The Hinman Dental Society
The Hinman Dental Society is a non-profit organization comprised of more than 800 member dentists primarily located around metropolitan Atlanta, Georgia. The Society was founded in 1911 by Dr. Thomas P. Hinman and it is dedicated to the advancement of outstanding dental education and professional development opportunities, as well as promoting high dental practice standards through public advocacy and outreach.
Membership responsibilities include service during Hinman’s annual meeting. This service reinforces the reputation Hinman has for its unparalleled hospitality. The combination of outstanding education and building professional friendships makes the Hinman Dental Meeting one of the top dental meetings in the U.S. Excess revenue from the Meeting is invested and then gifted in the form of scholarships to individuals and institutions that foster dental education. The Society has provided more than $12 million in total giving.
The Thomas P. Hinman Dental Meeting
The Hinman Dental Meeting is attended annually by more than 12,000 dentists, hygienists, dental assistants and dental office personnel. The meeting is based in Atlanta, Georgia, and it attracts dental professionals from around Georgia, the southeastern U.S., nationally and internationally. Because of Hinman’s longstanding focus on excellence in dental continuing education, the Hinman Dental Meeting is highly regarded by its attendees. The Hinman Dental Meeting includes peer group reviewed education, hands-on technical education and a cutting-edge trade show featuring the latest in dental technology and live learning demonstrations.
History of Hinman
with Dr. Sedgie Newsom
Curious about the history of a dental legend?
Here’s a nine minute video about the history of Dr. Thomas P. Hinman with former Hinman President and General Chair, Dr. Sedgie Newsom.
A Brief History of the Hinman Dental Meeting
The Thomas P. Hinman Dental Meeting is sponsored by the Hinman Dental Society, and its first meeting was held in 1912. It was considered the first clinic strictly for serious-minded, professional dental education. The meeting developed a reputation for devotion to detail and a welcoming spirit of hospitality that grew over time with every meeting. These qualities are represented in the motto:
“Devotion to detail
is the secret of success.”
-Thomas P. Hinman
Timeline
1870-1920
Born in 1870, Thomas P. Hinman graduated from Southern Dental College in Atlanta with his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree in 1891. The following year, he joined the faculty of his alma mater and became Professor of Oral Surgery. Dr. Hinman held high offices in many professional organizations including the appointment by President Woodrow Wilson as the U.S. Delegate and Honorary Chairman of the Section VIII of the Fourth International Congress of Dentists in London. This nomination was considered one of the highest tributes in the dental world.
The first classes for the Atlanta Midwinter Clinic, later renamed the Hinman Dental Meeting, were initially limited to 40 dentists with strict focus on education. The attendee was honor bound to return to his state dental society and present what he had learned in a formal program.
By 1915, Dr. Hinman’s passion for progressing the field of dentistry led to his appointment as president of the National Dental Association.
Close up of an Atlanta Journal Constitution news story from 1915 recognizing Dr. Thomas P. Hinman as the President of the National Dental Association.
1920-1940
By the late 1920s, the clinic was attracting national attention. Year after year, featured clinicians and attendees spread the word about the informative programs and the camaraderie that helps people personally and professionally. As the Meeting grew, the location changed. The first meetings were held in the Piedmont Hotel, the Ansley Hotel and later, the Biltmore Hotel.
A photograph of Dr. Hinman leading an educational demonstration.
1940-2000
As the Meeting grew with attendees from around the U.S., exhibits were introduced in 1942 with 14 booths. The meeting eventually grew to a point where it moved to the Atlanta Municipal Auditorium in 1944. But, as larger hotels were being built in Atlanta with larger event facilities, the meeting moved to the new Atlanta Marriott Motor Hotel in the 1960s. By 1977, the Meeting expanded to include multiple hotels, including the Atlanta Hilton and Towers, and in 1986, it shared space between the Hilton and the newly launched Atlanta Marriott Marquis. With the continued growth of meetings and exhibits, Hinman voted to move the Meeting to the Atlanta Market Center. By the late 1990s, the Meeting had grown to the size where it moved to the Georgia World Congress Center, one of the largest convention spaces in the U.S.
Welcome to the Hinman Dental Meeting in the modern era!
A vibrant community of dental professionals from Atlanta, Georgia, the southeastern U.S., and from around the world who advance excellence in dentistry.
Hands-on learning and technical demonstrations.
Discover the latest in dental science, business and technology in the Hinman exhibit hall.
Teams and smiles. Hinman is a special event.
Celebrating achievements in dental excellence.
2000-Present
In the 2000s, the Hinman Dental Meeting became one of the largest medical meeting events in the U.S. attracting attendees both nationally and internationally. Hinman’s reputation as a leader in dental continuing education is widely known because of Hinman’s focus on educating the entire team of a dental practice, including: general dentists, specialists, hygienists, assistants, front office staff, laboratory technicians and students.
Here’s to the next 100 years!
