SCDA CON 2027 Portland, OR - Call for Presentations & Posters

Call for Presentations & Posters

Please complete and submit this form for consideration to present a breakout session, hands-on session, or poster at SCDA CON 2027, March 4–7, 2027, in Portland, Oregon.

This year's theme, Beyond the Summit: Reaching New Heights in Special Care Dentistry, challenges us to continue advancing the knowledge, skills, partnerships, and innovative approaches that improve oral healthcare for people with disabilities and other special healthcare needs.

We invite clinicians, researchers, educators, students, residents, self-advocates, caregivers, interdisciplinary professionals, and other leaders in Special Care Dentistry to share their expertise and experiences with the SCDA community.

Presenters MUST register for the conference in order to present. Upon acceptance, eligible presenters will receive a discount code to use toward conference registration.

For conference details, visit scdacon.org.
- Authors provide SCDA an irrevocable, worldwide, royalty-free license to use the submitted abstract in SCDA publications and conference materials.
- Authors declare that research submitted for consideration complies with the guiding principles for experimental procedures found in the Declaration of Helsinki. All relevant conflicts of interest and commercial relationships must be disclosed during submission and appropriately displayed on the poster or presented at the beginning of the lecture or session.
Presentation Priority Topics

Through Beyond the Summit: Reaching New Heights in Special Care Dentistry, SCDA is seeking presentations that advance clinical practice, strengthen interdisciplinary care, elevate patient and self-advocate voices, and help our community address emerging challenges.

The Conference Planning Committee is particularly interested in submissions addressing:
- Self-Advocate Voices, particularly sessions featuring a self-advocate as a presenter or co-presenter
- Hands-On Clinical Workshops and Demonstrations
- Clinical Products, Techniques & Noninvasive Approaches
- Artificial Intelligence
- Primary Care Integration of Oral Health
- Salivary Diagnostics
- Accountable Care Organizations and Models Serving IDD Populations or Disability Waiver Programs
- Home & Remote Monitoring, including smart toothbrushes, intraoral cameras, oral sensors, teledentistry platforms, wearable devices, and related technologies
- Insurance Reimbursement & Coding
- Medicare & Medicaid, including the relationship between Medicare coverage and the provision of care under Medicaid
- Sleep Apnea
- Legal & Ethical Issues in Treating Patients with IDD
- Medical Immobilization, Protective Stabilization & Behavioral Support Strategies, including patient, parent/caregiver, behavioral, clinical, legal, and ethical perspectives
Submissions addressing other topics relevant to Special Care Dentistry are also encouraged.

Presentation Types

Please select the presentation format that best fits your proposed submission:
- Breakout Presentation – Educational presentation focused on a topic relevant to Special Care Dentistry.
- Hands-On Workshop or Demonstration – Interactive session designed to provide practical experience with a clinical technique, tool, product, technology, or approach. Selected presenters may be invited to repeat the session during the conference.
- Panel Discussion – A facilitated discussion incorporating multiple perspectives on an important or evolving issue in Special Care Dentistry.
- Poster Presentation – Clinical Case Study
- Poster Presentation – Research Study
Hands-On Workshops & Demonstrations

Hands-on and demonstration-based sessions are a priority for SCDA CON 2027.

If proposing a hands-on session, please be prepared to provide information about:
- The activity, technique, equipment, or product participants will experience
- Any equipment, supplies, room setup, or audiovisual requirements
- The recommended number of participants per session
- Whether the session can be repeated for multiple groups
- Whether a commercial product or company is involved
- Whether the proposed session is dependent upon commercial sponsorship or support
Commercial involvement or sponsorship must be fully disclosed and does not guarantee acceptance or inclusion in the educational program.

Poster Presentations

SCDA welcomes poster submissions from students, residents, faculty, practicing clinicians, researchers, and other professionals working in areas relevant to Special Care Dentistry.

Poster presentations provide an opportunity to share clinical experiences, research, innovative approaches, and emerging ideas with the SCDA community.

