Pennsylvania dental professionals have a full calendar of events to navigate in 2026, from the state association's flagship two-day conference to regional society CE days, university-hosted courses, and free community clinics. This list covers verified dental events in Pennsylvania confirmed for 2026, including major conferences, local society meetings, dental hygiene sessions, and public outreach clinics. A handful of annual programs whose 2026 dates have not yet been announced are also included. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects dentist employment to grow faster than average through 2032, which keeps demand for professional development steady across the state.

Key Takeaways

• Pennsylvania's Dental Meeting (PDM) 2026 is the largest confirmed dental event in the state this year, scheduled for April 17–18, 2026 at Omni Bedford Springs Resort in Bedford, PA.
• Registration costs at PDM 2026 vary by membership: PDA/ADA members pay $175 before March 25, 2026, while non-member dentists pay $260 for the same registration window.
• Pennsylvania dentists must complete 30 CE hours every two-year renewal cycle, with licenses renewing on March 31 of odd-numbered years, making spring events particularly strategic.
• The busy season for in-person dental events in Pennsylvania runs April through November, with the state meeting in spring and the western Pennsylvania conference in fall.
• CE credit availability varies by event; the PDM and PAGD courses award credits accepted by the Pennsylvania State Board of Dentistry for license renewal.
• Free community dental clinics, including Mom-n-PA in Allentown and RAM clinic programs, serve patients directly and draw large numbers of volunteer dental professionals each year.

1. Pennsylvania's Dental Meeting (PDM) 2026

When: April 17–18, 2026

Where: Omni Bedford Springs Resort, 2138 Business 220, Bedford, PA 15522

Who it's for: Dentists, dental hygienists, dental assistants, practice managers, and dental students across Pennsylvania and neighboring states

CE credits: Multiple lecture and workshop tracks over two days; CE credits awarded and accepted by the Pennsylvania State Board of Dentistry

Cost (Friday Full Day, early registration by 3/25/26): $175 for PDA/ADA members; $150 for life/retired members; $45 for students and residents; $260 for non-member dentists; $140 for non-dentist staff/guests. Prices rise after 3/25/26, PDA/ADA members pay $220, non-member dentists pay $325.

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Pennsylvania's Dental Meeting is the annual flagship event organized by the Pennsylvania Dental Association (PDA), the statewide tripartite professional association based in Harrisburg. The 2026 edition moves to Omni Bedford Springs Resort, which PDA describes as offering a retreat-style environment designed for networking among dentists from across the commonwealth.

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The two-day program features multiple CE lecture tracks and hands-on workshops covering clinical advances, practice management, and regulatory updates. The 2025 edition was held at The Desmond Malvern, a conference-center hotel in Malvern, PA, and drew practitioners from Pennsylvania and neighboring states.

2. Pennsylvania Academy of General Dentistry (PAGD) CE Events

When: Multiple events throughout 2026; see the PAGD events page for current listings with dates and locations

Where: Various venues across Pennsylvania; coordinated from PAGD's office at 4076 Market Street, Suite 209, Camp Hill, PA

Who it's for: General dentists practicing in Pennsylvania; open to dental team members for select programs

CE credits: CE credits awarded and accepted toward Pennsylvania licensure renewal requirements

Cost: Varies by course; see individual event listings on the PAGD events page

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The Pennsylvania Academy of General Dentistry is the state constituent of the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD), a national professional association focused on continuing education and advocacy for general dentists. PAGD maintains an active 2026 events calendar with courses emphasizing hands-on clinical education. The PAGD events page includes dates, locations, and registration information for each program. PAGD also offers online CE through its website for dentists unable to attend in-person courses.

3. 3 Rivers Dental Conference (Western PA)

When: The Dental Society of Western Pennsylvania hosts this conference annually; the 2025 edition ran November 6–7, 2025. The 2026 dates have not yet been announced, check the official conference page for updates.

Where: Nemacolin Woodlands Resort, Farmington, PA (southwestern Pennsylvania)

Who it's for: Dentists, dental hygienists, and dental professionals in western Pennsylvania and the tri-state region

CE credits: CE credits offered; specific hour counts not published on the organizer's page

Cost: Not published for 2026. For context, the 2025 edition followed a two-tier structure: $140 for PDA/ADA member dentists; $120 for life members, hygienists, and assistants, per a summary published by a third-party source.

