ADEA Deans’ Conference
2026 ADEA Deans' Conference
Mark your calendar for the 2026 ADEA Deans’ Conference, From Policy to Practice: The Forces Reshaping Oral Health Education, taking place November 7–9 in Newport, RI. Our annual gathering convenes dental school deans and senior academic leaders to examine the external forces redefining oral health education and how institutions are translating those forces into action.
The 2026 ADEA Deans’ Conference explores the intersection of economics, accreditation, public policy and emerging technologies shaping the future of dental education. Through keynote dialogues, expert panels and peer-led discussions, participants will engage with timely issues that include evolving health care economic models, forthcoming CODA standards, post-election policy implications and the practical integration of innovations such as Entrustable Professional Activities (EPAs) and artificial intelligence.
Designed as a highly interactive, peer-driven experience, the conference moves beyond theory to highlight how institutions are responding in real time to share lessons learned, address areas of ambiguity and identify actionable strategies for leading through change.
Join us! Immerse yourself along with fellow deans for three days of examining The Forces Reshaping Oral Health Education, building stronger connections and fast-tracking your readiness. Head back to your institution with clearer insight into the policy environment, a deeper understanding of emerging expectations and practical approaches to align institutional strategy, education models and workforce development with the future of oral health.
This event is generously sponsored in part by:
A-dec, Air Techniques, Brasseler, DCI Edge, Dentsply Sirona, Henry Schein, Henry Schein One | Exan, HuFriedy Group, Kahler Slater, KaVo Dental Technologies, NSK America, Orascoptic, PDS Health, Planmeca, Spectrum Solutions, Sunstar Americas, Inc., Titanium Solutions
Registration Information
The deadline for online registration is Tuesday, Oct. 6. After this date, registrations will only be taken onsite.
Registration includes all materials, hosted meals, refreshment breaks and the reception. Lodging and travel costs are at the registrant’s expense.
Attendance Policy
This meeting is by invitation only (i.e., dental school deans, their second faculty representatives and corporate sponsors).
Non-Dean Attendees
For those invited attendees who are not dental school deans (i.e. faculty representatives and corporate sponsors), conference programming ends at 11:30 a.m. on Monday, Nov 9.
There will be an ADEA Council of Deans Business Meeting and an ADEA Corporate Council Business Meeting from noon – 2:30 p.m.
Guest Policy
Guest registration is limited to one adult guest (21 years or older). The registered adult guest may attend any meal functions, offsite activities and/or evening events—provided the guest registration fee has been paid.
Guests are not permitted to attend programming sessions. Individuals under the age of 21 are not permitted at events where alcohol is served.
Cancellations
If you are unable to attend, please submit a written cancellation message to the registration team at meetings@adea.org.
ADEA Code of Conduct
By registering for this event/conference, you acknowledged that you have read and agreed to abide by the ADEA Code of Conduct for Meetings, Conferences, Events and Virtual Communities. Among other things, you agree to provide contact information, be available via the contact information, consent to audio and visual recording by ADEA and meet the ADEA Code of Conduct requirements.
Compliance with the ADEA Code of Conduct is a condition of participation in ADEA’s events, conferences and virtual communities. ADEA reserves the right to take appropriate action, including revoking access to the meeting.
To learn more, please visit the ADEA Code of Conduct page.
If you have questions about the ADEA Code of Conduct, please contact meetings@adea.org.
Notice
ADEA may take photos, screen shots and video recordings at this event. By registering for this event, you give ADEA and its media partners permission to use any photos, screen shots and videos taken during the event (live or virtual) in which you appear, as well as any written comments you submit on evaluation forms, in chat-box or on social media to be recorded or used for ADEA’s promotional purposes. In response to member requests to share the rich content found in chats, ADEA may download chat-box posts and share this unedited content with conference attendees for their individual informational purposes.
Media Policy
Registrants of ADEA events are not permitted to invite media to ADEA events without the express written consent and approval of the ADEA Chief of Staff. Requests for media attendance should be sent to Nirah Forman FormanN@adea.org.
ADEA CERP Recognition
ADEA is an ADA CERP recognized provider.
ADA CERP is a service of the American Dental Association to assist dental professionals in identifying quality providers of continuing dental education. ADA CERP does not approve or endorse individual courses or instructors, nor does it imply acceptance of credit hours by boards of dentistry. Concerns or complaints about a continuing education (CE) provider may be directed to the provider or to the Commission for Continuing Education Provider Recognition at CCEPR.ada.org.
ADEA designates this activity for 9.25 continuing education credits.
CE credit is awarded for overall participation in the 2026 ADEA Deans' Conference.
Dr. Linda Niessen, Dr. Cherae Farmer-Dixon, Dr. Anthony Lo Sasso, Dr. Cecile Feldman, Dr. Keith Mays, Dr. Kathleen Hinshaw, Dr. Elsbeth Kalenderian, Dr. Janet Guthmiller, Mr. Jonathan Fansmith, Dr. Alex Lee, Dr. Carroll Ann Trotman, Dr. Nadeem Karimbux, Dr. Michael Reddy, Dr. Sherin Tooks and Dr. Jennnifer Webster-Cyriaque agree that they do not have any financial relationships with commercial entities that may be relevant to their presentations.
Justin Bower acknowledges a financial relationship with Haleon (employee) that may be relevant to their presentation. All relevant financial relationships have been mitigated.
Hotel Reservation Information
Newport Harbor Island Resort
1 Goat Island
Newport, RI 02840
The hotel reservation deadline is Tuesday, Oct. 6.
| Room Rate | |
| Standard Single/Double | $239 |
- All rates are per room, per night and are subject to a 14% tax and a $1.50 Newport Tourism Fee.
- Rates are available three days before and after the conference, based on availability.
Hotel room reservations can be made online or by calling the hotel directly at (401) 849-2600.
The deadline to make hotel reservations at the group rate is Tuesday, Oct. 6,, or when the group rate rooms sell out—whichever occurs first. After Oct. 6, reservations at the group rate will be accepted only on a space-available basis. The room block may fill before the deadline, so we encourage you to make reservations early.
You are responsible for making your hotel arrangements directly with the property. The meeting registration does not include hotel arrangements, flight, ground transportation or any incidentals related to traveling to the meeting.
Failure to adhere to or comply with the safety protocols in place may result in removal from the event and/or event premises. Be sure to check the 2026 ADEA Deans' Conference website periodically for the latest conference updates.
Check-in/Check-out Time
Hotel check-in time is 4:00 p.m. or earlier, as rooms become available. Check-out time is 11:00 a.m.
Cancellations
Please contact the hotel directly if you need to cancel your hotel reservation.
Reservations may be cancelled up to 72 hours prior to reserved arrival date at no charge. For cancellations made after the time noted, the hotel will retain the room deposit of one night plus applicable taxes.
Questions
For questions regarding housing and transportation, please contact:
Nirah Forman ADEA Senior Director, Strategic Events & Engagement FormanN@adea.org (202) 289-6824Questions?
For registration, please contact:
Registration Team meetings@adea.orgFor housing and transportation, please contact:
Nirah Forman Senior Director, Meetings, Conferences and Educational Technology FormanN@adea.orgFor program content, please contact:
Marsha Pyle Senior Scholar in Residence PyleM@adea.org