2021 ODA Annual Session to feature in-person, virtual components

2021 ODA Annual Session

Hands-on workshops will be a highlight of the 2021 ODA Annual Session, which will feature online and in-person courses.

The ODA Annual Session Committee is planning a hybrid event for the 2021 ODA Annual Session, which will include both in-person and virtual components to the meeting.

The 2021 ODA Annual Session will feature excellent CE opportunities for the entire dental team in person and online, the ability to shop in the Exhibit Hall, and chances to reconnect with colleagues and friends in person.

Our in-person convention will be held at the Greater Columbus Convention Center and the Hyatt Regency Columbus Downtown Hotel from Sept. 30-Oct. 2.

We are planning an Annual Session that is safe, engaging and educational, and we are excited for the 2021 meeting. All plans are contingent on restrictions that may be in place at that time.

“I am so looking forward to catching up with all of you at our upcoming annual sessions and to join you in celebrating our comeback year; we have quite a celebration planned! From our acclaimed keynote speaker Bertice Berry, to a night of laughs with comedian Greg Hahn, to our Women in Dentistry Symposium with Dr. O’Loughlin, and to our star studded cast of continuing education instructors, we intend to make this an event not to be forgotten,” Said Dr. Lori Fitzgerald, general chair of the 2021 ODA Annual Session. “Check out the Short North with its new hotels, restaurants, and bars and stay for the Callahan Awards of Excellence Dinner (watch for other fun surprises surrounding this event). Register and help make this a monumental event for all.”

Attend CE in person

Scheduled in-person speakers include Dr. Uche Odiatu; Dr. Stanley Malamed; Dr. Bill Scarfe; Dr. Jamison Spencer; Dr. Josh Austin; Judy Bendit, RDH; Judy Kay Mausoff; Shannon Nanne, RDH; Tija Hunter, CDA; and Christine Taxin.

Participation workshops will be a highlight of this year’s Annual Session with many speakers offering hands-on opportunities and hard-to-find workshops directed separately to hygienists and dental assistants.

Attend CE online

All paid registrants will have access to more than 25 hours of online CE courses, included free with their Annual Session registration fee. Online CE courses will be available from Sept. 30-Dec. 31, 2021.

Online courses will include a 2-hour opioid required course directed to dental hygienists, and the highly sought after Oral Health Access Supervision Program (OHASP) course.

Shop the Exhibit Hall

The 2021 ODA Annual Session will feature both a live and virtual Exhibit Hall, included free with the cost of registration.

The virtual Exhibit Hall will be available online Sept. 30 through the end of the year.

On-site Exhibit Hall hours will be:
Thursday, Sept. 30 from 12-6:30 p.m.
Friday, Oct. 1 from 10 a.m.-6:30 p.m.
Saturday, Oct. 2 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Keynote speakers

New this year, the ODA Annual Session will feature two free live keynote speakers:
Comedian Greg Hahn will perform on Thursday, Sept. 30 at 5:15 p.m.

Motivational speaker Bertice Berry, PhD, will present “Navigating Life in a New World of Normals” on Friday, Oct. 1 at 1 p.m.

ODA Annual Session registrants will be able to watch these live keynote presentations in-person or virtually.

Special events

The ODA Annual Session is also expected to feature several special events, including:
The New Dentist Social on Thursday, Sept. 30.

The Women in Dentistry Symposium on Friday, Oct. 1, at 2:30 p.m. This event is scheduled to feature ADA Executive Director Dr. Kathleen T. O’Loughlin.

MATCH @ ODA Annual Session on Friday, Oct. 1.

The Callahan Celebration of Excellence on Friday Oct.1.

The Bash! on Friday, Oct. 1.

Register for the 2021 ODA Annual Session

Registration for the 2021 ODA Annual Session will open on June 1.

The registration fee for the 2021 ODA Annual Session includes:
Attendance at the in-person Annual Session in Columbus and the ability to register for in-person CE courses.

Access to up to 25 hours of free CE available online through December 31.

Access to our in-person and virtual Exhibit Halls.

Register by Aug. 13 to receive an early bird discount:
Dental staff: $75.
ADA/ODA members: $125.

Full information will be available on June 1 at www.oda.org. The ODA will not be mailing a printed program this year.

The ODA is continuing to monitor restrictions on large gatherings in Ohio and expects to have limited class sizes to accommodate social distancing. Because of this, we recommend you register early to secure your seat in our most popular courses.