Poster Recognition:
- Students & Residents: Eligible for monetary awards and recognition certificates.
- Faculty & Practicing Professionals: Eligible for recognition certificates.
Poster Size & Format Requirements

All accepted posters must be designed in landscape (horizontal) orientation at 36" high × 48" wide.

Please plan your poster using these dimensions when preparing your submission. Additional presentation and display instructions will be provided to accepted presenters.

Both Clinical Case Study Posters and Research Study Posters are accepted.

Clinical Case Study Posters

A clinical case study poster presents a detailed account of a patient's condition, diagnostic process, treatment, and outcomes, highlighting a unique, noteworthy, or educational aspect of the case.

Posters should be visually appealing, well organized, and structured to clearly communicate the case and its educational significance.

Key Elements of a Clinical Case Study Poster:
- Title: A clear and concise title that accurately reflects the case and its focus.
- Introduction: Briefly introduces the case, its relevance, and learning objectives.
- Case Description:
  - Patient Demographics – Relevant patient information, excluding identifying details
  - Presenting Complaint – The patient's primary reason for seeking care
  - History – Relevant medical, family, social, and medication history
  - Physical Examination – Key clinical findings
  - Investigations – Relevant laboratory results, imaging, or other diagnostic testing
  - Treatment Plan – Management approach, interventions, and medications as applicable
  - Outcome – Patient progress, response to treatment, and final outcome
- Acknowledgements: Recognition of individuals or organizations that contributed to the work
- References/Citations: Sources used in developing the case presentation
Research Study Posters

A research study poster visually communicates the key methods, findings, and implications of a research project. It should provide a concise and engaging overview that allows attendees to quickly understand the research and encourages further discussion with the author(s).

Key Elements of a Research Study Poster:
- Title: Clearly identifies the research topic
- Abstract: Brief summary of the research question, methods, and key findings
  - Introduction/Background - Provides context and identifies the problem or question being addressed
  - Methods - Describes the research design, procedures, participants, and materials
  - Results - Presents key findings, including graphs, charts, tables, or other visuals when appropriate
  - Discussion - Interprets the results, explains their significance, and addresses limitations or future research
  - Conclusion - Summarizes the primary findings and implications
- Acknowledgements: Recognizes those who contributed to the research
- References/Citations: Lists sources used in the research
Submission Deadlines
- Breakout, Panel, Self-Advocate & Hands-On Presentation Proposals: October 16, 2026
- Poster Presentation Proposals: Accepted on a rolling basis through January 15, 2027
Applicants will be notified regarding acceptance following review by the SCDA Conference Planning Committee.
- Title of Presentation/Poster
  Please provide descriptive title for presentation/poster. Please limit to 50 characters
- Presentation Format
- Primary Topic
  
  Other
- Primary Presenter's Category
  
  Other
- Additional Topics Applicable to Primary Topic Above
  
  Other
- Does this presentation include a self-advocate as a presenter or co-presenter?*
- Intended Audience Level
- Please briefly describe the self-advocate's role in the presentation.
- Abstract
  
  The abstract submitted below should outline the issues or questions investigated, essential findings, and main conclusions of the presentation.
- For practice and policy presentations, use the following headings:
  - Issues
  - Positions or Findings
  - Conclusions
  For research presentations, use the following headings:
  - Background
  - Aim
  - Method
  - Results
  - Conclusion
  For clinical intervention presentations, use the following headings:
  - Clinical Aim
  - Patients/Subjects
  - Intervention
  - Outcome
  References and abbreviations should not be included in the abstract.
  
  For any questions please contact us at scda@thescda.org.
  
  Example:
  
  Issues: Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur. Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id est laborum.
  
  Positions or Findings: Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur. Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id est laborum.
  
  Conclusions: Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur. Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id est laborum.
- Abstract
  
  Follow guidelines above. Please limit to 300 words.0/300
- Learning Objectives
  
  We need three learning objectives for your presentation to apply for educational credit consideration.
- Example:
  
  To understand the appropriate application of psychotherapy in patients with intellectual disability.
- Learning Objective #1
- Learning Objective #2
- Learning Objective #3
- Multiple-Choice Questions
  
  Please provide four multiple-choice questions related to your presentation. Each question should include four answer choices and clearly identify the correct answer with an asterisk *. These questions may be used for continuing education assessment purposes.
- Example:
  
  What color is the sky?
  
