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July 16–19, 2026 • Richmond, VA

Join the NDA community for four days of CE, connection, and purpose-driven momentum for oral health equity. Meet peers, explore the Exhibit Hall, and leave with ideas you can put to work immediately.

750+Attendees

4Days

100+Exhibitors

Building Healthy Communities

While Black Dentists make up less than 4% of all dentists in the US, they contribute significantly to the overall health and wellness of a larger portion of the population. A healthy NDA benefits us all by addressing the needs of people of color and their communities and helping them live longer, healthier , more productive lives.

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What We Do

From signature programs to nationwide advocacy, the NDA advances oral health equity through service, leadership, and the strength of our members.

Professional Development

New Dentist Committee & NDSN

A grounded space for dentists in their first ten years to connect, learn, and lead. Access facilitated Peer Pods for case consults and contracts, near-peer mentorship from senior leaders, ownership pathways, and the essentials of reimbursement, HR, and legal — all designed to build clinical confidence and community.

Visit the New Dentist Hub

Community Outreach

NDA-HEALTH NOW^®

NDA's signature program delivers service, education, and access across the lifespan in underserved communities — from oral health STEM programs and community health fairs to back-to-school events, free clinic donations, and disaster relief. Since 2013, NDA-HEALTH NOW® has supported 148+ programs across 15 cities and 9 countries, reaching more than 50,000 direct beneficiaries.

Explore NDA-HEALTH NOW

Mentorship Programs

Eddie G. Smith Leadership Institute

Honoring the legacy of Dr. Eddie G. Smith, Jr. — author of NDA's first Constitution and President from 1972–1973 — the Institute trains tomorrow's transformational health leaders. The program develops the skill sets needed to drive systemic, social, and behavioral change for improved population health, anchored in the belief that health equity is a moral obligation.

Learn About the Institute

Advocacy Efforts

NDA Day on the Hill

Two days of advocacy, connection, and impact in Washington, DC. Each spring, NDA dental professionals from across the country gather on Capitol Hill to advocate for oral health equity, increased funding, and policy change that impacts our communities — meeting directly with legislators on the issues shaping patient care. Join us May 7, 2026.

Join Us on the Hill

🔥 Featured Job

Clinical Assistant/Associate Professor of Periodontology

University of Florida - College of Dentistry

📍 Gainesville, FL

Full-time clinical faculty position in the Department of Periodontology. Responsibilities include clinical instruction, patient care, and curriculum development for predoctoral and graduate programs.

NDA Day on the HillMake Your Voice Heard on Capitol Hill

Meet the 2026 NDA Award Winners113th Annual Convention · Richmond, VA

SMILE ProgramStudent Mentoring with Immersive Learning & Enrichment

Architects of Change

July 16–19, 2026 • Richmond, VA

Why Attend NDA 2026?

Building Healthy Communities