With the continued spread of the delta variant of the coronavirus and rising COVID-19 cases, premier fall dental shows will require attendees to show proof of vaccination or submit to regular testing. Additional precautions will be in place for individuals who attend the ADA's SmileCon 2021 or the 2021 Greater New York Dental Meeting.
The 2021 Greater New York Dental Meeting website lists the conference as a "fully vaccinated" event. The conference will be held from November 26 through December 1 at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in New York City, where Mayor Bill de Blasio just announced that individuals must show proof of vaccination for most indoor events and dining. Attendees of Greater New York will need to show proof that they have been vaccinated for the novel coronavirus, according to the website.
The ADA has also established precautions for individuals wanting to attend SmileCon 2021 in Las Vegas. The conference, which will take place October 11-13, will require attendees to be fully vaccinated or to submit a negative COVID-19 test on a regular basis during the meeting. Onsite testing will be available, but individuals will be responsible for any costs associated with it, according to the SmileCon website.
The ADA does not state whether attendees will have to provide proof of vaccination, but the association noted it will use technology to protect the vaccination status of attendees. More details on the technology will be shared prior to the meeting.
Regardless of vaccination status, SmileCon attendees will be required to wear masks except when eating or drinking. This coincides with recommendations from the Southern Nevada Health District.
Since the beginning of July, the White House has labeled Clark County, in which Las Vegas is located, as a COVID-19 hotspot. In response to a rising number of cases, the state's health district announced on July 16 that it was recommending that people wear masks in public settings regardless of vaccination status.
