Registration Open for 2026 Midwest Dental Assembly
Registration is now open for the 2026 Midwest Dental Assembly. This year’s MDA will take place at the Grand Wayne Convention Center in Fort Wayne on May 13-16, 2026.
As with previous conferences, the Midwest Dental Assembly will feature multiple CE opportunities, networking events, social activities and the Marketplace of vendors displaying the newest dental technologies and products.
Visit our Midwest Dental Assembly page to learn more and to register. A schedule of speakers and courses will be added soon.
Indianapolis to Host ADA Scientific Session in 2026
The 2026 ADA Scientific Session will take place in Indianapolis in October 2026. SmileCon was scheduled to take place in Indianapolis but was cancelled due to low attendance and revenue shortages. However, ADA bylaws require the organization to host an annual scientific session, so the scaled down ADA 2026 Scientific Session, as well as the annual ADA House of Delegates, will take the place of SmileCon in October 2026.
Along with the Scientific Session, the IDA is pleased to announce that our Center for Excellence for fall 2026 will take place alongside the Scientific Session. The speaker for the fall CFE will be Dr. Barett Andreasen, who will offer a live lecture and hands-on workshop. Visit our CFE page for more information about Dr. Andreasen’s CFE sessions.
Membership Renewal for 2026 is Here
It’s time to renew your membership for 2026! More than 75 percent of Indiana’s dentists are members, and together we create a stronger profession for everyone. Join or renew today and enjoy all the benefits of membership for another year, including:
- Advocacy at the state and national level for our profession
- Free and low-cost CE
- National, state and local meetings for networking and professional development
- Member discounts on personal and professional products and services
- Professional advice for clinical and practice management issues
2025 Ethics and Opioids CE Now Available
The IDA’s 2025 Ethics and Opioids self-study publications are now available online. A combined publication on both topics has been mailed to all IDA members. We are happy to mail print copies to hygienists and non-member dentists upon request, subject to availability. Digital copies are also available for purchase with the quiz (see pricing below).
Both publications and the related quizzes fulfill the Indiana state CE requirements for the 2025 license renewal. Opioid CE is no longer required for Indiana CSR renewals, but it does apply toward the 8-hour MATE Act requirement for DEA registration renewals.
Both publications have an online quiz. The cost to take each quiz is:
- $40 for IDA member dentists
- $55 for hygienists (ethics only)
- $200 for non-member dentists
Click here to purchase the online publication and/or quiz for each topic.
IDA Continuing Ed Gets You Ready for License Renewal
The March 2, 2026 Indiana dental license renewal deadline will be here before you know it. Make sure you’ve obtained all of your required CE credits as required by the Indiana State Board of Dentistry. Visit our Continuing Education pages to view our live, online and self-study CE options. You can also view Indiana CE requirements to make sure you and your hygienists are ready for renewal next year. When it comes to CE and licensure compliance, the IDA has you covered.
IDA Awards Outstanding IUSD Faculty
Each year, the IDA awards outstanding faculty at IUSD for their innovation, hard work and significant contributions to the field of dentistry. Congratulations to our 2025 recipients! Both are pictured below with 2025-26 IDA President Dr. Rebecca De La Rosa and IUSD Dean Dr. Carol Anne Murdoch-Kinch.
IDA Outstanding Faculty Award
This year’s winner of the IDA Outstanding Faculty Award, Dr. Wei-Shao Lin, has earned this distinction because he has proven to be an outstanding teacher, mentor, and researcher. Dr. Lin was described as an exceptional educator, mentor, and leader, someone who has made a lasting impact on both the DDS and graduate education at the dental school. He has been instrumental in promoting student success and opportunities, particularly through efforts to integrate digital technology into the curriculum and modernize clinical training. Dr. Lin is known for his unwavering support of faculty development, mentoring junior colleagues, and fostering a collaborative and inclusive environment. His leadership has strengthened the institution and inspired a culture of innovation and continuous improvement. Beyond IUSD, Dr. Lin is internationally recognized for his contributions to the profession through research and global collaboration, further elevating the school’s reputation.
IDA Outstanding Teacher Award
This year’s IDA Outstanding Teacher of the Year Awardee, Dr. Scott Conley, has made a profound impact on IUSD and the broader dental profession. Trained in dentistry in the eastern United States and completing advanced education in the central part of the country, he has mentored more than 25 dental and graduate students in research, fostering the next generation of scholars and clinicians. His scholarly contributions are equally impressive, with over 30 original peer-reviewed publications and nearly two dozen book chapters to their name. Dr. Conley’s work has reached audiences across the globe, with more than 110 invited presentations delivered at local, regional, national, and international venues. In the past four years alone, Dr. Conley has secured $12,400 in research funding, advancing the scholarship of teaching and learning in meaningful ways. His leadership has also been instrumental in shaping the academic experience for students, through thoughtful curricular innovations and a commitment to student success that aligns with the university’s IU 2030 Strategic Plan. Beyond the classroom and clinic, he has served in key leadership roles. In these roles, he has championed the ideals of lifelong learning, supported institutional growth, and elevated the reputation of our institution on a national scale. Dr. Conley is a compassionate colleague, a thoughtful leader, and a tireless advocate for excellence. His contributions have strengthened our school, inspired our students, and advanced the profession of dentistry.
Dr. Rebecca De La Rosa Becomes 167th President
Avon dentist Dr. Rebecca De La Rosa became the 167th president of the IDA at the House of Delegates on May 17, 2025. Dr. De La Rosa lists IDA fiscal health, membership growth and the search for a new IDA executive director among her top priorities.
Congratulations to Dr. De La Rosa! Click here to view all of our officers.
2025 Midwest Dental Assembly Is Here!
Be Well Subcommittee Interviews Dr. Brett Kessler
[vc_row css_animation=”” row_type=”row” use_row_as_full_screen_section=”no” type=”full_width” angled_section=”no” text_align=”left” background_image_as_pattern=”without_pattern”][vc_column width=”1/4″][vc_video link=”https://youtu.be/DMAwl5MGCAc” css=””][/vc_column][vc_column width=”3/4″][vc_column_text]The IDA Be Well Subcommittee recently interviewed ADA President Dr. Brett Kessler about his journey throughout dentistry, including his experience with substance abuse. Using Dr. Kessler’s story to strengthen support for dental professionals, the Be Well Subcommittee advocates for promoting open conversations about mental health and wellness and support. We hope our members find the video insightful and inspiring.
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
ADA Addresses Fluoride Misconceptions
Community Water Fluoridation (CWF) has been in the news lately, and the ADA has multiple resources to help address concerns and misconceptions about CWF. Visit the links below to learn more:
ADA Responses to Misconceptions About Community Water Fluoridation
ADA Action for Dental Health: All About Fluoride
South Bend, IN 46635 