ATLANTA--The Thomas P. Hinman Dental Meeting expects at least 24,000 dental professionals to attend the meeting March 15-17 at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta.
With approximately 65 leading dentists and dental experts speaking during the event--one of the nation's leading dental meetings and most comprehensive sources of continuing education in dentistry--and more than 900 technical exhibits, the 2007 program will feature many new speakers and participation courses, new computerized CE credits, a grand prize drawing for a new car, and free wireless Internet.
"For almost a century, Hinman has been the epitome of quality, professionalism, devotion to detail, southern hospitality and above all, the highest regard for the value of continuing education," said Dr. Richard Goodroe, general chairman of the 2007 meeting.
"While Hinman is grounded in tradition, it is a meeting that emphasizes the latest technology, leading-edge educational programming and comprehensive technical exhibits that allow both the veteran and beginning dentist to deliver the best patient care possible."
Continuing education program
Hinman's 2007 continuing education program will feature approximately 65 nationally renowned clinicians and leaders in the field of dentistry with 27 speakers new to Hinman, more participation courses, an enhanced and expanded auxiliary program, daily ADAA courses, and new computerized CE credits to eliminate lines at the end of courses.
"Every year, we survey our attendees to identify ways to provide even more value at Hinman. This year, we've made several exciting changes, including more opportunities for hands-on instruction from leading dental experts than ever before," added Dr. Goodroe.
This year's educational program highlights include:
* More than 27 speakers new to Hinman, who will provide a fresh perspective on new procedures, products, techniques and management strategies.
* More than 165 lectures and courses provided by the country's leading dental experts with many Hinman favorites, like Dr. Gordon Christensen, returning.
* More participation courses than ever before--approximately 53 workshops offered.
* An expanded auxiliary program, including a wide array of courses for the entire dental team.
* ADAA assistants' courses with product demonstrations all three days.
* New computerized CE credit process, simplifying CE credit certification.
Meeting highlights
In addition to a complete continuing education program, Hinman will feature more than 900 technical exhibits--located conveniently in one hall and on one level. This space will allow more than 400 companies to showcase new technology, equipment, products and services for the entire dental staff. The exhibit hall is open to all attendees with badges.
This year's meeting highlights also include:
* An enhanced exhibit hall experience with CE opportunities, ADAA demonstrations, show specials, table clinics, daily prize drawings, Cyber Café and CE printing station.
* Children now are permitted in the exhibit hall, as long as they are accompanied by an adult and are registered for the meeting.
* Thursday's keynote session featuring Vince Dooley--University of Georgia's long-time head football coach and athletic director--and a grand prize drawing for a new 2007 Pontiac Solstice!
* Free wireless Internet access offered in the public areas.
* A new spouse program, featuring a city bus tour, wine seminar and tasting, a "landscape design" luncheon, a Buckhead homes tour, and an Atlanta Apparel Mart shopping excursion.
* Hinman's two signature events--the dentist reception and auxiliary reception.
* Discounts to the new Georgia Aquarium, the world's largest aquarium, the Fernbank Museum of Natural History, and the World of Coca-Cola.
Scholarship program
As a non-profit organization dedicated to the advancement of the dental profession, the Hinman Dental Society will present scholarships and gifts totaling more than $250,000 to 89 dental, dental hygiene, laboratory technician and dental assisting students at colleges and universities throughout the Southeast, as well as dental education groups and clinics.
As in years past, the scholarships will be presented at the scholars' luncheon held on Saturday during the meeting.
Registration process
Interested attendees can find detailed information about the 2007 meeting online at www.hinman.org. Professionals who register online will receive a confirmation and invoice via email. Housing arrangements can be made via a link from the Hinman Web site to the housing agency.
Professionals who wish to register by mail can request a registration brochure by calling the Hinman Dental Meeting executive office at (404) 231-1663.
Hotel and travel reservations
For those not wishing to make arrangements online, Ambassadors Services Group has established a toll-free number for lodging and travel reservations. Interested attendees should call (800) 243-1581 or locally (404) 584-7458 for information.
Important dates
* Online registration opened Dec. 1, 2006.
* Registration packets will be mailed out beginning Feb. 9.
* Early registration (online or by mail) is available until Feb. 15. (Note: Early registrants will receive ticketed priority seating at General Attendance sessions.)
* Onsite registration opens Wednesday, March 14 at 1 p.m.
* Presentations and courses begin at 8:30 a.m. on Thursday, March 15 and continue until 4 p.m., Saturday, March 17.
* Keynote Session will be held Thursday, March 15 at 5:30 p.m.
* The Exhibit Hall will be open from 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Thursday, March 15;
9 a.m.�6 p.m., Friday, March 16; and 9 a.m.�4 p.m., Saturday, March 17.
The Hinman tradition
"Hinman has invited some of dentistry's most prominent clinicians to deliver an educational program that promises to advance the skills and capabilities of everyone who attends regardless of their experience," added Dr. Goodroe. "We understand that dental professionals have many opportunities to acquire CE, but with Hinman's reputation for excellence and its impressive educational programming, we believe participants would be hard-pressed to find a comparable experience."
The Hinman Dental Meeting is designed with a commitment to quality and professionalism and a high regard for the value of continuing education. The Hinman program meets the continuing education requirements set by the Academy of General Dentistry and State Boards of Dentistry.
For additional information about meeting, visit the Web site at www.hinman.org or contact Sylvia Ratchford, executive director, at (404) 231-1663.
