Minnesota's dental community has numerous professional development and networking opportunities planned for 2025. These events offer dental professionals chances to earn continuing education credits, learn about new technologies, and connect with colleagues across the state. The Star of the North Meeting is the premier dental conference in the Upper Midwest, featuring over 75 continuing education seminars and an exhibit floor with more than 250 innovative companies.

Staying informed about upcoming dental events helps Minnesota dental professionals maintain their licensure requirements while keeping current with industry advances. The Minnesota Dental Association organizes several key events throughout the year, providing valuable resources for dentists, hygienists, and other dental team members looking to enhance their practices and professional knowledge.

1) Minnesota Dental Association Star of the North Meeting 2025

The Star of the North Meeting 2025 will take place from April 24-26, 2025, at the Saint Paul RiverCentre in Minnesota. This marks the 142nd edition of this prestigious dental conference.

Registration for the event opens on January 2, 2025. Dental professionals should note the early bird registration deadline is February 14, 2025, which offers savings on attendance fees.

The conference features over 75 continuing education seminars covering the latest clinical techniques and practice management strategies. Dentists and their teams can earn valuable CE credits while updating their professional knowledge.

The exhibition floor will showcase more than 250 innovative dental companies displaying the newest products and technologies. This provides an excellent opportunity for dental professionals to explore cutting-edge equipment and supplies.

First established in 1883, the Star of the North has grown to become the premier dental conference of the Midwest, attracting thousands of dental professionals annually. The event offers unparalleled networking opportunities with colleagues from across the region.

Diamond sponsors are already supporting the 2025 event, demonstrating the industry's commitment to this significant gathering.

2) Minnesota Dental Association District Meetings

The Minnesota Dental Association (MDA) hosts regular district meetings throughout 2025 for dental professionals across the state. These gatherings provide valuable networking and continuing education opportunities for dentists and their staff.

The MDA divides Minnesota into several dental districts, including Minneapolis, Saint Paul, Northeastern, Northwestern, Southeastern, Southern, and West Central. Each district runs its own meetings and events schedule with topics relevant to local dental practices.

District meetings typically feature clinical presentations, practice management discussions, and updates on dental regulations. Many meetings offer CE credits that help dentists maintain their licensure requirements.

Most district events occur monthly or quarterly, with some districts taking breaks during summer months. The Minnesota Dental Association calendar provides a comprehensive month-by-month listing of all upcoming district meetings.

Dentists who are MDA members receive discounted registration fees for these events. Non-member dentists and dental staff can usually attend for an additional fee.

Some districts coordinate special social events alongside educational programming, creating opportunities for dental professionals to build relationships with colleagues in their region.

3) University of Minnesota School of Dentistry Continuing Education Courses

The University of Minnesota School of Dentistry offers several continuing education programs for dental teams throughout 2025. These courses help dental professionals maintain licensure requirements while staying current on industry practices.

For dental assistants, the school provides specialized training programs running from August through December 2025. These include a 45-hour Local Anesthesia program and an 80-hour Radiology Certificate course, both essential for expanding clinical capabilities in dental practices.

Team-focused education is also available through seasonal CE Training Days. The Winter 2025 CE Training Day will be conducted via Zoom webinar, making it accessible for entire dental teams to participate together.

Similarly, a Spring 2025 version offers training on medical emergency preparation and prevention in dental settings. These convenient online formats allow dental offices to train staff without significant disruption to practice schedules.

The school regularly updates their course catalog with both in-person and online options. Dental professionals can search for specific courses based on their specialty needs or continuing education requirements.

4) 3M Key Opinion Leader Visits at University of Minnesota

The University of Minnesota hosts international dental scholars through their Key Opinion Leader program partnership with 3M. These visiting scholars study for six to twelve months at the Minnesota Dental Research Center for Biomaterials and Biomechanics (MDRCBB).

Throughout 2025, Minnesota dentists can attend special presentations by these international experts who bring diverse perspectives on global dental practices. The presentations typically cover cutting-edge research in biomaterials and biomechanics.

Dental professionals can network with these scholars during scheduled events, creating valuable connections for future collaborations. The program specifically invites scholars from developing countries to study advanced techniques and bring knowledge back to their home regions.

The 2025 KOL schedule includes quarterly presentations at the University of Minnesota School of Dentistry campus. Each session provides continuing education credits for attending dentists and dental specialists.