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The conference combines continuing education sessions with networking opportunities for dental professionals across the Pittsburgh region and surrounding areas. Attendees needing lodging can reserve rooms by calling 1-855-727-9802 and mentioning the 3 Rivers Dental Conference.

4. University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine CE Courses

When: Ongoing throughout 2026; individual course dates listed on the Pitt Dental CE page

Where: University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA

Who it's for: Dentists, dental hygienists, and dental professionals in western Pennsylvania and the tri-state area

CE credits: CE credits awarded for individual courses

Cost: Varies by course; published on the individual registration pages

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The University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine's Continuing Dental Education Center describes its mission as providing the tri-state area's dental community with timely and innovative CE programs. The program runs throughout the year with courses covering clinical and practice management topics.

5. Temple University Kornberg School of Dentistry CE Programs

When: Ongoing throughout 2026; course listings available on the Temple Kornberg CE page

Where: Temple University Kornberg School of Dentistry, Philadelphia, PA

Who it's for: Dentists, alumni, and dental professionals in the Philadelphia region

CE credits: CE credits awarded per course

Cost: Varies by course; see individual program listings

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Temple University's Kornberg School of Dentistry offers in-person continuing education courses serving the Philadelphia-area dental community. The school is committed to developing alumni and practicing dental professionals through its CE programs. Courses span clinical and non-clinical topics relevant to modern dental practice.

6. Penn Dental Medicine Continuing Education (Philadelphia)

When: Ongoing throughout 2026; see individual course pages on the Penn Dental Medicine website

Where: Penn Dental Medicine, 240 S. 40th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104 (Robert Schattner Center)

Who it's for: Dentists, hygienists, alumni, and dental professionals; registration is organized per attendee category

CE credits: CE credits offered; varies by course

Cost: Flat-rate structure per attendee category (dentist, hygienist/assistant, alumni, student); no early-bird differentiation noted on the registration pages reviewed

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Penn Dental Medicine, the dental school of the University of Pennsylvania, runs continuing education programs at its Philadelphia campus. The Robert Schattner Center is open Monday through Friday and can be reached at 215-898-8965. Alumni weekend CE sessions require advance registration with specified fees, managed through separate event registration links rather than walk-in attendance.

7. Pennsylvania Dental Hygienists' Association (PDHA) Annual Session

When: Annual; 2026 dates not yet announced, check the PDHA annual session page for updates

Where: To be announced; varies by year

Who it's for: Dental hygienists, expanded function dental assistants, and dental team members across Pennsylvania

CE credits: CE credits awarded; specific counts published closer to the event

Cost: Not yet published for 2026

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The Pennsylvania Dental Hygienists' Association holds an annual session focused on continuing education for dental hygienists throughout the state. The session draws hygienists from across Pennsylvania and awards CE credit for Pennsylvania license renewal. Programming typically spans clinical topics, patient care advancements, and professional advocacy.

8. Philadelphia County Dental Society Events

When: Recurring throughout 2026; check the Philadelphia County Dental Society calendar for current listings

Where: Various locations in the Philadelphia region

Who it's for: Dentists and dental professionals in Philadelphia County and surrounding areas

CE credits: Varies by event

Cost: Varies by event

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The Philadelphia County Dental Society maintains a calendar of events covering meetings, CE programs, and local society activities for dentists in the Philadelphia area. County-level society events typically offer a lower-cost, local alternative to statewide conferences and often focus on networking, advocacy updates, and shorter CE programs. Philadelphia-area dentists can use this calendar as a supplement to state and national conference planning.

9. Mom-n-PA Free Dental Clinic (Allentown)

When: Annual; held over two days, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday. The next 2026 dates have not been announced, check local community announcements for the current schedule.

Where: Allentown Fairgrounds Agri-Plex, Allentown, PA (Lehigh Valley region)

Who it's for: Patients, no insurance, money, or documentation required. Volunteer dental professionals are also welcomed.

CE credits: Not applicable (patient-care volunteer event)

Cost: Free for patients

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The Mom-n-PA free dental clinic is a patient-facing community event that draws more than 950 volunteers, including dentists and dental professionals, to the Lehigh Valley each year. It is one of Pennsylvania's most visible public dental outreach events and represents a meaningful volunteer opportunity for licensed professionals who want to contribute to community oral health outside the traditional conference circuit.

