Chicago Midwinter 2026: CEREC and Digital Dentistry Preview

The 161st Chicago Midwinter Meeting is shaping up to be a digital dentistry goldmine. With a record-breaking 44 hands-on workshops, 150 speakers (70 making their debut), and tens of thousands of attendees expected from all 50 states, this year's event promises to showcase the latest in CEREC and chairside CAD/CAM technology.

As someone who's been running CEREC in practice for years, I'm particularly excited about what this meeting will reveal about where our field is heading. The digital dentistry market is projected to hit $11-19 billion by 2030, and events like Midwinter are where we get our first look at the innovations driving that growth.

What to Expect in the Digital Dentistry Exhibit Hall

The exhibit hall at Midwinter has always been where the magic happens for us digital dentistry folks. This year, with North America holding a 46% share of the global digital dentistry market, expect major players to bring their A-game.

CEREC and Chairside CAD/CAM Evolution

Dentsply Sirona has been pushing hard into ecosystem integration, and their recent $936M quarterly sales suggest they're investing heavily in new features. Look for demonstrations of enhanced CEREC Connect cloud capabilities and improved AI-driven design suggestions. The focus seems to be on reducing the learning curve for new users while giving experienced CEREC doctors more sophisticated tools.

From a practical standpoint, I'm hoping to see improvements in posterior crown margin detection and better handling of subgingival preparations. These have been pain points that many of us have worked around, but native software improvements would be welcome.

Intraoral Scanner Advancements

The shift to digital impressions is essentially complete in many practices, but the technology keeps getting better. Expect to see faster scan times, improved accuracy in challenging areas (looking at you, posterior margins), and better integration with treatment planning software.

3M and Carestream typically showcase their latest scanner updates at Midwinter, and with the market growing at 12.6% CAGR, there's serious competition driving innovation. Pay attention to powder-free scanning improvements and real-time scan quality feedback features.

Workshop Highlights Worth Your Time

With 44 workshops available—the highest number ever—choosing where to spend your time requires strategy. Here's what I'd prioritize based on current practice needs:

Same-Day Dentistry Workflows

The workshops focusing on complete same-day workflows are invaluable. These typically cover everything from case selection and preparation design to final cementation protocols. With practices reporting 20-30% efficiency gains from optimized digital workflows, this knowledge directly impacts your bottom line.

Look for sessions that address common challenges like managing patient expectations during longer appointments and handling the inevitable technology hiccups that occur mid-procedure.

Material Science Updates

CEREC's material options continue to expand, and understanding when to use lithium disilicate versus zirconia versus hybrid materials is crucial. The workshops diving into material selection criteria, preparation requirements, and cementation protocols are worth attending.

I'm particularly interested in any updates on chairside staining and glazing techniques. Getting consistent esthetics without sending cases to the lab remains a skill that separates good CEREC users from great ones.

AI and Digital Dentistry Integration

Artificial intelligence is becoming more than just a buzzword in our field. Planmeca and Straumann have been developing AI-driven diagnostic and treatment planning tools, and Midwinter often provides the first hands-on experience with these technologies.

Predictive Design Algorithms

The latest CEREC software versions include AI-assisted design features that learn from your preparation style and suggest optimal restoration contours. While these tools aren't perfect, they're getting remarkably good at handling routine cases.

During demonstrations, pay attention to how these systems handle edge cases and unusual anatomies. The AI works great for textbook preparations, but real-world dentistry often involves compromises.

Integration with CBCT and Treatment Planning

The combination of CBCT imaging, intraoral scanning, and CAD/CAM fabrication is creating new possibilities for complex restorative cases. Look for demonstrations of guided implant placement integrated with immediate provisional fabrication using CEREC.

3D Printing and Digital Workflows

While CEREC focuses on chairside milling, 3D printing is becoming an important complement for many practices. The technology is particularly useful for surgical guides, temporary restorations, and models.

Chairside Printing Applications

Several companies are showcasing chairside 3D printing solutions that complement CEREC workflows. These systems can fabricate surgical guides, bite splints, and temporary restorations while your CEREC mills the final restoration.

The key is understanding which applications make sense for chairside production versus lab outsourcing. Not every practice needs a 3D printer, but for those doing significant implant or orthodontic work, the technology is becoming compelling.

Cloud-Based Practice Management Integration

One of the biggest trends I'm seeing is the integration of digital dentistry tools with cloud-based practice management systems. CEREC Connect and similar platforms are enabling better case documentation, easier lab communication, and improved patient education.

Data Analytics and Case Tracking

The new cloud platforms provide detailed analytics on case types, material usage, and success rates. This data helps optimize inventory management and identify areas for continuing education.

For practices considering digital transformation, these analytics demonstrate ROI more clearly than ever before. The ability to track chair time reduction, remake rates, and patient satisfaction provides concrete evidence of digital dentistry's value.

Networking and Learning Opportunities

Beyond the formal presentations and workshops, Midwinter's value lies in the peer-to-peer learning opportunities. The CEREC user community is particularly generous with sharing tips and troubleshooting advice.

User Group Meetings

Many digital dentistry companies host user group meetings during Midwinter. These informal sessions often provide more practical value than formal presentations. You'll learn about real-world workflows, creative problem-solving approaches, and upcoming features that haven't been publicly announced.

Hands-On Equipment Testing

The exhibit hall provides opportunities to test equipment under realistic conditions. Don't just watch demonstrations—ask to scan challenging cases, try different preparation scenarios, and test the software's limitations.

Bring specific questions about your practice's needs. The sales representatives are knowledgeable, but the real value comes from talking to other practitioners who've solved similar challenges.

Planning Your Midwinter Digital Dentistry Experience

With so much content available, strategic planning maximizes your investment. Download the meeting app early and map out your priorities. The most popular digital dentistry sessions fill quickly, so register for workshops immediately when registration opens.

Pre-Meeting Preparation

Review your current digital dentistry workflows and identify specific areas for improvement. Whether it's reducing scan time, improving margin accuracy, or expanding case selection criteria, having clear objectives helps you focus on relevant content.

Connect with other attendees through social media and professional networks. The conversations that happen between sessions are often more valuable than the formal presentations.

FAQ

What's the best way to choose between the 44 workshops available?

Focus on your practice's specific needs and current skill level. If you're new to CEREC, prioritize fundamental workflow workshops. Experienced users should look for advanced material science sessions and AI integration topics. The meeting app allows you to create a personalized schedule based on your interests.

Are the digital dentistry demonstrations hands-on or just presentations?

Most major exhibitors offer hands-on demonstrations where you can actually use the equipment. The 44 workshops specifically emphasize practical training, allowing you to practice techniques and ask questions in real-time. Arrive early at popular booths as hands-on time is often limited.

How do I stay updated on last-minute additions to the digital dentistry program?

Download the official Chicago Dental Society meeting app, which provides real-time updates on schedule changes and additional sessions. Follow CDS social media accounts and sign up for email notifications. Many exhibitors also announce special demonstrations or product launches during the meeting.

What should I bring to maximize my learning at digital dentistry sessions?

Bring a smartphone or tablet for taking notes and photos (where permitted), business cards for networking, and specific cases or challenges from your practice to discuss with experts. Many sessions provide handouts digitally, so having a device to access materials is helpful.

How can I connect with other CEREC users during the meeting?

Attend the manufacturer user group meetings, join conversations at exhibit booths, and participate in networking events. Many digital dentistry practitioners are active on social media—use meeting hashtags to connect before and during the event. The exhibit hall often becomes an informal networking space between formal sessions.

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