Registration for these events opens 60 days before each scheduled presentation through the Minnesota Dental Research Center website. Space is limited to ensure meaningful interaction between local dental professionals and visiting scholars.

5) Minnesota Dental Association Public Events

The Minnesota Dental Association hosts several public events throughout 2025 to promote dental health and connect with the community. These events provide excellent opportunities for dental professionals to network and engage with patients.

The premier dental meeting in Minnesota will be the Star of the North Meeting, which brings together over 250 innovative companies and offers more than 75 continuing education seminars. This event is considered the top dental conference in the Upper Midwest.

In early 2025, the association will hold events focused on water fluoridation awareness. Following their January 8, 2025 statement, the MDA continues to organize public information sessions supporting this important public health measure.

October 2025 will feature special events about dental health during Halloween, building on their previous year's warning about sour treats and tooth damage. These events provide dentists with materials to share with patients about candy consumption.

The association's newly appointed 2024-2025 officers and trustees will also host public forums throughout the year. These events allow dental professionals to meet leadership and discuss industry concerns in an open format.

6) Minnesota Board of Dentistry Annual Meeting

The Minnesota Board of Dentistry has scheduled their Executive Board Meeting for July 11, 2025. This meeting is an important regulatory event for dental professionals practicing in the state.

The Board oversees dental practice standards and ensures all licensed professionals meet requirements for safe and ethical practice. Dental professionals can benefit from attending or following the outcomes of these meetings to stay informed about regulatory changes.

Before the annual meeting, the Board will hold a Licensure and Credentials Committee open session on June 20, 2025. This session typically addresses licensing matters relevant to practicing dentists and dental professionals.

The Minnesota Board of Dentistry is committed to accessibility and complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act provisions for all their meetings. Accommodation requests should be submitted well in advance of meeting dates.

Attending these regulatory meetings offers dental professionals valuable insights into upcoming policy changes and enforcement priorities that may affect their practice. The Board's decisions directly impact continuing education requirements, scope of practice limitations, and ethical standards.

7) Minnesota Dental Association CE Workshops

The Minnesota Dental Association offers workshops throughout 2025 for dental professionals seeking continuing education credits. These workshops cover clinical skills, practice management, and emerging technologies in dentistry.

MDA's workshops are designed for the entire dental team, including dentists, hygienists, assistants, and office staff. Most sessions take place at their headquarters in Minneapolis, with some regional options available across the state.

The Fall 2025 CE Training Day is scheduled for September 5, 2025, and will be held as a Zoom webinar. This virtual format makes it convenient for dental professionals to attend from anywhere in Minnesota.

For dental assistants seeking certification, the MDA provides an 80-hour Radiology Certificate training program running from August through December 2025. This comprehensive program is fully approved by the Minnesota Board of Dentistry.

Registration for most workshops opens approximately three months before each event. Early registration is recommended as popular sessions often reach capacity quickly.

8) National Association of Dental Plans CONVERGE 2024 in Minneapolis

The dental benefit industry leaders will gather at the Hilton Minneapolis from September 23-26, 2024. This event offers two and a half days of networking and professional development specifically designed for dental benefits professionals.

CONVERGE 2024 provides dental practitioners with face-to-face interaction opportunities with trailblazers in the dental benefits industry. The conference features educational sessions covering the latest trends, regulatory updates, and innovations in dental plans.

For those planning ahead, the NADP CONVERGE 2025 schedule shows the event will run from September 15-18, 2025. Registration for the 2025 event will open on September 15 at 10:00 AM and continue until 8:00 PM.

Dental offices can benefit from attending this conference by connecting with insurance providers and understanding upcoming changes to dental benefits. Exhibition booths showcase new technologies and services relevant to modern dental practices.

The Minneapolis location makes this event particularly convenient for Minnesota-based dental professionals looking to expand their network and knowledge base.

9) Minnesota Dental Association Online CE Opportunities

The Minnesota Dental Association offers various online continuing education opportunities for dental professionals throughout 2025. These virtual courses allow dentists and staff to earn required CE credits without traveling.

Online formats include webinars, self-paced courses, and interactive virtual workshops. Topics cover clinical techniques, practice management, regulatory updates, and specialized dental procedures.

The MDA's virtual platform is user-friendly and accessible from any device with internet connection. Dental professionals can participate in real-time or access recorded sessions at their convenience.