10. Remote Area Medical (RAM) Free Dental Clinics

When: RAM schedules pop-up clinics throughout the year in various states; Pennsylvania-area dates are published on the RAM clinics page

Where: Varies; RAM operates in underserved areas across the United States

Who it's for: Patients without insurance or ability to pay; volunteer dental professionals

CE credits: Not applicable (patient-care volunteer event)

Cost: Free for patients; volunteer-staffed

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Remote Area Medical is a nonprofit organization that operates free pop-up clinics providing dental, vision, and medical care to underserved populations. RAM clinics are staffed by volunteer licensed professionals who provide dental cleanings, fillings, extractions, and basic restorative care. When RAM schedules events within or near Pennsylvania, they draw volunteer practitioners from throughout the region. The RAM clinics page lists upcoming events with location and date details.

What CE Credits Do Pennsylvania Dental Events Require?

Pennsylvania dentists must satisfy 30 CE hours every two-year renewal cycle, with all CE in clinical topics. Licenses renew on March 31 of odd-numbered years, covering the period from April 1 of one odd year through March 31 of the next.

Several mandatory topics apply within those 30 hours, per the PDA licensure requirements page:

• Child abuse recognition and reporting: 2 hours required every renewal cycle (Act 31)
• Opioid/pain management CE: At least 2 hours for dentists with a current DEA registration (Act 124 of 2016)
• CPR/BLS: Current certification in infant, child, and adult CPR must be maintained
• Anesthesia permit holders: Dentists with an unrestricted or restricted permit I must complete 15 of their 30 hours in anesthesia-related courses

The Pennsylvania State Board of Dentistry regulates licensure for dentists, dental hygienists, and expanded function dental assistants. CE credits earned at PDA, PAGD, and accredited university programs are generally accepted toward renewal. Dentists should verify course approval status before registering for any event they plan to count toward licensure.

How Do You Choose the Right Pennsylvania Dental Events in 2026?

Which Events Offer the Most CE Credits in One Trip?

The PDA's Pennsylvania Dental Meeting is the most concentrated two-day CE opportunity in the state, with multiple tracks covering clinical and practice management topics. The registration pricing tiers also reflect a meaningful discount for PDA/ADA members, making membership financially relevant if you attend annually.

What Is the Best Dental Conference for Western Pennsylvania?

The 3 Rivers Dental Conference at Nemacolin in Farmington is the primary regional option for Pittsburgh-area practitioners. The fall timing complements a spring PDM attendance if you need to accumulate CE hours before a March renewal deadline. Monitor the Dental Society of Western Pennsylvania's conference page for 2026 date announcements.

If you are a dental hygienist or EFDA

The PDHA Annual Session is organized specifically for dental hygienists and provides CE relevant to hygiene practice and Pennsylvania licensure. PAGD programs and the PDM also include sessions open to hygienists and dental assistants, though pricing varies. The Pennsylvania State Board of Dentistry oversees CE requirements for hygienists and expanded function dental assistants separately from dentist requirements.

If you are a dental student or resident

PDM 2026 offers a flat $45 registration fee for students and residents, making it among the most accessible large-format CE events in the state. University-hosted programs at Pitt Dental and Temple Kornberg also present lower-cost local options.

If your practice is DSO-affiliated or multi-location

The PDM covers practice management and leadership programming alongside clinical CE, which tends to be relevant for DSO executives and practice managers. PAGD events skew toward general dentists but are open to team members at select programs. Neither the PDM nor PAGD currently lists virtual or hybrid attendance options for their flagship in-person events, so travel planning is required.

If your goal is community service alongside CE

The Mom-n-PA clinic in Allentown and RAM free clinics in the region offer volunteer opportunities for dentists who want to contribute directly to patient care. These events do not award CE credits but provide professional development in community dentistry and patient outreach.

What Does It Cost to Attend Pennsylvania's Dental Meeting 2026?

The table below summarizes published registration tiers for Pennsylvania's Dental Meeting 2026. Saturday pricing follows the same structure; the figures below are for Friday Full Day registration.

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Prices above are verified from the PDA's official 2026 registration page. Registering before March 25, 2026, produces meaningful savings for members and non-members alike.

