Finding every verified California dental event, confirmed date, and real cost in one place has meant bouncing between a dozen sites. This guide consolidates them. According to the American Dental Association, California has one of the highest numbers of active licensed dentists in the United States, which sustains a dense schedule of conferences, society meetings, specialty seminars, and CE workshops spread across the year. This guide covers the verified dental events in California for 2026, from the largest convention on the West Coast to focused clinical courses, with confirmed dates, venues, CE credit availability, and registration costs so you can plan your year without guessing.

Key Takeaways

• CDA Presents (May 14–16, Anaheim) is the largest dental meeting on the West Coast, drawing 17,000–18,500 dental professionals and offering up to 24 CE units; CDA members register free for general access.
• Registration costs range from free (CDA member access, CDAA recognition events) to $0–$1,050 for non-members selecting ticketed workshops at CDA Presents.
• CE credits are available at CDA Presents (up to 24 units), the Bay Area Dental Expo (credits per presentation length), and the San Diego Dental Convention (16 CE credits over two days).
• The Dental Board of California requires a minimum of 50 hours of CE every two years for license renewal, with mandated subjects including infection control, making strategic event attendance a practical necessity.
• The busy season runs May through August, with CDA Presents in May, the San Diego Dental Convention in June, and the Bay Area Dental Expo and IHS California Area Annual Dental Conference in August.
• Specialty and clinical courses (CBCT mastery, IADR research sessions) fill the calendar for practitioners who need subject-specific training beyond general CE.

1. CDA Presents: The Art and Science of Dentistry (Anaheim)

When: May 14–16, 2026

Where: Anaheim Convention Center, 800 West Katella Avenue, Anaheim, CA

Who it's for: Dentists, hygienists, dental assistants, practice managers, and DSO leaders

CE credits: Up to 24 CE units across 200+ courses

Cost: Free for CDA members (exhibit hall and lectures); non-members pay $0–$1,050 depending on course selection

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CDA Presents is the California Dental Association's annual convention and the largest dental meeting on the West Coast. The 2026 Anaheim edition brings together 17,000–18,500 dental professionals, 450+ exhibitors, and 130+ nationally recognized speakers.

The three-day program spans continuing education, hands-on workshops, and the largest dental exhibit hall in California. The Anaheim Convention Center, offering over 1.8 million square feet of function space directly adjacent to Disneyland Resort, provides the scale the event demands.

Attendees can accumulate a meaningful portion of their two-year CE requirement in a single trip while accessing vendors, specialists, and new technology demonstrations all in one venue.

2. Bay Area Dental Expo (Santa Clara)

When: August 21–22, 2026

Where: Santa Clara Convention Center, 5001 Great America Pkwy, Santa Clara, CA

Who it's for: Dentists and dental teams across the Bay Area and Northern California

CE credits: All main stage presentations provide CE credits based on presentation length

Cost: Not published at time of writing; check the organizer's site directly

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The Bay Area Dental Expo focuses on dental innovation and technology integration, with a particular emphasis on AI and digital dentistry workflows. The Santa Clara County Dental Society lists the event as running 8:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. across both days at the Santa Clara Convention Center.

The convention center houses exhibit space and conference rooms suited to multi-track CE programming. Dentists and their teams can earn CE credit for all main stage presentations, making this a practical option for Northern California practitioners who prefer a shorter, more technology-focused event over a large national convention.

3. San Diego Dental Convention

When: June 19–20, 2026

Where: Handlery Hotel San Diego, San Diego, CA

Who it's for: Dentists and dental team members in Southern California

CE credits: 16 CE credits over two days

Cost: Many courses offered at no additional cost

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The San Diego Dental Convention is a two-day regional meeting offering an unusually high CE credit yield for its size. The event provides 16 CE credits over two days with many courses at no additional cost, making it an efficient option for Southern California practitioners managing renewal requirements on a budget. The Handlery Hotel San Diego provides a focused venue that supports smaller group learning and peer networking across a concentrated program. For practitioners in the San Diego metro area, this meeting can address a substantial portion of the 50-hour biennial CE requirement without the travel cost of a larger convention.

