Network and skill up through Now + Next in Dentistry.
Join in fun programs designed just for early career dentists. Connect with peers, leaders and mentors through events near you. This year our experts are speaking on Break Through Your Career Slump: Clarity, Purpose and Direction.
Feeling restless, disenchanted or uncertain about your future? You’re not alone. In fact, 30% of dentists who are 6 to 10 years into practice report that they wish they’d chosen another profession. And another 48% might or might not have chosen the field.
A mindset shift can impact clinical performance, patient care and relationships. Explore how to navigate career plateaus to find clarity, purpose and direction with Nathan Yang, DDS, and Soraya Safi, DDS. Join a discussion on the signs and symptoms of career disillusionment and learn how to get unstuck through self-assessment and goal setting. This workshop will provide actionable steps to help reignite your passion and purpose in dentistry and elevate care.
What you’ll learn:
- Understand how to conduct a self-assessment, take control of your mindset and reflect on your values.
- Develop intentional goals and action plans to support professional development, clinical growth and excellent patient care.
- Learn to assess and develop interpersonal skills to build stronger connections with your dental team and patients.
Resources + support
Get insider tips on how to tap into the best member benefits for you.
Focus on the future
Benefit from data-driven insights and dentistry expertise.
Valuable connections
Network with peers, component leaders and dynamic speakers.
Featured Speakers
Nathan Yang, DDS
Dr. Nathan Yang balances being a Dental Director at North East Medical Services, a federally qualified health center and maintaining a private practice with his wife in San Francisco. His dental interests range from implementing new technologies and systems at the community health center to teaching clinical dental photography. He served as clinical assistant professor in the Department of Integrated Reconstructive Dental Sciences from 2007-2018 at the Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry. He received his DDS degree from the Dugoni School of Dentistry in 2006. His interests outside of dentistry include collecting comics, vintage video games, trying to play golf, collecting sneakers and cameras.
Soraya Safi, DMD
Upcoming Events
Join us in Roseville!
Date: Saturday, February 28, 2026
Time: 10 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Registration opens at 9:30 a.m.
Location: Topgolf Roseville
Cost: Free for CDA members, $20 for non-members
C.E.: Earn 2 C.E. credits
Join us in San Jose!
Date: Sunday, March 1, 2026
Time: 10 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Registration opens at 9:30 a.m.
Location: Topgolf San Jose
Cost: Free for CDA members, $20 for non-members
C.E.: Earn 2 C.E. credits
Join us in Los Angeles!
Date: Saturday, August 29, 2026
Time: 10 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Registration opens at 9:30 a.m.
Location: Petersen Automotive Museum
Cost: Free for CDA members, $20 for non-members
C.E.: Earn 2 C.E. credits
Join us in Redlands!
Date: Sunday, August 30, 2026
Time: 10 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Registration opens at 9:30 a.m.
Location: Escape Craft Brewery – Downtown Oasis
Cost: Free for CDA members, $20 for non-members
C.E.: Earn 2 C.E. credits
Highlights from 2025 events
Is Now + Next right for you?
Our events are designed to support dentists through key points of transition:
- New grads who are determining their paths in dentistry
- Early career and associate dentists seeking expert guidance
- Dentists who want to expand their professional network
Event FAQ
No, these events are open to all licensed dentists and dental students.
It’s easy! Register online at cda.org/NowNextEvents. On-site registration is also available, but we encourage advanced registration to secure your spot. Event attendance is first come, first served. Pre-registered participants will be accommodated first. On-site registration will be accepted only if space is available and is not guaranteed.
As a CDA member, there is no cost to attend! We encourage you to bring your friends and colleagues who are dentists. Nonmembers may also attend for a nominal fee of $20.
- Top Golf Roseville: Registration includes Top Golf play and refreshments.
- Top Golf San Jose: Registration includes Top Golf play and refreshments.
- Petersen Automotive Museum: Registration includes general admission to the museum and refreshments.
- Escape Craft Brewery – Downtown Oasis: Registration includes refreshments and the opportunity to try Escape’s wide variety of drink offerings, as well as enjoy family-friendly games at the brewery.
Yes! We encourage sharing the registration link with your fellow dentists or dental students.
If you need to cancel your registration, contact CDA Events or call 800.232.7645 at your earliest ability so others may have a chance to attend.
Yes! The in-person events are each eligible for two C.E. units.
Your CE will be available in your cda.org account within five to seven business days after the event. If you don’t receive an email within seven days, please contact us at [email protected].
Top Golf Roseville, San Jose, Petersen Automotive Museum and Escape Craft Brewery – Downtown Oasis will have complimentary parking. Please see your confirmation email for more information.
Thank you to our sponsors!
More ways to learn
CDA is an ADA CERP Recognized Provider. ADA CERP is a service of the American Dental Association to assist dental professionals in identifying quality providers of continuing dental education. ADA CERP does not approve or endorse individual courses or instructors, nor does it imply acceptance of credit hours by boards of dentistry.
CDA designates each activity for a specified number of C.E. units. These courses meet the Dental Board of California requirements for continuing education units.
Need Assistance?
Get guidance with registration or navigating your course options . Call 800.232.7645 or email us for support.
Save the dates for our 2025 events!
- Saturday, January 25: Santa Barbara Zoo
- Sunday, January 26: The Huntington Library – San Marino
- Saturday, February 22: Sheraton Redding Hotel at the Sundial Bridge (within the grounds of the Turtle Bay Exploration Park)
- Saturday, March 8: Pinstripes – San Mateo
Registration coming soon!