What Happens to Your Practice While You Are at a Conference?

Many dental calls go unanswered when offices run short-handed during conferences or CE days. Every missed call is a potential new patient or an existing patient who may not call back.

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Resonate's AI dental receptionist works alongside your team 24/7, answering inbound calls, handling missed-call text-backs, and booking appointments directly into your practice management system. It keeps coverage running even when your front desk is at a conference in Bedford or Farmington. In a 30-day pilot, an Allied OMS partner captured 41 new patients and significant revenue with AI-powered patient engagement running in the background.

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Book a Demo to see how Resonate keeps every patient opportunity covered while your team focuses on learning.

Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Events in Pennsylvania

What are the main dental conferences in Pennsylvania in 2026?

The main confirmed dental conference in Pennsylvania for 2026 is Pennsylvania's Dental Meeting, held April 17–18, 2026, at Omni Bedford Springs Resort in Bedford. Regional events include PAGD's ongoing CE programs, the annual 3 Rivers Dental Conference hosted by the Dental Society of Western Pennsylvania (2026 dates not yet announced), and CE programs at Pitt Dental and Temple Kornberg.

What is the cost to attend Pennsylvania's Dental Meeting 2026?

PDM 2026 registration for a Friday Full Day session costs $175 for PDA/ADA members and $260 for non-member dentists when booked by March 25, 2026. Prices rise after that date, members pay $220 and non-members pay $325. Students and residents pay a flat $45 regardless of registration timing.

When and where is Pennsylvania's Dental Meeting 2026 being held?

Pennsylvania's Dental Meeting 2026 is scheduled for April 17–18, 2026, at Omni Bedford Springs Resort, 2138 Business 220, Bedford, PA 15522. It is organized by the Pennsylvania Dental Association.

How many CE hours do Pennsylvania dentists need to renew their license?

Pennsylvania dentists must complete 30 CE hours every two-year renewal cycle, with licenses renewing on March 31 of odd-numbered years. See the CE requirements section above for the full breakdown.

Are there dental events in Pennsylvania for dental hygienists specifically?

Yes. The Pennsylvania Dental Hygienists' Association holds an annual session with CE targeted at dental hygienists; 2026 dates have not yet been published. The PDHA annual session page lists upcoming details. Hygienists may also attend select sessions at PDM 2026 and PAGD events.

What CE topics are mandatory for Pennsylvania dental license renewal?

Pennsylvania dentists must complete 30 CE hours per two-year renewal cycle, including mandatory topics outlined in the CE requirements section above.

Do Pennsylvania dental events in 2026 offer virtual or hybrid attendance?

The registration page for Pennsylvania's Dental Meeting 2026 does not list virtual, livestream, or on-demand attendance options, indicating the PDA's flagship event is structured as an in-person program. PAGD lists online CE separately from its in-person events; check the PAGD events page for current online course availability.

Where can I find an ongoing calendar of dental events in Pennsylvania?

The Pennsylvania Dental Association, PAGD, and the Philadelphia County Dental Society each maintain event calendars updated throughout the year. The PDA calendar covers statewide and component society events; PAGD lists CE courses for general dentists; and local societies publish their own meeting schedules.

Is the 3 Rivers Dental Conference returning in 2026?

The 3 Rivers Dental Conference, hosted by the Dental Society of Western Pennsylvania at Nemacolin Woodlands Resort in Farmington, runs annually. The 2025 edition was held November 6–7, 2025. Specific 2026 dates have not yet been announced; the official conference page on the DSWP website is the authoritative source for schedule updates.

Are there free dental events for patients in Pennsylvania?

Yes. The Mom-n-PA free dental clinic at the Allentown Fairgrounds Agri-Plex provides free cleanings, fillings, and children's dental care with no insurance, money, or documentation required. Remote Area Medical (RAM) also schedules free pop-up dental clinics in underserved areas; upcoming dates are listed on the RAM clinics page.

How do I register for Pennsylvania's Dental Meeting 2026?

Registration is handled through the PDA member portal. Dentists sign in using their PDA website credentials; the default username follows the format of first initial plus last name plus four-digit birth year. Non-dentist team members are added via the "+Add a Guest" function during the dentist's registration. Hygienists or assistants attending without a dentist from their practice must contact PDA staff directly by phone or email to register.