This page contains general information you'll need about Annual Session, including registration, continuing education credits and exhibit call information. Click on a link below to quickly navigate to a specific section.
What's New?
Annual Session is Going "Ticketless"
This year the MDA will use a bar code badge system instead of issuing paper tickets for courses and events. No paper tickets issued. All class and event reservations will be loaded onto individual badges through a special bar code system. Just present your badge as you enter each course or event — badges will be scanned for admission. Exhibitors may also scan badges for follow-up information, prizes, and promotional purposes.
Download your CE vouchers. The bar code badge system captures data from all your courses through scanning as you enter and leave your courses. CE certificates can be downloaded online by using your badge number. Printed continuing education vouchers will not be available on-site. See your Annual Session Final Program for a Web site and link to download your important CE vouchers.
The MDA's new ticketless bar code system eliminates the expense and hassle of paper tickets. Plus, it's earth-friendly, too. Please call the MDA office if you have any questions about this year's "ticketless" Annual Session.
Registration Information
Pre-Registration
The MDA is again offering pre-registration for Annual Session guests. It's easy! Just fill out the registration form in the Annual Session preview you received in the mail, or register online. When you pre-register by March 15, you'll receive your bar-coded badge, welcome materials, Annual Session Final Program, maps, etc., by mail two weeks in advance of Annual Session. Please note that a separate registration form is needed for each participant.
Even if you don't sign up for any classes, you can still pre-register. We encourage everyone to pre-register. With pre-registration, there's no need to check-in at registration on-site. You will receive everything you need, conveniently mailed to you in advance.
After the pre-registration deadline of March 15, 2010, all registration will be in Hall A of Rock Financial Showplace. But — course prices increase by $25 on-site. A driver's license or photo ID is required to register on site.
Registration is required for all courses.
Reservations for all courses are made in advance of Annual Session, either by fax, mail, telephone or online. Classes may also be reserved on-site in the registration area (Hall A, Rock Financial Showplace). Be sure to make your reservations early to avoid disappointment! Seating is limited to a specified number of attendees. Course numbers are listed after course descriptions in this program guide.
Remember, reservations are required for both free courses and paid courses.
Admission to Annual Session
A badge is required for admission to lectures and the MDA Exhibit Hall. Admission is FREE to MDA members, non-dentist spouses and immediate families, Annual Session speakers, dental assistants, dental hygienists, dental administrative personnel, dental technicians, honorary or affiliate MDA members, and students with a student registration card or school ID.
Nonmember Fees
A $75 registration fee will be assessed to out-of-state dentists who are American Dental Association members. A $350 registration fee will be assessed to dentists who are not members of the ADA or MDA (this fee may be applied to membership dues within 30 days of Annual Session). A $50 fee will be applied to staff, guests, and spouses of dentists who are not members of the ADA and/or MDA.
On-Site Registration
A driver's license or photo ID is required for on-site registration. On-site registration hours are Wednesday, April 14 from 7 a.m. until 5 p.m.; Thursday, April 15 from 8 a.m. until 6 p.m.; Friday, April 16 from 7 a.m. until 6 p.m.; and Saturday, April 17 from 8 a.m. until 2 p.m. Registration is located in Hall A, Rock Financial Showplace.
Cancellation Policy
No refunds will be granted after the start of Annual Session. For a cancellation refund, a written request along with your bar-coded badge must be mailed and received at the MDA office no later than April 14, 2010. Refunds will only be granted if badges are returned. A $25 administration fee will be charged per course cancellation.
Lost Badges
All course exchanges must be done on-site after March 15, 2010. All lost or exchanged badges are subject to a $25 fee. A driver's license is required to change courses or to receive a new badge.
Continuing Education Credits
One hour of class attendance equals one credit of continuing education. Continuing education credits are awarded at the completion of each class.
No CE vouchers will be issued on-site. See the box on page 20 for information on the MDA's new ticketless badge and voucher system.
The Michigan Dental Association is a nationally approved continuing education provider in the ADA Continuing Education Recognition Program (ADA CERP). The current term of approval extends from November 2008 through December 2011.
Stop by the MDA Member Center (located in Hall A, Rock Financial Showplace) for a free MDA Continuing Education Record-Keeping Folder. This handy folder tracks your CE credits and contains the state of Michigan's updated rules for mandatory continuing education.