4. IHS California Area Annual Dental Conference (Sacramento)

When: August 3–6, 2026

Where: DoubleTree by Hilton Sacramento, Sacramento, CA

Who it's for: Indian Health Service dental staff serving the California Area

CE credits: Published via the IHS Dental CDE course catalog

Cost: Enrollment managed through the IHS system; open to California Area staff

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The Indian Health Service California Area Annual Dental Conference (course code DE0912) is a four-day clinical education event for IHS dental professionals working in the California Area. The event runs through the IHS Continuing Dental Education program and is listed as available for registration in the IHS dental CDE catalog. The DoubleTree by Hilton Sacramento provides the venue for this multi-day program, which supports specialized clinical education for practitioners serving IHS-affiliated patient populations across Northern and Central California.

5. California Dental Expo (Anaheim)

When: Historically held in May at the Anaheim Convention Center; 2026 edition dates align with the CDA Presents calendar

Where: Anaheim Convention Center, Anaheim, CA

Who it's for: Dental professionals and industry exhibitors

CE credits: Available through affiliated CDA Presents programming

Cost: Consistent with CDA Presents registration structure

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The California Dental Expo is associated with the California Dental Association's CDA Presents meetings and takes place at the Anaheim Convention Center. The expo component features exhibits and continuing education aligned with the broader CDA Presents convention. The 2025 edition was scheduled for May 15–17, 2025 at the same venue, establishing the recurring May schedule. Attendees visiting for the exhibit hall gain access to hundreds of dental vendors, technology demonstrations, and continuing education sessions within the same convention footprint.

6. California Dental Assistants Association Annual Conference

When: Annual cadence; 2026 specific dates not published at time of writing, check the CDAA events calendar directly

Where: Venue not yet confirmed for 2026

Who it's for: Dental assistants across California

CE credits: Available through CDAA-accredited programming

Cost: Not published at time of writing

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The CDAA is the state constituent of the American Dental Assistants Association and the recognized organization representing dental assistants in California. The association conducts an annual conference and House of Delegates that includes continuing education sessions, officer elections, and component reports. CDAA also offers scholarships and leadership opportunities specifically for dental assistants seeking career development. California's dental assisting community also observes Dental Assistants Recognition Week, which ran March 1–7, 2026 nationally and is supported by the Academy of General Dentistry and local CDAA chapters. CDAA encourages member practices to mark the week with staff appreciation activities and social media recognition.

7. CDA Now + Next Events (Los Angeles and Statewide)

When: Saturday, August 29, 2026, Los Angeles edition confirmed

Where: Petersen Automotive Museum, Los Angeles, CA (August 29 edition)

Who it's for: California-licensed dental professionals, particularly early- and mid-career practitioners

CE credits: 2 CE credits for the August 29 Los Angeles event

Cost: Free for CDA members; $20 for non-members

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The CDA Now + Next Events series operates as a statewide program of smaller, local CE gatherings across California. The August 29 Los Angeles edition runs from 10:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Petersen Automotive Museum, organized in collaboration with the Western Los Angeles Dental Society. These events are designed to give dental professionals local access to CE credits and peer networking without requiring travel to a major convention. The format, compact, themed, and often held in distinctive venues, makes them accessible for practitioners who need to top up CE hours or engage with local society peers outside the larger convention cycle.

8. Comprehensive CBCT Mastery Course (Woodland Hills, Los Angeles Area)

When: August 14–15, 2026

Where: Vista Institute, Woodland Hills, CA (Los Angeles Area)

Who it's for: General dentists and specialists seeking structured CBCT training

CE credits: 16 CE hours (AGD Subject Code 730)

Cost: Contact organizer for pricing

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The 2-Day Comprehensive CBCT Mastery Course offered by the Wiedemann/Goldman Dental Institute covers didactic foundations and hands-on CBCT interpretation for general dentists and specialists, including anatomy review, pathology recognition, and integration of CBCT into everyday diagnostic workflows. Research published in peer-reviewed literature notes that structured CBCT interpretation training carries legal and ethical implications for clinicians, misinterpretation of significant findings creates risk even when imaging equipment is used correctly. This California-based two-day format delivers 16 CE hours in a clinical skills context, suitable for practitioners who want to expand their diagnostic imaging capability through in-person instruction rather than online self-study.

