states have implemented criminal penalties for violations, and
we receive news of travel bans on a daily basis.
Since 1927, the Southwest Dental Conference (SWDC),
hosted by Dallas County Dental Society, has been
acknowledged as the premier dental conference in the
southwest featuring superior education and CE opportunities,
exceptional speakers discussing the latest in the
dental community and an Exhibit Hall featuring the most
advanced dental equipment and technology.
It is with great sadness that the Dallas County Dental
Society finds it both impossible and illegal to hold an
in-person 2020 SWDC due to the COVID-19 crisis. The
communication below is offered from the DCDS President
and the 2020 SWDC Chairman.
Follow www.swdentalconf.com for future information as
the SWDC Scientific Committee reviews the program to
see which courses may be offered virtually.
On behalf of Dallas County Dental Society (DCDS), our board
and our entire organization, it is our solemn duty today to advise
you that the 2020 Southwest Dental Conference scheduled
for August 21-22 will not occur this year as an in-person meeting.
We find it both impossible and illegal for DCDS to perform
its obligations due to the COVID-19 crisis.
Dallas County’s orders prohibit our event as “code red” (the
highest level of public health danger).
The majority of our attendees, exhibitors and speakers typically
travel from other states, many which are not open for inter-state
travel and/or require quarantine before and after travel. Many
All of our 5,000+ attendees are governed by state restrictions
on dental professionals and healthcare professionals, all of
which have been recently amended to include severe penalties
(some subject to criminal prosecution) if they are violated. This
includes various procedures, quarantine and group gatherings.
All of our 5,000+ attendees are medical professionals who are
subject to quarantine requirements due to treating patients in
risk conditions (i.e., procedures in the mouth). A violation could
result in criminal prosecution, loss of medical license(s), and
loss of livelihood.
Disaster and Emergency prevent DCDS from performing due to:
a) Travel restrictions and government restrictions prohibit
our attendees from coming to Dallas;
b) Professional and licensing agencies prohibit our attendees
from attending the conference and/or travel and/or
require quarantine.
This would have been our 93rd Conference and we always look
forward to welcoming all the world class speakers, attendees
and exhibitors each year.
We look forward to welcoming you at the 2021 Southwest
Dental Conference scheduled for August 20-21, 2021.
Warmest regards,
Dr. Drew Vanderbrook
President, Dallas County Dental Society
Dr. Elizabeth Jaynes
Southwest Dental Conference Chairman, 2020
www.northtexasdentistry.com | NORTH TEXAS DENTISTRY 5