Download Course Handouts
In a continued effort to minimize paper waste, traditional course handout materials will be available online beginning Monday, March 23 (if permitted by each speaker) on the Course Handouts page of this section. NOTE: These materials will NOT be printed for distribution on-site. If you wish to have these materials to reference during the course please be sure to download and print them in advance. Handouts will also be available for download after the Annual Session for a limited time (as permitted by each speaker.)
House of Delegates/Reference Committees/Caucuses
MDA House of Delegates
The first meeting of the MDA House of Delegates will be held Thursday, April 15 from 8:30 a.m. until 11:30 a.m. The second meeting will be held Saturday, April 17, from noon until approximately 5 p.m. The House of Delegates will be located in Hall B, Rock Financial Showplace.
MDA Reference Committee Hearings
Reference Committee hearings will be held Thursday, April 15 at the Rock Financial Showplace. Reference Committee A will be held from 11:10 a.m. until 12:10 p.m. Reference Committee B will be held from 12:10 p.m. until 1 p.m. See the MDA Annual Session Final Program for room locations.
District Caucuses
District caucuses will be held Saturday, April 17 at the Sheraton Detroit Novi Hotel. Check the Annual Session Final Program for exact locations.
The Spirit of Michigan Exhibit Hall
Here's where you'll discover the latest dental products, services and techniques, plus many MDA Annual Session show specials.
You'll find more than 200 exhibitors at this year's MDA Annual Session/Spirit of Michigan Exhibit Hall. They're offering show specials, helpful advice, and the chance to see the newest products "up close and personal." You can get your questions answered, talk with product representatives, and see what's new in dentistry. It's all at the MDA Annual Session Exhibit Hall — Michigan's largest dental expo!
A full listing of exhibitors appears in the Annual Session Final Program, mailed to you with your registration materials or available on-site.
Take advantage of this great resource for your practice. Be sure to stop by the exhibits, conveniently located near all MDA classes right inside Hall A, Rock Financial Showplace.
- Thursday, April 15: Exhibits open Noon until 6 p.m.
- Friday, April 16: Exhibits open 10 a.m. until 6 p.m.
- Saturday, April 17: Exhibits open 10 a.m. until 1 p.m.
Remember! No exhibits Wednesday! No Exhibits Wednesday! Exhibits open Thursday at noon. The MDA Exhibit Hall will be open Thursday, Friday and Saturday of Annual Session.
President’s Reception! The MDA will hold a special MDA President's Reception right in the Exhibit Hall on Thursday, April 15, from 4 until 6 p.m. Everyone is invited! During the reception complimentary hors d'oeuvres, will be provided, with a cash bar.
MDA Member Center. While you're visiting the Exhibit Hall, be sure to stop by the nearby MDA Member Center. There you can relax, enjoy a snack, visit with MDA leaders and staff, check out the latest MDA products and services, check your e-mail, and get all your questions answered. It's a great way to make sure you're taking full advantage of all the latest MDA member benefits and services. C'mon, stop by!
Lunch and Snacks. Pressed for time between classes? No problem! You can get lunch right in the MDA Exhibit Hall as you chat with exhibitors or fellow colleagues. The concession area offers a hot buffet, variety of sandwiches and healthy food options, plus snacks, coffee and soft drinks. Maps with local lunch options will be provided in the pre-registration packets.
MDA Insurance, MDA Services Aisle. Come visit the MDA Insurance and MDA Services aisle at the MDA Annual Session exhibits April 15-17 in Hall A of Rock Financial Showplace. You'll discover friendly advice, helpful service and big savings on MDA-endorsed insurance and member services.
Check out our great show specials and giveaways, too! Find out more about MDA-endorsed insurance plans, financial services, programs for the office, and many other money-saving products and services.
Look for the MDA-Endorsed banners in Hall A of Rock Financial Showplace.
Table Clinics
See the listing of table clinics in the Annual Session Final Program. Table Clinics will take place Thursday, April 15, from noon until 2 p.m., and on Friday, April 16, from noon until 2 p.m.
Disabilities or Special Accommodations
If you have a disability and require special accommodations, please check the box on the registration form or contact the MDA Continuing Education Department at (800) 589-2632, ext. 401. Advance notice is required by April 6.
Questions?
Call the MDA at (517) 372-9070; (800) 589-2632 toll-free. Or e-mail the MDA’s Shawna Owens.