CDA Presents latest dental convention cancelled by pandemic

In light of the latest public health guidance related to COVID-19 and large events in the state of California, the difficult decision has been made by the California Dental Association to cancel CDA Presents The Art and Science of Dentistry in San Francisco this September.

In a statement on the CDA website, the association wrote: “The health and safety of our greater dental community is always the highest priority, and this decision was not made lightly. As an association that’s deeply engaged in supporting members and the greater dental community throughout the pandemic, our programs continue to transform to adapt to the current environment’s limitations while meeting dentists’ changing needs.”

Earlier this week the ADA announced that it would not be holding a live annual session, originally scheduled to take place in Orlando in October. 

Instead of disappointment at this change of plans, the CDA says it’s excited to pursue innovative learning opportunities.

Here’s what’s next

• CDA is offering online and audio learning options at no cost to help members and their dental team participate in C.E.
• Also, the CDA continues to prepare for an interactive virtual event this fall, with plans for a robust C.E. course schedule, a roster of leading speakers, and engagement with exhibitors.

Additional information for exhibitors can be found here.

How members can access C.E. right now

• Options are already available through the CDA’s online learning platform at cda.org/brightbox. Members may access courses by logging in to their cda.org accounts. Please note, each staff member will need an individual account login to enroll.
• To support members and their dental teams, CDA is waiving fees for courses required by the California Dental Board through June 30, 2020.
• Courses from CDA Presents Webinar Week held in May are offered on-demand at no cost through June 30 with self-study C.E. credit available. 
• The Dentists Insurance Company is also waiving fees for its current Risk Management seminar, which is offered online. 
• Audio recordings from courses offered at the Anaheim 2019 convention will be made available at no charge for CDA members and their teams. Please note, to be eligible for course credit, a C.E. summary submission process applies.

The CDA also says in the online announcement: “As a connector for the dental community, we endeavor to model common sense and sound judgment, taking guidance on COVID-19 from our internal experts and trusted authorities. We believe it’s important to start with the facts, communicate directly and each do our part to mitigate this global health issue. Know that we understand and truly value the time, talent and resources that hundreds of individuals and businesses have invested in CDA Presents. Thank you for your understanding and ongoing commitment to the health of your peers, patients and the public. We will see you again soon in a new, digital learning environment, and we look forward to coming together as a community in the near future.”

The CDA has curated information and tools for their members. At cda.org/covid19, you’ll find the latest news and dentist-centric resources to help support you, your practice and your patients. And, in their Back to Practice Resources, you’ll find tools and guidance to navigate a safe return to practice.