Today-only discount on Early Career & New Dentist Reception at Midwinter Meeting! See offer below.

What goes into deciding a practice setting choice?

Choosing a practice setting sets off a calculus of what really matters for Early Career dentists. For some, it's the pay, for other it's culture and flexibility. Earnings are the top reason why new male dentists plan to change practice settings, while workplace culture is the most important reason for new female dentists, according to the American Dental Association's Health Policy Institute.  The ADA surveyed dentists less than 10 years out of dental school to see how important certain attributes are when it comes to changing practice settings.  Read more about the research here.

Here is the amount of education debt and other debt that new dentists had upon graduating dental school by their first practice setting. The survey by the Health Policy Institute collected data on the amount of debt new dentists carry across four practice settings. Read more about the research on page 11 here.

Affiliated (DSO) private practice  Educational debt: $309,355 Other debt: $78,188 Non-affiliated private practice  Educational debt: $274,370 Other debt: $74,097 Federally Qualified Heath Centers  Educational debt: $281,763 Other debt: $28,016 Other public settings Educational debt: $133,569 Other debt: $58,882

Progress on student loan relief still slow-going

Anyone with a student loan knows that efforts to ease the burden of education debt has been a hot potato in Washington, D.C. While work continues on efforts to correct or ease loan payback conditions, solutions are still months away and likely to face legal challenge. Here are some recent developments: Panel wraps up meetings on student loan relief rules Frustration mounts over debt relief progress Millions receive email about loan forgiveness Mistakes to avoid with student loan forgiveness

CDS Midwinter Meeting can't be beat!

Your CDS membership entitles you to free registration to the Midwinter Meeting, Feb. 22 – 24, at McCormick Place West. Make the most of your access to nearly 500 exhibitors and 120 speakers presenting more than 230 classes, including 36 workshops. Be sure to register before Dec. 31; lecture course prices increase Jan. 1.

Course catalog

Register now

Bargain and benefits you won't want to miss!

CDS Member/Team Lecture Package -- Register before Dec. 31 to receive the package rate of $275 per person. CDS member dentists and dental team members they register can opt for this special package, which is good for paid lectures only (hands-on workshops and CDS Foundation lectures not included). Depending on your choices, you can pick up 18 CE hours over three days at a Lecture Package price of about $46 per course. You can't beat that price!

Michael Pruett

Erik Solberg

Ryan Vet

Exceptional workshops and lectures There are two expert implant workshops: All Day Implant Course with Models with Dr. Michael Pruett (H107 on Thursday) and Guided Implant Surgery with Erik Solberg (H208 on Friday). Take advantage of these free courses and create experiences for your practice and patients with tips from practice management consultant Ryan Vet (FL333 and FL369 on Saturday). Free professional headshots at the Experience CDS Booth: Drop by and our photographer will snap and send your headshot to use for your website or resume. CDS Member Rebate Redemption: Register before Dec. 31 to receive a $35 rebate for purchases on the exhibit floor. To redeem, bring your proof of purchase to the Rebate Redemption Center. The value decreases to $25 on Jan. 1.

Holiday discount today only! Register for the New Dentist & Early Career Dentist Reception for just $15! Don't miss this chance to mingle and network on Friday at the Midwinter Meeting. Stop in for light refreshments and drinks and visit with your friends and colleagues, new and old. And we'll have giveaways! Register today and save $10

Special events

Keynote Session Explore Chicago with Geoffrey Baer, the popular Chicago public television host and Chicago tour guide. Thursday, Feb. 22 3:30 - 4:45 p.m. - SE1

Sips, Suds & Sales Grab a glass of beer or wine and shop the Exhibit Hall at this free event! Friday, Feb. 23 3:15 - 5:15 p.m. - SE4

Yoga for Midwinter Mindfulness Work some yoga into your busy day and leave refreshed and balanced. Thursday, Feb. 22 - SE2 Friday, Feb. 23 - SE3 12 - 12:45 p.m.

The Great Oral Health Pitch If you have an idea for an innovative product or service, this shark tank-like competition is for you. A panel of financial/tech experts will listen to your idea and suggest how to improve your "pitch" so you can take it to the next level. A $5,000 prize is on the line. Saturday, Feb. 24 9 a.m. to noon - SE8

Heard about the ADA's New Dentist Learning Networks? Kicking off in 2024, the online program has been crafted by New Dentists and leading experts to offer CE in different time zones, opportunities to made connections and build your professional network, small group sessions to allow personalized attention and more, all designed to empower dentists to shape their own future.

Learn more

Quick Links Listen to the latest episode of CDS podcast Filling You In Keep up with the latest on Chicago's Paid Leave ordinance Compensation models associates should know Avoiding burnout in 2024 - Dr. Bicuspid podcast Save the dates for 2024 CDS Regional Meetings - free for our members!

Chicago Dental Society | www.cds.org

‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