Very Dental Extra: Chicago Midwinter Preview with Dr. Phil Schefke, President of the Chicago Dental Society

This special Saturday episode of the Very Dental Podcast is all about the upcoming Chicago Midwinter Dental Meeting! Alan Mead sits down with Dr. Phil Schefke, President of the Chicago Dental Society (CDS), to preview the 2026 Midwinter Meeting.

Whether you’re a 30-year veteran of the meeting or a dental student looking for your first experience, this episode dives into why Chicago remains the premier destination for dental innovation, collegiality, and—believe it or not—puppies.

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The Guest: Dr. Phil Schefke

Dr. Schefke serves as the President of the Chicago Dental Society, the largest component of the ADA. With a board of 15 members and a dedicated staff, Phil has spent nearly a decade on the leadership ladder to help orchestrate a meeting that hosts attendees from all 50 states and over 60 countries.

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What’s New at the Midwinter Meeting?

The CDS team has spent three years redesigning the attendee experience based on direct feedback. Here are the new features and highlights discussed in this episode:

• Streamlined Registration: No more waiting for badges in the mail. Attendees will receive a QR code to print their badges at self-service stations at McCormick Place or at three partner hotels (Hyatt Regency on Wacker, Hyatt McCormick, and Marriott McCormick).

• Enhanced Exhibit Floor Layout: The floor has been redesigned with shorter aisles for easier mobility and "crisscross" navigation.

• Refresh & Recharge Stations: Scattered throughout the floor, these areas offer water and phone charging ports to keep you hydrated and connected.

• Grab-and-Go Dining: New food stations on the exhibit floor designed for quick lunches between CE courses.

• The "Hadley" Puppy Corner: A dedicated space in the back of the exhibit hall to play with puppies and melt away the stress of the day (named after the first CDS president).

• Early Career Dentist Lounge: A comfortable space featuring couches and networking opportunities specifically for the next generation of clinicians.

• CDS "Swag" Booth: For the first time, attendees can purchase official CDS-branded jackets, sweaters, and coffee cups.

• Tech Upgrades: A brand-new, intuitive registration system that prevents double-booking courses and high-quality, reliable Wi-Fi throughout the venue.

• On-Site Mobile Clinic: The Illinois Masonic Hospital will have their mobile dental van on the floor for tours and demonstrations.

• Free Professional Headshots: Available at the CDS footprint for attendees to update their professional profiles.

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Special Events & Keynotes

• Thursday: Keynote speaker Chris Chelios, three-time Stanley Cup champion, discussing leadership and championship-level teamwork. (Plus, Garrett’s Popcorn giveaways!)

• Friday: "Sip, Suds, and Sales" (beer and wine on the exhibit floor) followed by the Beats and Bites DJ party.

• Saturday: The traditional President’s Dinner Dance, a black-tie event featuring a live band to celebrate the week’s successes.

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The "Fourth Level" of Dentistry

Alan and Phil discuss the "secret sauce" of CDS membership. At just $125 (for ADA members), membership provides free registration to the meeting, offering incredible value compared to standard registration fees. It’s a tradition that spans 161 years, proving that while technology changes, the value of face-to-face collegiality remains priceless.

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Some links from the show:

• The 2026 Chicago Midwinter Dental Meeting

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