Many online CE courses are included with MDA membership, providing excellent value for dental practices. Some specialized Star of the North digital sessions offer premium content with additional registration fees.

Completion certificates are provided immediately after finishing online courses. The Minnesota Board of Dentistry recognizes all MDA-sponsored continuing education for license renewal requirements.

Registration for online CE events is simple through the MDA website. Members receive email notifications about upcoming virtual learning opportunities with direct registration links.

10) Minnesota Dental Association Member Networking Events

The Minnesota Dental Association offers several networking opportunities for dental professionals throughout 2025. These events allow dentists, hygienists, and other staff to build valuable connections and exchange ideas.

One of the most anticipated networking events is the Buyer's Happy Hour in the Exhibit Hall scheduled for April 24, 2025, from 4:30 to 6:00 pm. This casual gathering provides a relaxed environment to meet colleagues while exploring new dental products.

The Star of the North Meeting serves as the premier networking venue for Minnesota dental professionals. This annual scientific session, running since 1883, combines continuing education with multiple social events designed specifically for member networking.

Networking opportunities at these events help dental practices build referral networks, discuss challenging cases, and stay informed about industry developments. Many dentists find these connections invaluable for practice growth.

Regional networking meetups are also planned throughout Minnesota, making it convenient for professionals to attend events closer to their practices. These smaller gatherings foster more intimate professional relationships.

Members should check the MDA website regularly for updated information about additional networking events as they are announced throughout 2025.

Benefits of Attending Dental Events in Minnesota

Minnesota dental events offer valuable professional growth opportunities that can enhance your practice and patient care skills. These events combine learning, connecting, and discovering in one convenient location.

Opportunities for Continuing Education

Attending dental events in Minnesota provides essential continuing education credits required for licensure. The Star of the North Meeting features more than 75 continuing education seminars covering a wide range of clinical topics and practice management strategies.

These CE opportunities address various specialties:

• Clinical techniques: Hands-on workshops for restorative procedures
• Patient management: Strategies for treating anxious patients
• Business operations: Practice efficiency and financial management
• Technology integration: Digital dentistry implementation

Minnesota dental conferences often bring renowned speakers who share cutting-edge research and practical applications. Sessions are designed to accommodate different learning styles with options for interactive workshops, lectures, and panel discussions.

Many events offer early bird registration discounts, making these educational opportunities more affordable than standalone courses.

Networking With Dental Professionals

Building professional relationships is a key benefit of Minnesota's dental events. These gatherings create informal spaces to connect with colleagues facing similar challenges in their practices.

You can:

• Exchange ideas with specialists for complex case referrals
• Meet potential associates or partners for practice expansion
• Connect with dental school classmates and faculty
• Discuss regional insurance trends with colleagues

The Minnesota Dental Association organizes social events specifically designed to facilitate these connections. From welcome receptions to specialty breakfasts, these networking opportunities can lead to valuable professional relationships.

New practitioners particularly benefit from connecting with established dentists who can offer mentorship and guidance. Many Minnesota dental professionals report finding associates, mentors, and even practice buyers through connections made at these events.

Access to the Latest Industry Innovations

Dental technology evolves rapidly, and Minnesota events provide direct access to cutting-edge products and services. Exhibition floors typically feature more than 250 companies showcasing everything from advanced imaging systems to practice management software.

Benefits include:

Hands-on demonstrations with new equipment before making purchasing decisions Direct conversations with manufacturers about product specifications Special event pricing often not available through standard purchasing channels Comparison shopping between multiple vendors in one location

The 2025 dental conferences in Minnesota will highlight innovations in digital workflows, 3D printing for dental applications, and AI-assisted diagnostics. Many exhibitors provide post-event support for implementing new technologies.

Minnesota events often feature dedicated innovation zones where emerging companies present novel solutions to common practice challenges. These areas give forward-thinking practitioners early access to technologies that may transform dental care.

Tips for Maximizing Your Event Experience

Attending dental events in Minnesota requires strategic planning to get the most value from your investment of time and money. These practical tips will help dental professionals make meaningful connections and bring back actionable insights to their practices.

Preparing for Conference Sessions

Review the event schedule at least one week before attending to prioritize sessions that align with your practice goals. Most Minnesota dental events publish their programs online, allowing you to create a custom itinerary.

Download the conference app if available. These apps often include floor maps, speaker information, and networking features that make navigation easier.

