Rachel Anne Steadham (University Events Specialist) and Ann Marie Karaki (Director of Continuing Dental Education)Dental professionals from across the region gathered Aug. 14 and 15 for the 20th Annual UAB Dental Hygiene Symposium and Hinman Lectures, celebrating two decades of continuing education, professional connection.
Hosted by the UAB School of Dentistry’s Office of Continuing Dental Education at the Hyatt Regency Wynfrey Hotel, the symposium welcomed nearly 1100 attendees through in person and virtual programming. Participants could earn up to 13 hours of continuing education during the two-day event.
The milestone program brought together nationally recognized speakers, UAB faculty and dental professionals for sessions addressing the evolving needs of patients and practices. Topics included oral and systemic health, TMJ and sleep apnea, periodontal disease, dental implants, infection control, pharmacology, emergency response, and addiction. The program also included the Hinman Lecture, “A Guide to Treating Anterior Discolorations,” presented by Nate Lawson, D.M.D., Ph.D., of the UAB School of Dentistry.
Across its 20-year history, the symposium has welcomed thousands of attendees, engaged hundreds of speakers and vendors, and provided thousands of hours of continuing education. The event has been one of Alabama’s largest hybrid dental meetings and an important opportunity for hygienists, dentists, assistants and office professionals to learn together.
For 20 years, the symposium has created opportunities for dental professionals to learn from one another, stay current on advances in the profession, and earn continuing education that supports their work and their patients," said Ann Marie Karaki, director of continuing dental education at the UAB School of Dentistry. "Seeing colleagues return year after year and welcoming new attendees has been one of the most rewarding parts of reaching this milestone."