As we mark the centennial celebration of the Greater New York Dental Meeting (GNYDM), it’s a fitting moment to reflect on the remarkable journey that has brought us to where we stand today—as the largest dental convention and event in the United States.
Our story began humbly in the 1920s, with just a few hundred attendees and a couple of educational programs. It was the collective efforts of a group of dentists from Brooklyn, Staten Island, and Manhattan that laid the foundation for what would become an iconic event in the field of dentistry.
The 1940s brought with it new challenges as the United States faced the threat of war and the possibility of air strikes. Dentistry found itself at a crossroads, with a new need for dentists to become more active auxiliary surgeons, treating facial injuries during World War II. This period marked the beginning of a new era in which Americans recognized the importance of proper oral health care, the need for dental reform, and access to care.
With less than 1,000 attendees from the tri-state area, the Greater New York Dental Meeting began at the Hotel Pennsylvania in New York City. The concept was simple yet groundbreaking: create a platform where dental professionals could come together to learn, share ideas, and advance their profession.
In 1975, the GNYDM moved to the Hilton Hotel, expanding to incorporate exhibits and dental product companies alongside dental education. This integration of exhibitor-attendee interactions and networking experiences paved the way for sales opportunities and propelled the GNYDM to new heights.
In 1987, the GNYDM signed papers with the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center, marking a fresh beginning with new prospects. Recognizing its responsibility to both attendees and exhibitors, the GNYDM became the only dental meeting chosen by the United States Department of Commerce to help manufacturers succeed in a global marketplace. Today, we remain the U.S. dental industry leader in international trade and commerce.
In 2023, the GNYDM registered a record-breaking 36,081 attendees, including 13,302 dentists, 2,793 dental students and residents, 2,027 dental assistants, and 2,320 dental hygienists from 139 countries. Our exhibit floor offers special discounts and giveaways, with dental professionals visiting over 1,020 exhibit booths.
But it’s not just about the numbers—it’s about the quality of education and experiences we provide. With over 265+ seminars and hands-on workshops, including programs in Spanish, Portuguese, Russian, and Chinese, we strive to meet the diverse needs of our attendees. Additionally, our meetings for specialists cover a wide range of topics, from implant dentistry and orthodontics to pediatric dentistry, sleep apnea, and oral cancer.
As we look back on a century of excellence, we are grateful for the support of our attendees, exhibitors, and partners who have helped us reach this milestone. Here’s to another century of advancing oral health and transforming lives through the Greater New York Dental Meeting!
2024 CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION—FREE PRE-REGISTRATION OPENS IN APRIL
Greater New York Dental Meeting—November 29th through December 4th
For more information, visit www.gnydm.com.
