The Ontario Dental Association's Annual Spring Meeting (ASM26) returns to the Metro Toronto Convention Centre from May 7 to 9, 2026, bringing more than 100 courses, a packed exhibition floor, and fresh insights on the issues shaping Canadian dentistry. As of May 2026, ASM26 is the must-attend event for dental professionals across Ontario and beyond.
What Is the ODA Annual Spring Meeting?
Now in its 159th year, the ODA Annual Spring Meeting is one of the longest-running and most respected dental conventions in North America. Held at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre — South Building, ASM26 draws thousands of dentists, dental hygienists, dental assistants, office managers, and dental students from across Ontario, the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), and the rest of Canada.
The three-day event combines continuing education, hands-on workshops, product demonstrations, and peer networking into one concentrated weekend. For practices in Toronto, Mississauga, Brampton, Markham, Vaughan, Scarborough, Etobicoke, and North York, the downtown Toronto venue makes attendance especially convenient.
ASM26 at a Glance: Dates, Location, and Format
ASM26 runs from Wednesday, May 7 through Friday, May 9, 2026. All programming takes place at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre, South Building — easily accessible by TTC, GO Transit, and the PATH network. Registration is available through the Ontario Dental Association (ODA) website at asm.oda.ca.
The event format includes full-day and half-day courses, short workshops, lecture-style sessions, and the exhibition hall, which typically opens on all three days.
More Than 100 Courses and Workshops
ASM26 offers a broad and diverse program spanning clinical techniques, practice management, and personal development. Attendees can select from more than 100 sessions covering topics such as restorative techniques, digital workflow integration, infection prevention and control (IPAC) updates, implant planning, endodontic advances, and pediatric dentistry.
Practice management courses cover staffing strategies, overhead control, patient communication, and regulatory compliance — areas that have become increasingly pressing for Ontario dental practices facing rising costs and workforce shortages throughout 2026.
Pro Tip: Review the full course catalogue on asm.oda.ca at least two weeks before the event. Popular hands-on workshops fill up quickly, and early registration often secures a lower fee.
The Exhibition Floor: Dental Innovation on Display
The ASM26 exhibition floor brings together dental manufacturers, distributors, technology companies, and service providers showcasing the latest products, technologies, and services shaping modern dental practice. Expect to see demonstrations of new intraoral scanners, AI-assisted diagnostic software, 3D printing systems, updated practice management platforms, and a wide range of clinical supplies.
For practice owners evaluating capital purchases or comparing suppliers, the exhibition floor offers a rare opportunity to see competing products side by side, speak directly with manufacturer representatives, and negotiate show-floor pricing.
Key Issues on the ASM26 Agenda
Several issues dominating Canadian dentistry in 2026 are expected to feature prominently in ASM26 programming and floor conversations.
Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) Implementation
The Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) continues to reshape patient flow and billing workflows across Ontario. With the April 2026 fee grid update and renewal season in full swing, ASM26 sessions on CDCP compliance, billing optimization, and patient communication will be especially relevant for practices still adapting to the program.
Workforce and Staffing Challenges
Dental workforce shortages remain a top concern for practices in the GTA and across Ontario. ASM26 is expected to address recruitment strategies, retention tactics, expanded scope of practice for hygienists, and the growing role of internationally trained dental professionals filling workforce gaps.
AI and Digital Dentistry Integration
Artificial intelligence in diagnostics, clinical documentation, and patient scheduling has moved from novelty to practical necessity in 2026. ASM26 will feature sessions exploring how Ontario practices can adopt AI tools while maintaining compliance with the Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO) standards and the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA).
Rising Overhead and Supply Costs
With dental supply costs rising an estimated 6% in 2026 — driven in part by ongoing U.S.-Canada tariff pressures — practice economics sessions at ASM26 will be closely watched. Strategies for negotiating with suppliers, optimizing inventory, and controlling overhead are expected to feature in multiple business-track courses.
Who Should Attend ASM26
ASM26 is designed for the entire dental team. Dentists pursuing continuing education credits, dental hygienists exploring expanded scope opportunities, dental assistants seeking clinical updates, and office managers looking for operational efficiencies will all find relevant programming. Dental students and new graduates can take advantage of networking events and mentorship opportunities that the Ontario Dental Association traditionally organizes around ASM.
Pro Tip: If you are bringing your full team, coordinate course selections in advance so different team members attend different sessions. Debrief together after the event to maximize the knowledge transfer across your practice.
Planning Your ASM26 Visit
For practices in the GTA, a day trip to the Metro Toronto Convention Centre is straightforward. For those travelling from outside Toronto, the ODA typically arranges hotel blocks near the convention centre at negotiated rates — check asm.oda.ca for accommodation details.
Budget for registration fees, travel, and time away from the operatory. Many practices close for one day during ASM to allow the full team to attend, treating it as an investment in professional development and team cohesion.
EBIKO Dental will continue monitoring ASM26 developments and will share key takeaways from the event floor and sessions as they unfold.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: When and where is the ODA Annual Spring Meeting 2026?
ASM26 takes place May 7 to 9, 2026, at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre, South Building, in downtown Toronto. Registration and full course listings are available at asm.oda.ca through the Ontario Dental Association.
Q: How many continuing education courses are offered at ASM26?
More than 100 courses and workshops are offered across three days, covering clinical techniques, practice management, personal development, and emerging topics like AI integration and CDCP compliance.
Q: Is ASM26 only for dentists or can the whole dental team attend?
ASM26 is designed for the entire dental team — dentists, dental hygienists, dental assistants, office managers, and dental students all have relevant programming and networking opportunities available.