CONNECTIONS, CE AND COMMUNITY AT ODA ANNUAL SESSION
Thousands of dental professionals came together in Columbus Sept. 17-19 for three days of learning, connecting and fun at the 2026 ODA Annual Session.
Thousands of dental professionals came together in Columbus Sept. 17-19 for three days of learning, connecting and fun at the 2026 ODA Annual Session. From packed CE courses and a bustling Exhibit Hall to opportunities to reconnect with colleagues and enjoy special events, this year’s meeting brought the dental community together in a big way. Attendees chose from 44 CE courses presented by 30 local and national experts, explored products and services from 175 vendors and made connections with colleagues from across Ohio and beyond.
“Every year, simply by being a part of the ODA, you get discounts to great courses and events at the Annual Session,” said Dr. Brian Gallagher, a general dentist in Cleveland. “That in and of itself is a benefit. This year, Dawson Academy sent their top-notch instructors, and there were many other great courses that are offered at an incredible value. I also get the opportunity to be face to face with the people running the organization … and they actually want to listen!”
This year, 2,749 dental professionals attended the ODA Annual Session, including 700 dentists.
ODA Annual Session featured many hands-on workshops, team building courses, front office courses and more.
“My favorite part of the Annual Session is that the entire team can learn and grow together! Our entire team came to the Annual Session, and they were able to tailor their classes based on their interests and job duties,” said Dr. Amanda Levinsohn, a general dentist in Cincinnati. “The Annual Session is a huge benefit for ODA members. So many CE classes are virtual these days. We appreciate that there is in person CE that our team can do together for a reasonable cost close to home.”
Two of our most popular courses helped attendees fulfill requirements or add services to their practice:
- “Hygiene Diode Laser Training” presented by Joy Raskie, RDH, fulfilled training requirements to equip hygienists to utilize a laser.
- “Prevention and Management of Emergencies Related to General Anesthesia and Sedation” presented by Dr. Jimmie Harper and Dr. James Phero fulfilled a requirement for deep sedation/general anesthesia permit or moderate sedation permit holders.
ODA Annual Session also had courses on healthcare provider BLS, radiography review, medical emergencies, OSHAA, HIPAA and more. Popular speakers included Dr. Uche Odiatu, Dr. John Svirsky, Dr. Mario Romero, Katrina Sanders, RDH and others.
“Every class I took at this session was excellent,” Levinsohn said. “This was my favorite conference that I have ever attended. The classes from Dr. Odiatu and Dr. Shufflebarger really spoke to me personally and were eye-opening about my own health. Most of our team attended the full day of sessions with Dr. Odiatu and brought back lessons for home and work to help our patients to reduce inflammation and disease in their bodies.”
Gallagher said “the courses were fantastic, which is an easy benefit to the clinical side of dentistry. But also, being able to speak with other dentists who go through many of the same challenges is refreshing, as well as inspiring. Being able to take new ideas from Thursday/Friday and work with them on Monday is key when deciding to attend Annual Session.”
The Exhibit Hall is rated by ODA Annual Session attendees as one of the top reasons they attend the meeting each year. Attendees could comparison shop with the help of knowledgeable company representatives, and major dental suppliers on-site included Benco, Patterson, Henry Schein and Safco.
“Walking through the Exhibit Hall you can find the loupes that you need, you can sign up for community service work, you can talk to the insurance companies, all in the same hub in one place,” said Dr. Mehrdad Safavian, a general dentist in Columbus. “I think that’s the best reason to come here every year and get it all done within a couple of days.
New this year, attendees had a chance to earn up to seven hours of free CE at the CE Stage located just off the Exhibit Hall floor. A variety of great lectures were presented by companies exhibiting at the ODA Annual Session and attendees listened via headphones.
The Exhibit Hall also featured several special events, including Free Lunch! Hops & Shops, and a Fashion Show featuring styles for both in the office and out.
The Exhibit Hall also featured a drawing, where attendees received entries based on how much they purchased in the Exhibit Hall. Dr. Tara Haid and Dr. Charles Mardis each won a $500 VISA gift card.
Annual Session featured several social events where attendees could connect and have fun, including the New Dentist Social, Morning Yoga, Night at the Ballpark, a DeW meetup, Dentistry Uncorked: A Study in Taste, Callahan Celebration of Excellence and The Bash!
Annual Session also featured a Scavenger Hunt. Winners were Dr. Winnie Wong, Dr. Maemie Chan and Olivia Velasquez and they each received an Amazon gift card.
Callahan Celebration of Excellence
In conjunction with the ODA Annual Session, the Callahan Celebration of Excellence took place on Sept. 18. The celebration recognized the 2026 Awards of Excellence winners.
The 2026 Awards of Excellence winners include:
- 2026 Joseph P. Crowley Distinguished Dentist Award recipient – Dr. Manish Chopra.
- 2026 Achievement Award recipient – Dr. Jacinto Beard.
- 2026 Marvin Fisk Humanitarian Award recipient – Dr. Homa Amini.
- 2026 N. Wayne Hiatt Rising Star Award recipient – Dr. Grace Eichler.
- 2026 Access to Dental Care Program Award recipient – The OHIO Project (OSU College of Dentistry).
- 2026 Callahan Memorial Award – Dr. William Giannobile.
For more information about the award winners, click here.
The ODA Leadership pin was awarded to Dr. Jennifer Kale.
Kale has been a pillar of the ODA for decades. She has been a devoted delegate to the ODA House of Delegates for over 20 years. She has guided the Council on Access to Care and Public Service, the Council on Membership Services, and the Medicaid Working Group as chair. Beyond this extensive work, she has also spent over 10 years guiding the future of the ODA Foundation, serving as a trustee and as chair. Throughout all of these leadership positions, she has maintained a profound advocacy for public oral health.
The ODA Leadership Pin recognizes members who demonstrate leadership in service to the ODA and their peers, a high level of volunteerism within the profession and a commitment to organized dentistry. The ODA Executive Committee selects a recipient who is a positive influence in growth and development of the ODA – and who is a true role model for future leaders in organized dentistry.
Poster Sessions
On Sept. 18, ODA Annual Session attendees had the opportunity to earn up to two hours of free CE by attending Poster Sessions (formerly known as Table Clinics). The presentations covered a wide variety of topics, and a panel of judges rated each of them.
This year’s winners are:
- Best of Show – Alex Matthews.
- Dental Resident first place – Dr. Namrata Bhatti.
- Dental Resident Second place – Dr. Nadeem Koleilat.
- Dental Student/Auxiliary First place – Emily Williams.
- Dental Student/Auxiliary Second place – Annalise Grammel.
Download CE slips
Log in to your Annual Session account at https://www.prereg.net/2026/oda/ to access your CE credit verification and course handouts.
- CE certificates: After logging in, select “Proceed to CE Dashboard” at the top of the screen.
- Course handouts: Available from links on your Account Summary page.
Save the Date
We hope to see you again at the 2027 ODA Annual Session, which will be Sept. 16-18, 2027 in Columbus.