9. IADR/AADOCR/CADR General Session and Exhibition

When: Annual cadence; specific 2026 California edition dates not confirmed, check the IADR events calendar

Who it's for: Dental and craniofacial researchers, scientists, clinicians engaged in research

CE credits: Available through affiliated scientific sessions

Cost: Registration fees apply; check the IADR for current rates

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The IADR, together with AADOCR and CADR, holds an annual General Session and Exhibition, drawing thousands of dental and craniofacial researchers from more than 60 countries. The meeting features themed scientific sessions, keynote and plenary lectures, and an industry exhibition with a focus on dental, oral, and craniofacial science rather than clinical practice management. Clinicians who also engage in research or want exposure to pre-clinical and translational findings will find the IADR General Session distinct from practice-focused CE events on the California calendar.

10. Spear Summit (Clinical Intensive for Enrolled Spear Members)

When: The next confirmed edition is April 7–10, 2027; 2026 dates were not listed as open for registration at time of writing

Who it's for: Dentists enrolled in Spear Education's study club or campus programs

CE credits: Multi-day CE programming included

Cost: Contact Spear Education; attendance requires enrollment in Spear programs

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The Spear Summit is an annual conference hosted by Spear Education for dentists who participate in Spear's educational programs. The event features multi-day CE, lectures from Spear faculty, small-group workshops, and networking focused on comprehensive dentistry and interdisciplinary care. Attendance is structured around existing Spear membership, practitioners not enrolled in a Spear study club, online learning platform, or campus program should confirm eligibility before planning attendance. The next confirmed edition is scheduled for April 7–10, 2027.

Which California Dental Events Are Happening in 2026?

Final Verdict

For California dental practices, the 2026 conference calendar offers a clear path to meeting CE requirements, but the operational gap it creates is just as predictable. While your team is earning credits at CDA Presents or the Bay Area Dental Expo, inbound calls and appointment requests don't pause. Resonate's AI dental receptionist answers calls, responds to missed calls via text, books appointments directly into your practice management system, and handles website chat around the clock, so conference week doesn't mean lost patients.

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How Do You Choose the Right Dental Event for Your Practice?

Which event fits your role?

Dentists seeking broad CE coverage will find CDA Presents the most efficient single event, up to 24 CE units across 200+ courses in three days satisfies a large portion of the 50-hour biennial requirement while covering multiple specialty tracks in one trip. The San Diego Dental Convention's 16 credits in two days offers a regional alternative at lower cost.

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Dental assistants: The CDAA Annual Conference includes role-specific CE, leadership programming, and scholarship access for dental assistants. The CDAA functions as the state's chartered constituent of the ADAA and its conference is the primary statewide gathering for the assisting profession.

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Clinicians adding CBCT to their practice: The Comprehensive CBCT Mastery Course in Woodland Hills offers a structured two-day in-person format covering didactic foundations and hands-on interpretation, with the in-person format that published clinical guidance recommends for safe integration of 3D imaging into general practice workflows.

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Researchers and academic dentists: The IADR/AADOCR/CADR General Session features basic and translational science sessions and peer networking distinct from clinical CE programming.

Which California dental events fit your budget?

CDA members can attend general sessions and the exhibit hall at CDA Presents at no cost. Non-members evaluating the event should factor in the course selection before budgeting, ticketed hands-on workshops carry additional fees up to $1,050 total. The CDA Now + Next series provides low-cost local access at $20 for non-members. The San Diego Dental Convention's no-additional-cost course structure provides a lower-cost multi-credit option for Southern California practitioners.

Which events match your CE renewal timeline?

The California Dental Board approves CE providers and sets limits on self-study credit for license renewal. Practitioners approaching renewal who need a concentrated block of approved in-person CE should prioritize CDA Presents or the San Diego Dental Convention, both of which produce verifiable CE documentation. The Dental Board also specifies how CE coursework must be documented for audits, confirming that every course attended is from a board-approved provider protects against compliance issues at renewal.

What Happens to Your Front Desk When the Team Is at a Conference?

When your team attends CDA Presents or the Bay Area Dental Expo, inbound calls and appointment requests don't pause. Calls go unanswered during conference week, and that gap compounds across locations.