Pack comfortable shoes, business cards, and a small notebook or tablet for taking notes. Minnesota venues can be expansive, and you'll likely be on your feet for hours.

Consider bringing team members who specialize in different areas to divide and conquer the educational sessions offered. This approach ensures your practice benefits from a wider range of insights.

Create specific learning objectives before attending. Rather than trying to absorb everything, focus on solving 2-3 key challenges your practice currently faces.

Engaging With Exhibitors and Sponsors

Plan strategic booth visits by reviewing the exhibitor list beforehand. Identify vendors offering solutions to your current practice needs rather than wandering aimlessly.

Ask targeted questions about how products integrate with your existing systems. The best conversations at Minnesota dental events happen when you share specific practice challenges.

Collect only brochures that address immediate needs. This prevents information overload and helps you follow up on truly valuable connections.

Schedule demonstrations during slower periods of the Dental Festival on Land or similar events. Many exhibitors offer appointment booking for in-depth product tours.

Take photos of interesting products or setups with permission. This visual reference helps when discussing options with your team later.

Following Up After the Event

Schedule a team meeting within one week of returning to share key takeaways. This ensures the information remains fresh and actionable.

Create an implementation plan for new techniques or technologies. Assign specific team members to research or test each innovation you're considering.

Organize collected business cards and digital contacts by priority. Follow up with the most promising connections within 48 hours of the event's conclusion.

Review session notes and highlight actionable items. Minnesota dental events often provide access to presentation slides or recordings afterward, so revisit these materials to reinforce learning.

Consider joining study clubs or online forums mentioned during the event. These communities extend networking beyond the conference and provide ongoing support for implementing new approaches.

Frequently Asked Questions

Minnesota hosts several important dental industry events in 2025 that offer networking, education, and product showcases. Dental professionals can find opportunities to earn CE credits while students may access special rates.

What are the major dental conferences and expos scheduled in Minnesota for 2025?

The Star of the North Meeting 2025 stands as the premier dental conference in the Midwest, taking place April 24-26, 2025, at the Saint Paul RiverCentre. This flagship event features over 250 dental product exhibits and numerous educational seminars.

Minnesota Dental Association district meetings occur throughout the year across different regions of the state, providing localized professional development.

The Oral Health Showcase is scheduled for March 27, 2025, focusing on community dental health initiatives and innovations.

How can I register for dental trade shows happening in Minnesota this year?

Registration for most Minnesota dental events is available through their respective websites. For the Star of the North Meeting, dentists can register directly through the event website.

Early registration typically offers reduced rates and ensures spot availability for popular sessions and workshops.

Many events provide group registration options for dental practices sending multiple team members.

Are there any continuing education opportunities at Minnesota dental events in 2025?

The Star of the North Meeting offers more than 75 continuing education seminars covering clinical techniques, practice management, and emerging technologies. Attendees can earn significant CE credits over the three-day event.

University of Minnesota School of Dentistry hosts year-round CE courses for dental professionals seeking to maintain licensure requirements.

Most Minnesota Dental Association events provide CE credits that satisfy state licensing requirements.

What are the dates and locations for the top dental industry networking events in Minnesota?

The Star of the North Meeting runs April 24-26, 2025, at the Saint Paul RiverCentre, offering structured networking opportunities and social events.

The Oral Health Showcase takes place on March 27, 2025, providing connection opportunities with community health leaders.

District meetings occur monthly in different locations throughout Minnesota, with dates published on the Minnesota Dental Association calendar.

Can students attend professional dental events in Minnesota, and are there any discounts available?

Dental, dental hygiene, and dental therapy students can attend most Minnesota dental events at significantly reduced rates. The University of Minnesota School of Dentistry Commencement happens in spring 2025, with the ceremony lasting approximately 90 minutes.

Many events offer volunteer opportunities for students seeking to attend at minimal cost while gaining valuable industry exposure.

Student-focused networking sessions are often included at major events like the Star of the North Meeting.

What COVID-19 safety measures are being implemented at dental events in Minnesota this year?

Minnesota dental events follow current state and CDC guidelines regarding health safety protocols. Major venues like the Saint Paul RiverCentre maintain updated ventilation systems and cleaning procedures.

Event organizers communicate specific health protocols closer to event dates as requirements continue to evolve.

Many events now offer hybrid attendance options with some sessions available virtually for those unable to attend in person.