Dentistry's attempt to battle back from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic took another turn on Thursday morning as the Chicago Dental Society (CDS) announced that its annual Midwinter Meeting will not take place in person in February 2021.
In a statement, the CDS said that its 156th Midwinter Meeting, previously scheduled to be held in Chicago at McCormick Place from February 25-27, 2021, will be a virtual event.
"Every year, CDS brings together nearly 30,000 dentists, other healthcare professionals, and exhibitors from throughout the world," said CDS President-elect Dean Nicholas, DDS. "While the camaraderie and connection afforded by an in-person event will be missed, our first and foremost concern is the health and safety of our attendees. In an abundance of caution, our Board of Directors determined that the 2021 Midwinter Meeting, 'Heart of Dentistry,' will be moved to a virtual format."
The decision to move the event to a virtual format falls in line with a number of other key meetings since COVID-19 burst onto the U.S. landscape in March. The 2020 Chicago Midwinter Meeting was the last major in-person meeting held before restrictions on gathering in groups became effective in mid-March.
"As essential healthcare workers, CDS dentists are 100% committed to ensuring that they are able to care for their patients," Dr. Nicholas added. "At this time, it is difficult to predict whether a vaccine or treatment for COVID-19 will be widely available. A virtual meeting will still allow for important education and scientific exchange. We are disappointed that we cannot be together in-person but look forward to a robust meeting."
Registration for the virtual 2021 Midwinter Meeting opens on November 2. Registration is free to CDS members. Additional details, registration fees, and course package information will reportedly be announced soon on the Chicago Dental Society website.
