"Hinman 100-Year Legacy Offers
Value to Emerging Dentists"
Richard Weinman, D.M.D.
This year, the Thomas P. Hinman Dental Meeting celebrates a century of providing post-graduate education for dental professionals. It started as a study club and a modest Atlanta Midwinter Clinic held in 1911 in Atlanta, but has grown to become one of the preeminent dental meetings in the country. The man behind the meeting was Dr. Thomas P. Hinman, an Atlanta dentist who many consider to be the forefather of modern dental continuing education. By the age of 40, he was an internationally-renowned lecturer, educator and leader in the dental profession – a trailblazer and visionary who saw the value in continuing education.
Even though Dr. Hinman passed away more than 80 years ago, his vision to provide the best possible continuing education continues. Today, attendance at the Hinman Dental Meeting has grown to more than 23,000 dentists, hygienists, assistants, laboratory technicians and office staff from around the world. The meeting also features more than 400 exhibitors, demonstrating the latest in dental technology, innovation and consumer care products.
Offering Value to Students
While during Dr. Hinman's day, students weren't invited to attend the meeting; today, the Hinman Dental Meeting draws more than 800 students every year. And, it's certainly proven to be a good place for any young dentist to embark on a career in dentistry. While many students are focused primarily on graduation day, the 800+ who attend Hinman annually are looking beyond graduation and beginning to take advantage of the tools and resources a meeting like Hinman – with a 100-year legacy of providing continuing education – can provide.
At the 100th Hinman Dental Meeting, students have access to everything they need to be successful in this profession, including:
- Emerging Dentist's Survival Guide. Meetings like Hinman often offer courses that are designed for the new or emerging dentist. This particular educational track is a new three-day series of courses geared for the business of dentistry. There are a number of course topics, however, that focus on establishing and building a successful practice. Students should look for courses that will help them jump-start their practice – topics such as human resource management, best practices in the office, marketing and social media, office makeovers and financial management.
New Products & Technology. An important part of any dental meeting is learning about the latest technologies, techniques and products in the industry. It would be impossible to learn about each and every new product or technology on your own. The advantage a dental meeting like Hinman provides is that all of these advancements are in one place at one time. And, students and new dentists can gain hands-on experience and knowledge in workshops and courses provided by dentistry's leading authorities, as well as see them demonstrated by the industry's foremost experts in an exhibit hall environment. - Valuable Professional Connections. When a meeting is hosted by a strong membership-based association like the Hinman Dental Society and attracts more than 20,000 professionals to their meetings, there are numerous opportunities for networking. Students should attend as many events as possible, including their dental school's reunion, if held during the meeting. Hinman offers a Student Orientation that will allow them to learn more about the meeting, socialize with students from other schools and meet some of the leaders within Hinman. There will be many opportunities to talk with colleagues and learn from one another.
- Social Events. Most dental meetings host several signature social events, as well as alumni receptions for the various dental school alumni in their regions. Hinman is known for its Dentist Reception and Auxiliary Reception, both of which students are invited to attend. There's also a Keynote Session and other exhibit hall events that provide free entertainment and the opportunity to meet others like you, as well as those who can be mentors to you. If you are married, there also are social events designed for spouses that allow them to have fun as well while you are taking courses or visiting the exhibit hall.
Clearly, meetings like the Hinman offer a great value to students and emerging dentists. At no charge, a student can check out the meeting and take advantage of many of its resources. And, when you become a practicing dentist, joining an association like Hinman can provide you with the tools you need to be successful. In addition to fulfilling your continuing education requirements, you can shop and purchase needed products and equipment in the exhibit hall, and reconnect with colleagues and friends at various events and receptions.
While there are other CE opportunities out there, they don't provide the value that a dental meeting provides. They also don't expose you to a 100-year legacy of excellence and continuing education expertise that is unmatched in the profession. ■
Dr. Richard Weinman is a practicing dentist in Atlanta and a long-time member of the Hinman Dental Society, currently serving as the PR Committee Chairman. He also is a member of the ADA, Georgia Dental Association and Academy of General Dentistry. Dr. Weinman is a graduate of the Medical College of Georgia School of Dentistry.