Session Daily | Monday, March 23

Don’t Miss the Tapestry Table Monday Plenary and Chair of the Board Symposia

Learn about Henrietta Lacks, the woman behind HeLa cells—arguably the most important human cell line in scientific history, the critical connection between wellbeing and belonging and how interprofessional practice and research is continuing to make a difference in communities at the Tapestry Table Plenary and ADEA Chair of the Board of Directors Symposia sessions today.

The “Monday Plenary/Tapestry Table: Immortal Cells, Enduring Lessons: The Lacks Family, Ethics and Oral Health Innovation,” sponsored by Haleon, will take place from 8:30 – 9:45 a.m. in Room 517 C-D, fifth floor, Palais des congrès de Montréal. It will feature a presentation by the Lacks Family, who will give their first-hand perspective.

After the Tapestry Table, the “ADEA Chair of the Board of Directors Symposium: Stories of Belonging: A Tapestry of Connection and Hope” will take place from 10:30 a.m. to noon in Room 516 A-C, fifth floor, Palais. This symposium brings together a group of psychologists from the ADEA community of dental educators to explore the critical connection between wellbeing and belonging through stories.

Later, at 1:30 p.m., also in Room 516 A-C, the “ADEA Chair of the Board of Directors Symposium: Advancing Interprofessionalism and Research for Community Impact and Hope” will take place. The current economic, political and social climates present challenges to the expansion of research, interdisciplinary collaboration and diverse viewpoints. This symposium will instill hope by presenting real-world examples of how research in general; research in the diversity, equity and inclusion space; interprofessional science; and interprofessional practice are continuing to make a difference in communities.

ADEA Shares Updated Framework for Competency-based Education in Dentistry

Members of an ADEA Council of Faculties’ workgroup will present the final draft of the revised ADEA Domains of Competence for the New General Dentist at the educational session, “ADEA Competencies for the New General Dentist,” today, from 10:30 – 11:30 a.m. in Room 515 A-C, fifth floor, Palais des congrès de Montréal. This document was accepted by the ADEA Board of Directors and is presented in a resolution for approval by the 2026 ADEA House of Delegates.

Competency-based education forms the foundation of academic instruction and assessment in dentistry and other health professions, ensuring the health workforce is aligned with population needs and priorities.

In 2008, the ADEA House of Delegates approved a framework that defined the essential competencies required for entry into the dental profession as a general dentist. This framework has guided curriculum development, performance assessment, interprofessional collaboration and improvements in health care outcomes.

In 2023, the ADEA Council of Faculties established a workgroup to update this competency framework as a current and comprehensive resource for dental education programs.

Join Us to Celebrate Excellence in Dental Education at the 2026 William J. Gies Awards for Vision, Innovation and Achievement

At the 2026 William J. Gies Awards for Vision, Innovation and Achievement, attendees will not only raise a glass to monumental achievements in dental education but will also celebrate the 100th anniversary of the “Gies Report,” which was directed by William J. Gies, Ph.D., and released in 1926. The Gies Report urged that dentistry be grounded in scientific principles.

This ticketed event will take place at 6:00 p.m. today in Room 517 C-D, fifth floor, Palais des congrès de Montréal.

“As we celebrate the 100th anniversary of Dr. William J. Gies’ seminal work, Dental Education in the United States and Canada, which has stood the test of time with its call for improved medical-dental cooperation, the expansion of dental research and a call to action for educators with the vision, courage and imagination to advance ‘necessary changes in [dental] education’ to ‘meet the demands for health care in the future,’ we are proud to honor four who are doing just that,” —Marsha Pyle, D.D.S., M.Ed., President of the ADEAGies Foundation and ADEA Senior Scholar in Residence

The event's Corporate Sponsors (Liaison International and Henry Schein Inc.) along with a long list of Gies institutional supporters, help make this year's award ceremony possible. 

Join the Week 2 Challenge on ADEA Connect

With over 50 different member-only communities to participate in, ADEA Connect can help you network with members of similar interests, career paths and experience. During the 2026 ADEA Annual Session & Exhibition, connect and engage with attendees by participating in the Week 2 Challenge in the 2026 ADEA Annual Session & Exhibition ADEA Connect Community!

Two participants will be selected weekly for the next two weeks, and each winner will receive a $25 eGift card (a variety of vendors will be available to choose from). Winners will be announced every Monday.

Go to ADEA Connect and check out the Week 2 challenge now.

#ADEA2026 Highlights

The Exhibit Hall opened on Sunday, March 22, in Room 220 C-E, Second Floor, Palais des congrès de Montréal. Today, from 9:45 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., visit our 70+ exhibitors and the ADEA Showcase at Booth 811!

During the Opening Plenary, Todd V. Ester, D.D.S., M.A., ADEA Chair of the Board of Directors, presented George W. Taylor, D.M.D., Dr.P.H., Professor of Preventive and Restorative Dental Science at the University of California, San Francisco, School of Dentistry, with the 2026 ADEA Distinguished Service Award. Dr. Taylor accepted the award via pre-recorded video.

In the Sunday Opening Plenary session, Cy Wakeman, Founder & CEO of Reality-based Leadership, TED speaker and NY Times bestselling author, shared her “No Ego” approach with attendees and provided practical strategies for leading in challenging circumstances.