Preparations underway for Thomas P. Hinman Dental Meeting

Nov. 20, 2002
With a new three-day format, the Hinman Dental Meeting will be held March 20-22, 2003, attracting thousands of dental professionals to the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta.

The Thomas P. Hinman Dental Meeting -- one of the premier dental meetings in the country and one of the dental profession's most comprehensive sources of continuing education and information -- has announced its 2003 dates and speakers. With a new three-day format, the Hinman Dental Meeting will be held March 20-22, 2003, attracting thousands of dental professionals to the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta to experience the latest in dentistry.

"The 91st Hinman Dental Meeting promises to be its most successful with the new three-day format and the exhibit hall opening a day earlier on Thursday," said Dr. William M. Callahan, general chairman of the 2003 Meeting. "It's the beginning of a new tradition for Hinman -- providing participants more time on the exhibit floor and greater access to the more than 150 quality lectures and participation courses without sacrificing the highly desirable special events for which Hinman is famous."

MEETING PROGRAM
More than 60 nationally renowned clinicians -- leaders in the field of dentistry -- will share their dental expertise with participants. A vast exhibit space, featuring more than 900 booths, will be located conveniently in one hall and on one level. This space will allow more than 400 companies to showcase new equipment, products and services for the entire dental staff. The exhibit hall is open to all attendees with badges.

This year's schedule includes a comprehensive mix of continuing education courses, technical exhibits and social functions. Some of the special features include:

Emphasis on the laboratory technician with the addition of several new courses designed for this specialty and four new scholarships awarded to laboratory technician students.

At least 14 new speakers heard at Hinman in addition to a full day with faculty from the L.D. Pankey Institute.

An increased number of participation courses and several HIPAA compliance courses provide a last chance to meet requirements.

Special courses for auxiliaries, including an auxiliary-only Personal Finance Program.

A "Product Finder" system in the exhibit hall to enable participants to easily locate a product of interest among the more than 400 exhibitors on the floor.

A keynote address given by Erin Brockovich ? the consumer advocate who was the subject of the Academy Award-nominated movie, "Erin Brockovich."

A variety of social events, including cosmetic clinics; a wine tasting seminar with Michael Gallant; Atlanta Apparel Mart Shopping; a tour of Ansley Park Homes and luncheon at the Piedmont Driving Club; VIP tours of CNN Studios; and a luncheon and presentation from celebrity, Kim Alexis.

Continuing its longstanding tradition of advancing education in the profession, the Hinman Dental Society will present scholarships and gifts totaling approximately $190,000 to dental, hygiene and laboratory technician students at 39 colleges and universities, as well as dental education groups and clinics. The scholarships will be presented at the Scholars' Luncheon during the meeting.

REGISTRATION PROCESS
Interested attendees can find detailed information about the 2003 Meeting online at www.hinman.org. Professionals who register online will receive a confirmation and invoice via e-mail. Housing arrangements can be made now via a link from the Hinman Web site to the housing agency.

Professionals who wish to register by mail can request a registration brochure by calling the Hinman Dental Meeting executive office at (404) 231-1663.

HOTEL AND TRAVEL RESERVATIONS
For those not wishing to make arrangements online, Ambassadors Services Group has established a toll-free number for lodging and travel reservations. Interested attendees should call (800) 243-1581 or locally (404) 584-7458 for information.

IMPORTANT DATES
Hotel reservations opened October 1.

Online registration begins December 2.

Registration packets will be mailed out beginning February 7.

Early registration (online or by mail) is available until February 15. (Note: Early registrants will receive preferred seating at General Attendance sessions.)

Onsite registration opens Wednesday, March 19 at 1 p.m.

Presentations and courses begin at 8 a.m. on Thursday, March 20 and continue until 4:30 p.m., Saturday, March 22.

Keynote Session will be held Thursday, March 20 at 5 p.m.

The Exhibit Hall will be open from 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Thursday, March 20; 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Friday, March 21; and 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m., Saturday, March 22.

THE HINMAN TRADITION

"We are confident that this year's meeting will have something for everyone," added Dr. Callahan. "Participants will receive the same value for the dollar despite difficult economic times. The fee structure remains the same -- offering dental professionals leading edge, yet cost-effective, continuing education in dentistry."

The Hinman Dental Meeting is designed with a commitment to quality and professionalism and a high regard for the value of continuing education. The Hinman program meets the continuing education requirements set by the Academy of General Dentistry and State Boards of Dentistry. For additional information about the Thomas P. Hinman Dental Meeting, visit the Web site at www.hinman.org or contact Ms. Sylvia Ratchford, Executive Director, at (404) 231-1663.