection
of the jaw.
Special interests of note include comedienne Rita Rudner at the opening session
on Thursday and a Friday night concert featuring Blood, Sweat & Tears and
Chuck Negron, formerly of Three Dog Night. CDS will again offer tickets to a
Chicago Bulls game as well as to the traditional CDS president’s dinner dance.
This year, CDS will also host a meet-up of its social media friends. Those
interested in participating can join the conversation at the CDS Facebook
fan page (www.facebook.com/chicagodentalsociety) or Twitter account
(www.twitter.com/Chicago_Dental) to get details as they are available.
Established in 1864, the Chicago Dental Society has more than 4,000 members
in the Chicago area, making it the largest local affiliate of the American Dental
Association. The society advocates for improving oral health care and represents the
interests of its members and the public they serve. For more information, please
visit www.cds.org or call 312-836-7300. |