Thomas P. Hinman Dental Meeting To Celebrate "A Century of Excellence" in Atlanta, March 22-24, 2012

ATLANTA, March 19, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- The Thomas P. Hinman Dental Meeting -- the nation's leading dental meeting and Atlanta's longest running conference – will host its centennial meeting on March 22-24, 2012 with at least 23,000 dental professionals expected to attend.  Held annually at the Georgia World Congress Center (GWCC) in Atlanta, the 100th Hinman will feature Former First Lady, Mrs. Laura Bush as its Keynote Speaker and will host hundreds of continuing education courses and exhibits throughout the three-day event. 

"We couldn't be more excited to be celebrating the 100th Hinman and in honor of this special occasion, we have lined up an impressive roster of speakers, innovative exhibits and the parties of the century," said Dr. Allen French, general chairman of the 2012 Hinman Dental Meeting.  "What started as a study club in 1912 has grown to become the preeminent dental meeting in the country with a 100-year legacy of excellence."

This year's Hinman offers 65 world-class dental experts; more than 250 courses, including 50 hands-on workshops; all-day educational tracks for dentists, dental hygienists, assistants, and office staff; and nearly 400 companies demonstrating the latest in dentistry.  Two "Parties of the Century" – the Dentist Reception and Auxiliary Reception – will be held on Friday night in the Omni Hotel.  And, there will be a special centennial prize program that includes diamond and $100-bill giveaways, Delta Air Lines tickets, two resort vacations, and more.

An Atlanta Tradition
The man behind the meeting was Dr. Thomas P. Hinman, a prominent Atlanta dentist who many consider to be the forefather of modern dental continuing education.  He was the first in Atlanta to incorporate x-ray technology into his practice.  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. 

After attending the Chicago Midwinter Clinic in 1911, Dr. Hinman decided that it was critical to share dental developments with professionals in the South.  The first Atlanta meeting was held in Atlanta's Piedmont Hotel in 1911 and was considered to be the first dental clinic "strictly for serious-minded educational purposes."  Dr. Hinman believed strongly in the individual's contribution to dentistry and required attendees to return to their state dental society and present what they had learned in a formal program.  He also insisted on southern hospitality and had speakers greeted at the Atlanta train station and transported to their hotel.  Today, this tradition continues with Hinman Dental Society members greeting each of its 65 speakers at the airport and transporting them to the hotel.    

The first classes for the Atlanta Midwinter Clinic, later renamed the Hinman Dental Meeting, were initially limited to 120 dentists with a keen focus on education.  Exhibits were introduced in 1942 with 14 booths appearing in the ballroom of the Biltmore Hotel in Atlanta.  Expanding year after year, the meeting now has unlimited attendance, continues to deliver the highest quality continuing education program possible and hosts more than 400 industry-leading companies, occupying more than 90,000 square feet of the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta with the latest technology, products, equipment and services.  

Scholarship Program
As a non-profit organization dedicated to the advancement of the dental profession, the Hinman Dental Society has contributed over $5.4 million in scholarships and large gifts in support of dental education over the past 12 years.  This year, Hinman will present scholarships to approximately 100 dental, dental hygiene, laboratory technician and dental assisting students at colleges and universities throughout the Southeast, as well as dental education groups and clinics.  As in years past, the scholarships will be presented at the Scholars' Luncheon held on Saturday during the meeting.  In 2011, Hinman provided approximately $700,000 in large gifts and scholarships to support dental education.

About the Hinman Dental Meeting
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.

Contact: Kim Ryan
(770) 205-7423
[email protected]

SOURCE Hinman Dental Meeting