  A. Green
  
  B. Orange
  
  *C. Blue
  
  D. Pink
- Question/Answer(s) #1
- Question/Answer(s) #2
- Question/Answer(s) #3
- Question/Answer(s) #4
- Hands-On Workshop or Demonstration
- Hands-On Session Abstract/Description
  
  Please provide a concise description of the proposed hands-on workshop or demonstration, including the clinical technique, tool, product, technology, or approach being demonstrated; the educational need or problem the session addresses; what participants will observe, practice, or experience; how the activity applies to Special Care Dentistry; and the key takeaways or skills participants should gain.0/500
- What equipment, supplies, products, or materials are required?
- What is the recommended maximum number of participants per session?
- Could this session be repeated during SCDA CON if requested?
- Does this session involve or feature a commercial product, company, or industry partner?
- Company Information
  
  Providing company information or expressing interest in sponsorship does not influence the educational review or acceptance of a proposed session.
- Company Name
- Product(s) or Equipment Featured
- Company Website
- Company Contact Name
  
  First NameLast Name
- Company Contact Email
  example@example.com
- What is your relationship to this company?
  
  Other
- May SCDA contact this company regarding potential sponsorship or exhibitor opportunities related to SCDA CON 2027?
- Is presentation of this session dependent upon commercial sponsorship or support?
- Room Setup & Audiovisual Needs
  
  Standard presentation rooms will include basic audiovisual equipment and will be set with approximately half of the room in classroom-style seating (tables and chairs) and half in theater-style seating (chairs only).
- Please describe any additional room setup, audiovisual equipment, internet access, demonstration space, or other requirements necessary for your presentation.
- If your preferred setup cannot be accommodated, would you still be able to present?
- Poster
- Presenter Classification for Poster Recognition
- Name of Primary Presenter Contact
  First Name Last Name, Degree(s) Exactly as you would like displayed on the program.
- Primary Presenter's Institution, Organization or Practice
- Primary Presenter's Bio
  
  Please limit to 100 words.0/100
- Primary Presenter's Email Address
  example@example.com
- Primary Presenter's Phone Number
  Please enter a valid phone number.Format: (000) 000-0000.
- Mailing Address
  
  Street Address
  
  Street Address Line 2
  
  CityState
  
  Zip CodeCountry
- Primary Presenter is a Member of:
  
  List Others
- Financial Disclosures
  
  The Special Care Dentistry Association (SCDA) has permission from ADA (American Dental Association) to provide Dental CE credits.
  
  We appreciate your help in partnering with us to follow accreditation guidelines and help us create high-quality education that is independent of industry influence. To participate as a presenter who will be able to control the educational content of this accredited CME activity, we ask that you disclose all financial relationships with any ineligible companies that you have had over the past 24 months. We define ineligible companies as those whose primary business is producing, marketing, selling, re-selling, or distributing healthcare products used by or on patients. There is no minimum financial threshold; you must disclose all financial relationships, regardless of the amount, with ineligible companies. We ask you to disclose regardless of whether you view the financial relationships as relevant to the education. For more information on the Standards for Integrity and Independence in Accredited Continuing Education, please visit accme.org/standards.
  
  Why do we collect this information?
  Since healthcare professionals serve as the trusted authorities when advising patients, they must protect their learning environment from industry influence to ensure they remain true to their ethical commitments. Many healthcare professionals have financial relationships with ineligible companies. By identifying and mitigating relevant financial relationships, we work together to create a protected space to learn, teach, and engage in scientific discourse free from influence from organizations that may have an incentive to insert commercial bias into education.
  
  What are the next steps in this process?
  After we receive your disclosure information, we will review it to determine whether your financial relationships are relevant to the education. Please note: the identification of relevant financial relationships does not necessarily mean that you are unable to participate in the planning and implementation of this educational activity. Rather, the accreditation standards require that relevant financial relationships are mitigated before you assume your role in this activity.
  