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Dental events generate real return: peer learning, vendor access, CE credits, and clinical skill-building that improve patient outcomes over time. The operational challenge is predictable and solvable.

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Resonate's AI dental receptionist works 24/7 alongside your team, answering inbound calls, responding instantly to missed calls via text, handling appointment booking directly into your practice management system, and managing website chat, all while your staff is at a conference or back catching up after one. In a documented 30-day pilot, an Allied OMS partner captured 41 new patients and significant revenue with AI-powered patient engagement, with the team noting that a substantial portion of missed calls occurred during office hours, not just after-hours. Your AI doesn't replace your team; it extends them so no opportunity goes unanswered when the calendar gets busy.

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Frequently Asked Questions About California Dental Events

What is the biggest dental event in California in 2026?

CDA Presents in Anaheim (May 14–16) is the largest dental meeting, drawing 17,000+ dental professionals and 450+ exhibitors across three days at the Anaheim Convention Center.

When is CDA Presents Spring Meeting 2026?

CDA Presents Spring Meeting 2026 takes place May 14–16, 2026 at the Anaheim Convention Center in Anaheim, California.

Which California dental events offer continuing education credits in 2026?

CDA Presents offers up to 24 CE units, the San Diego Dental Convention offers 16 CE credits, the Bay Area Dental Expo awards credits per main stage presentation, and the CBCT Mastery Course in Woodland Hills offers 16 CE hours. The Dental Board of California requires 50 hours of CE every two years for license renewal.

Are there free dental events in California?

CDA members can attend CDA Presents general sessions and the exhibit hall at no cost. CDA Now + Next Events are free for CDA members and $20 for non-members. The San Diego Dental Convention offers many courses at no additional cost for registered attendees.

How far in advance should I register for California dental conferences?

Registration timelines vary by event. CDA Presents typically opens registration months in advance, and members registering early secure access to popular hands-on workshops before they fill. Smaller events like CDA Now + Next and the San Diego Dental Convention have shorter registration windows, checking each organizer's site as soon as dates are confirmed is the most reliable approach.

Are there dental events in California focused on AI or dental technology?

The Bay Area Dental Expo at the Santa Clara Convention Center (August 21–22, 2026) focuses specifically on dental innovation and technology, including AI integration in practice workflows. CDA Presents also includes technology-focused exhibitors and CE tracks alongside its broader clinical programming.

Is there a dental conference in Northern California in 2026?

Yes. The Bay Area Dental Expo (August 21–22, 2026) at the Santa Clara Convention Center is the primary Northern California dental conference, offering CE credits for all main stage presentations with a focus on dental innovation and technology. The IHS California Area Annual Dental Conference (August 3–6, Sacramento) serves IHS dental staff in Northern and Central California.

How many CE credits do California dental conferences offer?

California dentists need 50 CE hours every two years, so a single major conference combined with one or two smaller events can meet or approach the full requirement.

What dental events in California are specifically for dental assistants?

The California Dental Assistants Association (CDAA), the state's chartered ADAA constituent organization, holds an annual conference and House of Delegates specifically for dental assistants. CDAA also provides CE courses, scholarships, and professional development programming throughout the year for dental assistants across California.

Can dental hygienists earn CE credits at California dental conferences?

Yes. Major California dental events such as CDA Presents are open to dentists, hygienists, dental assistants, and practice staff. CDA Presents offers up to 24 CE units across 200+ courses, and many sessions are relevant to hygienists seeking credits toward their own California license renewal requirements.

How does the Dental Board of California verify CE compliance?

The Dental Board of California approves CE providers and requires practitioners to document coursework in a format that can be verified during audits. Self-study credit is allowed but subject to limits. Practitioners should retain certificates from all approved courses and confirm each provider's board-approval status before registering to ensure hours count toward renewal.

What are the mandatory CE subjects required by the Dental Board of California?

The Dental Board of California mandates specific subjects within the 50-hour biennial CE requirement, including infection control and other board-specified topics. Practitioners must ensure a portion of their CE hours covers these required subjects, not just elective clinical coursework, to satisfy renewal conditions and pass a compliance audit.