DentalBytes ep. 162 PDC Season Innovation, Education, and What’s New for 2026

It’s PDC season—and time is flying. In this quick, last-minute catch-up, I’m joined by Dr. Bruce Ward, President of the Canadian Dental Association, and a longtime leader within the Pacific Dental Conference organizing community. 

We start with what Dr. Ward has been seeing on the national stage, including recent collaboration with dental association leadership from the U.S. and Mexico, and how Canada’s Dental Care Plan is being viewed internationally. 

Then we dive into the heart of it: PDC—why it remains such a uniquely balanced conference with education, exhibit-floor energy, and a social atmosphere that brings teams together. Dr. Ward breaks down what’s new for this year, including the scale of the meeting (hundreds of sessions, a sold-out floor, and thousands expected to attend) and the behind-the-scenes logistics that make the show work. 

We also touch on the broader shift happening in healthcare: the growing recognition that oral health connects directly to overall health, and how collaboration across professions is becoming more real (and more necessary) than ever. 

If you’re heading to PDC—whether you’re a practice owner, a team member, or a first-timer—this episode is a great primer on what to expect, what’s changing, and how to make the most of the biggest dental meeting in the country.