  To help us meet these expectations, please use the fields below we have provided to share all financial relationships you have had with ineligible companies during the past 24 months. This information is necessary for us to be able to move to the next steps in planning this continuing education activity.
  
  For the Financial Relationships field below, use the following definitions:
  
  Name of Ineligible Company
  
  An ineligible company is any entity whose primary business is producing, marketing, selling, re-selling, or distributing healthcare products used by or on patients. For specific examples of ineligible companies, visit accme.org/standards.
  
  Nature of Financial Relationship
  
  Examples of financial relationships include employee, researcher, consultant, advisor, speaker, independent contractor (including contracted research), royalties or patent beneficiary, executive role, and ownership interest. Individual stocks and stock options should be disclosed; diversified mutual funds do not need to be disclosed. Research funding from ineligible companies should be disclosed by the principal or named investigator even if that individual’s institution receives the research grant and manages the funds.
  
  Has the Relationship Ended?
  
  If the financial relationship existed during the last 24 months but has now ended, please check the box. This will help the education staff determine if any mitigation steps need to be taken.
- In the Past 24 Months, Have You Had Any Financial Relationships with Any Ineligible Companies?
- Financial Relationship(s)
- Primary Presenter's Headshot
  
  jpg, jpeg, png
  Cancelof
- Second Presenter's Name
  First Name Last Name, Degree(s) Exactly as you would like displayed on the program.
- Second Presenter's Institution
- Second Presenter's Bio
  
  Please limit to 100 words.0/100
- Second Presenter's Email
  example@example.com
- Second Presenter's Headshot
  
  jpg, jpeg, png
  Cancelof
- Third Presenter's Name
  First Name Last Name, Degree(s) Exactly as you would like displayed on the program.
- Third Presenter's Institution
- Third Presenter's Bio
  
  Please limit to 100 words.0/100
- Third Presenter's Email
  example@example.com
- Third Presenter's Headshot
  
  jpg, jpeg, png
  Cancelof
- Fourth Presenter's Name
  First Name Last Name, Degree(s) Exactly as you would like displayed on the program.
- Fourth Presenter's Institution
- Fourth Presenter's Bio
  
  Please limit to 100 words.0/100
- Fourth Presenter's Email
  example@example.com
- Fourth Presenter's Headshot
  
  jpg, jpeg, png
  Cancelof
- Fifth Presenter's Name
  First Name Last Name, Degree(s) Exactly as you would like displayed on the program.
- Fifth Presenter's Institution
- Fifth Presenter's Bio
  
  Please limit to 100 words.0/100
- Fifth Presenter's Email
  example@example.com
- Fifth Presenter's Headshot
  
  jpg, jpeg, png
  Cancelof
- Sixth Presenter's Name
  First Name Last Name, Degree(s) Exactly as you would like displayed on the program.
- Sixth Presenter's Institution
- Sixth Presenter's Bio
  
  Please limit to 100 words.0/100
- Sixth Presenter's Email
  example@example.com
- Sixth Presenter's Headshot
  
  jpg, jpeg, png
  Cancelof
- List Any Co-Authors
  List co-authors one per line. Only persons providing significant contribution to the paper (not the study) should be listed as co-authors.
- I attest that the information on this form is correct as of the date of this submission. Sign your signature with your computer or finger depending on what device you are using.
- Review Your Submission
  
  Please take a moment to look back through your submission.
  
  If you have any other question, please contact scda@thescda.org.
  
  You will be emailed a copy of your submission for your records.
- Should be Empty:

Call for Presentations & Posters

Presentation Priority Topics

Presentation Types

Hands-On Workshops & Demonstrations

Poster Presentations

Clinical Case Study Posters

Research Study Posters

Submission Deadlines

Abstract

Learning Objectives

Multiple-Choice Questions

Hands-On Workshop or Demonstration

Company Information

Room Setup & Audiovisual Needs

Poster

Financial Disclosures

Review Your Submission